Men Free Blog

Hey, remember that Gateway P-172X FX we got our hands on yesterday? Well, now the gaming powerhouse has gone official, and is joined by a smaller, slightly less sporty edition — the $999.99 M-6850FX. The 15.4-inch laptop features a Core 2 Duo T5550 CPU, an ATI Radeon HD 2600 graphics chipset, 3GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, and a DVD-R / RW / DVD-RAM optical drive. Two other mid-level models are being introduced as well; the $849.99 M-1626, and $749.99 T-1628. The former comes equipped with a 15.4-inch display, an AMD Turion TL-60 CPU, ATI Radeon HD x1270 graphics, 4GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, 802.11g, and HDMI. The latter downsizes to a 14.1-inch display, keeps the AMD CPU and ATI graphics chipset, plus 3GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, and the aforementioned wireless and HDMI support. The company is also introducing a new pen-based configuration, the C-142XL ($1,299.99), which sports a Core 2 Duo T8300 CPU, ATI Radeon X2300 HD GPU, 3GB of RAM, a 250GB hard drive, and utilizes a Wacom pen for input. That enough data for you? We thought so.

source:engadget

Again with musical accompaniment from the Young Lords, Maximum Bob Lutz heralded the return of the El Camino Pontiac G8 Sport Truck to the U.S. market for the first time in over two decades. Joining Lutz to make the sales case for how wonderful the new G8 ST was Fifty Cent who the company claims is a loyal Pontiac owner. We’ve already heard all the specs on the new Ute, so we won’t bore you with them again here. Click to visit our previous post with all the deets. The platform is a longer wheelbase version of the one under the G8 sedan, and the suspension remains all-independent, although the rear end has been beefed up to provide some load carrying and towing capacity. This thing is no replacement for a Silverado in terms of capability, but for those that need to grab some bags of mulch from your local big box store or tow a pair of jet skis to the lake, the ST provides a much more car like ride and performance pretty close to the G8 GT sedan. The Sport Truck has the same 361-hp 6.0L V8 as the G8 sedan, along with the six-speed autobox through which 385 lb-ft of torque flow to the rear end. Sometime between now and late next year GM will announce what the real name of the ST, is but you can make your voice heard (whether anyone is actually listening is another story) at www.pontiac.com/namethiscar.
source:autoblog

You may still not be able to get an iPhone in Canada (at least officially), but you can now at least grab a spiffy new 16GB Samsung YP-P2, which is a whole 8GB bigger than the model currently available in the US. From the looks of it, Best Buy Canada is the among the first to offer the beefed-up, Bluetooth-packin’ PMP, with it currently demanding $330 Canadian (a $40 discount off the $370 list price) on the retailer’s website. Apart from the bump in storage, however, there doesn’t look to be any other changes to the player, with it boasting the same 3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth 2.0 support, and H.264, OGG, and WMV playback as before. Of course, it’s not very likely this’ll be a Canadian exclusive for long, though we’ve still yet to hear anything official on that from Samsung.
source:engadget

Convertibles are not your everyday cars. They are not sold because of their practicality, functionality or any other “ality”.

Typically they have a small boot, limited rear headroom and leg room.

But you don’t buy a convertible for your shopping trolley; you buy a drop-top for the wind in your hair and the “look at me” factor.

The convertible market is driven by new models and the latest fashion - sales peak each time a new model hits the showroom floor before dropping to a more constant figure.

In the past five years, convertible sales have risen by 80 per cent - with the total market growing by 19.6 per cent in the same period.

At the end of September, 9610 convertibles had been sold, compared with about 5331 in 2002. In 2002 there were 20 convertible models on sale. Today there are 42.

Sydney and Melbourne are the most popular places for drop-tops, mainly thanks to the climate.

The cheapest convertible is the Citroen C3 Pluriel, which starts from $29,990. The most expensive? The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, a special-order model costing $1.19 million. It was launched here a few weeks ago and 12 cars have been ordered, seven of which will be on the road before the end of the year.

The Lamborghini Murcielago LP460 roadster will set you back a cool $700,000 (and that does not include on-road costs or luxury car tax). The Lamborghini just eclipses the Bentley Azure convertible, which retails for $649,000.

Convertibles come in many shapes and sizes from two-door, two-seaters to four-door, four-seat 4WDs.

