The Lounge - General Discussion - Off Topic

NVIDIA Auction For The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

News — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:34:40 GMT

Ultimate NVIDIA Themed Gaming System for Auction on eBay – 100% of proceeds going to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

One of the fastest and most tricked out PCs ever built is up for auction on eBay

What: One of the fastest, most tricked out PCs ever built has just been put up for auction on eBay. With a one of a kind NVIDIA themed paint job created by Smooth Creations, the system features two watercooled GeForce GTX 295 graphics cards in SLI, NVIDIA 3D Vision Glasses and Samsung 2233RZ 3D Vision Ready Display, an Intel Core i7 975 Extreme Edition CPU, 12GB of Crucial Ballistix DDR3 Memory, an ASUS Rampage II Gene X58 Motherboard, two 256GB Crucial SSD Hard Drives in Raid 0, two 1TB Western Digital Caviar Black Hard Drives, and more.

The system was hand built by world renowned case modder Richard “Darth Beavis” Surroz, and is valued at over $10,000. 100% of the proceeds from the auction are going directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. All of the services and parts used to create the system were donated by the 11 main sponsors of the project.

Who: NVIDIA employee (and former hardware editor) Paul Jastrzebski put together this project as a way to raise money for blood cancer research after a close friend of his was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a devastating blood cancer.

Every company Paul mentioned the project to enthusiastically donated some of their best PC components or their unique services – and after only a few weeks, one of the fastest and coolest looking PCs ever built was created.

Where: The system is up for auction on eBay

right here.

A blog dedicated to the project can be found at www.charitycasemod.com and features additional pictures, videos, and information on the system.

When: The eBay auction is currently live and will end Tuesday, November 24th 2009 at 8:03:56 Pacific Standard Time.

Gene Roddenberry's Apple Up For Auction

News — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:04:52 GMT

NOTE: This story has been updated, to correct erroneous information from the auctioneer.

A early production Macintosh128 (#776), a gift from Apple Computer to Gene Roddenberry, is up for auction.

If that's not enough to entice your inner geek, Apple later upgraded it to a Macintosh Plus for Roddenberry.

If you don't know who Gene Roddenberry is, just move along, nothing to see here.

Gene Roddenberry's Apple Macintosh Plus - A real screamer

Profiles in History, "the world's leadingauctioneer of Hollywood memorabilia," is selling the computer, whichbears the serial number F4200NUM0001, at its auction Oct. 8-9 — bidding begins at noon both days.. Thecomputer will be sold along with a "signed letter of provenance fromRoddenberry's son, Rod," and is expected to fetch $800 to $1,200

It probably won't be the top-selling item at the auction, as MichaelJackson's "iconic illuminating white glove" worn on the Jacksons'Victory tour and the original cover art for the brothers' Victoryalbum, are part of the same auction.

The Macintosh is the very first one to come off the assembly line atApple Computer in Fresno, Ca., and had a then-whopping 1 Mb RAM (whichcould be upgraded to 4Mb). It supported the 3.5 inch double-sidedfloppy disc, was the first Mac with an SCSI port for fast data transferto and from an external hard drive and was the first mass-producedcomputer to use the mouse. It was in production longer than any otherMacintosh, lasting four years, to 1990.

Remember the seemingly high-tech beige-colored case with the nine-inchdisplay? Roddenberry's had the short keyboard, external floppy drive,mouse and Apple logo deluxe padded carrying case.

And it can be yours. If you're a confirmed P.C. lover, but Star Trek fan, you can go where no PC owner has gone before.

MOTO's Multi-Touch BlackJack Table Puts The Dealer Out Of Business

News — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:02:06 GMT

The MOTO Development Group has just released what may be the coolest thing to hit a casino floor in decades. The group is calling its new Multi-Touch BlackJack table a "world's first," and gamers will soon be able to experience it at the Global Gaming Expo 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. As of now, the prototype table can run BlackJack and Texas Hold 'Em, and honestly, those two are really the only games you need when you're playing for chips.

