Geekly Update - June 29

The AskBobRankin Geekly Update

• Think green with Sony’s new VAIO NW Series notebook. It features a high-res 15.5-inch WXGA display with their XBRITE-ECO LCD technology and a handy 'display off' button that can turn off the screen to conserve power. Packed with VAIO Movie Story, VAIO MusicBox and Click to Disc Editor, choose between 3 colors at a price of $800.00.
• Electronics keep getting thinner and this FreeAgent Go USB 2.0 drive is no exception. Thin as it is, it can still hold 250GB, 320GB, or 500GB and has an automatic backup with encription. Available in 10 different colors, with prices ranging from $89 to $149.
• Can't wait for the Zune HD to make an appearance? Be content in the knowledge that it will soon take on iPhones and iPods now that NVIDIA's Tegra processor will be involved with an ARM11 processor and a handheld GeForce graphics core. This means that it can handle 720p, 1080p and 3D better than most other handhelds.
• Facebook is in the process of testing a Facebook search engine similar to the one used by Twitter. If successful, you will be able to search for more general terms. Not only will you be able to find a broader topic, you can find how your friends feel about the same issue. A small test group is trying it out for now and it will be available for all once the social networking sight works out the kinks.
• Eastman Kodak is finally taking Paul Simon's Kodachrome away. The company claims that sales of the film, launched in 1935, accounts for less than 1% of their total sales and only one lab in Kansas processes it. So even though it gave us those nice bright colors, and the greens of summer, look for its demise in the fall when the current supply is deleted.
• Ad-Aware, the security freeware bonus from Lavasoft, is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with the Pro-Anniversary Edition. Good for personal or professional usage, it is compatible with Windows Vista/XP, has a price of $39.99 and offers excellent protection against spyware and other malware. Of course, there's also a free version. See my list of Free AntiSpyware Programs for other options.
• Apple announced this week that they sold over 1 million iPhone 3GS models during the first three days. Apple also said that 6 million customers have downloaded the 3.0 software since its release 5 days ago. In other news, law enforcement officials around the nation have reported a huge increase in the number of single men hanging around, trying to impress chicks with iPhones.
• Microsoft has confirmed that it will offer Vista PC buyers a free copy of Windows 7. Also, consumers can buy an upgraded Windows 7 Home Premium for $49.99 or Professional for $99.00. The offer is also good for owners with XP. Act fast if you want one, the offers expires July 11 supplies will be limited.
• Last week, Facebook began to allow vanity URL to its subscribers. Now Google is allowing users of their soon to arrive Google Voice the privilege of a customized number/word. If you want to get in on the action, you can request an invitation.
• AV-Test GmbH tested Microsoft Security Essentials recently and it certainly passed with flying colors. The free security software launched this week in beta for Windows XP/Vista/7. It was put up against 3,200 viruses, Trojans and worms and all were detected and treated.

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