The AutoBlogGreen crew was fortunate enough to be at the official Tesla Roadster unveiling and managed to snag some pictures/video. “Continue reading” for more.

Using a unique two-speed manual transmission, the Tesla Roadster’s power comes from a 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor coupled with the Power Electronics Module (PEM) which provides multiple functionality of inverting direct current to 3-phase alternating current, the charging system, and the regenerative braking system

[via AutoBlogGreen]

Specs

Motor:
* 3-phase, 4-pole AC induction motor
* 13,500 rpm maximum
* Max Net Power: 185 kW
* Max Torque: 180 lb-ft
* Top speed: over 130 mph

Performance
* 0-60 mph: around four seconds
* 0-100 mph: under 11 seconds
* Range: 200-250 miles per charge (estimated)
* Home-based charging system (EVSE) with integral safety features

Transmission:
* 2 forward speeds + reverse (by reversing the motor)
* 1st gear: 4.20:1
* 2nd gear: 2.17:1
* Reverse by reversing the motor (speed electronically limited)
* Final drive: 3.41:1

Exterior:
* Body: Carbon fiber
* Unique headlamp assemblies using proprietary HID low-beam and halogen high-beam lamp units
* LED taillights, marker lights and direction indicator lights
* Length: 155.4 / 3946 (in/mm)

From techeblog

 

In this classic Tom’s Hardware article, the team shows how you can build your own “dream notebook” using off-the-shelf components. Full instructions here. Video after the jump.

…the THG DIY notebook can hold its own well in most disciplines against an off-the-shelf system. As far as battery life is concerned, our DIY-system is not really what we would call a top performer

[via TomsHardware]
from techeblog

We’ve been waiting on Netgear’s WiFi Skype phone for quite a while now, but what we didn’t know is that it won’t be only one of its kind for long. Skype now has four WiFi phones in the wings, the F1PP000GN-SK from Belkin (pictured), Edge-Core’s WM4201, SMC’s WSKP100, and of course Netgear’s SPH101. From the looks of things, Netgear’s entrant, which is due this month, will be the priciest at $300, but Belkin should follow in August with a quite similar offering for a much more acceptable $189. We’re pretty short on details for the rest, but we should know more soon. Like the SPH101, all of the phones will allow you to manage a buddy list, and make calls from a WiFi connection without a need for a PC in between.

more info
from engadget

 

Today’s speed record for fastest CompactFlash writes set by: SanDisk. Their new SanDisk Extreme IV CF cards come in sizes up to 8GB, and offer speeds of at least 40MBps, not to mention the extreme environmental conditions they can suffer through (-13°F to 185°F). The cards are surprisingly affordable, however, weighing in at $160 for the 2GB, $320 for the 4GB, and $640 for the 8GB. Perhaps it’s overkill for your puny mid-range DSLR, but from the looks of it you’d probably hang on to this memory card a lot longer than your average digital camera.

more info
from engadget