Yes, there is a convertible 4WD on the market - the Jeep Wrangler. It is considered a hardcore 4WD first and foremost but with a roof that can be removed for wind-in-the-hair motoring. The Wrangler is Australia’s most popular convertible with 1422 sold at the end of September, ahead of Holden’s Astra by 364 sales.

The Mazda MX-5 remains a favourite with 910 sold, while the recently released Volkswagen Eos convertible has tallied 802 sales to claim fourth spot after just seven months on sale. BMW has sold 547 examples of the all-new 3 Series convertible since April.

The latest trend in convertibles is the folding metal roof, as seen in the majority of the convertibles to hit showrooms this year.

The next convertible to go on sale is the Ford Focus cabriolet, a two-door, four-seater with a folding metal roof. It is an important car for Ford, not only as a rival for the Astra but for further cementing the company’s move away from being known as “the Falcon company”.

“It’s a more premium type of mindset. These sorts of cars are not for everyone,” says Christine Wagner, Ford Australia’s product marketing manager.

“Looking at the small car convertible growth specifically, back in 2001 it started at about 400-500 [a year]. Now you are looking at … 3500, so it has grown quite markedly.

“The practicality of the retractable folding roof [has made a significant difference]. Most of these cars, [though] the rear seat is not huge, have four-seat practicality.

“One of the reasons the market has grown is that they are not as compromising as perhaps convertibles have been in the past. They do allow people to have a bit of fun but at the same time they are largely sensible to live with.”

The Focus goes on sale next month priced from $45,490 for the manual and $47,490 for the automatic.

Wagner says the company expects the Focus drop-top will strengthen the brand’s appeal to buyers outside of the large car market.

“For us it is very much about extending what Focus is all about. We have gone out of our way over the past couple of years to establish Focus as a brand value and a small car. [The Focus convertible] delivers on the aspirational ‘I want to enjoy my summer long days.’ It is all about building into that sort of lifestyle and allowing people to enjoy that without breaking the bank.”

Wagner says the company expects the convertible will account for a “reasonable” amount of growth and admits its price and size mean the company is looking at achieving similar sales figures to those of the Astra.

At the end of the year Chrysler will release its Sebring convertible. Next year comes the BMW 1 Series convertible - the cheapest ticket into the Bavarian’s drop-top range.

BMW spokesman Toni Andreevski says the 1 Series will attract new and younger buyers to the brand.

The 1 Series convertible comes with a folding fabric soft-top, which Andreevski says was chosen over a metal roof as it takes up less space, is lighter and cheaper.

“The new 1 Series coupe and convertible takes BMW back to the 1960s and ’70s sports sedan and coupe. BMW is stepping back into the small sports coupe segment and it should do more for BMW in terms of new customers.

“With a starting price of $60,000, the 1 Series is a more affordable convertible for those looking to get into a BMW. We expect about 300 to 400 sales a year,” he says.

Andreevski views the convertible market as steady.

“It’s not a hugely growing market. It is more driven by product innovation. New models tend to lift the market before it drops back down; it is cyclical, driven by new product launches.

“It is also somewhat fashionable. When there is a hot new car out there then it brings in new buyers.

“When you release a new convertible on the market you expect to have a good year and then it falls off back to the diehard convertible buyers.”

The most popular convertible in the BMW range is the 3 Series. The company has sold 547 since March. Of them, the most popular model is the most expensive, the twin-turbo six-cylinder 335i.

“People are buying the 335i because it has the same performance as a V8 but is $60,000 cheaper than the equivalent V8,” Andreevski says.

Mercedes Benz has seen big growth from its convertible models in the past five years.

In the first nine months of 2002, says Mercedes Benz Australia spokesman Peter Fadeyev, the company sold 460 convertibles from the SL, SLK and CLK convertible ranges. “For the same January to September period in 2007 sales of the same models total 885 - an increase of more than 92 per cent.”

Fadeyev says sales of the CLK convertible - the company’s most popular drop-top - have increased 78 per cent since 2002.

“What’s more, our traditional peak sales period for these cars is during November to February. Therefore, in comparison to our year-to-date sales figures, we anticipate even stronger sales rates for these three models as we approach summer.

“Over time, we expect to see continued sales growth of our convertible sports

car range.”

Convertible versions of Audi’s A5 coupe and the baby A3 are also expected, but not until 2009.

