This great custom R2-D2 PC case modification is set to rock the worlds of all Star Wars fans. Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be information regarding this particular mod, except that it could possibly have been made from the original R2 chassis.

The original R2-D2 chassis used in the movies was precision made to a high standard by an Australian firm called Petric Engineering. A closer look at this R2-D2 PC case reveals slight imperfections in the build quality but considering the thing looks this much like R2-D2, I don’t see many people complaining, just asking where on earth they might be able to pick one up.

::::::::

Whether or not the creator actually wanted to keep his name quiet is unclear but one thing is for sure, he has sparked off a lot of interest regarding R2 mods. There seems to be a bunch of R2 case mods popping up here and there, and one of the better ones we found actually had some information.

This R2-D2 case was created by Ken “TGS” Kirby for ExtremeTech’s Science Fiction Case Mod Contest. Unfortunately he wasn’t able to complete the mod in time for the competition deadline so didn’t make rank, however many have reported that R2 would of certainly taken the 1st prize had it been entered.

The idea started when Ken salvaged two R2-D2 legs from an old R2-D2 Pepsi cooler. The after a long search he managed to find a white plastic barrel for R2’s body and a weber grill for R2’s head, then the chassis was ready.

Ken’s finished mod comes complete with:

• ABIT IC7-G
• P4 3.2Ghz w/HT @ 3.71Ghz
• 2GB (4 x 512MB) of DDR400 RAM
• 120GB Hard drive
• Radeon 9800XT 256MB Graphics Card
• Creative 7.1 surround sound
• Asetek Vapochill Phase Change cooling @ -38C

::::::

As the trend for R2-D2 mod’s catches on and begins to grow, perhaps it won’t be long before a large company patents the idea and sets up for mass production.

SLEEP LAST NIGHT?

Bed a little lumpy…

Toss and turn any…

Wish the heat was higher…

Maybe the a/c wasn’t on…

Had to go to the john…

Need a drink of water…

:: :: :: ::
:: :: ::

Yes.. It is like that!

Count your blessings, pray for them,

Talk to your Creator

And the next time when …

The other car cuts you off and you must hit the brakes, or you have to park a little further from Walmart than you want to be, or you’re served slightly warm food at the restaurant, or you’re sitting and cursing the traffic in front of you, or the shower runs out of hot water,

Think of them…
Protecting your freedom!

The proud warriors of Baker Company wanted to do something to pay tribute to our fallen comrades. So since we are part of the only Marine Infantry Battalion left in Iraq the one way that we could think of doing that is by taking a picture of Baker Company saying the way we feel. It would be awesome if you could find a way to share this with our fellow countrymen.

I was wondering if there was any way to get this into your papers to let the world know that “WE HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN” and are proud to serve our country.”

Semper Fi

1stSgt Dave Jobe

The attached photo was forwarded from one of the last U.S. Marine companies in Iraq They would like to have it passed to as many people as possible, to let the folks back home know that they remember why they’re there and that they remember those who’ve been lost.

Below is a high resolution photo I stumbled across on the internet that shows before - during - after the tsunami that took place on December 26, 2004. I know many military member took part in the tsunami relief effort and seen first hand the destruction.

Click on the picture to enlarge - image opens in a new window

Photoshop has clearly become the industry standard software for graphic design and digital photography. Those of you who are Photoshop savvy will know that plug-ins and filters can extend Photoshop capabilities by providing new functions and effects. For those of you who aren’t, perhaps its time to explore Photoshop’s expandable features.

(Click Here To Read More…)

Click To Enlarge HP Ad

I really like this creative ad, but I am not sure about the placement. Probably where we would focus the most attention on mirror, but it seems like the bathroom does not have th most color. Outside would have been better, but I am not sure how many people would have noticed it.

