Guys Index

The problem with the lithium ion batteries powering your iPods and notebooks is that they can be a mite explode-y. But German scientists at Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research have figured out how to replace the liquid electrolyte ka-bloom goo with a non-flammable polymer, which, on top of not blowing up, is a solid material, so it can't leak either. But, there are two big catches.

One, it'll be like 3-5 years before you can curl up next to your notebook in bed and pass out without worrying it'll take your gnads off with an exciting display of shrapnel and fire in the middle of the night. (That's not what keeps me up at night, I swear.) The other is that it looks like they don't pack in quite as much juice as the combustible kind (hence the 3-5 year development time). I don't know, I think almost rather risk silicon and limb to get a 30 hour charge for my notebook. [Fraunhofer Institute via Gadget Lab]

Rejoice! The week is at an end. You have worked hard and now it's high time you got to relax and enjoy a "Thank Giz It's Friday" roundup of gadgets that are pointless, vulgar, confusing and (in some cases) scary. If you find yourself saying "I have that!" a number of times while perusing the following gallery, it might be a good idea to sort some things out with a trained professional.

Filed under: Gaming

When you're playing Samurai Shodown on your virtual Neo Geo, you need more than that rinky-dink controller to immerse you in a world of arcade magic. When you need to reach for a controller than can match up to your memories, you need the Neo Geo Stick 2. That's right, this fully Wii-compatible controller can send you hurtling back through time to a happier day when your only concerns were cruising in your IROC-Z, shredding to Winger, and making sure you had enough quarters in your pocket to play Fatal Fury. Ready to do the time warp? $59.90 gets you through the door.

[Via technabob]

 

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Filed under: Peripherals

 

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Filed under: Digital Cameras

For some, tossing around phrases like "live preview" and "flip-out swivel screen" would be enough to sell Sony's Alpha A350, but we know you're more discerning than that, right? Right. Truth be told, Sony's feature-packed Alpha only turned out okay -- not great -- during a review session with the folks over at CNET. Still, the unit did offer a sturdy feel, a fantastically useful LCD monitor and satisfactory color / dynamic range. Unfortunately, the extra $200 or so you pay for 14-megapixels (over 10MP on the A300) wasn't deemed worthwhile, as the extra processing "exacted a performance toll" in real-world use. The bottom line? These critics felt the Rebel XSi would be a better bet if you're just looking for a nice resolution bump, but for the vast majority of folks, you're likely better off snagging the A300 and putting your leftover dough towards a decent piece of glass.

 

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This rather worthy-looking laptop is Fujitsu's WoodShell. Made with cedar wood, it's part of the Japan Design Innovation 2008 exhibit at the Salone Internazionale Del Mobile in Milan, an event for furniture strokers everywhere. There's a picture of the WoodShell with its lid down below, and you've got to love Fujitsu's take on a generic 70s sci-fi font, not to mention its black-and-red-ness.

At last year's Salone Internazionale Del Mobile, you may remember that Sony got all hot and heavy with a bunch of master craftsmen. The event takes place from April 16 to 20, and we'll keep our beadies out for all the best stuff on show. [Impress]