Tag Archive for ‘Small’ at Didnt You Hear…

Tag Archive for 'Small'

…ThinkGeek makes the best flying saucer?

Published

on October 2, 2008

. Comments

Micro R/C Flying Saucer

ThinkGeek’s Black Stealth 3-Channel R/C Helicopter is a fun way to start flying, but if you really want to be in control, then check out their Micro R/C 4-Channel Flying Saucer.

Described as “the smallest, most sophisticated R/C flying vehicle around”, it gives you control over altitude, direction and rotation, and features a solid-state accelerometer that senses tilt on two axes and adjusts the power of each propeller to keep the Flying Saucer rock solid in the sky.

In addition, a built in automatic trim means no trim dials or buttons to adjust, so you just power-cycle the remote before you begin to fly, and the Flying Saucer references the accelerometer to auto trim itself.

Nifty!

[Think Geek - Micro R/C 4-Channel Flying Saucer]

…It’s Things Thursday: Dell Inspiron Mini 9?

Published

Cory O'Brien

on September 4, 2008

in Computers

. Comments

Dell calls it the “Ideal Internet Buddy for Surfing, Shopping and Chatting” (and “Your New Best Friend”, and a “Light, Highly Mobile Device Built For Easy Online Browsing and Entertainment” and an “Internet Companion” and a “Small, easy-to-carry device” that’s ready for “teens, tweens, travelers and Tweeters”, so I guess even Dell can’t figure out what this thing does or who it’s for), but if you’re in the market for a mini-notebook (or as many are calling them, a netbook) that’s perfect for on-the-go travel and/or anyone who doesn’t need a full, desktop capable computer sitting on their lap at all times, then you might just call it yours.

Weighing in at just 2.28 lbs., and with a price of just $349 (in Ubuntu flavor), the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 is designed to be the perfect computer for “surfing the Web, chatting with friends, blogging, streaming content, uploading photos or enjoying favorite online videos, music and games”.

It’s also meant to be a durable computer that you can toss in a bag and not worry too much about, with a fully sealed keyboard, and solid state drive (SSD) memory storage.

The 8.9-inch LCD gives you plenty of room for full-sized web browsing, and built-in Wi-Fi means you can connect to any hotspot for instant Internet access.

Options include a built-in webcam for video chat, Bluetooth for wireless connections, and even Windows XP for full software support.

Nifty touches include a free subscription to Box.net for 2GB of online storage, and a full range of colors in the coming months.

The Inspiron Mini 9 is definitely not for everyone, but with the success that Acer has been having with their EeePC netbooks, combined with Dell’s name brand and reliability, I think the Mini 9 is going to open up the world of netbook computing to a whole new audience that’s ready to embrace the change.

[Dell - Inspiron Mini 9]

…It’s Things Thursday: Black Stealth 3-Channel R/C Helicopter?

Published

Cory O'Brien

on August 28, 2008

in Toys

. Comments

Black Stealth RC Copter

I’ve played with one of these small R/C copters before, so I can vouch for the fun that can be had with one of them, but ThinkGeek’s Black Stealth 3-Channel R/C Helicopter looks like it opens up a whole new world of possibilities with full 3-channel control.

Unlike most small R/C copters (like the one that I played with) which can only be controlled on two channels (up and down and rotate right and left), the ThinkGeek copter gives you full 3 channel control over up and down, rotate right and left, and move forwards and backwards.

In addition to the extra channel of control, the ThinkGeek copter features a dial trim adjuster (rather than the buttons that you find on most copter controls) for precise trim adjustments, and counter-rotating blades for amazing hover ability and stability.

The copter charges in just 10 minutes, and you get a full 7 minutes of play time out of a single charge, so you’ll never be left empty handed, and you can even change channels and fly with a friend, since each features two different channels that you can program it to.

All that fun for just $29.99?

I’ll take two.

[ThinkGeek - Black Stealth 3-Channel R/C Helicopter]

…Kipp Wettstein makes beautiful large format cameras?

