ShakerRacer project with N95

Andreas Jakl and Stephan Selinger have launched a new application called ShakerRacer that utilizes the 3D Acceleration Sensor of a Nokia S60 3rd Edition mobile device such as Nokia 5500 Sport, N93i, N95 or N82 to control and drive a real world Radio Control (RC) toy car using your hand/body movements.

The RC car used was modded to accept a Bluetooth connection instead of the proprietary wireless module which an RC car came with and they also add in a microcontroller.


ShakerRacer: a natural way to control a car — with the acceleration sensor

Compatibility

• S60 3.x with acceleration sensors
  e.g. Nokia 5500 Sport, N93i, N95, N82, ...

Developed by

• Andreas Jakl (Software)
• Stephan Selinger (Hardware)

Published

• November 2007

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Brunton SolarRolls™

Flexible Solar Panels

• Amorphous solar cells for effective low-light performance
• Reverse flow protection
• Tefzel® fluoropolymer construction for extreme durability
• Waterproof
• UV transparent
• Link multiple like-units together for even more output
• Rolls and stores in convenient storage tube
• Includes vehicle outlet cable & multi-linking cable
• One-year warranty

"...this solar charger may end your battery woes for good."
--Backpacker Magazine

"If you can't bear to leave your gadgets behind, pack this waterproof solar panel to power them. It rolls up like a poster and charges like a cigarette lighter."--Newsweek

"A boon for off-the-grid campers, the 18-ounce, 57-inch-long Brunton SolarRoll 14 can harvest enough solar energy to power a mobile phone or laptop-or even recharge your car battery. --Men's Journal

"Drape it over a tent in full sun and the 12-by-57-inch Brunton SolarRoll 14 will power a sat phone, GPS or laptop-it'll even recharge a dead car battery in a lonely corner of Death Valley. Best of all, the 19.5-ounce solar panel and adapter plugs can be rolled up and tucked away in a foot-long, three-inch-diameter tube that'll slip covertly into your pack or kayak."
--Outside Magazine

"Gear Of The Year"- "Brunton's new line is a genuine breakthrough...Brunton, a company renowned among outdoor types for first-rate optics,personal navigation, and (especially) camping gear, has now pioneered a line of portable power equipment that can generate, store, and convert electricity so many of us opt to use in our hunting pursuits. This line is so ingeniously conceived and versatile in scope it can keep the power on for anything from teeny AAA batteries to sat phones to portable ice chests (and even my ravenous laptop)." --American Hunter

"Now you can be a day's horseback ride or a ten-mile hike from civilization and still have power."--Sports Afield

"The need to recharge batteries is a serious issue for expeditioners and other see-you-in-a-month travelers. The best of the several solar chargers available is the Brunton SolarRoll. It cranks out (surprise!) 14 watts, which is enough to run a small device (camera, ipod) or chargea large one (laptop, car battery). What really distinguishes it, though, is the way it can be stored - in a tube. Unfurled, the Brunton is one by five feet; rolled up, it's a three-inch thick burrito. It weighs just over a pound."
--National Geographic Adventure

[Via brunton.com]

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The SEIKO Electronic Ink watch for women

Last November the 2006 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève prize for electronic watches was awarded to SEIKO's remarkable Electronic Ink watch, because of its breakthrough display technology. With its ultra-thin profile display, its extraordinary contrast and clarity, and its unrestricted design potential, SEIKO's Electro-phoresis Display watch has captured the imagination of the industry.

For 2007, these unique capabilities have been fused into a delightful bracelet watch for women which is the perfect expression of SEIKO's emotional technology. If the wearer is at work, it can be set to its 'efficiency' mode; the display is informative and easy to read. If, however, the watch is set to its 'mystery' mode, the panel expresses the time in a more imaginative, evocative style. Just pick the style to reflect your mood!

The key characteristics of the Electronic Ink watch are:

Ultra high contrast: The display is made up of pure black and pure white particles which allow the same contrast as on a printed page; twice the contrast, in fact, of a LCD panel.

Ultra thin: The display is much thinner than is possible with any conventional watch technology, analog or digital. The display is also flexible, so 'wrist bracelet' or bangle designs are possible.

Low power consumption: The display is readable under very low light conditions, so no backlighting is required. The display also has an inherently stable 'memory effect' that requires no power to retain and sustain the image. For these reasons, battery life is extended.

