Garmin International Inc. announced today the Garmin Marine Network, a fully-integrated, plug-and-play system that puts GPS, weather, sonar, radar, and other important data literally at a boater’s fingertips. There will initially be two units that feature this new service, the GPSMAP® 3010C and GPSMAP 3006C. The two multifunction displays (MFDs) show data in a user-configurable format. You won't need to mount these units away from the elements because they are waterproof and feature a sunlight readable, 256-color, 640x480-pixel VGA display in either a 10.4" or 6.4" diagonal screen size. The MFDs are powered by a high-speed processor and graphics controller for fast redraw of charts and weather graphics. A unique feature to the Garmin Marine Network is the addition of the GDL™ 30 weather data receiver. Through a partnership with the XM WX Satellite Weather data service, mariners for the first time can access real-time graphical weather data directly on the GPSMAP 3010C or 3006C — without the need for a separate PC interface. The XM WX Satellite Weather data service will cost about $50/mo (other tiers available to suit your needs) and a fully equipped system can cost up to $4000. This XM stuff is starting to look very compelling!

If you've been to Europe, you've seen the unique smart brand vehicles on the street. smart, the global automotive brand that has changed the design, production and marketing of premium small vehicles around the world, will enter the U.S. market in 2006 with a new SUV specifically designed for the American consumer. Named the smart formore, the new smart utility vehicle will bring the brand's unique engineering, design and exuberant character into one of the market's most popular segments. Can't wait to see this vehicle in person! For the complete details click the link below. [via PRNEWSWIRE]

IOGEAR has released a 800dpi USB Mini Mouse that includes 32MB of onboard flash memory. I think this mouse was designed for two niche markets... for the traveling person that always packs a mouse and needs instant access to a few documents and for the undercover agent that likes to "borrow" personal data from peoples machines... this tiny, innocent looking, ergonomically designed, lightweight mouse is a perfect match for them both.

Intel is releasing new microprocessor technology that helps cell phones do more than make calls. With Intel Wireless MMX Technology built into the chip, people can watch music videos, preview movie trailers, compete against multiple opponents in a 3D game or take up to 4+ megapixel photos all from the palm of their hand. I bet we'll see a lot of Cell Phone/Portable Media Players possibly using this chip. [via PRNEWSWIRE]

Inteset Life Systems offers customizable systems that suit your exact needs, systems designed for just about anywhere in your home. The Julia: KC-10-A was specifically designed for the kitchen, it can be controlled with the touch screen, a remote or via the wireless keyboard. The KC-10A has a very simple user interface that can be used to select and navigate a whole suite of included applications. Features the usual media entertainment devices like a PVR, DVD player, audio playback, picture viewer, email/internet and can also run any of your own XP compatible applications. Since this is a kitchen friendly device, they have included applications like an egg-timer and a recipe box that can help you organize your recipes or search for new ideas.

This thing looks like it was caught in the middle of a fire fight... it actually was! The photo is of a Panasonic Toughbook that stopped an AK-47 round in Iraq. The CF-29 notebook has been named "Editor's Choice" in Laptop Magazine's April Torture Test. For the complete story, click here. [via PRNEWSWIRE]