Honestly, we’re getting a bit tired of all these so-called iPhone rival handsets, but Samsung’s elusive Croix doesn’t do a whole lot to shake the stereotype. The mobile, which happens to boast a very similar layout to Apple’s darling (and Samsung’s own F700), just won an iF Communication Design Award 2007, and while details are scant about the actual hardware, it sounds like Sammy is hoping to grab your attention with a sensationally sleek interface (seen in detail after the break). The name, which translates to “Cross” in French, supposedly symbolizes the phone’s “progressive continuum, as opposed to discrete transmission from one item to another,” and touts an “intuitive interface through on-screen touch input mapping which supports five different ways of interaction.” Of course, only time will tell if this thing actually goes commercial (or proves real, to be honest), but it certainly has the look.

[Via I4U News]
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Update: Indeed, “Croix” may actually be the branding Samsung has assigned to its SGH-700; they certainly look close enough, right down to the F700′s trademark vertical stripes across its face. Then again, Croix may represent a different model or a touch-based platform for an entire range of models. We’ll keep y’all updated when we know more.
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Just in case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a real bumper crop of super-tiny 7-inch laptops this year, and it looks like Packard Bell didn’t want to miss out on the fun. The new EasyNote XS eschews the Linux of some of its peers for some vanilla XP Home action, and runs on a VIA C7-M Ultra Mobile Platform. There’s a VGA webcam, built-in WiFi, 4-in-1 card reader, 30GB HDD and even a friendly 1GB of RAM. Packard Bell expects this 1.2-inch, 2 pound unit to get 3 hours of battery with WiFi on, and hopes to hit the UK market by the end of the year. Hopefully the price is right.

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NEC’s dabbled in water-cooling before, but it now looks to be making the technology a bit more commonplace, with it helping to keep its new Valustar W line of all-in-one PCs both cool and quiet. Available in both 22 and 19-inch models, the PCs top out with a Core 2 Duo E4400 processor, NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GT graphics, a 500GB hard drive and, apparently, a Blu-ray burner / HD DVD reader, with a digital/analog TV tuner thrown in for good measure. If that’s a bit too much for you, you can scale things back all the way to a 1.6GHz Celeron 420 processor, with a 320GB hard drive and a standard DVD burner. From the looks of it, both options (and a few in between) are available in Japan now, with them setting you back between Â¥210,000 and Â¥340,000 (or roughty $1,800 to $2,900).

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You know, it’d be quite nice for toaster manufacturers to actually grab hold of one of the numerous concepts floating around out there and give the tried and true machine a facelift, but until then, conceptualizers are keepin’ the ideas a-coming. On deck is the Transparent Toaster, which hopes to utilize clear panes of “heating glass” that allow you to clearly see precisely how burnt your bread is becoming. Of course, we’d certainly hope some sort of self-cleaning apparatus would be added if this thing were to go commercial, but it ain’t a half bad idea as it is.

[Via ShinyShiny]
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If you’ve been hankering for a way to void your UMPC warranty, or just want to add a touch more utility while getting down and dirty with a soldering iron, this here hack may be the one that fits the bill. Facing the daunting task of shoving an internal USB hub into the already cramped confines of a TabletKiosk eo, thoughtfix managed to not only burn his fingers, add a few ventilation holes, and sharpen those wiring skills, but he also stuffed a three-port USB hub within his UMPC. Apparently, the internal WiFi / Bluetooth module’s USB interface can be tapped into to provide a way for a hub to be installed, and while two of the three ports remain open, a 2GB Sony Micro Vault Tiny was plugged into one connector for ReadyBoost usage. ‘Course, the actual process of rigging this up is far too complicated for this space, but if you’re feelin’ froggy, jump on down and give the read link a bit of your time.

[Via Hack-A-Day]
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Those looking for a matching keyboard and mouse set now have yet another option from Logitech, which today busted out its new MX5500 combo. This one includes the company’s existing MX Revolution laser mouse with its speedy metal scroll wheel, along with a new keyboard that boasts a built-in LCD along with the usual array of controls for music and other features. Both peripherals also rely on Bluetooth 2.0 to keep ‘em untethered from your PC, and each promise to let you take full advantage of Flip 3D and other Vista-specific features (though Vista is not required). Look for this set to be available later this month for $170.

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Some German drivers can already send data straight from Google Maps to their BMW’s GPS unit, but it looks like certain Mercedes owners can now get in on the act as well, and be able to do the same with Yahoo Local Maps to boot. That oft-desired feature is the centerpiece of Mercedes-Benz’s new Search & Send service, which’ll work with ’07 S-Class, CL-Class, and ’08 C-Class vehicles equipped with the Multimedia Package and Navigation System. Apparently, you’ll also be able to give friends and family access to the system as well, which will let them send directions straight to you while you’re on the road. While the service itself is available at no added charge, you’ll first need a subscription to Mercedes’ Tele Aid System, a complimentary first year one of which is available to those opting for the Security and Care package with their vehicle.

[Via Navigadget]
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