FastMac recently announced its release of an external Blu-Ray player for the Mac OS X, beating out Apple to the punch of integrating Blu-Ray into the Mac infrastructure. This could be a huge advantage for Blu-Ray over HD DVD now that Mac users will happily have the capability to watch their favorite Blu-Ray movie.

The Blu-Ray drive upgrade will allow for a 1x BR-RW burn speed, and will also allow for 8x DVD-RW. It comes bundled with the award-winning Toast 8 Titanium software and includes one 25GB Blu-ray rewritable disc so you can get started on the double. Though, this technology won’t come cheap. The FastMac Blu-Ray Player is available now for $799.95. — Andrew Dobrow

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UK luxury firm Luvaglio has released some pictures of its Million Dollar Laptop. Honestly, I wouldn’t care if this thing was covered in diamonds. For a million bucks, this thing better have a mind control device or some shit. The Million Dollar Laptop comes with a diamond encrusted power button, a 17-in backlit screen with a special non-reflecive coating, a 128 GB solid state hard drive, a Blu-Ray dive, and built in USB memory and MP3 player. The laptop will be precision made with the finest precious metals, leathers, and woods.

Are the specs impressive? Definitely. Are they worth a million dollars? Hell no! Give me $750,000 and I’ll make the same thing for you for 25% less. No laptop should ever be more expensive than $5,000. Luvaglio is just being greedy. I would much rather spend it on this Million Dollar Hublot watch covered in bling. — Andrew Dobrow

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Sharp Japan has announced its 6x blue-violet laser capable of burning double dual sided Blu-Ray and HD-DVD discs. The diodes which emit the laser are planned to begin mass production in May with an output of 210 mW, which puts this laser as the world’s most powerful. The device could be used in the ever expanding market for HD-DVD 1080 pixel recorders. The diode also has a life of 10,000 hours of service. A unheard of amount of time for a typical laser burning diode.

Sharp says that the 6x laser is not the end. In 2008, Sharp says an 8x will be released and a 10x for 2009. Blu-Ray might be a passing fade, but we think HD-DVD is here to stay and will continue to be all the rage until ruled obsolete. The technology for LCD TV’s and HD recorders are at an all time high and are still rising. This new laser marks a landmark for HD progress. — Andrew Dobrow

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Sony’s new Bravia XBR is a massive 70 inches of pure LCD madness. With a super high def resolution of 1,920 pixels by 1080 pixels, not only is the XBR absolutely gigantic, but as high definition as your gonna get right now. Now might be a good time to wipe the drool from your chin.

The Bravia Engine Pro engine, which takes non-HD programs and converts them to a higher quality picture, will also be included. Not only Blu-Ray and HD-DVD systems will make this kitty purr. DVD players will look just as fantastic.

With the XBR’s 178 degree viewing angle, reflections and darkness won’t ruin the LCD for large groups. The XBR can be viewed in good quality in most of all sitting angles, instead of only receiving great picture from the center seat.

Of course, the XBR has a price tag as large as its 70 inch size. A awe inspiring $33,000 will be needed to purchase your own when it hits stores next month (or you could buy a used luxury car). Is it worth it? You be the judge. — Andrew Dobrow

Sony Bravia XBR 70 inch LCD [Newlaunches]