Dster76 - Slashdot User

Submission + - New chip converts heat to electricity

Submitted by Dster76 on Wednesday November 22, 2006 @02:18PM

Dster76 writes: A startup, Eneco, has invented a "'solid state energy conversion/generation chip' that will convert heat directly into electricity or alternatively refrigerate down to -200 degrees celsius when electricity is applied". The company also claims to have high profile manufacturers interested in applying their technology to computer manufacturing:

"The company says it is already in talks with both Dell and Apple about how the chips could be used in their devices. Initial talks have focused on integrating the heat conversion chips into the device so it can harness the heat generated by processors and turn it into electricity to power fans or other cooling technologies. By harnessing this power the devices, be they initially laptops and handhelds, or later even servers and PCs, should see improved energy efficiency, extended battery life and enhanced performance."

Is such a device really possible? Could it revolutionize computer design?

Submission + - Are HiDef DVDs dead on arrival?

Submitted by Dster76 on Friday September 01, 2006 @11:01AM

Dster76 writes: Reuters is reporting that format wars, in addition to underwhelming performance, may leave Hi-Def DVDs dead on arrival. FTFA:

"Neither format is selling well or at the level I had expected. I had expected early adopters to step up and other retailers have had the same experience," said Bjorn Dybdahl, president of San Antonio, Texas-based specialty store Bjorn's. "High expectations were set. At every meeting with Sony, every demonstration was spectacular," Dybdahl said. "Then along comes the first Blu-ray player from Samsung and that's when my expectations were hurt. When we put the disc in, all the sales people looked around and said it doesn't look much better than a standard DVD," he said.

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