Enter the Spyder from Atlantic. The Spyder combines a steel frame structure with storage for games, consoles and accessories. It forms a high tech platform for up to a 40-inch flat panel TV that weighs up to 40 kilos. The Spyder’s steel center cylinder and rods are powder-coated, so they won’t tarnish, chip or discolor and the frame offers the solid stability of steel construction and adjustable non-marring feet. The component shelf supports three consoles weighing up to 60 lbs. The Spyder’s open architecture promotes airflow to keep valuable electronics running cool. A storage basket holds game controllers, while a twelve game cartridge rack provides easy access to fun.

A rear mounted power strip tray and wire management cleat organizes the maze of cords to maintain a clean look. Attaching a flat screen is easy with a very simple four hook mounting system. Two VESA 400x400 mounting brackets with hooks are attached to the flat panel’s back, which then securely mates with the TV stand mounting frame. The Spyder is constructed from 12 large parts making it easy to assemble and it weighs just over 12 kilos, so any adult can build it and move it into position. The product becomes available in March, retailing for $130.

If you don’t have enough stuff to store on the Spyder, Razer has just released their latest Xbox 360 controllers: The Razer Onza Tournament and Standard Edition. Built for the hardcore competitive gamer, the Razer Onza Tournament Edition offers superior customizability with adjustable resistance analog sticks for exceptional precision. Both Tournament and Standard Editions of the Razer Onza feature Multi-Function Buttons (MFB) on the controller’s shoulders which allow for the remapping of critical buttons. Not only does this increase the efficiency of game control, but it aids those with disabilities who unable to reach specific functions on a standard controller.  Both controllers also have Hyperesponse action buttons, PC compatibility and a 15 foot cable.

Better control is one thing, but an enhanced experience requires something more. The KOR-fx from Immerz (www.immerz.com) is based on acousto-haptic technology. It was developed by Shahriar S. Afshar an internationally-recognized Iranian-American physicist and entrepreneur. According to Immerz, the KOR-fx “delivers nearly imperceptible vibrations to select areas of the chest, activating neural pathways that subconsciously monitor vibrations of the chest cavity that naturally occur when speaking, laughing or crying, providing users with a directional full sensory immersive experience and a heightened emotional, sensory response to whatever entertainment they are enjoying.” Theoretically, the device will enable users to physically experience the smacks, crashes and blasts in whatever game is being played.

Sounds bizarre, but there must be something to it because the KOR-fx has won the 2010 Popular Science Magazine Invention Award and Popular Science’s Best of What’s New in 2010 Award and it was hand-picked as one of the most innovative new consumer technologies by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) in the 2010 i-Stage awards. The device will retail in March for $190 and is already in preorder.

The last piece of gaming news to discuss today is Acer’s Aspire Predator lineup. Back in September, Acer released the Aspire Predator AG7750 for competitive gamers and the Predator AG5900 for  players who couldn’t quite afford top of the line. The AG7750 runs a quad core Intel Core i7-930 CPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX470 graphics and 12GB of memory, while the Predator AG5900 offers a Core i7-870 CPU, 8GB of memory and ATI Radeon HD 5850 1GB graphics.

Now, Acer has diluted the Predator lineup with the AG3600 for gamer “wannabes.” Acer claims that the AG3600 is for casual gamers and digital media enthusiasts. It runs an Intel Core i5 2300 CPU, 8 GB of memory and NVIDIA GeForce GT 420 graphics all packaged in a black chassis with a vent design in the shape of the letter G for “gaming.” Don’t be fooled. Most gamers want more power than the AG3600 provides, along with better graphics. So unless you think that using the handle in the AG3600 chassis to lug the machine around makes you look cool, this isn’t the right PC for you.