Killer lasers menace Linux Thinkpads

MORE LITTLE THINGS from around the CES show floors, some significant, some not. Some of it can kill you as well, kill you with big lasers. We like big killer lasers.

The first thing is by far the most significant, a Lenovo Thinkpad T61 and R61 laptop. They are not new, but the fact that the Linux models, all running Suse 10.1, will be out next week is huge news. Finally, you can get a corporate laptop with no downsides, and it doesn't have the Vista malware shoved down your throat. Way to go Lenovo.

From good to burn your flesh, we have the DP-R50A laser etching device from Han's Laser. It is a 50W output 1064nm laser that pulls about 2KW to etch just about anything you put on the platform. It even has a nice shield to prevent you from spotting your retinas.

When it works, it emits an odd screetching noise, but it does work extremely well. It will burn a 100 * 100mm area to a depth of about .3mm. The device costs about $36,500 and is worth ever penny. We tested it out on something that is being reviewed, but more on that when the review goes up.

Last up we have the Pico Bayard PC by Jeffrey Stephenson of Humidor PC fame. It is a tiny little PC based on a VIA PX10000 Pico-ITX motherboard, an eight-inch EarthLCD touch screen, and all wrapped up in flame mahogany with chrome accents. It looks really good. You can see more details on it here. µ