Unrestricted size: Because of its flexibility and other properties, the display can be of virtually any size and shape. In this design, the display area covers over two thirds of the total surface area of the watch.

Specifications:

• Case (bracelet is integrated): High-intensity titanium
• Glass: Dual curved Sapphire crystal
• Diameter outside 75.3 mm
• Inside 61.5 mm
• Width 22.0 mm
• Thickness : 6.9 mm
• Weight: 80 g

[Source: SEIKO PRESS RELEASE]

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SanDisk 1 GB Cruzer Profile Biometric USB Flash Drive

With built-in biometric security, Cruzer Profile delivers the ultimate in portable data security. This highly-secure product stores all your data and passwords, accessible only with the swipe of your fingerprint. Just plug in the drive, swipe your finger, and you can log-on to any of your stored protected areas in a snap with the exclusive CruzerPass password bank.



You can use any host PC with your Cruzer Profile without having to install any cumbersome software or leave any trace on that PC.

Special two-piece design allows the most flexibility for the user. Just position the product and sensor for a convenient swipe. This allows flexibility for different USB port configurations, and the slide on cap protects sensor for safe travel.

Cruzer Profile includes trial versions of CruzerSync (synchronization) and PocketCache (backup) software.

Product Features

• High Security Protection where Data is Accessible by Fingerprint Recognition
• Distinctive Ergonomic Design for easy access and swiping
• Cruzer Profile authenticates users when a finger is swiped across the device
• An embedded identification sensor reads the fingerprint
• Gives approval & activates the drive

Technical Details

• Model: SDCZ5-1024-A10
• Memory Storage Capacity: 1 GB
• device_type: USB flash drive (biometric)
• removable_storage_interface: Hi-Speed USB
• Hardware Platform: PC

Where to buy

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Sony NWZA818 - 8GB Video MP3 Walkman

The Sony Video WALKMAN NWZA Series - Up to 30hrs Battery Life - Crystal clear display coupled with a simple user interface means that you can find your music, video and photos quickly and easily. Intuitively designed, the WALKMAN video offers enhanced searching (and cover art display) meaning you can conveniently access every classification (artist/album/genre etc) from the Now Playing page.

Technical Details

• 8GB MP3 player
• High quality video playback
• AVC(H.264/AVC), MP4
• 2'' colour LCD screen or 320 X 240 mm
• Clear bass
• Clear stereo
• DSEE, EX-headphone
• Equaliser;drag and drop transfer
• Plays Forsure certified
• Multi Audio Codec supported, WMA/MP3/Linear PCM
• PC application windows Media player 11, MP3 conversion tool, media manager (download from sony website)
• System requirements, Windows XP or Vista

Where to buy

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IAMM NTD36HD Real High Definition Cinema & Opera Jukebox

The IAMM NTD36HD is a very impressive media centre which can play Divx files wirelessly. It can store and play movies, music, and photo as well as storing any data like an ordinary external hard drive - but importantly it comes without an external hard drive, so you can choose your own.


Technical Details:

• With the built-in Ethernet LAN (10/100Mbps) you can playback (stream) movie files, music and photo from your PC directly on your TV set without having to copy files into the NTD36HD hard disk drive.
• You can store all your favorite DVD's, movie files, MP3 files and photos into NTD36HD, and enjoy playing them back on your TV set in any places and at any time.


• If you have a plan to set up Home Theatre system in your living room, the NTD36HD will be the must-have item as it has various and powerful functions.
• With its two high speed USB 2.0 host controllers, you can connect various external devices such as external HDD, ODD, digital camera and USB card readers.
• DVI connector ready, Analog 5.1 ch. Direct Media Access by built-in network

Product details:

• Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 9.5 x 19 cm ; 1.3 Kg
• Boxed-product Weight: 2.5 Kg

Where to buy

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ViewSonic 22-inch with integrated iPod dock

The 22-inch VX2245wm Viewdock LCD is the display that enables you to do all that thanks to its multimedia display.It has an integrated iPod dock, USB hub and memory card reader all in one and integrated stereo speakers with subwoofer which enable you to listen to your iPod music without the need for any external speakers.

Features

• This 22" LCD display features 1680 x 1050 resolution, a 700:1 contrast ratio and 280cd/m2 brightness. Ideal for when you need a wider area to see all your work, the widescreen lets you work in two documents side-by-side.
  

