Shuttle builds a small cube system using Intel's 915GM mobile chipset. By moving the power supply outside the box, the system is quiet but still pretty fast, and it uses less power. We put it on the bench and find a lot to like.

Click to read the whole review on ExtremeTech or See a slideshow of the XPS

Personally, I think getting a case for the iPod nano is gilding the lily, but there have been a lot of reports of scratches. I most agree with Lance Ulanoff when he says that iPod scratch complaints are mostly bunk. (Full disclosure, Lance is my boss.) What screen wouldn't collect inevitable nicks and scratches over time. Still, if you want to buy a case for cosmetic reasons, check out Pacific Design 's new Flip Case collection  ($29.95, direct) just came out line of cases that just came out. And don't worry, they come in colors other than pink. According to the company:

The powerful color combinations include carbon black with red and white detail; precious pink with white and dove gray detail; and big sky blue with cobalt blue and white detail. 

Just don't complain when the case gets scuffed.

     Tech Filter just made me aware of the disappointing news about Netflix. Apparently, Netflix had in the works a download rental service, bypassing traditional mail methods for sending out DVDs. This could have been a great idea, since mail these days is so old school with modern technology around, and other services, like MovieLink, have yet to really make downloadable movies work.

     Hollywood studios have thus terminated Nexflix's project due to licensing agreements. Having this service would have made sense, considering they are called Netflix. There's still hope yet though. We'll keep you informed.

PCMag.com has released its list of Top 101 Web Sites today. Among the favorites are a bunch of gadget-heavy sites like enGadget, Gizmodo, and Technology Review, as well as the popular tech news site, Slashdot and the famous user-driven site, Digg.com.

I don't know about you, but I can't live without these sites. Considering I'm a computer and gadget geek, I'm on these sites several times a day. But I know I'm not alone because I've got my fellow bloggers, Dan, Robyn and David, and Oliver from Tech Filter behind me!!

Congrats to all of the sites who made the list. You've kept me informed and amused!

A couple of my personal favs that didn't make the list, like Techie Diva's Guide to Gadgets and Ubergizmo, should also be recognized for their coverage of unique and otherwise unknown gadgets.

Here's the list of Top Web Sites. Make sure you space out your time, because there ARE 101 of them!

To be fair, I don't play golf. So the Toyocom Quartz Gyrosensor Golf Putter isn't for me. Even the name bugs me with its self-important, techno babble. According to the company:

A small attachment with an LCD screen is fitted to the putter. It accurately measures the trajectory and speed of the swing, as well as impact data. The golfer is then able to view this information on a color LCD screen fitted to the non-contact side of the putter. For example, when the putter hits the back of the ball, the Gyrosensor is able to gauge how much the putter angles to the right, how much it follows through in a straight line, and how much it angles to the left. This allows golfers to obtain factual data on their swing habits.

Did we see this in a classic Rodney Dangerfield movie? (Ever wonder how often those last four words are Googled?) It sounds like this is for players that prefer analyzing their swing to actually taking one.

[[Found on Tech Filter]]

Interesting bundling news: Segway will begin offering a free Garmin GPS along with a purchase of a Human Transporter vehicle.   The new promotion will be called Find Your Way with Segway, and buyers will receive a free Garmin eTrex Legend ($170) or eTrex Legend C GPS handheld unit  ($250) when they buy a new Human Transporter, Cross-Terrain Transporter or Golf Transporter through Jan. 2006.

Apparently, some riders not only fall off the Segway, but they also frequently get lost.

Thanks to eWEEK for the tip.

Our friends over at GreenCarCongress analyzed Honda's new FCX fuel cell concept vehicle, unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show.  For power and performance, its packed with three motors, one in the front and two in the back.  Plus, Honda used a special hydrogen absorbing material in the fuel tank, which can store enough fuel to power the car for a cruising range (per tank) of near 350 miles. 

Also, in the photo, you'll see the concept car attached to the newly updated Home Energy Station, a fueling station that produces hydrogen by using natural gas.  But why stop there?  It can also generate electricity and heat for your house.  Shouldn't there be a kitchen sink somewhere on it?  Maybe on the reverse side of the photo.

For the full review, head on over to Green Car Congress.