Serdad,

Thank you for your comment and suggestion on how we can work to make Gear Patrol a more useful resource for you. I can honestly say that we work diligently to feature a variety of products spanning all price levels and purposes, but do apologize if in your opinion that fact has somehow not shown through our work as of late.

However, as our Copy Chief Dusty Overby explained in an earlier response, the 'Fixation' series in particular is a unique segment that is less concerned about discussing products that are affordable, practical, and universally appealing. Instead it is used as a regular outlet through which our editors can discuss their individual passions and styles. Hence the line included in the post-script which states:

"The Fixation is a new series of posts focused on… well, fixations. Unlike our regular posting schedule, yet much like the fixations that have laid victim to many-a-coveting, lusting men, these posts will come without measured planning (though we’ll aim for a weekly basis). There is no true rhyme or reason behind the uncontrollable yearning of a man’s fixation.."

If in this instance you do not personally agree with Eric's taste in desks, I'll be the first to admit that you are not alone, as I myself am puzzled by how such a seemingly simple desk demand such a high price. However, others may hold similar feelings about my affinity for DJ equipment, or a 1959 Les Paul. So who are we to say that only products that appeal to our individualized tastes deserve to be discussed vs those that don't?

To address your comments about the "blog snatching" of the HTPC, all I can say is that our focus as a site is to surface unique products we believe are worth sharing. Under that creed, just because another major media outlet covers something first does not mean it isn't still worth highlighting to our audience. The fact that we give credit to the source which alerted us to the product is our way of acknowledging the hard work of our colleagues online and ironically is something both Gizmodo and Engadget practice themselves on a regular basis. For instance, doing a quick browse of Engadget's homepage, I found these articles which the site all credits to other sources for finding (see bottom left corner of each article".

http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/14/android-2-1s-b... Credited Source: AndroidSPIN

http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/14/chevy-volt-get... Credited Source: Autoblog

http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/14/sony-considere... Credited Source: Slashgear

http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/14/yogen-ripcord-... Credited Source: Photography Blog & Yo Gen

A quick browse of Gizmodo yielded similar results:

http://gizmodo.com/5426145/this-giant-crashed-cel...
Credited Source: Direct Daily

http://gizmodo.com/5425969/princess-and-the-pea-a...
Credited Source: Make

<a href="http://gizmodo.com/5426066/samsung-st5500-point+and+shoot-shows-off-wi+fi-and-nice-specs-in-fcc-appearance" target="_blank">http://gizmodo.com/5426066/samsung-st5500-point+a...
Credited Source: Engadget.

So while we do strive to add as much unique content as possible to the internet at large, we feel like other sites that just because we don't have the time to be the first to cover every possible product, that shouldn't prevent us sharing the wealth provided by other tremendous resources online from time to time.

Aaron, thanks for your comment. The point I was alluding to without bogging everyone down with speculation is that since it's not endorsed or created by Google, there's a chance the hardware could be made obsolete from updates made by Google in the future that may not take this device into account. On the flip side, its highly likely that the only reason this product is even available for sale now is because Google did not have their hands on it. Subsequently it didn't have to go through the company's ridiculous internal vetting process, or compete for the lime light/development funding with products like Android and even the Google phone which is rumored to be coming. So its lack of affiliation has it's pros and cons.

Jon they are "22" style wheels", as in they are designed to look like full sized 22" wheels.

Yea I've checked out Face Control as well and it's definitely a solid track. I also really dig their remix of beaches & friends and the beatboy song. Hit up their myspace page to hear those gems if you haven't already and thanks for the comment.

pam

My what amazing artwork you produce Jon! GP's new illustrator in residence...

Dave,

Thanks for mentioning the X10. I was unaware of it and I'll definitely have to check it out. Looking at the website, I can see what you mean about the marketing, but it's the product that counts right? I appreciate the tip.

Looks sweet and the slim build definitely adds appeal. At $600 though there is some fierce competition. I'd also like to see more video based features included on the unit.

I think what's important to take note of is that Dan actually had his hands on the product, and took the time to review it personally before publishing a post on it. Great work Dan.

Glad you could get down with it. BTW, like to see you rocking that nixon in your gravatar.