This illuminated tube is actually an external and portable sound card. Simply hook it up to your PC via USB and you can then plugin your headphones, speakers or microphone.

It is the best entertainment for games, DVD and music, etc. In addition, it looks like a transparent vacuum tube appearance.

Features:

• Transparent Vacuum Tube appearance
• Portable USB Audio
• Plug and Play, use standard USB driver
• A Fade-In-Out Blue LED for Power-On & Idle
• Comply with USB 2.0 Full Speed
• Stereo Microphone-In (also could be used as Line-In by turning off Mic AGC in Mic Control Window)
• Stereo Headphone-Out
• Support Window 2000/XP/Vista, Mac, Linux
• Dimension: 23 x 23 x 45mm (approx.)
• Weight: 12g

Specifications:

• Comply with USB Audio device Class 1.0
• Comply with USB Device Firmware Upgrade 1.1
• Support Stereo Earphone Output by 3.5Φ Phone Jack
• Support Stereo Microphone-In by 3.5Φ Phone Jack
• Support 16Bit 16KHz / 32KHz / 48KHz Playback, THD+N -73dB, SNR 85dB
• Support 16Bit 16KHz / 32KHz / 48KHz Recording, THD+N -73dB, SNR 85dB
• Interface: USB Mini-B receptacle

The USB Tube Delight Audio is yours for $32 from the USB Brando website.

Thomas Thomassen created this beautiful retro media center PC for his final project in BA (Hons) modelmaking for design and media at the Arts Institute in Bournemouth.

The making of the model involved a range of various processes. One of the ones I used the most was vacuumforming. It was by this process that most of the parts where created.

On the Inside

• VIA Epia 13000 miniITX
• SilenX CPU fan
• 1GB RAM
• 100GB 2.5″ Harddrive
• Soundgraph iMON Remote Control

Visit Thomas’s website for more photos and info about the Retro Media Center PC.

(Make via Boing Boing and Unplggd)

Funkeyboards is a unique set of designed stickers, shaped to fit your PC or laptop keyboard with fun and colorful graphics. There’s even a “Glow in the Dark” version.

Additional stickers are attached to each set of stickers to suit different Keyboard types. Funkeyboards stickers fits Dell, HP, Gateway, Compac, Apple, and other major brands.

One set of Funkeyboards Designer Keyboard Stickers will cost you $9.99.

(Via Chip Chick)

Silicon Mountain Holdings, Inc. today announced its design for a 32 and 42-inch high definition LCD-TV with an integrated, full-function PC and Blu-Ray/DVD player.

The flagship marries a full-HD 42-inch LCD display with a Blu-Ray/DVD player, integrated digital recorder for PVR and a powerful PC, based on the Intel Core2Duo E8400 processor, 4GB of RAM from Silicon Mountain, a 1TB hard drive and the 64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Premium.

In addition to the analog and digital audio-video inputs common to high-def televisions, Allio includes wireless and wired networking capabilities and several USB ports to extend the experience to other computers and peripherals in the home.

Six configurations are available:

The entry-level 32″ and 42″ Allio with an Intel 2.5 GHz PDC E5200, 250GB of storage, 2GB of RAM, DVD/CD support and Vista Home Premium retails for $1,599 and $1,999.

The middle system in the series adds PVR and Blu-Ray support and an upgraded 2.54 GHz Core2Duo E7200 processor for $2,199 and $2,399.

The flagship Allio system ups the ante on the intermediate option, upgrading the RAM and storage to 4GB and 1TB, respectively, for $2,399 and $2,799.

Orders for the Allio HD TV / PC are being taken now at the Visionman website.

Remember that cool Batmobile Case Mod that we wrote about last year? Mod master Kevin Core’s awesome creation is now on auction over at eBay.

1/6 scale Batmobile Tumbler with desktop PC built inside. This is a one of a kind build that has been featured in Maximum PC magazine (January 2008 issue). It has been featured on websites and blogs all over the world (google Batmobile PC and see what comes up).

