6/15/2009
iPhone Helps Apple Triple Total Number of Mac Users in Only 2 Years
Before announcing the new iPhone 3.0 S at WWDC last Monday, Apple's SVP of Marketing, Phil Schiller, presented some big news about the increasing number of Mac users."We’ve TRIPLED the number of users," he said to big applause. "It's astounding."
In the 5 years after Apple launched Mac OS X, the number of Mac users has grown steadily to 25 million. But between 2007 and 2009, the number of Mac users tripled and now surpasses 75 million.
According to statistics compiled by Net Applications, Mac OS X is the second most popular general-purpose operating system in use, after Microsoft Windows, with a 9.6% market share. It is also the most successful UNIX-based operating system ever released.
So what happened in 2007 that could have caused the spike in new Mac users? If you guessed the iPhone, then give yourself a pat on the back. Apple first announced the iPhone in January 2007.
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6/03/2009
iPhone 3.0 to Get Direct Video Downloads
According to Apple Insider, the new Apple iPhone 3.0 operating system will include the ability to directly download movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store. Users would be able to skip the step of downloading and syncing an iPhone or iPod Touch with their Mac or PC.Apple already supports the direct downloading of video podcasts and music from their mobile version of the iTunes Store, but has held off directly selling movies and TV shows while mobile carriers expanded their 3G network capacity. The update will make Apple one of the top companies selling paid content to mobile users.
The iPhone 3.0 software update is due to arrive later this summer. In addition to direct downloads, the update will introduce over 100 new features, including the ability to:
- Send photos, contacts, audio files, and location via MMS
- In App Purchases, allowing developers sell content and services from within their apps
- Peer to Peer Connectivity, particularly useful for multi-player game apps
- Cut, copy, and paste
- Email Push Notification
- A new Map Kit framework integrating Google Mobile Maps
- iPod Library Access allowing users tap into their music, podcast or audio book libraries from third party apps
- The ability to search your iPhone
- Read and compose email and text messages in landscape orientation
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5/21/2009
Astronauts’ Drink of Choice: Urine
How to you celebrate the installation of a wastewater recycling system? How about with a bag of recycled urine water? This week 3 astronauts aboard the International Space Station drank their own urine [video], officially testing the facility’s Urine Processing Assembly.NASA has been working on a urine recycling system for years. The system is a vital part of NASA's plan to put astronaut outposts on the moon and Mars. The water recycler will also help budget strapped space mission budgets by reducing the amount of water shipped into space by Russian resupply ships.
While demonstrating the new system for the press, U.S. astronaut Michael Barratt joked "We have these highly attractive labels on our water bags that essentially say 'brought to you by ECLSS,' and 'drink when real water is over 200 miles away.'"
So how does this new $250 million dollar wastewater recycling system work? The system takes the crew's urine from the toilets and pumps it into a big tank where the water is boiled and water vapor collected.
Yummy!
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Palm Pre Release Date Confirmed
Good news iPhone haters, this week, Palm announced the release date for the Palm Pre. The much-anticipated touchscreen/keyboard hybrid will be available June 6th at several locations including Sprint stores, RadioShack, Best Buy and even Wal-Mart.
So why is everyone so excited for the Palm Pre anyway? The Palm Pre has several main advantages over the iPhone. They include:
The Pre was the darling gadget of CES 2009 and Palm has a lot of momentum right now. Palm is using this momentum by aggressively going after Apple. Not only are they matching the iPhone price of $200 with a 2-year commitment, but June 6th is only two days before Apple's WWDC keynote. Two days doesn't give Apple much time to calculate a response. The rumor mills have been pretty quiet, but who knows, maybe Apple has something clever up their sleeves for WWDC.
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So why is everyone so excited for the Palm Pre anyway? The Palm Pre has several main advantages over the iPhone. They include:
- Touchscreen / Keyboard Hybrid - One of the biggest complaints of iPhone users is the lack of keyboard. The Pre combines the QWERTY keyboard of the BlackBerry with the touchscreen easy of the iPhone.
- Synergy - Palm's new Synergy service allows you to group all your conversations by contact not service. This means all conversations with a contact - even if it's a mix of several services including phone, MMS, IM, email, or SMS - will all be grouped together on the same screen.
- Multi-App OS - Palm's new OS allows users to run more than one application at a time and quickly switch between them. In comparison, the iPhone has to shut down each app before opeing another.
The Pre was the darling gadget of CES 2009 and Palm has a lot of momentum right now. Palm is using this momentum by aggressively going after Apple. Not only are they matching the iPhone price of $200 with a 2-year commitment, but June 6th is only two days before Apple's WWDC keynote. Two days doesn't give Apple much time to calculate a response. The rumor mills have been pretty quiet, but who knows, maybe Apple has something clever up their sleeves for WWDC.
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5/18/2009
How to Fix an Inverted Macintosh Monitor
Is the monitor on your Macintosh computer inverted? Are you seeing black where it should be white? Does everything look negative? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you accidentally enabled a Macintosh feature for people with impaired vision.
We've heard of people doing all sorts of crazy things to fix this problem like swapping video cards, buying new LCD monitors, attempting a monitor calibration or even replacing RAM. But there's a much simpler way to fix this inverted screen problem. Chances are, all you need to do is change a few settings in your Mac OS X System Preferences panel. There are some extreme cases where a little more fiddling is required, but we have solutions for those as well.
So don't worry. Your video card isn't broken. Now let's fix your inverted monitor problem.
Tutorial: How to Fix an Inverted Macintosh Monitor
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4/28/2009
Tekkeon NavDock for iPod - Review
Tekkeon's NavDock is a home media center all wrapped up into an iPod dock. The NavDock lets you navigate your iPod through an on-screen menu to play videos, photos, and music on a connected standard definition television.
NavDock browses directly through your iPod menus, so finding and playing music and videos is easy. And you can use the 16-button remote to adjust or mute volume, shuffle, repeat or skip songs, and fast forward or rewind through music or videos. The remote offers a 5-way navigation pad and quick keys that you jump directly to the videos, photos, music, or settings menus.And the damn thing isn't even that expensive. But it's also not perfect. If you want to connect your iPod to your TV, should you splurge and get an Apple TV, buy a cheap $5 AV iPod cable or get the NavDock? Let's find out.
Review: Tekkeon NavDock for iPod
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4/20/2009
iPod or iPhone Reset
Is your iPod or iPhone frozen? This can happen for a number of reasons and does not necessarily indicate a serious problem. Sometimes they just need a reset much like the way your computer needs a restart once in a while.Restarting an iPod or iPhone is a simple procedure that will not erase any of your music, data files, or customized preferences.
Tutorial: How to Reset a Frozen iPhone or iPod
Sometimes the iPhone just gets confused. For example, the iPhone may be powered on but it won't respond to any button, switch, or touchscreen input. Try pressing and holding the Home button on the front of the iPhone for 6 seconds until the active program closes.
If this technique does not resolve the issue or the iPhone is in a different state such as showing a persistent Apple logo on the display, then you should reset the iPhone.
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4/14/2009
Amazon Blackberry App
Like shopping on the go? This week Amazon.com released a free application for trackball BlackBerrys like Bold or Curve. The new application lets users search, browse, purchase products, view customer reviews, track packages and access their wish lists while on the go.You can download the new Amazon app from your Blackberry's web browser by going to http://amazon.com/bb
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3/24/2009
HP Mini Netbook Unboxing
When was the last time you got excited for a laptop? Pull down your pants and say hello to the HP Mini Netbook. Slender, lightweight, and ultramobile, the HP Mini represents a convenient alternative to carrying your primary laptop everywhere you go. Need to write a blog at a trade show or a press conference? Thinking about bringing a computer with you on vacation? Does your back hurt? Finding a reason to own a cute light-weight netbook isn't hard.Cute is one thing, but what about functionality? True to its "netbook" name, the HP Mini makes getting on the 'Net easy. Besides having a great built-in WiFi antenna, Ethernet port and Bluetooth, an optional 3G broadband wireless capability enables basic Internet access from almost anywhere with cell phone coverage.
We had a camera handy and took some HP Mini unboxing photos. Here's how it went...