Agency: Publicis, Indonesia
Creative Group Head: Afianto
Art Director: Arius
Copywriter: Roy Sagala
Graphic Designers: Iswanda Mardio, Dimaz Muktiarto
Production: Pangudi, Teguh Yuswanto

In the past these types of industrial and large format printers have mainly been reserved for businesses rarely available on the consumer market. Despite the fact that oversized prints appeal to a rather small group of target customers, HP has released their Scitex TJ8300 and TJ8500 for anyone who has the money….. And the space!

These monsters are capable of printing 140 posters 1.5m X 1.8m per hour, that’s approx 400sqm/hr at 336 dpi or 100sqm/hr in apparent 600dpi. They can print on just about anything including paper, self-adhesive vinyl, banner, canvas and paperback flag. The TJ8500 also prints on uncoated synthetic media (uncoated Yupo, Tyvekâ„¢ etc.). They print on both coated and uncoated materials up to a maximum size of 165 x 370cm (65 x 145″).The difference between the TJ8300 and the TJ8500 is the ink they use. The TJ8300 opts for high quality, solvent based inks specially formulated for high productivity and high quality printing. The TJ8500 uses environmentally friendly UV inks with an internal dryer that meets regulatory requirements. The TJ8500 also prints on uncoated specialized synthetic media (uncoated Yupo, Tyvekâ„¢ etc.) but apart from these differences the specifications of both models remain the same.

(Click Here To Read More…)

Remember how when you were a kid you were always told to sit up straight? “Stop slouching, it’s bad for your back!” Well, in a study last year, Scottish radiologists confirmed that a 130-degree angle of recline between torso and thighs reduces pressure on the discs in the lower back.

Office chairs like the Aeron designed by Herman Miller and Humanscale, have been around since 1994, considering recent findings, these chairs were really quite revolutionary. Despite the array of levers and knobs that help adjust the chairs recline tension, lumbar support, seat-pan depth and forward tilt, designers have found that most users only use the height adjustment.

This neglect has manufacturers such looking toward the next frontier: a self-adjusting chair. Humanscale’s Freedom chair includes uses a counterbalance system that automatically adjusts to the sitter’s weight as he or she reclines, eliminating the need for recline controls.

Designers have also brainstormed that the future office chair may not be a chair at all. According to the National Institutes of Health, chairs contribute in part to the high rate of back pain which affects approximately eight out of 10 Americans. Asian traditions of kneeling or squatting on the floor have shown to have great ergonomic benefits, Cameron Campbell a designer for Herman Miller recently said,

“Our notion of a machine for sitting may not make sense in a globalized world.”

Perhaps in the future one worker may sit in front of their workspace on a self adjusting recliner, whilst the next may kneel amongst a pile of cushions.

As a son of 2 Marines and who is still an active participant in the military community, I get to witness first hand the hard work, dedication, and honor that each one of these Marines exhibits day-in and day-out. Even when they are off duty they are still a Marine. Sacrifice of all types is made by each one and their families, with the majority of these tales going unnoticed and unrewarded.

The United States Marine Corps traces its institutional roots to the Continental Marines of the American Revolutionary War, formed at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia, by a resolution of the Continental Congress on November 10, 1775, a date regarded and celebrated as the birthday of the Marine Corps. At the end of the American Revolution in 1783, both the Continental Navy and Continental Marines were disbanded, and although individual Marines were enlisted for the few American naval vessels left, the institution itself would not be resurrected until 1798. In preparation for the Naval War with France, Congress created the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The U.S. Marines’ most famous action of this period occurred during the First Barbary War (1801–1805), when William Eaton and First Lieutenant Presley O’Bannon led seven Marines and 300 Arab and European mercenaries in an effort to capture Tripoli. Though they only reached Derna, the action at Tripoli has been immortalized in the Marines’ hymn and the Mameluke Sword carried by Marine officers.

On 1 November 1921, General Lejune, 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, issued Marine Corps Order No. 47, Series 1921. The order summarized the history, mission, and tradition of the Marine Corps, and directed that it be read to every command on 10 November each subsequent year in honor of the birthday of the Marine Corps. This order has been duly carried out and always been a wonderful opportunity to attend.

