Here is a look at the new 2008 Technic Sets.

Released First Half of 2008 (Already Released and available to purchase over at Lego.com);

First is Set 8290 Mini Forklift. It looks to be about the same size as the Mini Loader set 8418.

Second is set 8291 Dirt Bike.

Third is set 8292 Cherry Picker. This set has Power Functions to control the spin of the boom. It also includes instructions so you can build It into a Dump truck

Fourth is set 8296 Dune Buggy.

Due for Release During second half of 2008. The following are just My estimation of how these sets are going to be, by looking at the pictures and knowledge about how they should be.

Fifth is set 8294 Excavator. This is one of the first sets to be released that has the new Linear Actuators. This set has two of them to control the Boom and Bucket. it looks as if you could get very precise movements out of them. This set also takes advantage of the new Tracks Found in the Snowmobile and Bulldozer.

Sixth is set 8295 Telehandler/Forklift. This set also has a Linear Actuator to extend the boom.

Seventh is set 8297 4×4 Hummer. This set includes the newer Power Functions. It looks as if the motor may control the winch in front, from what i can see that it has a clutch. To me this set looks it could be a perfect candidate for making a remote controlled 4×4 with the Power Functions.

By looking at the excavator it looks as if the new Linear Actuators may be of manual control. You could easily convert them to use the Power Functions, however you would just want to make sure that you use a clutch gear so you do not strip the Linear Actuator.