The team took an atypical approach to creating this; instead of embedding individual screens in a standard size blackjack table, this concept creates a "seamless virtual table gaming experience that automates the betting process, physical cards, and card-shoes." Gamers gather around it just like they would a traditional table, and cards are slid virtually across the table rather than really moving across. Of course, some may suspect that casinos could use this fact to their advantage, but hey, it's all in good fun, right? Depends on whose cash we're talking about, doesn't it?

Multi-Touch Blackjack: How it Works

In 2007, MOTO developed a prototype of a Multi-Touch Table– alarge-scale, resistive-touch system that enables multiple users toconduct simultaneous touch-based interactions in a unified contentenvironment. Table gaming is an ideal application for multi-touchscreen technology. Replacing physical tokens, chips, cards, or gamepieces with virtual items eliminates tedious setup, distribution, andcleanup tasks while increasing the efficiency and accuracy of the game.
With all that in mind, MOTO developed a full-scale versions ofBlackjack for our multi-touch screen. Written in Java, using an opensource graphics library called Processing (for images of playing cards,chips, card rotations, and animation), Multi-Touch Blackjack recreatesa casino-style game experience on a touch-screen tabletop, giving afamiliar game new verve.
From a design perspective, the key challenge was to develop gesturesthat feel natural and intuitive. Fortunately, Multi-Touch Blackjackalso knows what players may want to do based on where they are in theaction, so it automates some aspects of the game that might otherwiserequire non-intuitive actions.
When you have a hand of cards, for example, it assumes you probably want to hide them.
In the multi-touch environment, the basic elements of blackjackgameplay are re-created using familiar gestures and interactions:
Dealing: The dealer simply slides virtual cards across the table (or the task can be automated).
Private viewing: Players can shield their cards from other playersby creating a cupped barrier with one hand. This gesture hides the faceof the cards behind an opaque “curtain.” To view cards privately, theplayer slides their cupped hand slowly down the virtual cards. As thehand moves, the opaque curtain rises to reveal a small portion of thecards.
Betting: Bets are placed by dragging virtual chips into the center of the table.
Showing: Players reveal their cards by raising the cupped hand thatshields them. (This behavior can be restricted so users cannot showtheir cards accidentally.)
Human learning curves and security concerns are substantial hurdlesthat would have to be overcome before multi-touch gaming takes overVegas. But for folks seeking fun, novel, and truly social interactionswith new technology, MOTO’s Multi-Touch Blackjack has proven to be abig 21.

Shameless Plug :)

Dave_HH — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:28:58 GMT

Hey Folks!

Digg and share our Radeon HD 5970 article!

http://digg.com/hardware/World_s_Fastest_Graphics_Card_Dual_GPU_Radeon_5970_Launched?OTC-widget

Thanks!

Up and running Windows 7 Ultimate

Der Meister — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:01:49 GMT

Got my retail copy yesterday. Its much like the RC from my use. I am going to load virtual xp on it today so I can play a few games from years past...

ORIGIN Custom Gaming PCs Offer Unlimited Options

News — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:00:50 GMT

Alienware, Dell, HP, Falcon Northwest--the list goes on and on. But really, can there ever be enough gaming PCs? We think not. Today, a new company has broken out by the name of ORIGIN, and it's hoping to provide custom gaming machines to those with specific requests and the money to pay for 'em.

The new company is also unveiling its first two machines, the GENESIS desktop and EON18 notebook. The idea here is pretty unique--for the desktop, you choose any chassis on the market, any paint you want and pretty much any hardware, with prices starting at $1699. Obviously things will get pretty expensive if you choose wild stuff, but at least the option is there. Have a look at the first two options below, and get ready for the custom PC market to get a lot more interesting.

Perhaps what's interesting out of the gate is that these folks are ex-Alienware team members. Now gunning for Dell? You betcha...