It features LED lighting, 7 hard drive activity leds (3 in the jet exhaust, 1 on each side and 2 red in the front), 10 white led headlights, (1) 10mm blue and (6) 3mm orange leds simulate the “jet exhaust”, stealth power switch and DVD eject buttons, and more cool stuff.

Current bid for Kevin’s Batman Batmobile Computer Case Mod is $51.

The Pinnacle PVT is a handy device that allows you to easily record stuff straight from a TV, DVD player, VCR or camcorder and dump it directly on to an iPod, PSP or USB memory – all at the touch of a button.

Armed with this pocket-sized gizmo you can back up holiday vids on a memory stick for safe keeping/transfer to PC, record TV shows in real time and watch them on your iPod, or digitize dusty VHS tapes and laugh at Jimmy Hill’s pointy beard as you watch old episodes of Match of the Day on your PSP. You can even transfer gaming sessions from your console of choice.

As if all that wasn’t enough, the Pinnacle also recharges your storage device’s battery as it re-jigs all that lovely video. It’s quick, simple and utterly brilliant.

Features:

• No PC required – capture straight to your iPod, PSP, USB 2.0 hard drive or USB Flash Stick.
• One-touch start/stop recording from any analogue video source including TV, DVD, PVR, camcorder, set-top box or gaming console.
• High quality MPEG-4 encoding in H.264 at up to 720×576 resolution.
• S-Video, composite video and stereo audio analogue inputs.
• Compact size makes it perfect for travelling.
• Recharges iPod during video transfer (cable not included).

The Pinnacle Video Transfer is available from the Firebox.com website for £99.95 (about $194 USD).

This 12-button, high performance, USB 2.0 compatible gamepad allows you to add a little touch of Playstation when playing games on your computer.

Features:

• USB interface plug and play
• Fully compatible with USB 2.0
• Analogue and Digital Controls
• Vibration function
• Dual analoue sticks
• Four axis 12 buttons
• Compatible with Windows Vista, XP, 2000, ME, 98

The USB Dual Shock Joypad ($12) is available from USB Geek.

The INFO Live bracelet concept is one of the entries for the Next-Gen PC Design competition. The touch-controlled device acts both as a fashion accessory and a data organizer with internet connection capabilities.

INFO Live is an data organizer for connected internet world. It is able to transfer data information to any hardware and person any moment in time of need. In addition, it has a powerful information update system that alerts user of incoming information, e.g. email, documents, photos , video & etc in terms of ionic representation.

More photos and info about the INFO Live at Next-Gen PC Design website.

(TechPin via Gearfuse)

The ZPC-GX31 saves you desktop space by putting an Intel Core Duo PC with a CDRW/DVD drive and a card reader inside a “normal size keyboard”.

This new generation All-in-One PC in a keyboard not only takes up far less desktop space, but also puts an Intel® Core™ 2 Quad CPU with all its features and performance at your fingertips. The new ZPC-GX31™ is a true innovation packing so much power, performance and compatibility inside a normal size keyboard.

With features such as Dual Display capabilities, 4GB of DDR2/667MHz RAM, 1Gb LAN and DVI interface you now have a complete personal computer that takes up no more space than a typical keyboard. Simply place it on your desktop, plug in a monitor and you are done!

You can customize the ZPC-GX31 All-in-One PC to fit your needs, making the price range anywhere from $629 to $1099.

(Via Chip Chick)

Behavior Tech Computer, a Taiwanese keyboard and mouse manufacturer, is introducing the 9051H Cheetah – a high-tech gaming keyboard and mouse kit specially designed for PC gamers.

The Cheetah Gaming Keyboard features 17 individual keys specifically for gaming input commands. The unique gaming keys are ergonomically designed and laid out on a gaming wheel for adjustable gaming positions. The keyboard features two sets of user customized commands configured in A and B memory modes, and can be setup for different games, or within the same game for different character controls.

The Cheetah Gaming Keyboard use patented multicolored backlight technology that can be enabled at the press of a hotkey. If the speed of key presses increase during intense gaming, the color of the backlight will gradually turn red. When the keyboard is left idle mode, the backlight of the keyboard will glow blue.

