Every seasoned gamers already knows the Xbox 360 runs hot, very hot.

This can eventually harm the finer electronic workings within the box. Playing less isn’t an option for many gamers so the more technically savvy will probably want to consider the EXOS-LT liquid cooling system from Koolance which significantly lowers the temperature within its specially designed metal enclosure.

The kit is available for slightly under 400$ in most online gaming shops but be warned that installing the necessary gear for cooling the inner workings of your Xbox 360 with the EXOS-LT can be quite challenging, from a technical standpoint. Furthermore, any manufacturer warranty on the Xbox 360 is voided by installing or using this product.

Casual gamers who would like to give the kit a try should also take notice that Koolance doesn’t provide any proprietary instructions for disassembling or modifying the Xbox 360, nor for attaching the cooling components.

Another word of caution, the warranty for the EXOS-LT will only be honored if the liquid coolant used is the one suggested by Koolance.

While the basic idea is wonderful, the Xbox 360 is a hot-box, by design. Perhaps the EXOS-LT should be considered as material proof that Microsoft has done a poor job at keeping the box cool, in the first place.

For many people, going somewhere for a vacation without taking back any pictures home is normal.

For the members of the TrekEarth photography web site, it wouldn’t be conceivable!

Back in October 2002, Adam Silverman brought his web site online and the pictures from all over the world have been pouring in since, for your viewing pleasure. Why would you spend time watching other people’s pictures? Because for the majority of people who can’t afford to travel the world, this may be the only way to see what it looks like.

The intent for this online community is really engaging, even for non-members who can view all the pictures for free, without the need for registration (kind of like blogs but with pictures instead of words). Anyone with a taste for adventure will love the fact many photos are taken by photo amateurs who sometimes unwittingly picture something more important than the picture itself. It feels more exciting when you never know exactly what the next photo will include. Ah! Adventure… online version.

In TrekEarth’s own words, here’s an overview of their web site:

“The underlying theme of TrekEarth is learning more about the world through photography.

TrekEarth fosters this by allowing photographers to display their work grouped by regions in a supportive and orderly environment. This is accomplished by an easy-to-use system which encourages people to critique each other’s work.

Integrated with this system are forums designed to encourage discussion about specific photos, countries, and general topics. Since TrekEarth is globally oriented, it is completely multilingual capable, allowing for the widest audience possible.

Ultimately, TrekEarth depends on the civility, honesty and participation of its members.”

Designed to have easy access to photos, this photographic community can only grow bigger over the years. Digital cameras are getting better all the time so it’s realitic to expect even better photo portfolios in the coming years. This is great news for all those who love to travel but for whatever reason, can’t. It’s kind of “Amateur National Geographic” so yes, the cool factor is steady with this web site.

I recommend you browse the site’s many sections, including those picturing your country. It’s always amazing how different our neighboring cities can look different seen through the eyes of tourists!

New York City has yet another landmark and it’s going to be quite the destination for the Big Apple’s in-crowd, wether it’s 2 PM or 2 AM. That’s right, Apple’s brand new store, located on 5th Avenue, is open 24 hours a day!

So you’re asking yourself, why can’t Apple open a 24h store in my neighborhood?

Well, that’s a good question but perhaps the reason lies in the general knowledge that NYC is a “city that never sleeps”. From now on, it’ll be even easier to click a mouse while you’re NOT sleeping.

If you’re in NYC today, be sure to head for Apple’s new store to be one of the 2500 first lucky people who will visit this architectural marvel and get a free tee-shirt in the process. Furthermore, a new MacBook will be given away at each hour, for 24 hours straight.

Now, that’s quite an opening!

The Apple Store, Fifth Avenue is located at 767 Fifth Avenue at 59th Street, as you see on this little map. If you know New York, you know the place!

So, what will you find at this store? The usual Apple line of computers and software presented in a modern setting where the glass cube let’s sunlight pour into part of the store, which is pretty nice assuming the store is underground.

You’ll also find “The Studio” which is the creative hub of the Apple Store, Fifth Avenue. It’s a place where your ideas and the sales people’s help come together to enhance your Mac projects. If you have questions about merging a FileMaker mailing list with a Pages design, this is the place to ask about it.

In Apple’s own words: “Whether your interest is photography, moviemaking, music or everyday use of your Mac, our team of Creatives can help you. They‚Äôll teach you one-on-one how to re-touch photos, compose music and make Hollywood-style movies. To save time, use the Apple Store Concierge to Make a reservation.”

Okay, did you get that?

A “Concierge” will take your reservation for the studio?

This alone sets this Apple Store apart from all others.

Awesome is a word that comes to mind when you think about such an exciting store but like all stores, you’ll just have to visit it to see, for yourself, all it has to offer.

If you own a Bluetooth headset for your phone, you’re already saving yourself from allegedly dangerous microwaves emitted by your cellular phone but is your headset really that good?

Current Bluetooth headset users report poor sound when surrounded by noise, high battery consumption and somewhat incomfortable wear. All that is about to change with Motorola’s H5 Miniblue headset that’s probably going to lead a new generation of an impressively functional technology mix.

Wearing one of these tiny headsets makes you look a little weird when you talk in public, until the people around you realize you have a little blue LED light pulsing near one of your ears. Then, you’re just another business person conducting matters wirelessly… and yes, this qualifies you as “normal”.

Now, imagine the earpiece is so small that it’s basically impossible to see when just walking by. This is what you’ll have to get used to because the H5 Miniblue is lodged within your ear and even uses bone vibrations between your jaw and ear canal to sustain your conversations. This makes your voice clear, even when you’re in the middle of crowd. Wow.

The device has a range of 30 feet but few people ever wander so far away from their phone. If this wasn’t enough, the battery life has been dramatically improved, thanks to the new technology which consumes a lot less energy. Of course, it’s smaller so it’ll last about an hour and a half of continuous talk.

Here’s a quick summary of the H5 Miniblue’s features:

• Revolutionary technology designed around the way your body works;
• Built-in speaker and microphone routes voices through the ear canal, reducing outside noise;
• Tiny size at only 33 x 41 millimeters;
• Talk Time: headset up to approximately 1.5 hours, system up to approximately 7.5 hours using the included portable charging base;
• Works up to 30 feet (10 meters) away from a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone;
• Comptible with any brand of Bluetooth-enabled phone that supports headset and handsfree profiles;
• Comes with a chic, metal portable charging base.

The Motorola H5 MINIBLUE is expected to be available in the first half of 2006.

Do you own an iPod? Do you know about Digital Lifestyle Outfitters? Do you want to enjoy a new level of convenience in your busy digital life?

Wether you’re already an iPodder or not doesn’t change the fact the cool factor on the DLO HomeDock Deluxe is huge. It’s allegedly the world’s first iPod dock that lets you view and select your iPod’s music on your TV screen.

This added living room bliss that could change the way you experience your iPod and your music. Convenience, accessibility and great sound quality. At only 149$, it’s an interesting addition to your current gear.

Technically, the HomeDock Deluxe adds a new twist to the iPod by displaying your iPod’s music content onto a TV, thus allowing you to navigate, select and play your songs using the included 18-button remote control.

Painlessly browse through extensive playlists, artists, albums, songs, genres and more from the comfort of sofa with this nifty dock.

A lot of people use their iMac’s remote control to play music and videos on their big screen TV. This is a major plus when you get visitors at home and you want to show your latest photo album to everybody. This well thought dock just adds to this logic.

Let’s face it, if you always secretly wished you could fuse an iPod with a TV, this is the clear answer to those prayers!