Oh sure, there's bound to be some protrusion when shoving a retro console into a gaming handheld, but inelegant styling was a way of life for Sega back in the mid-90s. Modder Chris Koopa has achieved the impossible by stuffing an Atari 2600 (or the important parts, anyway) along with 40 games into a hacked up Game Gear and enabling it to operate for nearly a full workday with just five AA batteries. And yeah, there's totally a 2600 cartridge slot to allow for playback of original titles. You know you're oddly interested in seeing more, so tap the read link for a few shots from the rear / side.

[Via technabob]

Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Atari 2600 stuffed into Game Gear, Sega Nomad seen casting envious glances originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Many may still be scratching their heads at why exactly Blockbuster decided to delve head first into the world of digital downloads this late in the game with such a weak (on paper, anyway) offering. CEO Jim Keyes recently sat down with E-Commerce News to clarify a few things, and here's the skinny. For starters, it's not using a pure "streaming" method on the MediaPoint; instead, it's using a "progressive download" in hopes of improving the quality of the experience for those without a pure, continuous connection. Next, it's solely relying on an à la carte way of delivering films in order to bring new releases to the home faster, and if you've taken a look at Netflix's online availability of those very titles, you'll start to see the difference. Potentially most revealing were his quotes on future endeavors, where he candidly admits that its download services will be coming to undisclosed Blu-ray players "by the first quarter of next year." Whether or not the public will actually view that as a selling point, however, remains to be seen.

[Image courtesy of CEOSmack, thanks Anthony]

Filed under: Home Entertainment

Blockbuster CEO talks up 2Wire MediaPoint, says rentals coming to BD decks in Q1 2009 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s not uncommon to see a shiny mouse, decked out with some overly feminine design.  However, there is rarely a mouse seen that uses decals that are just cool as opposed to pretty.  Well this pirate mouse will help you on your way to any devious planning.  The seemingly evil mouse would also be a great tool to pwn noobs and leave angry comments on YouTube or your blog of choice.

Sadly, this mouse doesn’t look quite as menacing as one would hope for with a skulls and crossbones mouse.  Between the teeth and the cartoonish eyes, it doesn’t look like it’d strike the fear into anyone.  Actually, your Great Grandmother might even call it cute, which is never a good sign.  Luckily though this mouse does have one perk, it is actually optical.  The mouse is also compatible with not only Windows, but Mac OS X and Linux as well. You can pick up the USB mouse on BBMoon for $27 a piece.

Source: ShinyShiny

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Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ The Pirate Computer Mouse copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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Sadly (very, very sadly, in fact), this isn't the first device we've seen that poorly attempts to mix your iPod into a karaoke-type device, which probably means you'll be glancing right over it. Memorex's recently released SingStand MKS-SS1 Microphone and Speaker System was apprehended and photographed by the iPod fanatics at iLounge, and while the powered speaker base, auxiliary input for an additional microphone / instrument and the audio controls were swell, the lackluster iPod integration sort of left the critic wondering why Cupertino's darling was even associated. And seriously, are you really considering spending $70 on this with Guitar Hero: World Tour and Rock Band 2 widely available and able to satisfy your off-key singing desires? No, no you are not.

Filed under: Peripherals, Portable Audio

Memorex SingStand iPod karaoke mic critiqued and in the wild originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If your love of cars isn’t being expressed quite enough in your current home décor, you might check out this alarm.  There have been other alarms similar to this one, but luckily this one is a little cheaper than the others I’ve seen.  If you’re on the lookout for a gift for a guy impossible to buy for and he has a love for cars this would be an easy gift to pick up.  I’m sure he’d get a kick out of waking up to the sound of a high-powered V8 engine.

Although frankly I’m not sure how easy it would be to wake up to the sound of an engine.  It’s not that it couldn’t possibly be loud enough.  The issue more is if you live in the city, the sound of your alarm might blend into the traffic noise you’re used to hearing outdoors.  Luckily the engine noise will grow in pitch and intensity until you turn it off.  The clock also includes an AM/FM radio and can be powered by either the AC adapter or AA batteries.  You can purchase it for $29.95 on Hammacher Schlemmer.

Source: Bookofjoe

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Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool
[ The Start Your Engines Alarm Clock copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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[Via KindleBoards]

Filed under: Handhelds

Refurb Kindles now available for $329; please, try to contain yourselves originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Nov 2008 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Want to do your bit in keeping the earth green while decorating your home? Well, there are many ways to do so, including solar-powered fairy lights, solar-powered lawnmowers and the like, and today we have yet another idea for you to consider - the Firewinder. Let’s face it, any product named like it will definitely be interesting to look at, and the Firewinder certainly doesn’t come up short when it comes to looking cool! This decorative outdoor light is able to visualize the wind’s energy, turning just about any breeze into light to give your garden a lovely glowing ambience.

100% wind-powered, Firewinder is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. By day it’s a relatively unobtrusive dangling corkscrew doodah that spins in the wind. But when night falls and the wind blows, it lights up, creating a beautiful spiraling effect. The faster the blow the greater the glow, so in a real gust Firewinder becomes a pulsating pillar of light. It’s truly spellbinding and eco-friendly to boot. Firewinder’s helical wing captures the wind from any angle, and it’s so light it will catch the lightest of breezes. Simply attach it to a tree, roof terrace or wall using the included hanging kit (featuring sturdy stainless steel quick release fixing points) and wait for the wind to blow.

The Firewinder was specially designed to spin clockwise, so those who wish it to do so otherwise are out of luck. Small issue that, though. It is also nice to know that the Firewinder has been specially engineered to withstand just about any kind of inclement weather, capable of offering year after year of mesmerizing entertainment without adding to your home’s carbon footprint. Firebox is currently carrying the Firewinder for £99.99 a pop. Why not go green this holiday season instead of further burdening the earth with more plastic devices that do more than just sip power?

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Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Firewinder relies on wind to power up copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

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