Ad: Manage updates with the Download App
ie8 fix

desk

Overly complicated desktop creator

DeskSpace promises to help users manage their cluttered desktops by providing multiple 3D desktops to toggle through. While this sounds like a promising development, DeskSpace is one headache after another.

The program appears as an icon in the tray. A user's first instinct is to double click on a program to start it. However, here such a move takes you to a menu to help set up desktop hot keys. There are other options offering ways to customize DeskSpace. Left clicking and right clicking the tray icon presents a dropdown menu of other options. At no point did we … Read more

Video: Epson X-Desk interactive table takes on Microsoft Surface

One day, your computer will be a big-ass table with pictures of other people's kids all over it. We know it, Microsoft knows it and--judging by its fancy X-Desk surface computer--Epson knows it too.

The X-Desk works in much the same way as Microsoft's alternative, the Surface. An Epson projector positioned in the base of the table projects an image up toward a diffuser on the surface, while infrared Epson cameras beneath recognize objects and gestures.

Epson reckons it'll be used in retail outlets for interactive gadget comparisons; in bars and clubs for interactive cocktail menus; in … Read more

Animated potential

Putting the clumsier applications of animated wallpaper to shame, DeskScapes wields Windows Vista's 3D hardware acceleration to result in crisp, buoyant, sometimes photorealistic animated wallpaper in the .Dream format.

Dynamic wallpaper this nice is a visual extravagance, but one with a catch. You're welcome to use the three bundled deskscapes without charge for as long as you'd like. But the swaying grass and rippling water will pull you to the online gallery of publisher- and user-made motifs you can download for free or for a premium. This is where the app gets you--you can install all the … Read more

StreamDesk brings Web shows to your desktop

If you've ever wanted to watch streaming video right on your desktop, and organize all your favorite streams in a single bucket, it's worth checking out StreamDesk. This cross-platform desktop application plays video streams from a variety of sources in a simple player that cuts out the browser completely and turns each show into a small, floating window.

Included are more than 100 various streaming video shows from a small handful of providers. If you come across one that isn't live, you're out of luck, otherwise live shows begin to stream in almost instantly. Shows you … Read more

Out of Sight Out of Mind modular desktop blows our mind

If you are one of those who has to put up with messy colleagues (hint: like the one to my left), the SpaceStation desktop organizer could probably do the trick. But what if they need more than just organization, something along the lines of an overhaul? Then you'll probably need to invest in an "Out of Sight Out of Mind" (OSOM) table.

Staying true to its name, the modular desktop system will allow your cubicle neighbor to customize his or her workstation. When any of the modules are not needed, they sink under the table, keeping the … Read more

Seagate announces new FreeAgent external hard drives

Seagate announced on Monday its fall 2008 lineup of FreeAgent external hard drives, including desktop and laptop models. They come preformatted for either Mac or PC file systems.

The laptop models, dubbed FreeAgent Go, come in four colors for PC users--silver, black, red, and blue--and only silver for Mac users. The Mac version, however, features both USB 2.0 and FireWire connections, while the PC version has only USB 2.0. The new drives also feature a docking station for easily connecting to a computer.

The FreeAgent Go drives feature Seagate's latest 2.5-inch 5400RPM internal hard drives that … Read more

Benefits add up for water-powered calculator

We really like the idea of eco-friendly water-powered gadgets. Exhibit A: the H20 desk calculator. Add a few drops of tap water to the removable battery and put it back in the product for up to three months of use. When the display begins to fade, just make another trip to the sink.

This isn't the only water- or electrolytic-liquid-powered calculator around, but online seller Solutions notes that the battery in this one can be taken out, stored in a dry state indefinitely, and activated when needed. It can be "re-energized by the addition of water again and … Read more

The tech employees who have to muzzle their dogs and their bowels

The whole delightful, lovely thing about technology is that it knows no boundaries. The whole mean, portentous thing about technology is that it knows no boundaries. Freelance home-office workers used to enjoy only the delights. Now they are not so sure.

The Wall Street Journal slapped me about the chops this morning by unveiling the magical ingenuity of companies such as oDesk.com.

ODesk's website promises that you can "hire, manage and pay contractors as if they were in your office."

And how does oDesk recreate the spirit of office joy in the homes of freelance workers?… Read more