Skulltrail is a lot of computing in a desktop package, and it represents the kind of capability that mainstream desktops will have in a couple of years from now," said Martin Reynolds, a Gartner (NYSE: IT) Research analyst.

That's because each Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 processor has four cores running at a 3.2 GHz and offers 12 MB of L2 cache and a 1,600 MHz system front side bus. The D5400XS supports up to four PCIe (peripheral component interconnect express) x16 graphics cards as well as 7.1 channel analog audio and includes a digital optical audio output port.

24-Hour Party People Rediscover Manchester

The music scene in the northern U.K. city of Manchester -- famous for producing bands like Joy Division/New Order, the Smiths and Oasis -- is thriving again, with a new generation of bands tipped for breakout success in 2008.

Many in the local biz see the buzz around the Courteeners and the Ting Tings -- both of whom have generated substantial coverage in the U.K. music press and have signed major-label deals -- as clear evidence of the city's musical renaissance. Other up-and-coming acts include alt-rock band Twisted Wheel, dance act the Whip and singer-songwriter Karima Francis.

"Manchester is where it's hottest at the moment in terms of new music," said Danny McNamara, singer with Independiente-signed British band Embrace and promoter of Manchester live-music night the Aftershow, which hosted early gigs from many of the new wave of local acts.

With release looming, Microsoft previews Office 2008

Microsoft Office for Mac 2008 doesn't officially ship until the kick-off of this month's Macworld Conference and Expo on January 15. But Microsoft has taken the wraps off the latest version of Office, showcasing its new features and capabilities.

When it arrives on U.S. retail shelves later this month (with international sales to follow), Office 2008 will sport a number of new features, not the least of which is the ability to run natively on Intel-based Macs.

Rio Tinto: Outlook for metals and minerals

In a US recession, there would need to be less investment in that country than would otherwise be the case. The excess funds would therefore be released for investment in other countries. Indeed, it is possible that a large portion of these could find their way into emerging markets such as China with positive effects on GDP. Various analyses suggest that such financial flows could offset the direct trade loss in a US recessionary scenario. Our analysis also shows a number of other positive and negative effects from a US slowdown. These are related to real exchange rate movements, shifts in terms of trade, consumption multipliers and various indirect trade effects from other countries back into China. But on balance we find it difficult to obtain a negative impact from a US recession on Chinese GDP that exceeds one percentage point.

Circus denies its use of animals is ‘cruel’

Appeals have appeared on blogging websites asking people to complain to Brent Cross and boycott the circus, because of the use of horses and budgies in the acts.

Hospira jumps on results, 2008 forecast

(AP) — Shares of medication delivery company Hospira Inc. rose sharply Thursday after the company forecast 2008 earnings and revenue in line with Wall Street estimates.

Hospira's stock jumped $2.81, or 7 percent, to $42.71. Over the past year, the stock has ranged between $36.88 and $44.64.

The company projected adjusted earnings per share for 2008 of $2.45 to $2.55, excluding acquistion-related charges and other items.

Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial, on average, estimate earnings of $2.47 per share. You May Also Like .