Episode #150
I have heard that AMD is about to launch something called AMD spider; some kind of new tech between graphic cards and motherboard cpu; What is it? When is it coming out? Price point? worth waiting for?
Peter, Vancouver, BC
The AMD Spider takes advantage of the company’s acquisition of graphics card manufacturer ATI last year to produce a complete system bundling quad-core Phenom processors, the new series 7 chipsets, and a new ATI graphics platform. The idea is to provide an all-in-one system that’s tuned to work together and is particularly aimed at gaming. You’ll buy Spider computers, not Spider components, from companies like iBuypower and Cyberpower.
As we tape this no Spider systems are yet available and we haven’t had a chance to play with any so I can’t give you an informed opinion. I’d look for benchmarks for these systems before you buy at sites like Extremetech.com and anandtech.com.
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Air Date: February 20, 2008
TranscriptCaller Questions
- Ron, Dieppe, NB
- Peter, Vancouver, BC
- Mark, Beavorton
- Luisa, Mountain View, PA
Yewell's Jewels
- jMemorizewindowslinux
jMemorize is a Java application that manages your flashcards by the famous Leitner system and makes memorizing facts not only more efficient but also more fun. It manages your whole learning progress and features categories, statistics and a visually appealing and intuitive interface.
Sean's Shinies
- Roomba 560 Vacuum Cleaning Robot
$349
Who wants to vacuum anyhow? Not me. iRobot has introduced new Roomba Vacuum Cleaning robots, including this particular model. You can set up your robot to vacuum on a schedule or you can just tap the “clean” button on top and off it’ll go…and if all goes well it should vacuum up the grit and then find its own way back to the charging cradle. It comes with two beacons that can be used as a “lighthouse” or as a “virtual wall”, to make sure the Roomba goes to places you want it to go…or to stay away from them entirely. The Roomba DOES seem to follow a fairly erratic path (scaring housepets as it goes)…but it DOES seem to get the job done.
Shiny
- auto-cleans room
- adjusts for floor type
- avoids falling down stairs
- finds charging dock when battery low
Dull
- cleaning seems random
- scares housepetsRoomba 560
iRobot
Kate’s Tips
- Ideal Bite
Green-lifestyle websites seem to be sprouting up all over, but Ideal Bite serves up eco-friendly tips with a mixture of heart and sass, and doesn’t ask you to compromise your personal style or comfort. Call it Green Lite; down to earth and practical, not preachy, Ideal Bite supplements its guidance with “Bang for the Bite” fun tidbits and “cocktail factoids” that speak to its playful approach. The advice is well-researched and delivered in series of persuasive and concise bullet points, followed by links to online shops that sell Earth-friendly goods like recycled wrapping paper and beeswax candles. One recent tip gave lazy gardeners permission to just leave the grass clippings where they lie after mowing the lawn; the clippings serve as a natural fertilizer, Ideal Bite pointed out, plus you’ll use fewer plastic bags and keep yard waste out of the local landfill. Sign up to receive a daily tip via email, or read them all in the site’s tip library.