Published

Cory O'Brien

on April 17, 2008

in Gadgets

. Comments

Kipp Wettstein

Kipp Wettstein makes his own large format cameras as part of what he calls The Camera Project.

The cameras are designed to suit Kipp’s “operational tendencies for the singular application of mobility”, and make a “simple, elegant and accurate method to connect the lens and film planes”.

The beauty of the design is that it is built around the elegant form of the image cone produced by the lens. Not only does this design yield an attractive camera but it is extremely accurate. The lens and film planes have a parallel accuracy within the fractions of a millimeter. These designs have no perspective-controlling movements. They are small, lightweight and extremely precise.

His latest, called the 8×10 Carbon/Aluminum, is a beautiful “portable, wide-angle camera using a molded carbon fiber cone attached to a body plate machined from a solid block of 7075-T651 aircraft aluminum”. The lens is a Schneider 165mm Super Angulon, and “at four pounds, its weight nearly matches that of the camera body”.

Want one?

He’ll make one for you (or at least take your inquiry about one), but keep in mind that “ultimately, large-format photography is a costly process”.

[Kipp Wettstein - The Camera Project]

[Via: NOTCOT]

…You can make your own ultraportable?

Published

Cory O'Brien

on March 10, 2008

in Computers

. Comments

Palm Pilot Notebook

Sure, the Asus Eee PC is small, and the MacBook Air is powerful, but what about making your very own lightweight portable computer out of an old Palm Pilot a keyboard, and a copy of the Guinness Book of World Records?

It might not be small and powerful, but it is cheap, and the DIY factor alone should give you plenty of bragging rights at your next Starbucks laptop spec shootout.

[Make - Palm Pilot Notebook]

[Via: MAKE: Blog]

…Apple is the leader of next gen computing?

Published

Cory O'Brien

on March 9, 2008

in Apple

. Comments

iPhone SDK

The minds over at ReadWriteWeb seem to think that with the announcement of Exchange support and the iPhone SDK, Apple has set themselves up to become the dominating force in next gen computing, and I must say that I agree.

Here’s why:

The demand for small yet functional computers has already been demonstrated with the Asus Eee PC. If you can fit an entire computer into your pocket, you open up a world of possibilities.
The demand for pocket sized gaming devices has already been demonstrated with the DS (as well as all other pocket sized Nintendo consoles) and the PSP. Throw in Wii-esque motion controls and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Windows Mobile is terrible.
Exchange support means the iPhone can do what the BlackBerry does, only it looks good doing it, and can play games, movies, music, and more while you’re waiting.
It takes an iPod and a phone (two things many people carry around with them anyways) and combines them into one device. Why carry two when just one will suffice?
It’s an Apple product, so the UI is both beautiful and functional.
Combine a full SDK with a huge desire to develop for the latest and greatest mobile platform, and you’ll have throngs of developers jumping on board to develop amazing apps out of the gate. Microsoft Office anyone?

The list goes on and on.

Basically, as long as Apple can ride its current wave of iPhone success to conclusion, it will set the bar far beyond what anyone else is even striving towards at this point. The iPhone has created a whole new game, and currently, Apple is the only player.

Does this mean Apple will surely dominate next gen computing?

Time will tell, but all signs currently point to yes.

[Apple iPhone]

[Via: ReadWriteWeb]

…It’s Things Thursday: Puppoose?

Published

Cory O'Brien

on November 1, 2007

in Fashion

. Comments

Puppoose

The Puppoose is “the most ergonomically designed, natural way to carry your pet. The luxuriously lightweight, soft fabric makes using this carrier a breeze! The Puppoose fits any small dog and any person! Its crocheted design has 4 holes at the base for the pet’s limbs, 4 adjustable straps to adjust the length, a neck cushion for your comfort, and a safety strap to ensure your pet’s security. Its hands-free convenience allows more quality time together!”

If you just read that and thought, “Wow, I’ve been trying to find more ways to spend quality time with my dog!” then maybe the Puppoose is for you, but then again, maybe you should check your sanity fluid at the next stop. I understand wanting to be close to your dog and all, but do these dogs look happy?