Some might say that the phone you’re peering at above is the most un-Nokia-like Nokia device produced in quite some time (if not ever), but remember, this one was custom made for US consumers and AT&T’s audience — something that’s not true for too many Espoo-sourced handsets. Once known as the Mako, Nokia’s Surge (or 6790 in international speak) is certainly unorthodox in design, though the actual specs list is fairly familiar. We get the feeling that Nokia was aiming to hit a very specific niche with this device, somewhere in-between the text-happy handsets adored by tweens and the smartphone desired by Mr. Suit. Care to see if we think Nokia accomplished said goal? Then head on over to Engadget Mobile for the rest!

Filed under: Cellphones

Engadget Mobile reviews Nokia’s Surge originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We’ve already gotten a pretty good look at LG’s stylish new BL40 phone (also simply known the new “Chocolate”) courtesy of some official shots, but no phone launch would be complete without an over the top ad, and LG’s naturally got that covered as well. As you can see for yourself after the break, the 4-inch, 800 pixel wide display is one of the main selling points here, and if that’s not enough for you, we hear you can even use it to output full HD video to a TV. Unfortunately, there’s still no word as to when it’ll be release ’round these parts, although there’s at least some indication that it could be making its North American debut on Telus.

Continue reading LG’s BL40 “Chocolate” phone sashays its way through new ad

Filed under: Cellphones

LG’s BL40 “Chocolate” phone sashays its way through new ad originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Like most rational human beings, we have a healthy fear of guns. We’ve never shot a man in Reno (just to watch him die), and we’re even unlikely to tase a bro in Atlantic City, just to observe him become temporarily incapacitated. Still, the appeal of a “non-lethal” deterrent is understandable (and certainly preferable to the alternative variety), and TASER has made some big additions to its new TASER X3 triple-shot weapon — things that serve to make it safer for parties on both sides of the barrel. Check out a video of us handling (and firing!) this beast after the break, along with a few tidbits we picked up from the TASER folks that should provide a small amount of comfort for the TASER-averse.

Continue reading TASER X3 video hands-on: watch out, baddies

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

TASER X3 video hands-on: watch out, baddies originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AP – Carnegie Mellon University will release an updated version of the animation-based software developed by late “last lecture” professor Randy Pausch to teach computer programming.

Continued here:
‘Last Lecture’ prof’s program to be updated
(AP)

AP – The race to build a “smarter” electrical grid could have a dark side. Security experts are starting to show the dangers of equipping homes and businesses with new meters that enable two-way communication with utilities.

Read more from the original source:
Security researchers offer caution on smart grids
(AP)