Archive for the ‘Gadgets & Technology’ Category
Posted on December 14, 2009 - by CDS
Nano Snowman
Meet the tiniest snowman ever created, measuring an amazing 0.01mm across (1/5 the width of a human hair). Although not actually made of snow, it sure is cute. In reality the tiny snowman is made from two microscopic tin beads welded together with platinum. Normally these beads are used to calibrate electron microscopes. David Cox, a nanotech expert at the National Physical Lab, used a focused ion beam to etch the smile and eyes and to deposit a bit of platinum for the nose; demonstrating the astonishing accuracy of his work. The artificial blue light really adds to the ambiance of this micro-creation.
Posted on December 14, 2009 - by CDS
Retro PhilcoPC
This retro artwork PC was designed and developed by SchultzeWorks, Pasadena, California. The Philco PC placed in the top three in a V-Ray sponosored design competition. Makers say the retro look was inspired by a mix of, “1954 design classic Philco Predicta [television], as well as an eclectic mixture of modern minimalism, the steampunk movement, and antiques”. Check out the SchultzeWorks website for more info.
Posted on July 26, 2009 - by CDS
Mimo Mini USB Monitor
This is really cool. Everything is turning mini these days, from laptops, netbooks and pc’s. This is the perfect mini peripheral. Wouldn’t it look just perfect setup next to a netbook? It would truly be a micro-setup.
“Looking for that extra bit of screen real estate to get you through the busy workday? Referring to notes while writing an e-mail, checking info in a spreadsheet while entering data into a web page, keeping an eye on your to-do list while browsing YouTube… it’s handy to have additional monitor space at the ready. Problem is an entire secondary monitor comes with its own needs like requiring a separate power cord or perhaps an additional video card.
The Mimo Mini USB Monitor changes this equation completely by offering a low-maintenance relationship between you and an extra display. A single USB connection from your computer gets you an instant high-resolution secondary display. This awesome display is perfect for your IM client, widgets, PC gaming tools, your email, a spreadsheet, your PhotoShop tools, or even video! Not only do these displays enhance productivity, they look great! The single USB connection, combined with a weight of only 1.3 pounds, means the Mimo monitor is ultra portable and cost-effective, as no expensive extra video cards are required.”
Price: $130.00
Source: ThinkGeek
Posted on March 11, 2009 - by CDS
Magnetic Movie by Semiconductor Films
This is one of my favorite films. Created In NASA’s Space Sciences Lab, it shows the chaotic life of magnetic fields. Very cool!
“The secret lives of invisible magnetic fields are revealed as chaotic ever-changing geometries . All action takes place around NASA’s Space Sciences Laboratories, UC Berkeley, to recordings of space scientists describing their discoveries . Actual VLF audio recordings control the evolution of the fields as they delve into our inaudible surroundings, revealing recurrent ‘whistlers’ produced by fleeting electrons . Are we observing a series of scientific experiments, the universe in flux, or a documentary of a fictional world?”
Source: Semiconductor Films
Posted on March 11, 2009 - by CDS
Dell Latitude E6400 XFR
All I can say is WOW!
Built tough for tough environments, Latitude E6400 XFR was designed and engineered to be the highest performing fully rugged laptop in its class. Equipped with reliable data protection, simplified IT management and investment protection that you’ve come to appreciate from Dell.
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Link: Dell
Posted on December 9, 2008 - by CDS
Pano Zero Client PC
This is a great new use of server virtualization, allowing the client to have a tiny desktop computer and negligible power consumption (5 watts). It has no CPU, no local software, no memory. Basically it has just a network connection that streams in data (ie operating system, application information, etc) from a cloud server, using its “Console Direct Technology”.
I love the minimalist design, and the technology running the show looks very promising.
Here’s waht DVICE says:
“If you like the idea of cloud computing, you’ll love this Pano Zero Client. It’s minimalist, to say the least. It has no CPU, no memory, no local software, no nothing. Well, there’s a network connection, and the idea is to stream everything from the cloud, using its Console Direct Technology.
Does it run those Internet-based “cloud apps” we like so much? Not exactly. Aimed at big (and cash-strapped) corporations, it’s designed to run everything from a company server over a fast network connection.
Look around back, and you’ll see a VGA port for a monitor, a USB port for a mouse, couple of audio in/out jacks, and of course, that essential network port. And nothing else. One advantage: no viruses or malware, because there’s no software. Another: it sips just 3% of the power of a conventional PC, consuming a puny 5 watts. Minimalist, indeed.”
Source: DVICE
Posted on November 3, 2008 - by CDS
Philips LivingColors
The LivingColors Lamp by Philips is meant to set the mood of a room via ambient lighting. The lamp can produce 16 million colors using 4 LED’s (2 red, 1 green, 1 blue). Of course most of these color combinations are not discernible by the naked eye, but the visible spectrum is quite wide. I love this idea. Instead of rearranging or redecorating when you want a change, you can set an entirely different atmosphere with the lamp.
Having worked for Philips for years in the Bay Area, I have seen quite a few unique, and simply awesome lighting ideas. Of all that I’ve seen from Philips, this is has got to be my favorite. Unfortunately, it’s not available in the US yet (supposedly it would arrive in 2008). Price: ~$200
Posted on October 27, 2008 - by CDS
Fishbowl Spacecraft from Armadillo Aerospace
More space stuff…. This is one of the craziest concepts I’ve seen yet. It’s another prototype for space tourism. The fishbowl is supposed to give tourists a 360 degree view of space. My first thought was, “How will they overcome reenty in something like that”? I don’t know… maybe since it’s suborbital it doesn’t go up high enough to burn up on reenty? The state of New Mexico and Armadillo Aerospace plan to have a manned launch in 2010! I’ll be watching for the end result of this experient.
Armadillo Aerospace Fishbowl Spacecraft
The state of New Mexico hopes to collaborate with two firms to create suborbital vehicles for space tourists. This illustration is one concept for the ship, which will afford passengers a 360° view of space. Armadillo Aerospace plans to build an initial prototype of the vehicle in 2009 and is aiming for crewed suborbital flights in 2010. The reusable vehicles will take off vertically from Spaceport America near Las Cruces, New Mexico. The ships can take two passengers at a time, and tickets will cost an estimated $100,000. Rocket Racing Inc, which is developing a NASCAR-inspired rocket racing league, will fund the effort. (Illustration: Rocket Racing Inc)
Source: New Scientist
Posted on October 26, 2008 - by CDS
Nuclear Destroyer – NASA Mars Rover 2009
US aerospace titan Lockheed Martin announced yesterday that they had shipped the “backshell” for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, the top half of the tin in which the rover will fly through space.As the MSL descends from deep space into the thin atmosphere of Mars, the two-part aeroshell module will steer itself down by ejecting ballast to shift its centre of gravity. The backshell is mounted on a special-for-Mars ablative heat shield base made of cork and silicone, much of which will burn away from atmospheric friction as the spacecraft plunges down.
Source: The Register
Posted on October 26, 2008 - by CDS
MINI E
Love, love, love this car! A limited number will be available in the US in 2009 (New York and LA)
Up to 500 MINI E will hit the streets in the US shortly. Carbon-free driving (zero carbon emissions!!!) powered by a 100 % electric motor, seamless acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 8.5 seconds, and a top speed of 152 km/h (95 mph) – that’s big news for a small car.
The MINI E is the future of mobility – and creative use of space at its best!
