Back in the ’90s, we all thought convergence was going to be watching TV on your computer, or browsing the Internet on your TV. Now that we have it, it’s different, but better than both of those things combined. Xbox 360, Apple TV, and now the Helios Odyssey media servers. The bring-your-own-HDD devices hook into your HTN (Home Theater Network, yes, we’re coining the phrase right here) and gives you a media server with built-in eMule and BitTorrent access.

It’s about what you think; you search for a movie on BitTorrent through the box, it automatically finds and downloads compatible versions to play back and add to your library.

The device is more than just a glorified media server, it’s a whole system, including set-top boxes for your various TVs throughout the house, as well as your iPods and other media devices.

While we’re not totally clear on the legality of such a box, we do know that we want one.

Helios Labs Odyssey Series [Helios Labs]

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Rid yourself of the stupid and useless cords on the nunchuck, Wii owners. Nyko’s wireless adapter for the nunchuck is now available in stores. The Cord-Free add-on lasts up to 60 hours via two AAA batteries and operates up to 15 feet away. It’s well worth the $20 price tag and you know it, Wiiers.

Product Page

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Nokia’s N810 Internet Tablet quietly got a price drop this week from $479 to $389 MSRP. Math says that’s a drop of $90, making the lusted-after, QWERTY-wielding, touch-screening handheld even more desirable.

It also puts it on even footing with the iPod Touch, one of its only real competitors. While I’m a fan of the Touch, the N810 is now firmly on my super-portable radar.

Nokia 810 Internet Table [Product page, thanks for the tip, Danny!]

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In case the photogs in the crowd were wondering what happened last week.

“After requests from its community of photographers, PhotoShelter Inc. launched the Flickr Import/Export Tool, an upload tool that enables photographers to move images from their Flickr Pro account to their PhotoShelter Personal Archive account (and vice versa). PhotoShelter Personal Archive is a complimentary resource for the photo community that provides secure storage and protection. PhotoShelter Personal Archive also offers e-commerce capabilities and other features to support commercial image use and licensing for photographers interested in taking their work to the next level.

Approximately 36 hours after the tool was released on Tuesday, Flickr disabled the API key used to create this tool. Beforehand, over 5,000 images were moved or in transit to the PhotoShelter Personal Archive system, demonstrating the desire within the Flickr and PhotoShelter communities for the sites to work together. PhotoShelter is working with Flickr to try to restore the functionality within the next few weeks.”

PhotoShelter

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Remember O’Neill’s Navjacket from last December? No. Check here for deets and then watch the video.

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We didn’t really delve too far into this for specs, but if you’re looking for a new laptop on the cheap then check out the Lenovo outlet store. Some of them are discounted by about 40%. Maybe the kids need a laptop or something. Check it out.

Lenovo Outlet

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The European Trademark Office has today published an application by Apple for dibs on the word “thinnovation”. And what’s more, it’s not just for computers and notebooks, but for “all manner of telecommunications,” hinting that Apple may have some broader WiMax plans up its sleeve.

In related news, Jenny Craig, Nutrisystem, and Weight Watchers all expressed disappointment that they have “no cool way of telling people about new weight loss programs now.” I might suggest “skinnyvation” or “lossyvation” or “prettyvation” now that “thinnovation” is off the table.

Apple Files for Thinnovation Trademark [MacNN]

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I’ve been a Logitech guy for a while now, but before that I had an excellent Microsoft keyboard/mouse combo, and this new offering looks nice enough to perhaps tempt me back to the dark side. Or the translucent side, really. They say the design is inspired by Aero, but unlike that demanding Vista feature, this keyboard’s good looks don’t require an extra gig of RAM.

I like the three softkeys on the top, which are programmed by simply holding one down while you’re at a website or in an app you use a lot. Makes it easy to do on the fly, unlike my current keyboard. Can’t say I’m excited about the gadgets button (I don’t use Vista, or even widgets on OSX) or the Windows Live Call button (I don’t use Messenger), but the calculator button would be incredibly handy. The mouse looks, well, functional. I’ll hang onto my G9 for now. Look for the new Wireless Desktop Laser 7000 in late April for around $130.

Product page

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The PS3 is, it must be said, a powerful and versatile system. However, that does not really qualify it as a good tattoo subject. Flaming someone on an internet forum for hating on your console, well, that’s fanboyish, but getting Sony intellectual property permanently written on your skin? That borders on zealotry, my friend.

I have a feeling it won’t be long until roving bands of fanboys clash on the street with super-powered motorcycles, Akira-style — and we all know how that movie ended. Actually, I don’t think anyone can really tell you what happened towards the finish there, but the motorcycle gangs are still the logical next step for forum trolls. Be careful who you flame; Sony’s got a posse.

This is skin art: more PS3 tattoos [PS3 Fanboy]

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Ah, the convergence device. Is there anything better? Probably, but let’s try to stay focused here.

Speaking of focused, how would you like 70 lumens of “eye-blinding white light” to freeze you like a deer on a dark Wisconsin road just before taking a nice set of “sharpened retractable spikes” to the noggin?

If this doesn’t sound appealing to you, maybe YOU should buy the $129 K2 Porcupine flashlight instead, so you can protect yourself from all the other maniacs out there running around with spikey flashlights.

K2 Porcupine Light [PentagonLight.com]

Thanks for the tip, John!

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