Gaming PC Executives Respawn with ORIGIN Custom Gaming PCs
Each ORIGIN Co-Founder Brings over a Decade of Industry Experience
True Customization with Unlimited Color and Airbrush Design Options
Guaranteed Overclocking, Liquid Cooled Desktops, and Dual GPU Laptops
Personalized Lifetime Phone/Online Support and Lifetime Labor for Repairs and Upgrades
Strategic Partnerships with Fatal1ty® and Killer Paint
MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ORIGIN, a new custom gaming PC manufacturer, has unveiled the GENESIS and EON18 systems, featuring levels of customization, aggressive design, personalized support and performance, the likes of which the PC gaming industry has never seen.
Much like its desktops and notebooks, ORIGIN PC was built from the ground up by PC experts, each with over 10 years of experience at the forefront of the gaming PC explosion, and each one holding executive titles of Dell’s acquired gaming arm, Alienware. ORIGIN gives hardcore gamers an unsurpassed level of customization, allowing customers to send in any desktop chassis on the market and build their custom GENESIS in that chassis.
In a partnership that truly unites gaming and artistry, ORIGIN is bringing in the expert airbrushing talents of Killer Paint, best known for their custom paint jobs in the automotive industry and innovative True Fire® effect. Killer Paint will airbrush each chassis by hand with standard colors, metallic colors, or artistic designs. For true personalization, buyers can send in their own design or work with a design specialist who will build a system that will encompass the individuality and personal flair of its owner.
For the ultimate in performance, ORIGIN has joined forces with leading PC gaming brands, such as Fatal1ty, to offer its customers the very best hardware available. From the fastest processors to Fatal1ty branded graphics, memory and sound cards, ORIGIN systems prepare gamers for the best gaming experience possible.
ORIGIN’s commitment to gamers does not end with performance and design; build quality, system testing and service are just as important. Every ORIGIN system is put through an intensive three day burn-in testing process that includes game benchmarking and installing all the latest drivers, to ensure stable gameplay and performance. Add to the mix lifetime phone/online support along with lifetime labor provided by a personalized team of experts, and it’s clear that the brand is serious about its commitment to gamers.
“Many boutique computer makers have lost their way, forgetting what’s important to gamers and becoming just another corporate entity,” says Kevin Wasielewski, CEO/Co-Founder of ORIGIN PC. “ORIGIN is the return of the real gaming PC giving gamers exactly what they want with the most customizable, best performing, hand painted and hand built gaming PCs available.”
“I have known the founders of ORIGIN for several years and have selected them as my premier gaming PC partner,” said Johnathan “Fatal1ty” Wendel, the world's leading professional gamer. “With ORIGIN, I want to focus on what true, hardcore gamers and enthusiasts want from their gaming PC: high-performance, personal customization, and a PC that delivers the best gaming experience in collaboration with my licensed partners.”
“With decades of experience building some of the best gaming PCs on the market, ORIGIN is one gaming PC manufacturer to be taken seriously,” says Eddie O’Brien, VP of Microsoft - US OEM. “The winning combination of Windows 7’s performance and stability along with ORIGIN's customization and service is something gamers worldwide will want to experience.”
ORIGIN PC has brought together the best hardware in the computer gaming industry with original paint and design options to deliver a powerful, yet one of a kind gaming computer. ORIGIN is initially offering their GENESIS custom desktop and EON18 laptop, which are available in the United States starting today and Australia and Japan soon. Key specifications for each system are listed below:
GENESIS Custom Gaming Desktop
Chassis: Choose any chassis on the market
Paint: Unlimited color and design options
CPU: Guaranteed overclocked Intel or AMD processors
GPU: Dual or Tri NVIDIA or ATI video cards
Memory: Dual or Triple Channel DDR3 2000MHz RAM
Optical: Dual-layer Blu-ray disc burner
Price: Starting at US $1,699
EON18 Custom Gaming Notebook
Chassis: Programmable gaming buttons; Touch sensitive access buttons
Paint: Unlimited Color and Design Options
Display: 18.4” FullHD (1920 x 1080) widescreen LCD
CPU: Intel^® Core^TM 2 Extreme processors
GPU: Dual NVIDIA^® GeForce^® GTX 280M
Memory: 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 1333MHz
Storage: Three hard drives w/RAID configurations
Optical: Dual-layer Blu-ray disc burner
Starting at US $2,599
Links:
Website: ORIGINPC.com
Twitter: twitter.com/originpc
Facebook: facebook.com/originpc
About ORIGIN:
ORIGIN builds custom, high-performance desktops and laptops for hardcore enthusiasts and gamers. ORIGIN PCs are hand built, tested, and serviced by knowledgeable gaming enthusiasts, industry veterans, and award winning system integrators. ORIGIN is located in Miami, FL and ships to North America, Australia, and Japan. For more information, please visit www.ORIGINpc.com or call 1-877-ORIGIN-Ø.
©2009 ORIGIN PC Corporation all rights reserved - ORIGIN and the ORIGIN “O” symbol are trademarks of ORIGIN PC Corporation - Fatal1ty, the Fatal1ty “F” and Certified logos are trademarks of Fatal1ty, Inc., and are used with permission. www.fatal1ty.com