This Laser Gaming Mouse reigns supreme with a true 2000dpi Laser sensor, which enables movement speeds of 2 times that of a standard 800dpi optical sensor. In the meanwhile, 2000 dpi Gamer – Grade Laser Engine for enhanced tracking on a wider range of surfaces.

Read more about the 9051H Cheetah Professional Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Kit over at BTC. No word on pricing or availability yet.

(Fareastgizmos via Prylfeber)

Stealth Computer Corporation has released a new small powerful form factor mini PC with built-in PCI expansion slot capability.

The Stealth LPC-450PCI Mini PC utilizes Intel’s latest Core 2 Duo processor technology delivering the ultimate in Mini PC performance. The robust anodized aluminum chassis measures just over 2 inches tall having the overall footprint about the size of a hard cover novel, measuring in at 10 x 5.8 x 2.8 inches and weighing approximately 10 lbs (4.5kg).

One of the unique attributes the LPC-450PCI possesses is the open and available PCI card slot. “Customers can simply add specialized I/O, video, data acquisition and communications cards, something that cannot be achieved without resorting to larger clunky desk top computers” remarks Stealth’s President & CEO, Ed Boutilier.

The LPC-450PCI small form PC features a multitude of I/O connectivity built into its impressively small design such as; LAN, 2-Serial, 3-USB, FireWire, Video, Audio, PS/2 Mouse & Keyboard ports. It has a built-in 2.5-inch high-shock hard drive with up to 160GB’s of storage space for archived data.

For applications that require extra high shock, vibration and wide temperature ranges, optional SSD or Solid State Drive options are available. A slim DVD/CD-RW optical drive comes standard with an optional DVD burner available. Systems are compatible with Microsoft Vista/XP, Linux etc and can be custom configured to meet the exact needs of the OEM or end user.

The LPC-450PCI Mini PC is available from $1450.

Do you remember the PC Cases for Drummers? The same company, Spotswood Custom Computers, Inc., today introduced the L-24, an enthusiast-oriented PC case.

The twenty four-inch diameter by eighteen-inch deep case is large enough to hold three triple-fan water-cooling radiators, extra long graphics cards, a 1600W (or larger) power supply, two 5.25-inch CD/DVD drives and fifteen 3.5-inch hard drives, perfect for modders, overclockers, and water-cooling enthusiasts. Its large internal volume and unique round shape allows optimal placement of water-cooling radiators along the periphery of the case, out of the way of other PC components, while also providing ample room for pumps, reservoirs and tubing.

The maple veneer plywood construction reduces noise, is strong, yet lightweight, and coupled with up to twelve cooling fans, provides maximum cooling efficiency. There is a wide variety of stain colors to choose from (protected by a hard fingerprint-hiding matte finish), along with multiple hardware options to customize the look of the case. All fasteners are chrome plated or polished stainless steel. The reset and power switches are high-quality, stainless steel, illuminated, and vandal-resistant. The acrylic (or aluminum) motherboard tray and 10mil plastic side panels are completely removable. The USB 2.0, FireWire and audio I/O ports are mounted in the front of the case.

Here’s a video demonstration of their Spotswood L-18 model:

Visit Spotswood Custom Computers, Inc. for more info.

The iTornado is a clever and useful little USB device that was displayed at CES 2008 last week and at the MacWorld Expo this week.

The product combined with the included software makes it very easy to transfer files between Mac and Windows based computers.

When connected to the USB ports of two computers, iTornado immediately initiates a peer-to-peer network via its patented No Software To LoadTM, or NSTL TechnologyTM, which auto-loads and auto-runs the software and drivers needed to move the data bi-directionally from one computer to another via a user-friendly split-screen display that within seconds appears on the monitor of both machines showing the contents of each machine. From this interface, files can be dragged and dropped from one machine to another at speeds of up to 25 Mb/sec. The iTornado also can be used to quickly create back-up files and is compatible with most Apple® and Microsoft® operating system programs.

iTornado, which retails for $79.95 will start shipping in March and will be available at TheTornado.com and at computer products retailers nationwide.

