Tech News from CNET News.Com

Apple to issue refunds for Powerbook, iBook replacement power adapters

Owners of Powerbooks and iBooks who purchased replacement power adapters after theirs began to spark should soon be eligible for a refund.

Barriers to solar energy's blockbuster promise

The potential for U.S. solar energy may look brightest in California, but legal, technological and cost limitations are interfering with big installations.

Is carbon storage just a pipe dream?

Tests and funding are moving ahead but researcher says that plans to drastically cut pollution from power sources are overly optimistic.

Why Apple should release a game console

<p>Featured links from the CNET Blog Network</p> <p> <a href="http://www.cnet.com/8301-13506_1-9940041-17.html?tag=bnpr ">Why Apple should release a game console</a>-- As more people trust and enjoy Apple products in the home, the company could easily capitalize on its success elsewhere and create a gaming console that could do the same. </</p> <p> <a href="http://www.cnet.com/8301-13924_1-9939430-64.html?tag=bnpr">Nvidia CEO discusses his beef with Intel</a>--Jen-Hsun Huang describes his company as laser focused on just one thing: visual computing. This is leading to clashes with Intel, which is shifting its focus to this area. p> <p> <a href="http://www.cnet.com/8301-13846_1-9939822-62.html?tag=bnpr">Verizon Wireless and I are no longer friends</a>--There are few things in life more infuriating than dealing with cell carriers.</p> <p> <a href="http://www.cnet.com/8301-13526_1-9939714-27.html?tag=bnpr">DRM: it's like those zombie movies</a>--No matter how many times the content owners wish it worked, DRM has a fundamental technical flaw: you have to give the key to the person you're trying to lock out! Microsoft gets this, even if the RIAA doesn't.</p>

Did you get infected? Virus runs amok amid JavaOne

No, not that kind of virus. An alert from the San Francisco health department says that a number of people fell ill while working or attending events at the Moscone Center since April 30.

Week in review: Yahoo, Microhoo's biggest loser

Yahoo and Microsoft don't make a love connection, while Grand Theft Auto IV gets a lot of love. Also: Wild about WiMax.

Last.fm announces original video programming

CBS Interactive's social-media site got its start by letting members share audio playlists, but by launching a video show called "Last.fm Presents," it's moving into MTV territory.

Firefox add-on infected with Trojan

A Vietnamese language pack for the open-source Web browser has been infected with the infectious Xorer Trojan since February. A new version is now being checked.

Citi: Solar prices to sink rapidly in looming shakeout

Today's silicon shortage will lead to an oversupply in two years that will push down solar prices, according to financial analysts. Good for buyers, but not for manufacturers.

Apple settles with Canadian iPod owners

Company offers Canadian iPod owners a $45 store credit, in response to two class action lawsuits over the advertised battery life of its devices.

Nvidia CEO details his beef with Intel

Jen-Hsun Huang describes his company as laser focused on just one thing: visual computing. This is leading to clashes with chipmaker Intel, which is shifting its focus to this area.

The GPL vs. Skype: Open source's bedrock license wins again

The GPL, like Ionesco's Rhinoceros, "ne capitule pas" (won't capitulate). So long as we have a strong and vibrant GPL community, we'll have a strong and vibrant open-source community. It really is as simple as that.

Circuit City retains Goldman Sachs to explore 'strategic alternatives'

Electronics retailer says it will allow Carl Icahn and Blockbuster to conduct due diligence in the latter's takeover bid.

Google waves sayonara to Hello

Photo-messaging service, which Google acquired as part of Picasa in 2004, will breathe its last breath on May 15.

The founder's dilemma: How to play the final sale

Critics say Jerry Yang and David Filo blew it by getting into 11th-hour negotiations directly with Steve Ballmer. But other company founders say the dynamics of the end game are more complicated than that.

A modest proposal to fix Dell's customer service

A former leader in its field, customer satisfaction ranking now lags behind most competitors. Here are some suggestions.

Steve Jurvetson: The constant search for disruption

The managing director of venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson, says he isn't concerned by the economic downturn as long as the diversity of innovation keeps up.

Apple working on its own Wiimote?

A patent filing disclosed this week describes a device that would work similarly to the Nintendo Wii controller.

Former RIAA chief advising Project Playlist

Jay Berman is trying to help the music service get past copyright issues.

Musician sees irony in industry 'takedown' letter

Musician Dave Allen says he mistakenly posted an unauthorized music file to his blog but removed it after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from IFPI.

EIC Squared: SAP, Sun, AMD and Microhoo

In this week's EIC Squared podcast, ZDNet's Larry Dignan and I discuss the latest news from SAP, Sun, AMD and Microhoo.