Most anyone using Ubuntu Linux has to install Adobe Flash, Java, DVD playback, and other plug-ins to actually enjoy it. Super Ubuntu packs all that essential in from the get-go. It’s basically just a re-compiled version of the official Ubuntu distribution, but with a whole bunch of features included that save you the time of grabbing them yourself. File-sharing apps, multimedia codecs, Windows compatibility tools (including WINE and support for PortableApps installations), and lots updates that haven’t hit the official repositories are included, but you’ll still get official security and application updates through Ubuntu. The creators seem pretty intent on keeping Super Ubuntu up to date, and offer a constantly-seeded ISO torrent and live USB creation tools for anyone looking to try it out. Read more…

The Thanko MP4 watch lets me tell time and take compromising photos or video of coworkers at the office Christmas party? SOLD!

And, does it all without the usual stigma that affects these kinds of devices—utter butt-ugliness. It’s a bit bulky, to be sure, but thanks to some solid Japanese ingenuity it’s finally something I feel confident bringing into public for another of my infamous “photos of things you can never take back” field assignments.

As for the specs, the MP4 sports a 1.8-inch color screen (160×128), supports MP3 and WPA, WMA audio, and can display JPG or text files. A video camera mode recordsin 352×288, while the photo mode is 640×480.

It was just last month that our mouths were agape at the sight of a leather-wrapped Asus Eee PC. Now, dammit, they’re agape again after viewing the buttery soft Gokukawa leather keyboard.

The $548 asking price is kind of a kick in the teeth, especially since there are no labels on those smooth, silky keys. However, for $603, you get letters etched into the leather. Lucky you. Not so for the cow.