PICS: HP Mini Netbook Unboxing
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3/18/2009
Apple Debuts Upcoming iPhone 3.0 Software
Yesterday, Apple disclosed some details about the new iPhone 3.0 operating system, due this summer. The beta release, now available to registered developers, will deliver 100 new features, including:- cut, copy and paste (was it really that hard?!)
- MMS (finally!)
- landscape view for Mail
- Text and Notes
- stereo Bluetooth
- Notes syncing
- shake to shuffle
- parental controls for TV shows
- movies and App Store apps
- a new Voice Memo app
- automatic login at Wi-Fi hot spots.
Apple also disclosed some stunning figures about the iPhone platform. There have been more than 800 million apps downloaded; there are now more than 25,000 apps to choose from at the App Store and over 50,000 companies have joined the developers program to date.
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3/16/2009
How to Fix Boxee Black Screen Error on Apple TV
Is your Apple TV freezing when you launch Boxee? Do you see a quick flash of the Apple logo and then just a blank "black screen"?You aren't alone. If you were one of the early Boxee beta/alpha testers, you might have some files leftover from an old install. Don't even bother reinstalling Boxee or trying a factory restore on your Apple TV. These won't solve your Boxee problems. You need to remove the old user data files using a SSH client.
In this tutorial, we will walk you through the steps to remove these old files and return your Boxee software to normal functionality on your Apple TV.
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3/10/2009
Hulu Blocks Boxee... Again
The streaming video site Hulu and the streaming-video-on-your-TV service Boxee spent all of last weekend fighting. Again. In late February, Hulu asked Boxee to remove the special Hulu browser from the Boxee software. Boxee complied with Hulu's request, but Boxee users were very upset.Then last weekend, Boxee figured out a way around the Hulu issue. Boxee was able to reintegrate Hulu videos back into Boxee's software by creating a video RSS reader. Basically Boxee was just browsing Hulu's public RSS feeds which any web browser or RSS reader can do. This solution wasn't as flashy as the special Hulu application that Boxee had made, but it was a good work around until a formal deal could be worked out with Hulu.
Over the weekend, news quickly spread on Twitter that Boxee had reintegrated Hulu back into the Boxee software. Boxee users rejoiced but their celebration was short lived. Even though Boxee was only importing Hulu's public video RSS feeds, Hulu promptly blocked the Boxee RSS browser and displayed the following message: "This video is not currently available at this site, but you can view this and other Hulu videos at Hulu.com."
In response, Boxee released a statement on the company's blog:
"To our users: if you choose to use Boxee as your media browser to view legal and publicly available content on the Internet, we will do everything we can to ensure that you can access it, no matter what the source... while some of the best things in life are free, sometimes you have to work hard to get them."
Why is Hulu is putting so much effort into blocking Boxee? The only difference between Boxee and your web browser is that Boxee's browser is on your TV screen, rather than your computer screen.
However, there is a silver lining to this story for Boxee users. The new video RSS reader functionality that Boxee developed to reintegrate Hulu can be used to access other public RSS feeds. The next version of Boxee will most likely include the new RSS reader and a feature called "App Box" that will help simplify the addition of new in-house and third party applications.
Boxee hopes to have a new release ready before their New York City Boxee meetup on March 24.
Not sure what all this Boxee talk is all about? Boxee is a free open source cross-platform media center and entertainment hub that can play movies, TV shows, music and photos, as well as streaming content from websites like
Tutorial: How to Install Boxee on Your Apple TV
All you need to install Boxee on your Apple TV is a USB stick. If you own an Apple TV, then you need Boxee. Install Boxee and set your Apple TV free.
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3/03/2009
Samsung SGH-T719
Here’s a very intense round up of the gadgets featured by Gizmos For Geeks this past week.
At the beginning of the week we looked at the new Samsung SGH-T719 which is Samsung’s equivalent of the BlackBerry – good for checking emails on, but perhaps not as easy to reply to them. Ironically, that was followed the next day by accessories for the BlackBerry Bold, which probably is a bit better for replying to emails.
This week’s articles seem to be mainly centered on phones, so to continue the trend we announced the release of the Helio Hero – a phone designed for rich multimedia content, without much regard for size! And, finishing the mobile theme, saw the biggest article of the week: Google Mobile Sync. This application from Google Mobile allows you to sync your phone, via the cloud, with your Google account, copying over your contacts and calendar entries.
And, just to show that phones aren’t the only things we talk about, we threw in the USB SATA Drive Dock and Multi-Color Lightbulb. The SATA Drive Dock being a very useful kit for hot-swapping between your SATA drives, and the Multi-Color Lightbulb was, well, absolutely just another ridiculous, unnecessary thing that we feel we had to have!
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2/23/2009
Help! My iPod Fell in the Toilet!
Over the years, we've gotten a bowl-load of these "Help! I dropped my iPod in the toilet!" emails. It's an epidemic.
This is such a common problem that we've created a rather gross iPod toilet graphic (see above) and made a special "iPod Toilet Trap" tech support page. If you've dropped your iPod in the toilet, this page might prove useful.
Free iPod Support: The iPod Toilet Trap
For those of you who haven't dropped your iPod in the toilet yet, try not to take your iPod in the bathroom. If you really need to hear music, try singing the next time you are in the shower.
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Here's a sample: "Yes, it really happened, and I'd rather not go into it right now. It was submerged in water for 3-4 seconds, and now the screen is on and not responding. It's making a little sound like it's still running.
I tried opening it but couldn't get the case open except for a corner. SOMEONE HELP! 15GB new iPod. What a shame."
This is such a common problem that we've created a rather gross iPod toilet graphic (see above) and made a special "iPod Toilet Trap" tech support page. If you've dropped your iPod in the toilet, this page might prove useful.
For those of you who haven't dropped your iPod in the toilet yet, try not to take your iPod in the bathroom. If you really need to hear music, try singing the next time you are in the shower.
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2/12/2009
Restart a Frozen iPhone or iPod
Is your iPod or iPhone frozen? This can happen for a number of reasons and does not necessarily indicate a serious problem. Sometimes they just need a restart much like the way your computer needs a reset once in a while.Restarting an iPod or iPhone is a simple procedure that will not erase any of your music, data files, or customized preferences.
Tutorial: How to Restart a Frozen iPod or iPhone
Sometimes the iPhone just gets confused. For example, the iPhone may be powered on but it won't respond to any button, switch, or touchscreen input. Try pressing and holding the Home button on the front of the iPhone for 6 seconds until the active program closes.
If this technique does not resolve the issue or the iPhone is in a different state such as showing a persistent Apple logo on the display, then you should reset the iPhone.
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2/05/2009
Troubleshooting an Apple TV
Is your Apple TV frozen or unresponsive? Is the battery in your Apple Remote control dead? Is the hard drive completely fried? This tutorial will walk you through a variety of common problems and help you figure out what's wrong with your Apple TV.
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1/26/2009
How to Change the Language on Your iPod
Oops! Did you accidentally change you iPod's language to Chinese, Japanese or Icelandic? Want to switch it back to English or another language you understand? Here's how:- Press the Menu button like 20 times. You want to be sure you are on the Main Menu screen.
- Scroll all the way down to the last menu option - but don't select it.
- Scroll up one menu item. This should be the Settings option.
- Press the Center (Select) button.
- You are now in the Settings menu.
- Scroll down to the last menu option. It should say "Reset All Settings" in English - but don't select it.
- Scroll up to the third menu item from the bottom. This should be the Language option.
- Press the Center button to select Language.
- Select your preferred language from the list.
For more tutorials and help articles, checkout the methodsop.com iPod/iPhone Help Section.
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12/29/2008
Hack Your Apple TV with Boxee
Buying iTunes season passes to a handful of shows like South Park, The Daily Show, Angel, Fringe, Battlestar Galactica, Friends and SNL will set you back hundreds of dollars. That's a hard wad of cash to swallow especially since you can watch all these shows for free streaming video websites like Hulu, WB and Comedy Central. The only problem is who wants to spend hours hunched over a computer for hours? It makes my back hurt just thinking about it. Wouldn't you rather sit on your couch and watch a full length movie on your big-ass HDTV?