Microsoft Co-Founder Sees Recurrence of Cancer

News — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:46:21 GMT

Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft in 1975 with Bill Gates, has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL). This is a recurrence of the disease; Allen previously fought and beat NHL after being diagnosed in 1983, the year he left Microsoft.

Since leaving Microsoft, Paul Allen has purchased three pro sports teams: the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers, and MLS's Seattle Sounders that began playing in the 2009 season. Additionally, he is the founder and chairman of Vulcan Inc., his private asset management company.

A memo was sent to employees of Vulcan, as well as the media, by Vulcan CEO Jody Allen, who is also Paul Allen's sister:

To employees of Vulcan and affiliates:

   I want to let you know that Paul was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

   He received the diagnosis early this month and has begun chemotherapy. Doctors say he has diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a relatively common form of lymphoma.

   This is tough news for Paul and the family. But for those who know Paul's story, you know he beat Hodgkin's a little more than 25 years ago and he is optimistic he can beat this, too.

   Paul is feeling OK and remains upbeat. He continues to work and he has no plans to change his role at Vulcan. His health comes first, though, and we'll be sure that nothing intrudes on that.

   We would ask you to respect Paul's privacy and not discuss this outside of the office.

   If you have any questions, please ask your EC member.

   Thank you in advance for what I know will be all your good thoughts for Paul.

   Jody

According to the American Cancer Society, there has been a general decline in Hodgkins lymphoma rates over the past 30 years, this disease now accounts for only 1 percent of all cancers. At the same time, rates of NHL have increased by more than 70 percent during this same period. NHL is currently the fifth most common type of cancer in the U.S. and accounts for about 4 percent of all cancers.

IBM Offers 100% Primary Health Care Coverage For US Employees: Who's Next?

News — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:33:32 GMT

IBM is well known for creating some pretty radical devices andsolutions. From supercomputers to improvements in business efficiency,IBM is credited with doing a whole lot in the business/tech world.Unfortunately, it also had to lay off thousands of workers earlier thisyear as the economy declined, but as things pick back up, the companyis looking to set a precendent. Or at least generate favor with theemployees that are left.

Starting in 2010, IBM will provide its US employees with 100% coverageof primary health care. Read that again. Now, wonder why your employerisn't doing the same. As the US government goes back and forth with its"public option," IBM is doing what every other major corporationshould've done years ago: it's taking care of things on its own. Thedeal really is as sweet as it sounds, too.

There will be no coinsurance or deductible for in-network primary carewith theirinternist, family practitioner, pediatrician, general practitioner orprimary osteopath. Of course, IBM isn't the only company in the US tocover primary care at 100%, but it's easily the most visable to do it.IBM is a company that demands attention in the tech world and on WallStreet, so it makes sense that people are looking at this and expectingchange elsewhere.

As if this wasn't enough, the outfit is also announcing a new wellnessincentive for employees to encourage changes in lifestyleto build energy, better health and vitality through all aspects ofpersonal well-being -- emotional, mental and physical. Starting soon,this will be one of five $150 rebates offered to full-time IBMemployees in the US.

So, wondering if IBM is hiring?

HotHardware and TechVi Video Podcast No. 3

News — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:25:37 GMT

We just finished our third video podcast with the good folks over at TechVi. In this installment, Marco explains mixing brands of graphics cards with Lucid's Hydra and Dave breaks down how Apple seems to be losing its software edge. We also talk about the big Intel and AMD settlement and its consequences, and a Core i7 based gaming notebooks.

Show Notes:
:30 — Home of HotHardware
:43 — Sharing GPUs with Lucid's Hydra
2:36 — Decline in Apple software quality
4:41 — Laptop hunters
5:20 — Intel and AMD
7:30 — Core i7 gaming notebooks

HotHardware and Viddler Contest: Win A Flip UltraHD!

News — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:40:10 GMT

HotHardware.com and Viddler have teamed up to bring you a great contest and give-away! Upload a short video of yourself telling us about your own personal hardware or tech gear and why it enhances your world. You can upload the clip here or just click the webcam link on the contest page and shoot it live! Be creative, funny, inspiring, informational, whatever - and you could win a Flip UltraHD camcorder!

Enter To Win a Flip UltraHD Here!

Canadian Space Tourist and Moon Bombing

eunoia — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:59:22 GMT

Canadian billionaire Guy Laliberté begins his 12-day trip into space today. His One Drop Foundation will be streaming a performance on Oct. 9 calling it a poetic social mission for water awareness.

http://www.onedrop.org/en/

Now, according to Scientific American online, that is around the time NASA will be bombing the moon in search of water.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=nasas-mission-to-bomb-the-moon-2009-06

Are these two events somehow related?

WebriQ Pro Template Design Contest'09

webriq — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:22:57 GMT

WebriQ, an online web content management software is soon to launch its Template contest. The company will award the best template design but also the best designed E-commerce site and the site with the most original content. The start of the contest will be on November 13^th, but you can get a sneak preview of the contest on http://webriq.com

Further details will be on our website and on a WebriQ microsite soon.
The winner will get a cheque of 1,000 USD and will be awarded with a Platinum WebriQ Partnership.

The contest is looking for original and custom made CSS Template designs based on the Universal Template design of WebriQ. Beyond the best design, the company will also award the best E-commerce Template design and the Template with the most original and best content.

How can you participate?

The contest is looking for original and custom made CSS Template designs based on the Universal Template design of WebriQ.

Beyond the best design, the company will also award the best E-commerce Template design and the Template with the most original and best content.

The contest is open to all interested web designers, web developers, free lance web developers or anyone that has basic or extended knowledge of CSS template design.

Timeline

Currently - Those interested can have a sneak preview on what the WebriQ CMS is all about. Anybody can create site(s) for free and use any of the currently available four WebriQ packages free of charge for the trial period.

November 9, 2009 - WebriQ goes commercial. The Beta sign will be removed.

November 9, 2009 - The 5th package, WebriQ PRO package will be launched. The PRO package allows those users who have CSS and site builder capability, to export a common CSS file to their desktop, edit the code off-line then import it back to their WebriQ site. A parser facility will allow also the on-line customization of the template. The PRO users can also save and load different versions of template to their site. Moreover, the content of the site itself can be restored at any given time.

November 13, 2009 - PRO's Pro Template Contest starts. Anybody, who has a WebriQ PRO package (trial sites do qualify) can enroll to the Contest. Contestants can download a Template Creator Kit and start creating a custom CSS file and upload it to their site. When ready, the site owner can enroll to the Contest from his admin interface. The contest works will be continuously evaluated. Those sites that qualify for the contest will get a 90 days extension of their PRO package. Contestants will be notified by e-mail about acceptance or refusal of their designs.

December 13, 2009 - Submission deadline. Selected design works will be exposed for voting.

December 22, 2009 - Contest closure. Winners will be awarded.

for more info follow these links : webriq contest , webriq.com

Motorola's DROID, Tested and Burned In

News — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:34:39 GMT

Verizon's DROID from Motorola finally goes on sale today & offers many things the iPhone just can't, like taking pictures in low light settings, a hardware keyboard, running simultaneous applications, a 5-megapixel camera, interchangeable batteries, and open development for the platform. The features are there but are they enough to convince users to switch?

We take a deep-dive look at Motorola's HOT new DROID smartphone:
http://hothardware.com/Articles/Motorola-DROID-Review/

Expiration Interval for Password: Need Advice

FattyLumpkin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:54:26 GMT

Hi...I have a laptop that goes between networks. This laptop has been displaying a message that appears in the system tray area as a bubble: "Your password will expire in 4 days." As I get closer to the date the number gets smaller. You can see that I am getting close. From what I can tell it has something to do with changing networks and it should be an easy change. I have no idea what happens when this date is reached but I imagine I will not be able to log on any more.

