China launches high-speed test train capable of 310 mph, shaped like an ancient sword

According to an old "Simpsons" quote, there's nary a thing that can outrun a greased Scotsman. That's no longer the case, as Chinese train manufacturer CSR Corp Ltd. unveiled a 500 km/h (310 mph) high-speed test train over the weekend. The train, which consists of six cars, is shaped to look like an ancient sword, reinforced with carbon fiber, and has a maximum tractive power of 22,800 kilowatts.

Engadget, China launches high-speed test train capable of 310 mph, shaped like an ancient sword

ASUS Eee PC 1225B proves netbooks will still be kicking around in 2012

The death of the netbook has been greatly exaggerated - at least that's what ASUS is praying holds true for next year. Its latest addition, the Eee PC 1225B, refreshes the spec sheet seen on the 1215B. You'll find it's still based on AMD's Brazos chipset - thus the B - and will apparently arrive on two different gear speeds; one with an AMD C60 dual-core 1GHz processor and another toting AMD's dual-core 1.65GHz E450 APU. Up to 4GBs of DDR3 RAM and storage options starting at 320GB should ensure a respectable bang for your buck.

Engadget, ASUS Eee PC 1225B proves netbooks will still be kicking around in 2012

Apple suppliers reportedly preparing materials for “iTV” in Q1 2012

Rumors of an Apple television have started to gain more and more traction which seems to more or less confirm (albeit unofficially) that such a device is indeed in the works. According to Digitimes, their industry sources have informed them that Apple's suppliers have already started to prepare the materials necessary for an "iTV" in Q1 of 2012. This would be in preparation for a scheduled launch by Apple either in Q2 or Q3 of 2012.

Ubergizmo, Apple suppliers reportedly preparing materials for “iTV” in Q1 2012

Timberland folding shoes are ultra-portable

Packing shoes on a vacation or trip can be quite a hassle. Their shape can make them take up quite a bit of precious space in that suitcase or backpack, but with Timberland's nifty foldable shoes, all you have to do is zip them up and toss them in the bag. Although they're marketed for camping or hiking trips, Timberland's Radler Camp shoes are perfect for anyone looking to free up some space while traveling. The Radler Trail Camp shoes come with a zipper that allows each shoe to fold in half, compacting the pair into an easily transportable form. Assuming they are comfortable as well, these shoes could definitely be worth the $65 price tag.

2DayBlog.com, Timberland folding shoes are ultra-portable

LG announces ICS upgrades to begin in Q2 2012

Following the footsteps of Samsung and Sony, LG has come forth with details on which devices will be getting Android 4.0 - also known as Ice Cream Sandwich - and when we can begin expecting those upgrades to roll out. The phone manufacturer made its official announcement via its Facebook page, stating that several of its 2011 models will be on the receiving end of ICS starting in the second and third quarters of next year, with a full-scale rollout occurring sometime afterward. In the second quarter we should expect to see updates for the LG Optimus LTE, Prada 3.0, Optimus 2X, Optimus Sol, myTouch Q and the Eclipse.

Engadget, LG announces ICS upgrades to begin in Q2 2012

Looking back at 2011: ‘The year of the tablet' falls flat

. Apple rocked the consumer electronics industry when it launched the “magical and revolutionary iPad” in April 2010. It wasn't the first media tablet aimed at the consumer market by any means, but it was the first that consumers actually wanted. Following the iPad's unveiling, Apple's rivals scrambled to build tablets of their own and market research firms were quick to herald 2011 as “the year of the tablet.” More than 100 different tablets were unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2011, the bulk employing Android to power their user experiences, and the year of the tablet was upon us.

Boy Genius Report, Looking back at 2011: ‘The year of the tablet' falls flat

Han Solo in Carbonite Case for iPhone 4x4S

I don't know enough about Star Wars to make lots of witty remarks about Han Solo and Jabba the Hutt, but you might like this iPhone 4x4S case if you do.  The Han Solo in Carbonite case is from zazzle.  They start with a Speck Fitted Hard Shell Case for iPhone 4x4S and add a design to the fabric coating.  The case allows access to all sensors, ports, and controls.  It works with iPhone 4 or 4S models from Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T.  It's $51.40.

The Gadgeteer, Han Solo in Carbonite Case for iPhone 4x4S