Luckily for us, where Apple falls flat on its face with the Apple TV, Boxee comes to the rescue. Boxee is a free open source cross-platform media center and entertainment hub that can play movies, TV shows, music and photos, as well as streaming content from websites like Hulu, Netflix, CBS, Comedy Central, Last.fm, and flickr. Hell, the damn thing can even download free public torrents (Refer Madness anyone?!).Tutorial: How to Install Boxee on Your Apple TV
All you need to hack your Apple TV so it can use Boxee is a USB stick. If you own an Apple TV, then you need Boxee. Install Boxee and set your Apple TV free.
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R2-D2 Chorus Line [video]
Looking for something to do with the R2-D2 robot you got for Christmas? What about making a Chorus Line like these guys on YouTube?Hopefully all of your friends are Star Wars Fanboys because you'll need quite a few R2-D2 Astromech Droids for this.
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12/19/2008
Nintendo Wii Nunchuck Controller
Is a weak arm or physical stamina keeping you from taking your Nintendo Wii gaming experience to the next level? Perhaps you should look into getting the Nintendo Wii Nunchuck Controller. This accessory adds even more innovation to the next generation of gaming and does it all with less physical movement.Contoured to perfectly fit a players hand, the Nunchuck controller builds on the simplicity of the Wii Remote.
The Nunchuck contains the same motion-sensing technology enabled in the Wii Remote but also includes an analog stick to help assist in character movement. This analog stick can be a godsend if you feel like physical motion is keeping you from your optimum gaming performance (see video called Crazy Girl on Wii).
Review: Nintendo Wii Nunchuck Controller
The Nintendo Wii Nunchuck Controller is part of the MethodShop.com Gadget Gift Guide. We've rounded up the best gadget gifts money can buy. There's something for everyone. From tiny stocking stuffers to a personal mini tank. We've hand-selected some of the most popular gadgets this holiday season and organized them into a little interactive shopping list.methodshop
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12/09/2008
Atomic Bass Earbuds
BOOM!!! Do you feel like your iPhone or iPod needs more bass? Is your favorite Equalizer setting "Bass Boost?" Wish your headphones sounded as good as your home or car stereo system? Then maybe it's time you invested in an "atomic" pair of bass enhancing earphones.
Radius has really taken great pains in the physical design and internal engineering to make their Atomic Bass earbuds great. They've even included a gold plated stereo mini-plug... something not usually found in earphones priced under $50.Bass aficionados who are looking for a great pair of earbuds for under $50 will fall in love with the Atomic Bass earphones.
Full Review: Atomic Bass Earphones for iPod/Zune
The Atomic Bass Earphones are part of the MethodShop.com Gadget Gift Guide. We've rounded up the best gadget gifts money can buy. There's something for everyone. From tiny stocking stuffers to a personal mini tank. We've hand-selected some of the most popular gadgets this holiday season and organized them into a little interactive shopping list.methodshop
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12/02/2008
LG BD300 Network Blu-Ray DVD Player
If you want a new Blu-ray DVD player and are a Netflix subscriber, then the LG BD300 Network Blu-Ray Disc Player is exactly what you are looking for.LG's new BD300 Network Blu-ray Disc player is a full-featured DVD player that also gives you unlimited instant access to 12,000+ Netflix movies and TV episodes. All you need is a broadband internet connection and Netflix subscription.
With Full HD 1080p resolution and 1080p upscaling, this Blu-ray Disc player is the ultimate source for home entertainment.
Full Review: LG BD300 Network Blu-Ray Disc Player
The LG BD300 is part of the MethodShop.com Gadget Gift Guide. We've rounded up the best gadget gifts money can buy. There's something for everyone. From tiny stocking stuffers to $300 flashlights that can light a cigarette and a personal tank. We've hand-selected some of the most popular gadgets this holiday season and organized them into a little interactive shopping list.methodshop
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11/28/2008
Flip Video Mino Digital Camcorder
The idea behind the Flip Video Mino is simple. The Mino puts the power of video in your pocket. Capture the everyday moments that happen anywhere, and share them with family and friends everywhere.The super-portable, super-simple Mino makes it easy to capture and share up to 60 minutes of video anywhere and everywhere. And thanks to its flip-out USB arm and intuitive, built-in software, Mino lets you view, edit and upload your videos to popular video-sharing sites instantly.
In addition to its sleek compact design--complete with touch-sensitive, backlit buttons--Mino boasts a rechargeable battery that powers up automatically while plugged into your computer or electrical outlet. No batteries is good for the environment and your wallet.
Despite its diminutive size, the Flip Mino produces video that rivals that of camcorders costing much, much more. With 2 GB of flash memory, the Mino can record up to 60 minutes of VGA (Video Graphics Array) quality video that looks sharp when played back on your laptop or television. The high-quality microphone captures crisp, detailed audio, whether you're paddling down the Zoar Gap with soggy almond butter and jelly sandwiches or spinning iPods at your favorite club.
Review: Flip Video Mino Digital Camcorder
The Flip Video Mino is part of the MethodShop.com Gadget Gift Guide. We've rounded up the best gadget gifts money can buy. There's something for everyone. From tiny stocking stuffers to a personal mini tank. We've hand-selected some of the most popular gadgets this holiday season and organized them into a little interactive shopping list.methodshop
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10/13/2008
Knight Rider GPS Navigator
Ride the highways and byways guided by the voice of K.I.T.T. with Mio's Knight Rider portable GPS navigation unit. Boasting fast and accurate GPS reception, top-notch mapping, and a comprehensive POI (Points of Interest) database in addition to a 4.3-inch widescreen LCD and memory card expansion, all that's missing is Michael Knight, his patent leather jacket and a comb to feather your hair.But is this Knight Rider GPS all hype and marketing? Would this be a worthy GPS without the Knight Rider logo and K.I.T.T. voice? Let's find out.
Review: Mio Knight Rider GPS Navigator
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10/04/2008
Apogee Duet - Review
We all know one of the weak spots of Apple computers is the audio output jack. This 1/8" stereo mini-plug is where we connect our speakers and/or headphones to listen back to programs ranging from iTunes and Safari to Garageband and Logic.While the Mac audio output jack does double as an optical output (where you would need an optical cable), the majority of users connect in a typical 'analog' fashion.
But what if you could find a relatively inexpensive interface that could easily convert that analog signal to a higher quality digital output for all your apps? Well, the sleek, portable aluminum-cased Apogee Duet may just be the answer.
Review: Apogee Duet
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9/06/2008
Star Wars LEGO Millennium Falcon
Got a lot of free time on your hands? Are you a huge Star Wars fan? Yes? Then biggest LEGO set ever made, the Ultimate Collectors Millennium Falcon, is for you!
This LEGO version of the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo's famous smuggling starship, was designed to scale based on the size of LEGO people. The end result is almost three feet long. After assembly, the model measures (in inches): 33.1 (L) x 22.2 ( W) x 8.3 (H). This 5,195 piece LEGO set weighs 24.2 pounds, costs $499 and is far the largest set ever sold by the company.
The Millennium Falcon also features rotating laser turrets, radar dish, retractable boarding ramp and can instantly scare away any dates you bring home with you.
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This LEGO version of the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo's famous smuggling starship, was designed to scale based on the size of LEGO people. The end result is almost three feet long. After assembly, the model measures (in inches): 33.1 (L) x 22.2 ( W) x 8.3 (H). This 5,195 piece LEGO set weighs 24.2 pounds, costs $499 and is far the largest set ever sold by the company.
The Millennium Falcon also features rotating laser turrets, radar dish, retractable boarding ramp and can instantly scare away any dates you bring home with you.
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8/29/2008
Solar Powered Bonsai Tree Can Charge Your iPod and Mobile Phone
Recharge your cellphone, iPod, iPhone and camera with this USB solar powered bonsai tree by French designer Vivien Muller.
Thanks to 54 tiny photovoltaic panels, the iBonsai (we just made that name up) will store energy in a hidden battery during the day, allowing you to recharge your gadgets even at night.
Hate wire clutter? Who doesn't. The bonsai charging tree cleverly hides all wires and plugs under the tray.
Need to slim down the tree's girth so you can fit it on your desk? No problem. You can rotate each part individually and produce an endless number of different shapes. It's like metal adult LEGOS.
