YUBZ (Why You Busy) Talk Mobile Handset:
YUBZ is a company I had not heard of before CES, and they were displaying a variety of interesting products in their suite at the Wynn. Most were Bluetooth connected mobile phone devices, and the most eye catching was their "Talk" mobile handset. It has the physical shape and size of a handset from a wired phone circa 1980 (or earlier), which initially makes you wonder how it can be considered a mobile device. With mobile phones being so small these days, you might be able to store a half dozen phones in the space one YUBZ Talk occupies.
The appeal is purely for the novelty, and YUBZ plays that up big time. There are a handful of colors to choose from, and plenty of printed designs available to customize the handset even more. The old-school, spiral-wound cable can be fitted with a variety of connections to match up to most modern phones. If you have a Bluetooth capable phone you can skip the cable and select a YUBZ Talk that connects without cables. The wired version will set you back about $45, while the Bluetooth version comes in much higher, at about $80. Definitely not cheap when it comes to handsets, but they are definitely unique.
If you want the ultimate in geek chic when it comes to mobile phone handsets, YUBZ offers a Talk finished in a leopard print pattern and covered with crystals... With a price tag approaching $1500!! The YUBZ guys were claiming this pimped out unit was a great thing to carry on you to parties, since it is such an attention grabber. We didn't really believe them, but then we happened to run into them at a party later that night, and the leopard print YUBZ Talk was working its magic! Women... beautiful women... were approaching them to check it out and talk to them.
CoolIT Systems Domino Advanced Liquid Cooling:
CoolIT Systems has been around for a few years now, and they have managed to simplify and miniaturize the components needed for liquid cooling computer components. What is more important, they have done so while not compromising on cooling performance. Toward the end of 2008 they released a new product that seemed to check off a third item on an enthusiast's wish list... A low price. Liquid cooling can get expensive, but the CoolIT Systems Domino ALC (Advanced Liquid Cooling) setup now offers a compact, enthusiast grade CPU cooler for under $80.
The Domino ALC was making the rounds with review sites prior to CES, but we haven't looked at one at Bigbruin.com just yet. Seeing it in action at CES made it clear just how compact and lightweight it is. Installation should be easy for anyone capable of installing a typical heatsink... There is only one 3-pin electrical connection to be made, no coolant to be added, and mounts for most modern processors are included.
A switch on the side of the unit lets you select from three fan speeds, while a bright blue LCD display provides information regarding fan and pump speed, warning messages, and indication as to whether the fan is at low, medium, or high speed. High speed was moving a good deal of air, but the noise level might be too high for a quiet installation. Low and medium were much quieter, and the system on display seemed to be running safely at those speeds.