Below I have pasted what looks like very easy instructions (found online) for turning off this password change interval. However, there is no step 6 for me...the Local Security Policy. Until that point I can navigate as directed without problem. Does anyone have an insight here?

OS is Windows Vista Home Premium.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

How to Change the Expiration Interval

Click Start
Select Settings
Select Control Panel
Select System and Maintenance
Double Click on Administrative Tools
Double Click on Local Security Policy (grant permission)
On the Left panel, under Security Settings, click the little arrow next to Account Policies, to drop down and view the folder options.
Click on the Password Policy folder
On the right panel, RIGHT-CLICK on Maximum password age
Select Properties
Under the Local Security Setting Tab, Find Password will expire in: (Select number of days between expirations)
Click Apply
Click OK
Click the red X's to close all the windows properly.

HotHardware and TechVi Video Podcast No. 2

News — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:13:58 GMT

We just finished up our second podcast with the folks at TechVi. In this installments we talk about our recent performance tests on USB 3.0 and SATA 6G drives, Dave breaks down a "consumer level" $800 SSD with massive performance, plus two new notebooks running Intel’s CULV processors and a deep look at the Moto Droid.

Show Notes:
0:20 — USB 3.0 Performance Preview
1:30 — FusionIO PCI Express SSD
4:05 — CULV Notebooks
5:15 — Motorola Droid

Big-Time Gaming Pirate Gets Busted!

SuperRob — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:04:53 GMT

I was looking at gamespot today and came across this story. It's about this 18 yr. old kid who somehow got an illegal copy of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and planned to sell thousands more. Only one problem, Activision caught him by a posting he made on Craig's List, LOL. This guy actually put up a sale on Craig's List for a bunch of Xbox 360 versions of the game. You can read the whole story here. The guy couldn't wait like everyone else... At least the other pirates actually wait until the game comes out and then torrents it, lol.

Any Fedor/MMA fans?

recoveringknowitall — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:28:21 GMT

Anyone catch the Saturday Night Fight on CBS?

Rogers got mollywhopped, but he's a pretty good big man IMO... moves good, decent wind and has great power!

Post Your Desktop Thread

Dev — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:51:59 GMT

Haven't see one of these threads in a while.

I'm still using my MacBook but I stuck a copy of Ubuntu on it, I wouldn't recommend Ubuntu on a Mac before you ask.

Anyway go . .

PCFlip.com Holiday Giveaway

eunoia — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:55:20 GMT

Another forum, another computer (+ many prizes) to give away:

http://www.pcflip.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=462

Illegal Downloaders Spend More on Music: Study

News — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:32:18 GMT

Want to prosecute people who are downloading files illegally? Well, if you fine them, you might be taking money out of the hands of your best customers, a new survey shows.

It's not the first such survey to come to this conclusion. However, it is the latest.

The study, published on Sunday by U.K. think tank Demos, surveyed 1,008 people aged between 18 and 50 last month. It found that those who admit to illegally downloading music spent an average of £77 a year on music, which is £33 more than those who claim that they never do so.

The British Phonographic Industry estimates that seven million U.K. users download files illegally annually, which will cost the industry £200 million this year. Assuming, however, that the survey held true, the extra £33 spent annually by each of those seven million would add up to £231 million. Hey, that's a profit of £31 million!

Seriously, the study also noted that lowering the price for legally downloaded music could result in a significant decrease in illegal downloads. The sweet spot would seem to be 45p per track. Currently, tracks on iTunes run between 59p and 99p; the survey indicated that sales could double at that price.

Naturally, the music industry wasn't too impressed with the survey. Recent proposals, include a "three strikes, you're out" policy which would terminate broadband service if consumers fail to respond to warning letters; the industry believes this will deter illegal downloaders.

Meanwhile, some, including Forrester Research, have a different view. Mark Mulligan of Forrester Research said, "The people who file-share are the ones who are interested in music. They use file-sharing as a discovery mechanism. We have a generation of young people who don't have any concept of music as a paid-for commodity. You need to have it at a price point you won't notice."

