Project Big Stuff, you say? Of course Peek is likely working more features into its device, but there’s a thin line already between a Peek and a full-fledge smartphone. Too many features will likely drive some consumers to cell phone providers. But then there are some basic functions such as GPS, web browsing, and even an app store that *might* work well in Peek – as long as it maintains the idiot-proof interface and dirt cheap monthly subscription.

All we can do at this point is wish Peek well and sit patiently on the sidelines spouting random pieces of advice like we know what we’re talking about. We’ve gotten pretty damn good at that the last few years. [Peek via SlashGear, image via BBG]

Fans of Boxee will apparently have the option to pay for content this summer, as the company has recently announced that they are working on a one-click payment system. Of course, Boxee built its name over the fact that it made it nearly idiot-proof to watch content downloaded for free. Or perhaps more appropriately “created” by you… though let’s not kid ourselves, most of us use it for torrents. Still, there’s definitely a place for paid content since not everything is available, nor is everything conveniently downloaded. Think live sporting events for example. Boxee claims they will take a cut from these payments, though “lower than the 30% charged by many app stores”. They are currently working on deals with content providers.

The company was recently in the news with the announcement of the Boxee Box, a hardware media player built by D-Link, which will be available this year. We saw it at CES and were impressed. Here’s hoping that this new push into paid content (alongside their current free functionality of course) will work out for them.

[ Boxee ] VIA [ Ubergizmo ]

The reason why they won this award was because the control panel of their digital imaging devices is so simple to use. There is a very valid reason why this is such a prestigious award. Idiot-proof control panels are very important because generally speaking there are quite a lot of idiots in an office – I know, I am one! I can never quite grasp what is going on when we get a new MFP, so the simpler they are to use the better for me and everyone else. BERTL awards are derived from in-depth research that takes place across 47 countries and 23 manufacturers.

The market has now spoken and Sharp is at the top of the heap. For anyone wanting to purchase a digital imaging device, the BERTL Ease of Use award is going to tell them that they will get a MFP that anyone can use. It is all very well having a technologically advanced piece of digital machinery, but if no one knows how to use it, that is another matter entirely. Printers tend to be at the front-line so your front-line staff has to be able to operate it.

On paper if your MFP can do everything including make coffee, this is all very well and good, but if you give a document to a general office worker to make a copy and she or he comes back with a coffee, you are not going to be very pleased.

It is all very well that a highly trained member of your IT staff was seconded to buy a device. And it is also all very well that he fully understands the functionality of it. But it may appear to your general office worker that this is rocket science, and your IT professional is not going to enjoy the fact that every time a copy needs to be made he or she is called upon to effect this.

Cost factors also have to be taken into consideration when you are opting to purchase an MFP for your office environment. Most printers will cost twice as much as their initial cost in toner cartridges throughout the course of a year. Buying a Sharp printer that operates on a toner save function will save you money. It is also better for the environment, and your image quality will hardly be affected.

It is an important factor to consider the price of your replacement toner cartridges. Prices for these are available at many online stores and this will give you an idea of the cost your toner consumption will have in an annual period.

Summary: for ease of use and reliability you can do no better than Sharp, the market has spoken, and the awards are on the wall. Just remember to use Sharp Z 75 II Printer Cartridge and your MFP will print at optimum performance levels. Using Sharp compatible toner cartridges ensures high quality. For professional results, always use the right Toner for your machine.

Before you get any clever ideas, don’t think you’re going to be using this Concrete Cloth developed by UK company Concrete Canvas to make yourself a bullet-proof t-shirt, cause it doesn’t work that way. It’s actually a flexible fabric impregnated with a special pre-mixed cement that hardens when it’s hydrated.

So not only does it make creating irregularly shaped items out of concrete a lot easier, like say shelters, ditches, retaining walls, pond linings and chairs, but unlike a regular concrete mix you can’t use too much water, so it’s idiot-proof as well. In fact, the material will even set underwater in addition to being fireproof and chemical resistant. Has polyester finally met its match?

[ Concrete Canvas ] VIA [ Dezeen ]

DJs have been using double turntable setups ever since 1947 with Sir Jimmy Savile. Modern setups, however, forgo the vinyl and even CDs. One such computer-performance system is the Numark NS7 Controller for Serato’s ITCH software.
The NS7 gives DJs the feel of a traditional turntable rig, while functioning as a controller for ITCH. A single USB interface with a computer keeps the rig simple and slightly more “idiot-proof”. But we’re still not at the fun part.

Tomorrow, at the 2009 BPM show in Birmingham, Numark will release the NSFX, a dedicated effects controller for the NS7. This module attaches directly to the NS7 and is completely plug-and-play. DJs can control all of the ITCHs effects systems via USB, without having to go into the software. One of the coolest selling points is all effects automatically sync to the tempo of the track they’re laid on. If I was spinning disks for a living, I would make this module a must-have. A mouse and interface window can’t beat good, solid, hands-on controls. Look for the NSFX at your musical equipment retailers in the last quarter of 2009. (Woah! That’s right now!)