The iBonsai Tree is decorative, good for the environment and sexy. It's also just still a concept, so sorry. You can't buy this yet. Hopefully Vivien will sell his concept and get the tree mass produced soon.
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Thanks to 54 tiny photovoltaic panels, the iBonsai (we just made that name up) will store energy in a hidden battery during the day, allowing you to recharge your gadgets even at night.
Hate wire clutter? Who doesn't. The bonsai charging tree cleverly hides all wires and plugs under the tray.
Need to slim down the tree's girth so you can fit it on your desk? No problem. You can rotate each part individually and produce an endless number of different shapes. It's like metal adult LEGOS.
The iBonsai Tree is decorative, good for the environment and sexy. It's also just still a concept, so sorry. You can't buy this yet. Hopefully Vivien will sell his concept and get the tree mass produced soon.
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8/28/2008
Start a Fire with the TORCH Flashlight from Wicked Lasers
What happens when a company that usually makes powerful lasers for the Chinese military decides to make a flashlight? They make a flashlight with a beam so strong that it can start a fire.Wicked Lasers is known for making high-end lasers that can burn, cut, and project a laser beam hundreds of miles away. So when we found out that they were making a "flashlight," we were understandably both confused and curious.
Wicked Lasers named their new flashlight the TORCH... and for good reason. The "TORCH" is technically a flashlight. It looks like a flashlight. Operates like a flashlight. But this is no ordinary flashlight. The TORCH is so bright that its beam can ignite flammable objects as fast as an open flame.
Here's a video clip of the TORCH lighting some matches. As you will hear in the video, my assistants Libby and Lauren start laughing and blow snot all over the place. Honestly, who can blame them. This "flashlight" is ridiculous.
When you're done watching the video below, read the full review here:
Review: TORCH Flashlight
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8/24/2008
Get Cash for Your Old iPhone
Got an old broken iPhone laying around the house? Want to upgrade to an iPhone 3G but feel guilty because your old iPhone still works?RapidRepair.com is offering up to $200 for your fully functional 1st gen iPhone regardless of the condition. Even if the iPhone has a cracked screen, Rapid Repair will still buy it. They want it for parts.
Rapid Repair will also repair your existing broken iPhone or sell you a cheaper refurbished 1st generation iPhone with a 90-day warranty. It's a much better deal than buying a sketchy iPhone from eBay or Craigslist.
For more information, check out Rapid Repair's service page here.
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8/22/2008
ECLIPSE AVN6620 GPS Navigation System Giveaway
Don't have the extra cash to spurge on a GPS navigation system for the car? Want a chance to win a free one?
ECLIPSE, a subsidiarity of Fujitsu, is giving away free in-dashboard AVN6620 GPS navigation systems and music DVDs for their "ECLIPSE Driving Music 2008" online sweepstakes.
Besides having a great GPS navigation system, the Eclipse AVN6620 is loaded with features, including MP3 and WMV audio playback, DVD video (yes you can watch movies on this thing), Sirius Satellite Radio Traffic, an iPod connection, and some advanced equalizer options. The AVN6620 isn't one of those cheap GPS units with the tiny screens you see in K-Mart's electronics section.
AVN6620 Technical Specs:
The ECLIPSE AVN6620 Navigation System lists for $999.99 on Amazon.com. But if you are feeling lucky, enter the ECLIPSE contest for a chance to win a free AVN6620 or an "ECLIPSE Driving Music 2008" music DVD compilation. The DVD contains a mix of music videos and audio tracks by a variety of artists including Maroon 5, Bon Jovi, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Nicole Scherzinger, All American Rejects and Common.
To enter the contest, visit ECLIPSEDrivingMusic.com. Good luck!
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ECLIPSE, a subsidiarity of Fujitsu, is giving away free in-dashboard AVN6620 GPS navigation systems and music DVDs for their "ECLIPSE Driving Music 2008" online sweepstakes.Besides having a great GPS navigation system, the Eclipse AVN6620 is loaded with features, including MP3 and WMV audio playback, DVD video (yes you can watch movies on this thing), Sirius Satellite Radio Traffic, an iPod connection, and some advanced equalizer options. The AVN6620 isn't one of those cheap GPS units with the tiny screens you see in K-Mart's electronics section.
AVN6620 Technical Specs:
- in-dash DVD receiver with built-in amp (15 watts RMS/50 peak x 4 channels)
- motorized 7" LCD video screen with adjustable display angle and touchscreen controls
- dual-zone capability with two DVD slots
- 24-bit digital-to-analog converter for full, detailed sound
- GPS navigation (includes GPS antenna and map DVD-ROM) featuring map and voice turn-by-turn guidance
- full more details check out ELIPSE's website
The ECLIPSE AVN6620 Navigation System lists for $999.99 on Amazon.com. But if you are feeling lucky, enter the ECLIPSE contest for a chance to win a free AVN6620 or an "ECLIPSE Driving Music 2008" music DVD compilation. The DVD contains a mix of music videos and audio tracks by a variety of artists including Maroon 5, Bon Jovi, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Nicole Scherzinger, All American Rejects and Common.
To enter the contest, visit ECLIPSEDrivingMusic.com. Good luck!
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8/14/2008
SD Duplicator Knocks Down 20 Cards At a Time
Nexcopy announced their new 20 target SD Duplicator earlier today. Definitely a device for the ubergeek who's into data loading Secure Digital media. At first glance you ask yourself "Who'd want 20 copies of their SD card from their camera?" But it's clear Nexcopy isn't chasing down the guys looking to make a 100 copies of their weekend Vegas photos [or are they?]. The SD duplicator is geared towards companies who send out software applications on SD cards for field devices, or need to manage a large number of miniSD cards for an army of Palm Pilots.
The SD200PC also works with microSD cards so the phone companies will have a field day loading up their phones with promo material for lucky customers. Which makes sense, because these Smartphones and PDAs are getting so powerful and the media has so much capacity, many people keep most of their data on microSD cards these days.
The unit connects via USB and has 20 numbered SD ports so it's easy to identify which SD card is which. The unit comes with software that supports FAT and FAT32 formats and includes NTFS support with their bit-for-bit copy function which also supports Linux distribution packages for those embedded applications. All SD formats are supported and for the not-so-techy user, the Nexcopy software has a job wizard to guide you through the dupe process.
I bet these sell for hotcakes right before CES 2009.
Source: GetUSB.info
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8/08/2008
Olympic Athletes Combat Beijing Smog with Red Contact Lenses
Smog is becoming a major headache for the Chinese. Pollution around the Olympic stadium in Beijing is 5 times worse than levels deemed safe by the World Health Organization. And Chinese officials admit they can no longer guarantee that the air quality will match international standards for the 2008 Olympic Games.
As you can imagine, the smog has a lot of athletes seeing red. Besides causing breathing problems, Beijing's smog also causes another issue for athletes... vision.
Visibility has been so bad in Beijing that Great Britain's women's hockey team is training with special red contact lenses. The performance-enhancing contact lenses assist with visibility in smog filled conditions. Several companies make these special red lenses, but Nike's Maxsight is probably the most popular.
But looking like Darth Maul from Star Wars is a small price to pay for clear vision, especially during Olympic competition.
The Chinese government is doing all they can to reduce smog during the Olympics including closing factories, banning cars and seeding clouds to create rain. But all these efforts may not be enough. From what we hear, Beijing air quality is still the pits.
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As you can imagine, the smog has a lot of athletes seeing red. Besides causing breathing problems, Beijing's smog also causes another issue for athletes... vision.Visibility has been so bad in Beijing that Great Britain's women's hockey team is training with special red contact lenses. The performance-enhancing contact lenses assist with visibility in smog filled conditions. Several companies make these special red lenses, but Nike's Maxsight is probably the most popular.
But looking like Darth Maul from Star Wars is a small price to pay for clear vision, especially during Olympic competition.
The Chinese government is doing all they can to reduce smog during the Olympics including closing factories, banning cars and seeding clouds to create rain. But all these efforts may not be enough. From what we hear, Beijing air quality is still the pits.
