Ever since Apple shifted the Mac line to Intel processors, its personal have been getting more and more PC-like in their abilities. First up was Boot Camp, which lets you run Windows (or Linux) on Mac hardware. Now it’s the…

Ever since Apple shifted the Mac line to Intel processors, its personal have been getting more and more PC-like in their abilities. First up was Boot Camp, which lets you run Windows (or Linux) on Mac hardware. Now it’s the turn of the overclockers: ZDNet has release a software overclocker for the Mac, called simply ZDNet Clock.

In typical Mac style, the application is simple. You slide the slider to the right to increase the CPU frequency (and also increases the memory clock speed). ZDNet states that an overclocked 2.8GHz Mac Pro will out perform a stock 3.2GHz model, thus saving you $1600 (ZDNet Clock is freeware). However, it’s not quite so easy. If you don’t do some fine tuning, there could be some serious problems:

If you push the slider all the way to the right, to the maximum frequency, and click on the “Apply” button, the personal will certainly crash.

The tool only works with Intel 5000 or Intel 5400 chipsets, so it’s Pro or Xserve only right now. Which is probably a good thing: I don’t think my poor MacBooks fans could take all the extra work, and future generations of Sorrels depend on keeping the family jewels cool.

Exclusive: ZDNet overclocking tool enhances performance of Mac Pro [ZDNet. Thanks, Kai!]

Via [wired.com]

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For the ultimate game of Duck Hunt, Marksman Training Systems is offering the ST-2 shooting simulator—the first on the market for shotgun and rifle shooting. Co-developed by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, the simulator is so accurate that its used by Russian and Slovakian national clay shooting teams as a way to practice before the Olympics.

The ST-2 gives exact feedback after every shot, including hit position and a replay of the aiming movement. Results can be saved and kept in a file to record short- and long-term progress. You can even bring your own gun, which can be hooked up to the system’s programs. Pricing is on a case by case basis, but you can expect this outfit to cost a pretty penny. Snickering dog not included. [Marksman Training Systems via Born Rich]

Via [gizmodo]

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Best Fireworks Ever Not Happening Today but in Three Days [The End]

If you think you are going to see some cool fireworks today, just wait three more days. Because we just checked the countdown and that’s when the Huge Hadron Collider will be activated in Geneva, Switzerland. Then we all will enjoy the mom of all fireworks. Well, not us, but the aliens, Tom Cruise, Elvis and the rest of what’s left of the Universe. So enjoy your weekend, my friends (you conspiracy morons of the world included) because life is too short, even if the LHC doesn’t destroy the galaxy. [LHC Countdown]

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It’s here, and it’s exactly what we expected it to be. Nikon’s new semi high end DSLR, the D700, falls somewhere between the flagship D3 and the D300. There’s a lot of stuff packed into the magnesium case, so we’ll…

It’s here, and it’s exactly what we expected it to be. Nikon’s new semi high end DSLR, the D700, falls somewhere between the flagship D3 and the D300.

There’s a lot of stuff packed into the magnesium case, so we’ll focus on the main points, plus a few surprises. The D700 has the same 12.1 Megapixel, full-frame (36 mm x 23.9 mm) CMOS sensor that has made the D3 such a hit. Low light sensitivity is the thing here: the D700 has an ISO range of 200 to 6400, and you can drop it into a special mode that goes all the way up to ISO 25600.

The D700 also gets a live view, just like every compact camera out there, even though the press release doesn’t mention a live histogram. This has two modes: The Handheld mode uses the normal focus points (all 51 of them) and the Tripod mode uses focal plane contrast detection for focus. The assumption is that if you’re using a tripod, you have a little extra time for this slower but more accurate method.

Talking of focus, the D700 will let you fine tune the focal point of a lens, so if you find you have “back focussing” issues you can fix them and forget about it.

You’ll also find a new Kevlar/carbon fiber shutter, an EXPEED processor with four levels of Active D Lighting and a built in flash with a wireless controller. The price, when the camera makes it into stores later this month, will be $3000. More photos below.

Product page [Nikon via Nikon Rumors]

Via [wired.com]

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Hey everyone, just checking in again to make sure your day is going well. And you haven’t blown your face off with some giant aerial fireworks. Because believe me, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission: If you act like the mannequin (manikin?) in the clip above, the last place you’ll end up is in a hospital emergency room. Happy 4th everybody! [CPSC]

Via [gizmodo]

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