The celebrations were formalized by Commandant Lemuel C. Shepherd in 1952, outlining the cake ceremony, which would enter the Marine Drill Manual in 1956. By tradition, the first slice of cake is given to the oldest Marine present, and the second to the youngest Marine present.

“Semper Fidelis”

Storage and disk space have always been a problem since computers were first invented. Organizing files, creating compilation music CDs, cataloging your movie collection, and backing up your files that you hope will be available when you need them; all consume large amounts of your vital virtual reality. Now if that wasn’t enough, after we have gone through all the trouble of moving all these files around, we have to make sure we bring the right CD or thumb drive at the time they are needed. Being randomly deployed and stationed at various bases has only added to the trouble. Thanks to the advancement of fast internet, there is actually a solution that helps organize your files and have all your files at a moments notice known as online storage.

Some sites require you to login and access the files. However, if you really wanted to do this correctly you would create a network drive to a dedicated server, so all you had to do a was click an icon to access the folders. But this requires a lot of money to make sure you have good server with a fast connection and that was very secure and maintained properly. Well with IBackUp all of your storage needs are finally resolved and you have the ability to secure personal data online while having the ability to access your files easily anywhere!

(Click Here To Read More…)

Geeks and programmers have a mundane job that would send most of us to the looney bin. These computer nerds are able to take the 1 and 0 that make up are digital world and help the computer translate it to us, so we may understand it. To help add excitement, a personal touch, and leaving their signature; computer nerds have become notorious for leaving hidden codes that were not authorized. These codes and hidden secrets have been named Easter Eggs. They are found in most of your DVD collections, computer games, and even hardware. Microsoft is no exception to this geeky trend. So for those of you who have upgraded to the new Microsoft Vista here is one for you to check out.

Hidden on the cover of the Microsoft Vista CD is a tiny holographic image of 3 of the programmers. Now you may say these guys have just to much time on their hands, but these people that figured this out also have too much time to spare. Click the Windows Vista Image to View The Slide Show!

Sony CyberShot DSC T100 Financed for Military Armed Forces

Welcome newest additions to 800HighTech arsanel, the incredibly popular ultra compact but stylish Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T100 8 megapixel digital Camera. Sony’s T-Series has been one of the most attractive compact digicams since it was introduced. Sony’s slim dimensions, user-friendly interface, design and built quality make the T-100 Digital Cameras some of the best sellers to date and the highes model in the T-Series. Sporting SONY’s high quality CCD converters and a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tesser lense, the flag ship model the DSC-T100 boasts more functions and settings for the professional photographer also has the largest LCD screen and most powerful zoom in the T-series digital camera.

“There’s a generation of style-conscious, tech-savvy people who want the brands and products in their lives to reflect who they are,” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “Our new Cybershot DSC T100 camera can give these customers the form factor and advanced technologies they’re looking for.”

While the T100 is a snap to use, there’s a surprising amount of performance stuffed into its all-metal shell. Thanks to the Bionz image processor, the T100 is quick to start up and shut down, and the shutter is responsive and quick to focus on the intended subject. Its D-Range Optimizer minimizes blown highlights that are the bane of other digicams, while capturing a wider range of tones. The T100 is also in a league of its own when it comes to transferring images from the camera to your computer over the included USB cable at speeds blazing over 10 times faster than other cameras!

(Click Here To Read More…)

The Nintendo DS portable game player is helping Japanese women in Tokyo maximize skin care health. Japanese women soon will be using the Nintendo DS game machine for helpful beauty tip such as taking extra fluids and monitoring skin tones. The dual screened touch panel Nintendo DS has been a big hit with older people and women with new kinds of games such as brainteasers and virtual pet games. The gaming crowd has largely been made up of young men fond of shooting and sports games.