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5/22/2008
iPhone Line Forms Already at Apple's 5th Ave Store
This morning I had to go buy another copy of OS X Leopard (my original copy got scratched). As I walked closer to the Apple Store on 5th Avenue I was somewhat surprised to see a line of about 50 people waiting in line. The 3G iPhone announcement isn't rumored to happen until June 9th right? Are these people going to wait in line for over 2 weeks or do they know something we don't?I asked the security guard by the Cube what was going on and he said it was for the iPhone. He wouldn't say if it was for the 3G iPhone or for old iPhone leftover inventory That's all he knew and he very was annoyed at me for asking him about the iPhone line. I'm doubt I was the first person to ask.
Still confused I walked downstairs and bought my copy of Leopard. Before I left the Apple Store, I asked Jessica, my cashier, if the people outside were waiting for the new 3G iPhone. She cryptically said "They are waiting to buy an iPhone. We will sell them whatever phones we have in stock." She was kind of pissed off too.
For some reason the majority of people waiting in line were Asian. I was later informed by a friend that to get around iPhone per-person quantity restrictions, you can pay people (usually from Chinatown I guess?) to buy you extra iPhones and even hold your place in line.
The line is most likely for people looking to get their hands on the current iPhone and ship it overseas, but I wonder how many of these people will still be in line on June 9th.
More Pictures: Lines Form Weeks Before Rumored iPhone 3G Announcement
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4/25/2008
Terminator Karma Sutra [pics]
Fans of the the American TV series Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles, might have noticed that TV version of John Connor has a very different kind of relationship with Cameron, his cyborg protector, than the Arnoldbot from the movies. Cameron even puts on nail polish in John's bedroom while they share secrets (season 1, episode 8).Is there some human/robot love in John Connor's future? If he needs help sparking a robot romance, maybe he should try some Cszar's Terminator pornography. Cszar posed and photographed his T-800 robots having sex in various positions before sharing them on flickr.com.
Cszar's flickr album is titled "Make Love Not War." It's basically the Terminator Karma Sutra. His family must be proud.
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4/14/2008
007's Spy Gadgets
Although the James Bond movie series began with a surprising lack of gadgetry and big-budget fireworks, who would the Bond we've come to know today be without all his gadgets?
Here's a list of some of our favorite James Bond gadgets and how realistic/functional they'd be in the real world.
There are plenty more Bond gadgets. These were just some of my favorites. Thanks to a remastered DVD collection of the James Bond movie series fans can relive all their favorite gadget scenes over and over again.
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Here's a list of some of our favorite James Bond gadgets and how realistic/functional they'd be in the real world.
- Robot Dog (A View To A Kill, 1985)
Remember in the 1980's when robots were cool? Every movie or TV show from Short Circuit to Small Wonder had a robot in it and Bond was no different. In A View to a Kill, Q has a small dog sized surveillance robot that he operates by remote control. You might remember how Q used the robot to spy on Bond girl, Stacy Sutton, when she was coming out of the shower. Could it work? Yes. After 9/11, hundreds of robots were used to scourer the wreckage of the World Trade Center's collapsed twin towers and help diffuse road side bombs in Iraq. - X-Ray Glasses (The World Is Not Enough, 1999)
These blue sunglasses from Q's lab are both stylish and functional with X-ray ability that allow Bond to wander though a casino viewing concealed weapons and inspecting ladies' lingerie. But could it work? No. These glasses stretch the barriers of X-ray technology a little too far. X-rays are most widely used in medicine to visualize bones and organs and requires the subject to stand stationary for a few seconds in order to work properly. - Jetpack (Thunderball, 1965)
One of the most spectacular gizmos, the jetpack, only appears for a moment. Bond straps it on and escapes over a high wall to his waiting Aston Martin DB5. The jetpack is real and was originally developed for the US Army by Bell Textron Laboratories. High pressure nitrogen gas is released through the nozzles to give a powerful burst of rocket propulsion. The military jetpack prototype could carry a person over a 30-foot-high wall at a speed of 7-10mph. Having just 30 seconds flight time, however, the jetpack was scrapped by the army. These days, it's reserved for novelty value and was used in the 1984 Olympic Games opening ceremony in Los Angeles.
There are plenty more Bond gadgets. These were just some of my favorites. Thanks to a remastered DVD collection of the James Bond movie series fans can relive all their favorite gadget scenes over and over again.
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4/04/2008
A Motorized Monocycle
Leave it to those crazy Dutch (no offense ;-)) to create a motorized monocycle that isn’t even street legal! This wheel operates by using a centrifugal clutch on the inner steel frame to engage the 67″ diameter outer flywheel which makes contact with the ground using a rubber tire. A single rider can achieve speeds of 25MPH as the monocycle is powered by a 31cc, four-stroke 1 1/2-hp engine and steered by the passenger leaning to one side or the other. The frame is made of fiberglass which encloses the engine, drive train and fuel tank and provides a cushioned seat for riders up to 275 lbs.This crazy gadget can run up to 2 hours on a full tank (1/2 gallon) of gas but to own this ultimate single wheeled vehicle you’ll have to pull out your credit card with a high credit limit as this impractical, albeit cool, vehicle is more expensive than Hyundai Accent which comes with a different kind of tilt steering wheel, seat-mounted and side-impact airbags, heating and air and a roof.
You can get your very own for only $12999 + $800 shipping!
Source: Gizmos for Geeks
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3/31/2008
Nexcopy USB Flash Drive Duplicator
The USB Duplicator by Nexcopy is an interesting product to say the least. Granted it wouldn't apply to the average consumer, but it does have it's place. In addition, I would say USB flash drives are the #1 most under-rated promotional item business' have missed out on, so I can see why this product is coming to marketing. Get your company logo branded on there, load her up with data, sales material, promotional videos, tutorials...I could go on and on...
Even if a customer deletes the data off the flash drive, the company logo is still branded on the device. Always in the customers face, always reminded them where they got the drive.
Maybe it's the process of data loading the information onto the drive on why flash drives haven't become more popular with companies for handing out information. It's a very viral gadget. The USB duplicator is an obvious choice for making such a life, much easier. The Nexcopy USB duplicator is a 20 target system and the company says a 5 minute mpeg video (about 30MBs) can be copied in about 40 seconds. This means the USB duplicator can churn out [estimated] 1,200 drives in about 1 hour. I'll have to back that number down considering swapping the drives, the OS identifying the drive etc. But even so, the USB duplicator turns a miserable task into an easy process.
USB music albums are becoming a much bigger hit these days as well, and having a USB duplicator to make your album definitely speeds up the process from a hub and copy-n-paste. I know you can put the following information onto a CD or DVD, but for the groupies, something unique like a flash drive is just ideal. Putting your band video, back story interviews, lyrics etc. onto USB is a new way to give a bands fans something unique. The other advantage with making a USB album is increasing a bands margin on selling promotional items. Your 20% margin is a lot more in dollars with a $25 USB drive than a $10 T-shirt or $7 CD.
So again, the USB duplicator concept isn't for the masses, but is a great idea for the select few. Speaking of which - are you [or someone you know] part of the select few? If so check out the USB duplicator from Nexcopy.
Source: GetUSB.info
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Even if a customer deletes the data off the flash drive, the company logo is still branded on the device. Always in the customers face, always reminded them where they got the drive.
Maybe it's the process of data loading the information onto the drive on why flash drives haven't become more popular with companies for handing out information. It's a very viral gadget. The USB duplicator is an obvious choice for making such a life, much easier. The Nexcopy USB duplicator is a 20 target system and the company says a 5 minute mpeg video (about 30MBs) can be copied in about 40 seconds. This means the USB duplicator can churn out [estimated] 1,200 drives in about 1 hour. I'll have to back that number down considering swapping the drives, the OS identifying the drive etc. But even so, the USB duplicator turns a miserable task into an easy process.
USB music albums are becoming a much bigger hit these days as well, and having a USB duplicator to make your album definitely speeds up the process from a hub and copy-n-paste. I know you can put the following information onto a CD or DVD, but for the groupies, something unique like a flash drive is just ideal. Putting your band video, back story interviews, lyrics etc. onto USB is a new way to give a bands fans something unique. The other advantage with making a USB album is increasing a bands margin on selling promotional items. Your 20% margin is a lot more in dollars with a $25 USB drive than a $10 T-shirt or $7 CD.
