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Martyn Zachary writes 'The Slowdown has posted a new critique, 'Avataritis,' that attempts to portray the utilization of character customization as a pandemic, emotional response on behalf of publishers and developers to finding the easiest, most efficient solution to the very unique dilemma presented by the enlarging, widening player base of video games. 'No mechanisms are in place stopping developers from writing and designing heterogeneous yet fully structured, narrative-based computer games with carefully constructed and immutable, unchangeable characters.' The article discusses the emergence and role of gender criticism and research in relation to the recent proliferation of the customizable avatar. The story also dissects the very act of character creation, subsequently aiming to clarify several semantic distortions related to the terminology utilized in character creation, and in turn breaking apart the concepts of relatability and understandability, wholly differentiating the t

The areas Wi-Fi Direct can best Bluetooth are on distance and speed: I've written a few articles already about Wi-Fi Direct, the new peer-to-peer mode that the Wi-Fi Alliance is finalizing and which will appear in updated and new hardware in mid-2010. This includes my analysis of why Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct serve related but not entirely overlapping purposes. But in that discussion, I only mentioned speed and distance in passing. Bluetooth devices come in one of three varieties by signal output: Class 1, 2, or 3. Class 3 devices (1 meter, 1mW) were originally the most common, intended for low-power earpiece-to-phone communication. Class 2 (10 meters, 2.5 mW) became more common, and I believe now predominates. This allows communication within a room and sometimes beyond. Class 1 (100 meters, 100 mW) is rarely found in peripherals, although it's used in computers. The Callpod Dragon V2 headset ($99) is a rare peripheral exception, but the size and price have something to do with its

LinuxPlanet: 'In this final installment of Paul Ferrill's series on building your own high-powered Linux workstation, it is time to install the operating system. Or actually several operating systems, putting a whole computer lab in a box.'

Long after it original release, Harman Kardon's SoundSticks II remains a standout speaker system. While missing many features found on other computer speakers, the SoundSticks II offers very good sound and an eye-catching design for a reasonable price.

With 1.5 kV Hi-pot isolation protection and overload current/voltage protection, 4-port gigabit Ethernet Switch Card, JetCard 2154G provides higher bandwidth data transmission to IPC devices. Gigabit ports allow IPC to function as industrial Ethernet switch without additional Ethernet device. Product supports -25 to 70°C operating temperature, and can equip IPC devices with various Ethernet management features, including QoS. This story is related to the following:Computer Hardware and PeripheralsSearch for suppliers of: Industrial Ethernet Switches | Ruggedized Ethernet Switches

Compatible with AMD Athlon(TM) dual-core processors and low power AMD Athlon(TM) single-core processors from 8-65 W, MI952 suits industrial automation, test and measurement, digital signage, and surveillance systems. It has integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics, comes with DVI-I, DVI-D, and HDMI interfaces, and supports 2 independent displays. I/O includes high definition audio, 2 Gigabit LAN, 2 SATA, 8 USB, and 4 serial ports. Board also features 1 x PCI-E x 16 expansion slot. This story is related to the following:Computer Hardware and PeripheralsSearch for suppliers of: Motherboards

Custom auto focus modules accept standard M6-M12 threaded lens assemblies and feature digital (USB or I²C) as well as analog 0-3.3 V motion interfaces. Lens motion module uses SQUIGGLE® motor, TRACKERT position sensor, and integrated electronics to provide high-resolution, closed-loop control. Stroke is greater than 2 mm, velocity is rated to 7 mm/s, and respective values for position resolution and repeatability are 0.5 and 2 µm. This story is related to the following:Computer Hardware and PeripheralsTest and Measuring InstrumentsControls and ControllersOptics and PhotonicsSearch for suppliers of: Interface Modules | Custom Motion Controls | Camera Parts

Based on KTQ45/ATXE motherboard, KISS 4U KTQ45 is equipped with Intel Core2 Quad processor Q9400, Intel 82Q45 Graphics and Memory Controller Hub, and Intel I/O Controller Hub 10, accelerating compute-intensive embedded applications. Unit features 1.333 MHz FSB and up to 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM. Offering remote access via Intel AMT 5.0, server includes Intel Trusted Platform Module for secure hardware encryption of all transferred data and Kontron PC Condition Monitoring for remote monitoring. This story is related to the following:Computer Hardware and PeripheralsSearch for suppliers of: Remote Access Servers | Industrial Servers

Stream G85-23100 is flat, ergonomic keyboard, recognized by AGR seal of approval, with whisper keystroke technology that provides nearly silent operation. Measuring 0.7 in. high, unit is USB corded device with PS/2 adapter and includes 6 hot keys for volume control and media player functions. Standard keystroke life is greater than 10 million operations. Keyboard installs without software. This story is related to the following:Computer Hardware and PeripheralsSearch for suppliers of: Ergonomic Products | Compact Keyboards

Featuring end-span architecture, JetNet 3708-24V features 8 auto-negotiating ports with shielded RJ45 connectors for EMI and RFI protection. Embedded 4 port IEEE 802.3af PoE delivers 15.4 W per port, while 4 fast Ethernet ports provide simultaneous real-time data transmission. Operating at temperature range of -10 to 60°C, switch integrates 24-48 V power booster that allows for deploying standard PoE IP cameras on buses, railcars, ships, or harbors. This story is related to the following:Electrical Equipment and Systems Sponsored by: Globtek Inc. - Your Power Partner...For Over 20 Years!Computer Hardware and PeripheralsSearch for suppliers of: Data Switches | Ethernet Switches | Industrial Switches