(Via Prylfeber)

Here’s a pretty interesting Korean prototype for an ultra-mobile PC.

One thing that makes the Wibrain B1 UMPC quite unique is how the QWERTY keyboard has been divided into two parts, one on each side of the 4.8 inches large touchscreen.

The screen has a 1024 x 600 pixel resolution and the device is equipped with Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi on 802.11b/g, quad band GSM/GPRS/EDGE and HSDPA.

Here’s a video demonstration of the Wibrain B1 UMPC:

(Funponsel via GadgetVenue)

Having trouble with your computer? Here’s a chance to use the same kind of sophisticated diagnostic tools that you will find at the other end of the phone when calling the support – at least that’s what it sometimes feels like.

PC Dice™ is a new novelty product that has techs realizing that with using PC Dice™ they actually stand a chance at resolving problems. These simple yet entertaining dice offer possible solutions to your everyday problems.

Each set ordered consist of “3″ Die in the following colors all from the Scarab™ line: Jade w/White Lettering, Scarlet w/White Lettering, Royal Blue w/White Lettering.

The green die has the words Virus, Spyware, Modem, Video, Network and Reboot. The blue die comes with Install, New PC, Upgrade, No Idea, Quit and $$, and the red die features Windows, Unix, Linux, Wireless, Wired and Mix.

Here’s a silly video demonstration:

The PC Dice is available for $27 over at PCDice.com.

(TechChee via Ubergizmo via Geekologie)

Haier recently presented G70, a black 17.1 inch Santa Rosa-based notebook PC featuring the Transformers Autobot logo in pink on the front cover.

Adopting Intel 965PM + ICH8M chipset and Nvidia GeForce Go 7950 GTX 256M DDR III, the G70 is equipped with 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drive and 1.3M camera. It also supports up to 4GB expandable memory, fingerprint recognition and Bluetooth connection. It weights 3.95kg with 8 cell battery and ODD installed.

(Via Ubergizmo)

SPH-P9200 is the name of a new UMPC (Ultra-Mobile PC) from Samsung.

It runs on Windows XP and connects to wireless internet and VoIP phone via Mobile WiMax, and features a folding QWERTY keyboard, a 5-inch touch screen, and 30GB HDD.

No word on pricing so far.

(Via DDSquare.com)

Kevin Core has created a Batmobile Case Mod using an AMD Sempron 2800+ and 1/6 scale Batmobile R/C that he bought at Wal-Mart.

There are a total of 7 HD activity LEDs on the Batmobile PC – (3) red in the jet exhaust, (2) blue-1 on each side and (2) red in front. This was accomplished using an opto-isolator.

(Via Neatorama)

The Tucano pyjama-style protection covers does not only make your screen look great when it’s “asleep”, it will also protect it against dust, sunshine etc.

• Tucano PJ Mac Screen Protection Cover for Apple Mac G5 17″ ($20)
• Tucano PC JAM Screen Protection Covers for 17″ PC Screens ($38)

(Via Chip Chick)

Finally, a computer for all of us computer geek drummers. Spotswood Custom Computers offers a line of gorgeous handcrafted wooden drum PC cases. Prices starts at $495.95. Now, all we need is a cajon monitor to go with that.

Spotswood Custom Computers is proud to introduce its new line of round, wood, PC cases. Our unique designs sets us apart in the industry. Each custom, scratch-built case is handcrafted with high-quality maple veneer plywood, which gives you a beautiful, more durable and quieter running PC than anything else out there. In addition, you will have a very distinctive and attractive piece of furniture to house your computer!

Gamers, modders and do-it-yourselfers (DIYs) will appreciate the easy access removable side panels and the prestige of having a case that sets you apart from the crowd. This case would be perfect for your home theater PC (HTPC). Please browse around our site and be sure to check out our one-of-a-kind custom products and the quality of our work.