• The fast 5ms video response time delivers blur-free, full-motion video and crystal-clear graphics.

• The thin bezel lets you see more without taking up valuable desktop real estate. The high neck and floating head design accentuate the visual experience.

• Multi-mode input technology supports both digital (DVI) and analog (VGA) signals for ultimate compatibility and configuration flexibility.

• This display features a multimedia base with iPod dock, 8-in-1 card reader, microphone, headphone jack, USB port for joystick/game control and USB port for keyboard/mouse.

• This display is PC and Mac compatible.

Where to buy

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Sangean U3 Utility Radio

The Sangean U3 is a rugged AM, FM utility radio that is water resistant and has been ruggedized. It has a smooth rotary tuning knob and backlit digital dial. There are five presets for AM and five for FM. The 6.5 inch, 7 watt full range speaker and Deep Bass Boost combine for great sound. There is even a built-in digital clock alarm with sleep and snooze functions.

Specifications

• AC Mains 120 VAC 60 Hz 25 watts
• Battery Six D (UM-1) cells
• DC Input 12 VDC [9 ~ 14 VDC] 1 Amp [Center +]
• Tuning Type PLL Synthesized Digital
• AM Band 520 - 1710 kHz
• FM Band 87.5 - 108 MHz
• Speaker 6.55 Inch, 8 ohm 15W
• Aux Input 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) stereo (mixed to mono) 250m Vrms at outup 5W @100 Hz47 kOhm
• Output Power 7 watts on AC or 4 watts on batteries
• Antenna System AM Ferrite bar and FM flexible whip
• Size 10.25 x 14.5 x 10 inches 9 Lbs. (260x370x350 mm)
• Weight (4.2 kg) without batteries

Men and women have long desired a more rugged radio - one that would withstand accidental dropping and other rugged abuse. The U-3 is the answer for anyone who is seeking a sturdier, more reliable music system for tougher use. It is water resistant, and can be powered by AC current, batteries, or through your vehicle. With 10 programmable memories and an alarm clock, this radio is the only one you'll need on those long camping trips, or in your garage or workspace. The U-3 even has the ability to charge cell phones.

Where to buy

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Sumatra PDF Portable

The portable PDF viewer

Sumatra PDF Portable is the lightweight Sumatra PDF packaged as a portable app, so you can view PDF files on the go. You can place it on your USB flash drive, iPod, portable hard drive or a CD and use it on any computer, without leaving any personal information behind.

Features

Sumatra PDF is a slim, free, open-source PDF viewer for Windows. Sumatra has a minimalistic design. Simplicity has a higher priority than a lot of features. It's small and starts up very fast.

Download Details

• File size: 1.0MB (download), 1.0Mb (installed)
• Publisher: Krzysztof Kowalczyk and PortableApps.com (John T. Haller)
• Date updated: July 30, 2007
• System Requirements: Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/Vista, Wine under *nix (no toolbar)
• License: Free / Open Source (Launcher: GPL, Sumatra PDF: GPL)
• Source Code: launcher source (included), Sumatra PDF source

Download Now 0.7,
Windows, 1.0MB

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MPlayer Portable

The movie player to go.

MPlayer Portable is the popular MPlayer media player packaged as a portable app, so you can take your video files along with everything you need to play them on the go. You can place it on your USB flash drive, iPod, portable hard drive or a CD and use it on any computer, without leaving any personal information behind.

Features

MPlayer is a full-featured movie player that plays most MPEG/VOB, AVI, Ogg/OGM, VIVO, ASF/WMA/WMV, QT/MOV/MP4, RealMedia, Matroska, NUT, NuppelVideo, FLI, YUV4MPEG, FILM, RoQ, PVA files, supported by many native, XAnim, and Win32 DLL codecs. You can watch VideoCD, SVCD, 3ivx, DivX 3/4/5 and even WMV movies. And it's all controllable through the easy to use MPUI frontend.

Download Details

• File size: 4.8MB (download), 7.5MB (installed)
• Publisher: PortableApps.com and the MPlayer team
• System Requirements: Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/Vista
• License: Free / Open Source (GPL)
• Source Code: Launcher (included), MPlayer and MPUI source

Download Now 1.0,
Windows 4.8MB

[Via http://portableapps.com]

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Red Rings of Death

The Ring of Light (RoL) flash red on the front of your Xbox 360 console. The upper right quadrant light is the only light that does not flash red.