So again, the USB duplicator concept isn't for the masses, but is a great idea for the select few. Speaking of which - are you [or someone you know] part of the select few? If so check out the USB duplicator from Nexcopy.
Source: GetUSB.info
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3/17/2008
Hand Crank Media Player
We love our kinetic energy here at Inhabitat, and we are excited to announce inventive use of human kinetic power: The brandnew 2 GB Eco Media Playeris hand-crank portable media player can play music, video, and even charge your cellphone, all from a few seconds of cranking! What’s more renewable than human power? We love that someone finally had the brilliant idea to mix renewable energy generation with music & video - all the best things in life in one cute little package.
Created by well-known British inventor Trevor Baylis, (the inventor of the hand-crank radio), the Eco Media Player does pretty much everything that you would expect from a modern media device, and makes it ten times better with green renewable energy. It lets you play music, tune into the radio, and view photos and video. The Eco Media Player also can charge through USB plugged into your computer (though sadly, for Windows users only) and comes with it’s own software. It even comes with a LED torch! It’ll give you about 40 minutes of power per every minute of cranking, which may not seem like a lot - but it is pretty good for a small hand-crank device. The Eco Media Player will even allow you to charge your cell-phone, not something that is not commonly see as a feature in other players.
While we cannot attest to the usability of the player, we prefer to think of devices such as these more of a proof of a great concept. The thought that if these small companies can create devices that require no real electricity input, well then, isn’t it time for the big boys to step up to the plate?
[Read: inhabitat]
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3/10/2008
Print Solar Cells With an Inkjet Printer
If you like the idea of solar power, but aren’t convinced by expensive, clunky solar panels just yet, here’s a more manageable option: print your own on an inkjet! Konarka Technologies has just debuted a printable solar panel film that uses a common inkjet printing process to manufacture paper-thin photovoltaic solar cells. Using the existing and very simple technologies of your office inkjet printer, Konarka has essentially replaced ink with the solar cell material, and paper with a thin flexible sheet of plastic.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:
Essentially, the head of an inkjet printer deposits a material (ink) into a substrate (paper), and does so in a fairly cheap and quick manner. Konarka’s technique uses the solar cell material as ink, and a thin flexible plastic as paper. According to the company, the process creates solar cells which are almost as good as the clunky silicon ones, created with much more advanced technologies. However, these inkjet babies are much much cheaper.
“Demonstrating the use of inkjet printing technology as a fabrication tool for highly efficient solar cells and sensors with small area requirements is a major milestone,” stated Rick Hess, president and CEO at Konarka.
Unfortunately we probably won’t be seeing the Inkjet-solar-panel option flying off the shelves of Office Depot just yet, as it is currently only feasible for large productions of solar cells. However, it does mean that if the uptake of this technology happens relatively quickly, you will be seeing solar cells of different sizes and price-points appearing everywhere soon.
[Via: inhabitat]
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3/08/2008
R2-D2 Peppermill
Not that you've noticed... but the finest restaurants on Tatooine all feature R2-D2 pepper grinders.Usually after you order your salad of Dagobah greens a Wookie will come around and offer you some fresh ground pepper from one of these handy droid-based mills. Word to the wise... never refuse a Wookie.
Simply twist R2's head and he deposits pepper onto your food.
Hey, it's not a glamorous job for a droid... but much better than being abducted by Jawas.
Product Features
- Pepper Grinder that Looks Like R2-D2
- Twist R2's head and pepper comes out the bottom
- Licensed Star Wars collectible imported from Japan
- Peppercorns Not Included
- Stands 4.75" Tall
You can purchase the R2-D2 Peppermill for $19.99 from ThinkGeek.com.
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3/02/2008
Recap of This Past Week’s Gadgets from Gizmos for Geeks
If you're a gamer (particularly one with some history or if you just like retro items), take a look at the Classic Nintendo Themed TV Remote. It's actually a TV remote control. If you want some exercise than pressing buttons while seated on your couch, the Nerf Maverick is is next-gen Nerf gun (hit the link for a funny vid game-inspired video).Onto the multimedia scene, there are at least two cool gadgets to check out – the Credit Card Size Digital Video Player and the return of M&K Sound. The former is a mini video player that has a 2.8-inch high resolution LCD multimedia player that lets you play video continuously for 4 hours or audio for 8 hours. M&K Sound is back! This is great news to all audiophile geeks, as this professional speaker manufacturer has bounced back into the market complete with new owners.
We also featured a coupple of reviews this week. First up is the Honestech's VHS to DVD 3.0 Deluxe which sounds just like its name, but essentially lets you take a video/audio signal from your VCR/camcorder/turntable/whatever and capture it on your computer for storage there or eventual burn to CD/DVD. No Starch press has put out a new edition of the book Hacking, The Art of Exploitation.
Are you a camper or a world traveler? Then the iStraw Emergency Water Filter is perfect when you need instant potable water on the go. The straw is created with several special micro-filters that can clean water and eliminate harmful organisms in it.
Lastly, in case you haven't seen the news regarding the slew of unlimited cell phone plans, everyone including Sprint is in on it now too and Sprint may just have the best deal out there.
Source: Gizmos for Geeks
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2/23/2008
Recap of Last Week's Gadgets on Gizmos for Geeks
Notable this past week was the release of the latest Mvix Media Center, the Mvix MX-780HD. The MX-780HD has HDMI out, supports up to 1080p and can now take either an IDE or SATA drive in its case. Still in the multi-media world, the Kaossilator Touchpad Synthesizer doesn't need keys or buttons to play musical notes.A peppermill gadget? Yup. And get this, it's modeled on Star Wars' R2-D2. If you're into toys, check out the Mini Rubber Band Artillery. Take your basic rubber band finger gun to the next level!
USB has really revolutionized computer accessories; there's a USB gadget that does everything. Here's one for aromatherapy fans – the USB Aromatherapy Oil Burner. Now, you can get aromatherapy-relaxed while computing. Just plug this device into your USB port, add some oil and you're good to go.
For you retro-gamers, MAMEUI, the latest MAME for Windows was announced last week. Still in gaming, it appears that Mac gaming is making a comeback. Windows and console games have dominated the gaming world for years, after Macs showed how great games could look on a computer. Let's hope
Of course, arguably the biggest tech news this week was that Toshiba has dropped out of the DVD format war, with the HD-DVD format being pronounced dead. Sony's Blu-Ray format is what you'll be getting used to for the next 5 years at least.
Source: Gizmos for Geeks.Post a Comment
2/21/2008
Classic Nintendo Themed TV Remote
Need some help rounding out your classic Nintendo collection?
Old NES somewhere in the basement... CHECK. Purchased every Classic Console game on the Nintendo Wii... CHECK. But do you have a cool universal TV remote that looks just like a NES controller? No? ThinkGeek.com does and it's ready for immediate delivery via winged turtle shell.
This NES style remote controls most TVs allowing critical gaming functions like power on/off, changing the channel and even volume adjustment. Now you can amaze your friends by pretending to play classic NES games while watching old Thundercats re-runs.
These controllers are limited editions from Japan. Once they are gone, they are gone.
The Nintendo Controller Universal Remote works with the following brands of TVs:
By the way, this remote does not control cable boxes, DVD players or anything else. Strictly TV sets. Also the Nintendo Controller Universal Remote may not work if your TV is super ancient.
You can pick up the Nintendo Controller Universal Remote for $12.99 from ThinkGeek.com.
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Old NES somewhere in the basement... CHECK. Purchased every Classic Console game on the Nintendo Wii... CHECK. But do you have a cool universal TV remote that looks just like a NES controller? No? ThinkGeek.com does and it's ready for immediate delivery via winged turtle shell.This NES style remote controls most TVs allowing critical gaming functions like power on/off, changing the channel and even volume adjustment. Now you can amaze your friends by pretending to play classic NES games while watching old Thundercats re-runs.
These controllers are limited editions from Japan. Once they are gone, they are gone.
The Nintendo Controller Universal Remote works with the following brands of TVs:
Sony- Panasonic
- Sharp
- Sylvania
- Sanyo
- Aiwa
- Hitachi
- Philips
- NEC
- JVC
- Toshiba
- Mitsubishi
- Fujitsu
By the way, this remote does not control cable boxes, DVD players or anything else. Strictly TV sets. Also the Nintendo Controller Universal Remote may not work if your TV is super ancient.