The A-V guide to the drop-tops currently in showrooms
Alfa Romeo Spider from $69,990

Aston Martin Vantage $269,000

Aston Martin Volante $365,250

Audi A4 from $83,400

Audi TT roadster from $77,500

Bentley Continental GT $399,500

Bentley Azure $649,000

BMW 3 Series from $94,900

BMW 6 Series from $228,800

BMW Z4 Roadster from $78,200

Citroen C3 Pluriel $29,990

Chrysler Crossfire from $69,990

Chrysler PT Cruiser from $35,890

Ferrari F430 Spider $425,000

Ford Focus (on sale next month) $45,490

Holden Astra $45,490

Honda S2000 $72,590

Jaguar XK $221,900

Jeep Wrangler $30,990

Lamborghini Gallardo $439,999

Lamborghini Murcielago $699,999

Lexus SC430 $162,074

Lotus Elise from $69,990

Maserati GranSport $260,000

Mazda MX-5 soft-top from $42,870

Mazda MX-5 hardtop $47,660

Mercedes-Benz CLK from $100,900

Mercedes SLK Roadster from $86, 374

Mercedes SL Roadster from $218,000

Mitsubishi Colt from $32,990

Mini Cooper from $37,500

Morgan $234,000

Nissan 350Z from $73,990

Peugeot 207 from $34,990

Peugeot 307 from $46,790

Porsche Boxster from 109,300

Porsche 911 from $221,200

Renault Megane $44,490

Saab 9-3 from $65,500

VW New Beetle $36,990

VW Eos from $47,990

Volvo C70 from $69,950

source:smh

Back in November, we knew things weren’t looking up for the twin Mars rovers, but it seems that both Spirit and Opportunity will still be doing their respective thangs after a letter foreshadowing their doom was rescinded. Reportedly, the entity was tasked to slash $4 million from the project’s budget just yesterday, which would have forced Spirit into hibernation and limited Opportunity’s opportunities by mandating that commands be sent up every other day (versus everyday now). As it stands, NASA has issued a confirmation that neither creature will be affected, but given the apparent belt-tightening, we’re curious as to whether Scarecrow will still see liftoff next year.

source:engadget

Pakistan’s proposed series of ODIs with Sri Lanka has hit the rocks before even properly setting sail because of a probable clash of dates with the Indian Premier League (IPL). The PCB said that it would ensure the best side would be available for the series - tacitly acknowledging there might be a clash - it appears likely the series will be postponed to ensure the IPL doesn’t suffer, which will raise further questions about whether a window needs to be found in the international calendar for the league.

The bilateral series was hurriedly agreed upon a couple of days ago with Arjuna Ranatunga, chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), accepting an invitation from his Pakistan counterpart Nasim Ashraf in Lahore, as Pakistan rushed to fill the gaps in their calendar left by Australia’s pull-out from a full tour in March-April.

Though dates were not decided, reports suggested that the series would go ahead between April 23 and May 5, after Sri Lanka complete their tour of the Caribbean. However, the IPL begins on April 18 and a number of players from both sides are involved.

The IPL has told heads of various franchises that players from both sides will be available for the tournament and has urged them to work according to plan. Franchise heads have been assured that the IPL has the cooperation of both boards, who plan to schedule the series after the IPL ends on June 1.

Duleep Mendis, the SLC chief executive, says the board is not even aware of the series. “It was just a suggestion, I believe, from Pakistan,” he “But nothing has been discussed yet, and there has been no confirmation in this regard. Officially, such a tour is not on the cards yet. We don’t know anything about this tour.”

Despite assurances, some franchises remain concerned at the prospect of losing out on star players, if only for a couple of weeks. Deccan Chargers, the Hyderabad IPL team who have Shahid Afridi, Chaminda Vaas, Nuwan Zoysa and Chamara Silva, are worried about the proposed series and hope that it will be rescheduled. But Vijay Mohan Raj, the franchise’s chief executive, says they have not taken up the issue with the IPL council.

“Of course, the series would be a huge worry for us,” Raj “It’s not fair. We were informed clearly about who would be available during the first auction, and we bought our players depending on that. This series, if it happens, will change everything. We are hoping that it is rescheduled.”

When it can be rescheduled to is another matter. The only window is between June 1, when the IPL concludes, and June 24, when the Asia Cup - also to be held in Pakistan - begins. But the extreme summer temperatures in most of Pakistan during June seemingly rule out that period, unless the entire series consists of day-night matches in Karachi.