Three red lights on the Xbox 360 indicator representing "general hardware failure", known by gamers as the infamous "red ring of death".



Due to a high number of repairs relating this globally, Microsoft recently announced it would offer an extended three-years warranty to anyone that experiences this problem with console.

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ASUS R2H UMPC

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. (ASUS), a leading provider of high-performance notebook computers, introduces the latest R2H UltraMobile PC. With built-in high-resolution webcam, incorporated global positioning system (GPS) and biometric fingerprint authentication, the 7-inch ultra compact R2H is designed to fulfill the increasing need for an all-in-one mobile device that enables professionals to stay connected, productive and secured on the go.

7-inch LCD touch screen with handwritten input support and solid security protection - The R2H offers full PC functions and more!

Product Features

• Handheld, ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) with 7-inch touchscreen and advanced security features
• 900 MHz Ultra Low Voltage Celeron M processor, 60 GB hard drive, 768 MB RAM (max)
• Connectivity: 3 USB, 1 AV, Ethernet, Secure Digital memory card reader
• 54g Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth V2.0+EDR, Fast Ethernet, Intel GMA 950 video card
• Windows XP Tablet Edition operating system

• Hardware Platform: PC
• Processor: 900 MHz

Where to buy

ASUS R2H Series offers a smart balance of mobility and performance with comprehensive security feature that protects both software as well as hardware solutions, providing a secure and convenient computing experience for users. 7-inch LCD touch screen with handwritten input support and solid security protection - the R2H offers full PC functions and more!

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Types of battery

Do you know which type of battery you used?

There are many different types of batteries to meet the demands of individual appliances and their users. Always check appliance instructions and/or battery compartments for the size, chemistry and number of batteries that should be used

Lead-Acid
Energy-to-weight: Low
Self-discharge: Very Low
Rechargeable: Yes
Probably the only wet-cell battery you'll use on a daily basis, since it powers the ignition system and other electronics of your car. They can provide extremely high surges of power when required, such as activating the starter motor.

Zink-Carbon
Energy-to-weight: Moderate
Self-discharge: Very High
Rechargeable: No
Known as "super heavy duty" batteries. Extremely cheap and work well in devices that use very small power but they only last 18 month (includes manufactured date) when not in use.

Alkaline
Energy-to-weight: High
Self-discharge: High
Rechargeable: No
The most familiar disposable battery today and have many times capacity than other dry cell.

Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd)
Energy-to-weight: High
Self-discharge: Moderate
Rechargeable: Yes
Provides plenty of power by weight and most significantly it is rechargeable. Unfortunately, if you recharge without properly discharging first, it wont charge up to full and have a "memory effect".

Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
Energy-to-weight: Very High
Self-discharge: High
Rechargeble: Yes
Still suffers from memory effect but to nowhere near the same degree as Ni-Cd. Provides more energy by volume.

Lithium-Ion (Li-ion)
Energy-to-weight: Extreme
Self-discharge: Very Low
Rechargeable: Yes
The most popular battery in portable electronics. There's no memory effect so you can charge it after only a couple of hours use. Li-Ion also doesn't lose much charge when not being used.

Lithium Iron Disulphide
Energy-to-weight: Very Extreme
Self-discharge: Negligible
Rechargeable: No
Commonly used in high-end digital cameras and some watches. These batteries are capable of delivering high currents. They also last for up to ten years in a low-draw device and can operate in sub-zero temperatures. Unfortunately they cost an absolute fortune and not rechargeable.

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ioDrive™ : World’s fastest drive

The ioDrive is the world’s fastest drive. Designed specifically for bandwidth and applications that are I/O bound, the ioDrive is a no compromise solution for the toughest computational challenges facing the HPC community today. Putting the ioDrive in a league of it’s own.

The card is a PCIe storage card which can be slotted into motherboards with a free PCIe slot.

• 800MB/sec read speed, 600MB/sec write speed, and 100,000 IOPS (input/output per second) per PCIe x4 card.

The ioDrives will be available from Q1 2008 in 80GB, 160GB, 320GB and 640GB capacities with price of approximately $30 per GB.

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iRing - Controls your iPod and iPhone

iRing allows you to control playback and volume on any of your Apple media devices via bluetooth. iRing features a bright OLED status display with touch-sensitive function strip, and a rechargeable battery life of up to 2 days.

Designed by Victor Soto, built-in OLED display

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