MIDs are undeniably convenient connectivity solutions that are irreplaceable for those who use them. However, the tiny screen can be a real annoyance, particularly if you want to view or read something of any size. Sit back and worry no longer; as part of its “Carry Small, Live Large” initiative, Intel is working on new technology that will allow several MIDs to link together to create one large screen. So if you and your buddies need to view a big map of where you’re going or some video footage of where you were, you’ll be able to do it without squinting. Why anybody thought that an ‘N Sync reunion was a good way of covering this exciting new technology is something we’ll be trying to figure out for a while. That’s one instance where you might prefer the small picture–or none at all. [Intel via Engadget]

Quoting some “people hanging around the Sony booth” at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, The Inquirer reports with questionable certainty that the Intel Larrabee will star as the graphics processing unit in Sony’s next console. Reporter Charlie Demerjian further says that ATI will probably work with Microsoft in the next generation, leaving Nvidia out of the picture. The article lacks official company statements, but Ars Technica got one from Sony: “PS3 is still in its third year from launch and it is too premature to talk about the next-generation home platform,” a representative said. “At this time, nothing concrete has been decided.” Let the rampant speculation and accompanying flame wars begin. [The Inquirer via Ars Technica]

If you’re a third-party software developer with an Intel Atom-based netbook and some time to play around, consider giving the company’s Moblin operating system a whirl. The open-source based Linux OS is in alpha stage now, allowing users to check out its “Fastboot” feature, networking functions and development tools, among other things. The desktop image seen above looks fairly Windows-esque, but it’s just a placeholder, as a more mobile-friendly interface is on the way for Moblin’s eventual introduction to the average consumer. For now, Intel is just trying to draw in software makers in hopes that they’ll target Moblin for future applications. [Ars Technica via Wired]

Intel is apparently bringing out the big guns to show its strength in the face of its competitors at AMD and otherwise.  They’ve hired spokesmodel Brooke Burke, famous for her work in, uh, we’re not really sure, to host their red carpet at CES 2009.  We’re long-time fans of Brooke Burke here at GearCrave, but we’re having a tough time remembering what she did that made her such a big name.  But hey, looking like that, do you really have to accomplish anything?  Now is Brooke’s chance.  Maybe her curvy dark locks and smooth skin can help revive a receeding chip industry…  Good luck, Brooke.  Call us if you need any help (really, call us!).  Oh yeah, Counting Crows and some guy named Mr. Jones will be there too.

Eazo is showing off a desktop PC that gives a new look to luxury computing. Unlike other high-end electronics adorned in gold and gemstones, this PC uses rosewood and an aluminum-magnesium alloy chassis to give it its distinctive look (it also has some of those Swarovski crystals you rich folk are so fond of).  The computer has an Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 processor, and is water-cooled so as not to burn that sweet wood exterior. No word on pricing or availability for the computer, but we’re betting extremely expensive….and extremely limited release. [via BornRich]

How much time do you wait everyday waste everyday waiting for your PC to boot up? If you buy this computer from Faith Japan– the answer to that question would be 4 seconds, flat. Faith Computer has announced the Fortisson Q96500XN DVR-4S PC, which has a boot time of 4 seconds. In addition to its lightening fast boot time the computer has a Core 2 Quad Q9650 processor, P45TS Intel motherboard, 2GB of DDR2, and a 500GB HDD. The computer is currently on sale in Japan only with an MSRP of around 120,000 Yen (or around $1,300). [via AkibaharaNews]

Medion has announced a new laptop with a massive 18.4-inch screen. The Akoya P8610 has a 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5800 processor, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, 4GB of RAM, and a dedicated 512MB GeForce 9600M GS graphics card. One cool feature of the laptop is that it comes with a built-in digital tuner as well as some PVR software, which means not only can you record programming- but you can record one show while watching another, all on an 18-inch screen. Look for it to hit store shelves this week in Europe for around $1600 US. [via TechDigest]

Don’t have the money to buy that new iMac this holiday season? One Argentinian company has the solution for you- Open iMac is a knock off version of the iMac which runs OSX on a standard-issue desktop tower with an LG monitor.  Okay, that sort of makes it not an iMac since it is several pieces, but eh…details, details. The computer is available in two different configurations starting at $880 and up to $1710 for the Pro version, which also makes it almost as expensive as the regular legit iMac… why would you buy this thing again?

Falcon Northwest is going all out with a premium build-your-own desktop, featuring Intel’s new Core i7 processors. Opt for the fully-pimped “Bragging Rights” model and you’ll get a desktop tower adorned in flames, with window and case lighting in a variety of colors. As for the insides, the Mach V maxes out with a 3.2 GHz Intel i7 Extreme 965 processor, 12 GB of DDR3 RAM, dual ATI HD4870X2 DDR5 video cards with 2GB of RAM, and Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players. For storage, you get over a terabyte spread across four drives.

Here are some more numbers: The high-end of Falcon Northwest’s offerings costs $11,211.84, and that’s without a monitor, speakers, a mouse and keyboard. Of course, you can knock the costs down considerably with the Mach V’s “Budget” and “Bang for the Buck” models, but why bother? [Falcon Northwest via Engadget]