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Some hackers just don’t know what to do with so much time on their hands. But at least for this one, he did something good and worthwhile – that is make the CPU of the OLPC XO run faster than it normally could or what it is programmed to do. By default, the XO’s CPU runs at 433mhz and memory runs at 166mhz.

The process involves an industry old way of overclocking the CPUs clock to make it run faster than it was programmed to do. The overclocking process can be easily done if you are a tech geek. If you are successful you’ll get an OLPC XO running at 566mhz and a memory speed of 233mhz. Here’s the exact procedure from the OLPC News site:

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Apple is now allowing anyone to recycle their no-longer-used mobile phone for free. Simply bring your mobile phone into any Apple retail location or complete the process online and ship the phone in. The phone recycling program will allow any brand phone to be turned in with no charge to the person, Apple will even pay the shipping costs for those being mailed in.

In addition to phone recycling, Apple will also accept any iPod for recycling. The iPod program is also free free, similar to the setup for the mobile phones. There is a program for CPU recycling, but in order to have your old computer or monitor recycled you have to purchase a new computer or monitor from Apple.

Via [textually.org]

According to the original plan by Microsoft, the Xbox 360s are supposed to be shipped with newer, cooler and quieter central processing units (CPU) starting in April of next year. But the plan is now on hold due to delayed delivery of the more efficient processor by Chartered Semiconductor, one of two contract manufacturers appointed by Microsoft to produce the CPUs.

Existing Xbox 360 CPUs, produced using 90nm process technology, are said to be generating a little bit too much heat and noise. Using 65nm process technology, the newer CPUs are expected to run more efficiently, reducing both noise and heat levels. The smaller chip size is also cheaper to produce, which should translate into cheaper Xbox prices in the future.  But will Microsoft transfer the cost saving to its customers? We will have to wait and see.... unless someone would like to start another online petition before Microsoft even has a chance to raise the price.

Read [Yahoo News] Via [DigitalBattle]