This same argument has been made for downloaders of other material, such as PC games; many say they download as a sort of "try and buy" method. In terms of this survey, 83% said they buy more music as a result, and 42% said they did so to "try before you buy."

Of course, this doesn't change the fact that illegal downloading is still stealing. It is evident, however, that many younger people just don't see it that way.

HotHardware April Sweepstakes! Win a new Rig!

News — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:21:48 GMT

It's that time again! Time for us to announce our latest sweepstakes! In conjunction with our friends at Diamond Multimedia and Smooth Creations, we’ve got one hot rig to give away this month! Today, we’re announcing a new sweepstakes where you could win a full AMD Phenom X4 9750-based system, complete with a Diamond Radeon HD 3870 X2 graphics card and slick, custom painted Smooth Creations case. This machine is definitely a head turner, and it could be all yours! As usual, we’ll be giving away this rig away to a randomly selected contributor to our on-line forum and discussion systems. The complete break-down of components in the system includes:

Processor: AMD Phenom X4 9750

Graphics: Diamond Radeon HD 3870 X2

Case: Smooth Creations CM Cosmos 100

PSU: Silverstone 850 Watt

Memory: 2GB Buffalo FireStix DDR2

Motherboard: Abit AX-78

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar 500GB

Optical Drive: LG DVD-R / RW

Miscellaneous: Zalman Cooling Fans

From this point forward, we’ll be monitoring discussions on the site and will be randomly selecting a winner based on community involvement and contribution. To increase your chances of being a winner, sign up for our HotHardware RSS News Alerts as well, and we'll toss your name into the mix for double credit! The sweepstakes will run through May 3, 2008.

This is a great opportunity for to you to win a custom, powerful new system. Now go make some new friends in the forum and get in the running! Good Luck!

Win the BEAST! HotHardware's Skulltrail Sweepstakes!

News — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 18:03:54 GMT

We’ve got some exciting news for you all today! To coincide with Intel’s official Skulltrail announcement that just hit the news wire, we’re announcing a sweepstakes of our own where you could win a full Skulltrail-based system, complete with dual graphics cards and a super-fast 10,000 RPM hard drive. We’re talking eight-cores of benchmark busting performance here, and it could be all yours!

HotHardware has partnered up with Intel to assemble a complete Skulltrail rig that we’ll be giving away to a randomly selected contributor to our on-line forum and discussion systems. The complete break-down of components in the system includes:

Processors: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 x 2

Motherboard: Intel D5400XS ‘Skulltrail’

Memory: 2GB DDR2 FB-DIMM Memory

Graphics: GeForce 8800 GT 512MB x 2 (SLI)

Optical Storage: Lite-On 20X DVD-RW with Lightscribe

Hard Drive: Western Digital Raptor 150GB

Power Supply: Ultra X3 1000 Watt

Case: Gigabyte 3D Aurora (Black)

To be entered into the sweepstakes, you’ve got to be a registered, active member of our forum and a resident of the United States. If you’re not already a member, you can sign up quickly and easily (and for free), right here.

From this point forward, we’ll be monitoring discussions on the site and will be randomly selecting a winner based on community involvement and contribution. To increase your chances of being a winner, sign up for our HotHardware RSS News Alerts and we'll toss your name into the mix for double credit! The sweepstakes will run through to the end of the month at which point we'll pick the winner (Feb. 29).

This is a huge opportunity for to you to win Intel's BEAST of a system. Good Luck!

Prince of Persia Movie....

mentaldisorder — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:50:53 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8EA7EbFX4k&annotation_id=annotation_455055&feature=iv

Wow, way to ruin another game Hollywood...We can thank Disney this time. Someone enlighten me...since when is a dagger the reason the good man can go back in time?

happy halloween ya'll.

nelsoncp21 — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:27:35 GMT

Just want to say Happy Halloween and see what ya'll are up to tonight. I'm takin little man trick or treatin, handin out some candy then headed to a party down the street. What about ya'll. If your geting dressed up check back in tomorrow and post a pic of your costume. Enjoy your night

Going to the doc today

warlord — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:31:39 GMT

well as the tittle of the thread says today i go to the doc to see what is up with these headaches I have been having for so long. Here's hoping this doc can figure out the problem and i can get back to normal around here.