The Nintendo DS skin care software works by the user inputting their daily body temperature and weight by marking a graph that shows up on the touch panel. The beauty navigation software asks questions that the player answers regarding criteria such as skin tone and smoothness, as well as exposure to sunlight and hours of sleep. Advice on a daily regimen for healthy skin pops up on the screen, including directions to drink more water, or to eat apples and ginger, food that had a reputation for warming up the body. Hormonal balance is key for avoiding wrinkles and age spots, and body temperature and weight fluctuations are good indicators for any hormone swings, which can get awry from overwork and stress, according to Konami.

(Click Here To Read More…)

Many notebooks have tried to claim the title of being the world’s fastest or the world’s most powerful laptop or even a desktop replacement laptop, but the Stealth Series is the true holder of this title. The Stealth Series Notebooks are a 17-inch extreme laptop notebook that packs quite a wallop under the hood, including a Intel’s Core 2 Duo desktop processor, Dual NVIDIA 7950GTX, up to 4GB of RAM, up to three hard drives in a RAID 0/1/5 array, 7.1-channel audio, built-in stereo speakers, the ability to house dual optical drives, integrated TV tuner, 1.3-megapixel webcam, and a flash card reader to boot. You’ll also find an array of ports and connectivity options, including WiFi, Bluetooth, FireWire, 56k modem, USB 2.0, and DVI / S-video outputs. All these components require the 11.9 pound laptop to have a 12-cell Li-ion will last much over an hour under full strain. We know you’re wondering, so if you’ve been eying a mobile gaming rig - this is it!

(Click Here To Read More…)

Bill Gates will manage one of the highest-profile transitions in American business history and computer technology. Before stepping down as chairman of Microsoft (currently $300 billion company that he co-founded over 30 years ago) and moving on to philanthropy, Gates will head a few more high-tech projects and hopefully achieve his goal of bridging the physical and virtual worlds. A secret covert project code named Milan and is 5 years in the making was top secret until recently being unveiled to the public at the Wall Street Journal conference. The project involved transforming an ordinary tabletop into a brilliant, interactive surface with effortless interaction with digital content through natural gestures, touch, and physical objects. A revolutionary aspect of Microsoft Surface is its natural interaction with everyday objects and technologies with an intuitive touch-sensitive 30-inch tabletop with nothing but your fingers. No more computer mouse, keyboards, or wires. The multi-touch interface allows the user to have hands-on control of photos, music, maps, and more. The coolest feature I liked was the photo resizing and stacking that is similar to Macintosh’s Apple iPhone’s zoom gestures.

This idea is nothing new and is not the only company eyeing the new market, but it has never been more than a prototype until recently being exhibited at the All Things Digital conference.. Microsoft Surface made several appearances in movies like the futuristic movies Minority Report and The Island. This new technology, the brainchild of Stevie Bathiche and Andy Wilson, is breaking down the traditional barriers of people and technology by providing an effortless interaction with digital media. It is apart of Intel’s vision of the near future where devices work seamlessly together. This innovative computer has price tags running $10,000 a unit. Microsoft however expects prices to plummet over the next three to five years to the point that it will be available for every home.

(Click Here To Read More…)

I was surfing the net on my PSP the other day and thought ‘Why not check out the HighTech Blog and see how it comes up on here.’ To my dismay it did not show up too well, so I added a theme for mobile users. However, on mobile phones you may still have some display issues. Oh well I tried. Anyways, I thought this would be a good time to introduce a portable gaming device that we offer that can do just about everything and display our blog and site well!

Blog now supports viewing from Sony PSP, Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii!

Sony PSP

Let’s start off with the leader portable gaming pack, the Sony PSP. Sony PSP gaming system is the first truly integrated portable entertainment system designed to handle multiple applications – music, video, photo, internet, and wireless connectivity, with games as its key feature. The PSP system features an unmatched library of entertainment content, combining more than 135 games and more than 430 feature films, TV programs, and videos on UMD from major studios and record labels, as well as downloadable content from the internet.

(Click Here To Read More…)