You can pick up the Nintendo Controller Universal Remote for $12.99 from ThinkGeek.com.
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2/16/2008
Recap: This Week's Gadgets from Gizmos for Geeks
Lots of gadgets featured this past week on Gizmos for Geeks. First off, the Five Device Recharging Station is an all-in-one charging device that can simultaneously refresh the battery level of your iPod, Treo, Blackberry, and all other mobile devices. The folks in your household don't have to take turns any more to charge their mobile phones and MP3 players. If ever you want to turn your old photographs into digital images instantly, just get the Photograph to Digital Picture Converter, and preserve your golden memories shot on film and printed on paper. It is equipped with a 5 Mega pixels CMOS sensor working at a 1800 dpi resolution. Do you need to logon to the Internet fast and easy? Then check your watch for Internet access! The Wi-Fi Detecting Watch will tell you if there's a good wireless signal around. It will also tell you how strong the signal is so you can move closer towards it for better reception. Are you a home theater system addict? Do you love watching movies at home or blasting your music, but you have entirely too many remote controls? Then take a look at the MX-980 Universal Remote Control. It's programmable, including macros that can do multiple things in quick succession at the touch of a button. Its 2.4" LCD color screen alone is pretty drool-inducing.
The Rubik's cube gets a makeover in the form of the Rubik's Revolution. It's more of a game, than the puzzle that's the Rubik's cube, but kids will love it. Green thumbs and gardening addicts must have loved the Thirsty Light feature last week. With this gadget, you'll easily know if you need to water your plants or not. It is especially helpful for indoor gardeners who want to take care of plants at home but don't necessarily have enough time for it.
Some major tech news last week include the the 3rd beta release of Firefox 3, the upcoming release of the animated Star Wars Clone Wars Movie, and a useful entry jam packed with 100 iPhone Applications, Tools, and Guides for all you iPhone users/addicts.
Labels: gadgets
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1/30/2008
Fox News Donks MethodShop's Server
At 3pm EST yesterday, Fox News took a brief break from their wall-wall US Presidential Super Tuesday coverage and mentioned the MethodShop.com review of the Badonkadonk Land Cruiser. In case you aren't already familiar with "The Donk," it's a custom made mini-tank that looks like Jabba's Sail Barge from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi.People were obviously intrigued by The Donk and wanted to read more about it. An hour later, the surge in traffic from Fox News killed our server. It was higher than when our Rejected iPod Engravings article made the Digg homepage.
So if you got an error page yesterday... we apologize. We've since redirected the Donk review to our mirror server on MethodShop.net. You can check it out here.
Thanks for your patience.
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12/06/2007
Leg Lamp Replica from A Christmas Story
This half-scale reproduction of the Leg Lamp from the 1983 movie A Christmas Story isn't completely accurate, but for a mere $40 bucks it's probably close enough for most Christmas Story fans. And honestly, it's smaller scale will be more apt to blend in with the average living room. It certainly does with mine, never failing to draw smiling comments when a new guest first sees it.I wonder how long it would take for HR to give me a call to "talk" if I brought my Leg Lamp to work?
My friend has been saying for years, in jest, how he'd love to have the Leg Lamp to place in the window of his house, for all the neighbors to see. And his wife has sworn that it would never happen... now she is going to kill us for getting him this for Christmas!
If only Amazon.com would mark the outside of the package "Fragile" so you too can become "The Old Man" for a nostalgic moment when the Leg Lamp arrives at your door.
Via: methodshop
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12/05/2007
Vacation Fish Feeders
When I first got a fish tank, one of the things I didn't really think about was - what happens when I go on vacation?The first time I went away on vacation after getting a fish tank I wasn't really sure what to do. So before I left, I overfeed my fish hoping they'd be OK for a couple days without food... not so much.. Unfortunately my algae eater was cannibalized by the other fish while I was away. He was my favorite and I felt terrible.
So if you own a fish tank and are going away for the weekend or on vacation, you basically have 3 options if you really care about your fish:
- have a neighbor come feed them
- buy special vacation fish food
- buy an auto feeder
Personally, I'd rather not give someone access to my house. So I prefer options 2 and 3.
If you are looking for a low-cost solution to feed your fish while you are away, then you might want to research special "vacation food" for your fish. For example, you can feed 1-3 betta fish for up to 7 days with Pro Balance Betta Blocks. Each food block releases tubifex worms, bloodworms, daphnia, and white shrimp... a regular smorgasbord for your betta fish.
Different types of fish require different types of food so do your research first.
Another option is get an auto feeder. The Eheim 3581 "Feed-Air" Digital Automatic Feeder is by far my favorite auto-feeder because it's so straightforward and easy to use. The Eheim 3581 lets you program up to 4 daily feeding cycles of flake food or granules, choose between single portion, double portion with 1-minute interval, or manual override. And all your programmed choices are presented on an easy-read LCD screen. I also really like the transparent reservoir. It lets you see your fish food allowing you to monitor food level "at-a-glance."
One thing you really need to consider when buying an auto feeder is "dampness" of the food. Cheaper auto feeders lack an integrated ventilator. Moist fish food will spoil and clog the unit. The Eheim 3581's ventilator prevents these moisture issues.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure your fish are taken care of and stay happy and healthy while you are gone.
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11/26/2007
Helio adds TV Guide Mobile
TV Guide and mobile content provider Helio introduced a new service offering TV show information, program listings, search functions and daily recommendations to Helio users.
Text-based program alerts can be set to remind yourself and friends of what's coming on the tube. TV Guide Mobile is available to Helio subscribers for $2.99/month, in addition to carrier data charges.
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Text-based program alerts can be set to remind yourself and friends of what's coming on the tube. TV Guide Mobile is available to Helio subscribers for $2.99/month, in addition to carrier data charges.
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11/25/2007
World's Smallest Airplane
Mom always said don’t play ball in the house, but no one ever seems to say much about a good paper airplane. In fact, our story on how to to build the best paper airplane in the world, was one of the most popular items on RealTechNews.
Today, we have one for those who want to move beyond paper folding and get serious. It’s called “The Butterfly” and it is billed as “The Living Room Flier” a full radio controlled mini plane you can indeed fly around your living room. The only catch: it’s $239. Don’t step on it!
“The Dream of an R/C airplane that can be piloted in the living room has been realized. This is the world’s lightest and smallest ready to fly R/C Model Fly “missions” during TV Commercials, Indoors, In ANY WEATHER!
“Full Proportional radio control enables you to fly with precision in any room 12′ X 16′. Just add 4-AA batteries to the combination transmitter/charger and you’ll be ready for action anytime Take the Butterfly with you ANYWHERE in it’s own protective aluminum briefcase (included!) You can safely take your Butterfly with you to work, school, holidays - anywhere.”
Source: RealTechNews
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9/28/2007
Ultimate Collectors LEGO Millennium Falcon
Got a lot of free time on your hands? Are you a huge Star Wars fan? Yes? Then biggest LEGO set ever made, the Ultimate Collectors Millennium Falcon, is for you!
This LEGO version of the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo's famous smuggling starship, was designed to scale based on the size of LEGO people. The end result is almost three feet long. After assembly, the model measures (in inches): 33.1 (L) x 22.2 ( W) x 8.3 (H). This 5,195 piece LEGO set weighs 24.2 pounds, costs $499 and is far the largest set ever sold by the company.
The Millennium Falcon also features rotating laser turrets, radar dish, retractable boarding ramp and can instantly scare away any dates you bring home with you.
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This LEGO version of the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo's famous smuggling starship, was designed to scale based on the size of LEGO people. The end result is almost three feet long. After assembly, the model measures (in inches): 33.1 (L) x 22.2 ( W) x 8.3 (H). This 5,195 piece LEGO set weighs 24.2 pounds, costs $499 and is far the largest set ever sold by the company.
The Millennium Falcon also features rotating laser turrets, radar dish, retractable boarding ramp and can instantly scare away any dates you bring home with you.