After the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka are due to host India for a series of three Tests and five ODIs, which will take them to the end of August. In September Pakistan is scheduled to host the ICC Champions Trophy.

Nasim Ashraf, chairman PCB, rigorously denied that the IPL had come in the way of the series, but admitted a window had yet to be found. “You will have to ask the IPL [about whether assurances had been given], because I have no knowledge of that at all,” Ashraf  “This is our schedule and it has nothing to do with the IPL.”

But no dates for the series could be pinpointed and the April-May window was not mentioned. “In principle, SLC have accepted our invitation. The question is of finding dates,” Ashraf said. “Tentatively, June is an option, but essentially sorting out dates is up to us.”

Energy Sistem is making a play for your DAP dollar with the steel-crafted Inngenio 6000. The player runs a 2.8-inch QVGA touchscreen, with a built-in speaker, 2GB of storage and microSD expansion along for the ride. FM, voice recording, an e-book reader and some games are all included, and you can manage MP3, WMA and XVID playback. It’s available now — at least in Spain — for €90 (about $138 US).

source:engadget

We haven’t heard too many specifics when it comes to performance of actual WiMAX rollouts (and let’s be real, we’re all kind of waiting for LTE at this point, right?), but Garth Freeman, CEO of Buzz Broadband, apparently shuttered the company’s Australian WiMAX rollout in Hervey Bay, publicly declaring that for his company and customers the technology “failed miserably”. Apparently beyond about a mile from the base station non-line of sight performance was “non-existent”, regular indoor use produced latencies as high as 1000ms even just 400m away, and the company had to scrap its network for TD-CDMA service on 1.9GHz just to make sure customers weren’t completely left in the cold. Maybe they should have checked for an errant satellite, eh mate?

source:engadget

If PCWorld is correct, then it looks like Sony’s pending, PS3 2.20 firmware will have at least one little surprise for movie buffs. As if the inclusion of Blu-ray’s BD-Live interactivity and the removal of the 2GB DivX and WMV file-size cap wasn’t enough, PCWorld says that can also expect the introduction of portable copy. With it, users will be able to copy a PSP formatted (and DRM’d) version of the film directly to their PSP — no UMD required. Right, just like we saw demonstrated live back at CES in January.

source:engadget

Republic Day is India’s great national festival. It is celebrated every year on January 26, in New Delhi with great pomp and pageant and in capitals of the States, as well as at other headquarters and important places with patriotic fervour.

It was the Lahore Session of the Indian National Congress at midnight of December 31, 1929 - January 1, 1930, that the Tri-Colour Flag was unfurled by the nationalists and a pledge taken that every year on January 26, the “Republic Day” would be celebrated and that the people would unceasingly strive for the establishment of a Sovereign Democratic Republic of India. The professed pledge was successfully redeemed on 26 January, 1950, when the Constitution of India framed by the Constituent Assembly of India came into force, although the Independence from the British rule was achieved on August 15, 1947.

It is because of this that August 15 is celebrated as Independence Day, while January 26 as Republic Day. The most spectacular celebrations include the march past of the three armed Forces, massive parades, folk dances by tribal folk from the different states in picturesque costumes marking the cultural unity of India. Further, the streak of jet planes of Indian Air Force, leaving a trial of coloured smoke, marks the end of the festival. The trees on both sides of the routes and the lawns become alive with spectators.

The President of India at New Delhi, on this most colourful day, takes salute of the contingents of Armed Forces. In the States, the Governors take the salute, and in Taluqas and administrative headquarters on same procedure is adopted. At Vijay Chowk in New Delhi, three days later (i.e. 29th January) the massed bands of the Armed Forces “Beat the Retreat” in a majestic manner.

The Republic Day celebrations have rightly become world famous as one of the 
greatest shows on earth drawing thousands of eager sight-seers from all over the country and many parts of the world. No other country can draw on such a wealth of tribal traditions and cultures, so many regional forms of dances and dress. And, no other country in the world can parade so many ethnically different people in splendid uniforms as India’s Armed Forces. But they are all united in their proven loyalty to the Government elected by the people and in their proud traditions and legendary gallantry.

Celebrations:

Officially, Republic Day is celebrated all over the country - national capital, state capitals, municipal corporations, panchayats, and other official agencies. At the level of the people, it is observed in homes, housing colonies, schools, colleges and institutions of every kind.