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7/05/2007
SkullCrusher Mega Bass Headphones
Are you a low-end junkie? Do you normally turn down the treble and crank up the bass in your car? Is your favorite iPod EQ setting "Bass Boost?" If you answered yes to any of these questions then you'll want to check out the SkullCrusher mega bass headphones.
The company behind these headphones is called Skullcandy. They make everything from helmets and backpacks to headphones like the Crushers. Knowing one's target audience is critical to the success of a business and SkullCandy has this down cold. All of their products feature enhancements specifically tailored to the active audio lover. For example, Skullcandy's helmets even have built-in headphones.
Review: Skullcandy Crusher Headphone.
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The company behind these headphones is called Skullcandy. They make everything from helmets and backpacks to headphones like the Crushers. Knowing one's target audience is critical to the success of a business and SkullCandy has this down cold. All of their products feature enhancements specifically tailored to the active audio lover. For example, Skullcandy's helmets even have built-in headphones.
Review: Skullcandy Crusher Headphone.
methodshop
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7/02/2007
500,000 iPhones Sold Last Weekend
The iPhone was one of the most anticipated product launches of 2007. So how did it do? According to Blackfriars, an analyst firm that has been monitoring Apple's stores, iPhone sales topped 500,000 last weekend. Here's a quote from the Blackfriars daily blog:
Apple must be pleased with such strong sales over the first weekend, it will be interesting to see if they can keep the sales up, over the coming weeks and months.
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"The bottom line: some analysts claimed that the iPhone launch would be a failure if Apple failed to sell 100,000 iPhones during the first weekend. Based upon the limited data we have, we believe that number was exceeded in just the first two to three hours. Blackfriars’ prediction is that Apple will sell 500,000 iPhones this weekend, and based upon limited sales rates reported, that number now looks quite achievable. The only question is whether the demand and iPhone supply is great enough that they might push past the million unit mark this weekend."
Apple must be pleased with such strong sales over the first weekend, it will be interesting to see if they can keep the sales up, over the coming weeks and months.
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6/08/2007
Badonkadonk Land Cruiser Review
Every once in awhile I'll find something really random or weird on Amazon.com (like a Mongolian Goat Hide Pillow!?). But I think that a personal land cruiser/tank named after a giant 'ass' takes the cake.
The JL421 Badonkadonk Land Cruiser is a custom made tank modeled after Jabba's Sail Barge from Star Wars. The exterior is a steel shell with a rust patina. Remember this is a "tank" so there's lots of protective armor like fixed slats protecting the windows, and a unique industrial-strength rubberized flexible skirt that shields and protects the wheels to within an inch of the ground, while still allowing for enough flex to give clearance over bumpy and uneven terrain.
And if you wouldn't be noticed enough just by driving around in a mini tank, the Donk features lots of exterior lighting. We're talking head and tail lights, turn signal lights, trim lighting, and underbody lighting (did they have ground effects on Tatooine).
Don't forget to bring your iPod while you're cruising around in the Donk. Inside there's a 400 watt premium sound system with PA system that you can use to blast sound outside the vehicle.
Continue Reading >>
The JL421 Badonkadonk Land Cruiser is a custom made tank modeled after Jabba's Sail Barge from Star Wars. The exterior is a steel shell with a rust patina. Remember this is a "tank" so there's lots of protective armor like fixed slats protecting the windows, and a unique industrial-strength rubberized flexible skirt that shields and protects the wheels to within an inch of the ground, while still allowing for enough flex to give clearance over bumpy and uneven terrain.
And if you wouldn't be noticed enough just by driving around in a mini tank, the Donk features lots of exterior lighting. We're talking head and tail lights, turn signal lights, trim lighting, and underbody lighting (did they have ground effects on Tatooine).
Don't forget to bring your iPod while you're cruising around in the Donk. Inside there's a 400 watt premium sound system with PA system that you can use to blast sound outside the vehicle.
Continue Reading >>
Labels: gadgets
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5/18/2007
5 Outrageous Inventions
Many inventions are quite useful in everyday life, but these 5 (link) could quite possibly be the most outrageous ever...
Then again, there's always Japanese Chindogu.
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Then again, there's always Japanese Chindogu.
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Labels: gadgets
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2/01/2007
Zune Screen Cracks
Here's an important tip for Microsoft Zune owners: don't let your Zune charge overnight!According to Engadget, Microsoft's customer support center has received a flood of angry phone calls from Zune owners. For some reason if you let your Zune change for an extended period of time the screen will crack. A recent post on Mac Daily News conjectures that the issue is with the lithium ion battery located directly behind the Zune's screen. When the battery gets too hot it expands and cracks the screen.
You'd think that Microsoft would consider this issue a major design flaw and offer to replace the cracked screens. So far there hasn't been an official statement from Microsoft yet and unfortunately cracked screens are not currently covered under the Zune's warranty. So where does that leave Zune owners with busted screens? They can either wait for Microsoft to address this issue or pull out their wallet and have a 3rd party like iPodMods repair their cracked Zune screen.
With all the screen scratching and battery life complaints about the iPod, it's nice to see the Zune having a little trouble too.
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11/04/2005
Resetting the Play Count in iTunes
What's your favorite song? You may find this surprising, but iTunes may be able to answer that question for you. Each time a song is played in iTunes, the Play Count of that particular song increases by one.But what if a song you loathe and only play as a gag for friends happens to creep into your ‘Most Listened To' playlist?
The following tutorial explains how to reset the Play Count of one or more songs in your iTunes library. Most savvy iTunes won't need a tutorial this in-depth, but everyone is a newbie once.
Tutorial: Resetting the Play Count in iTunes
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8/26/2005
iPod Toilet Trap
We've gotten a few of these "Help! I dropped my iPod in the toilet!" emails so far. It's almost an epidemic.
In fact, so many people have sent us emails about this toilet problem, we've created a special "iPod Toilet Trap" tech support page. If you have dropped your iPod in the toilet, this page might prove useful.
Free iPod Support: The iPod Toilet Trap
For those of you who haven't dropped your iPod in the toilet yet, try not to take your iPod in the bathroom.
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I tried opening it but couldn't get the case open except for a corner. SOMEONE HELP! 15GB new iPod. What a shame."
~ xboardr720
In fact, so many people have sent us emails about this toilet problem, we've created a special "iPod Toilet Trap" tech support page. If you have dropped your iPod in the toilet, this page might prove useful.
For those of you who haven't dropped your iPod in the toilet yet, try not to take your iPod in the bathroom.
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12/28/2004
iBod - iPod Sex Toy
"Many of the vibrators that are on the market today are intimidating for an unseasoned user." says Suki, OhMiBod’s creator.
"This is why when it came to designing OhMiBod the direction was to make it extremely approachable by keeping the design elegant and making it intuitive to use. I want OhMibod to be the first socially acceptable vibrator."
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8/29/2004
P. Diddy's Diamond Encrusted HP iPod
Coinciding with the release of Hewlett Packard’s iPod digital music player, rap star P. Diddy plans to attend his post MTV Video Music Awards party with his personalized Apple iPod encrusted with 120 diamonds.
HP is a major sponsor of the music awards, and all the guests at P. Diddy’s party, are to receive a gift of their own HP iPod... minus the diamonds.
Don't have the cash to blow on a diamond encrusted iPod? A much cheaper mod for your iPod would be to change the button and backlight colors with LED lights. Check this out.
Review: Mod Your iPod
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YouTube
prevents viewers from downloading files off their site. But there
are ways around this. Here's a step-by-step tutorial on how to
rip video files off YouTube.com and convert them for your Video
iPod.
Bugs tend to freak us out. Mosquitoes, spiders, wasps, centipedes... you name it. If it crawls, bites or buzzes anywhere near our faces, then we squirm, swat and run. But what's worse than a little bug crawling on or biting you? How about a really, really big one? Here are some of the biggest bugs on Earth. Enjoy!. 
Want
to upgrade the RAM in your
Mac Mini? You can definitely save a few bucks by buying a stripped
down Mac Mini and upgrading the RAM yourself. But before you
can install that extra RAM, you'll need to take a walk down to
your local hardware store and grab a couple putty knives.
Need
something to watch on your iPod or iPhone? Here's a tutorial that
explains how to use a program called Handbrake to rip DVD's
into iPod compatible MPEG-4 video files.
