Tag Archives | Small

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

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

Despite my warnings, if this looks like the perfect gift for your furry friend, they’re $80 from Feel The Flo.

[Feel The Flo - Puppoose]

[Via: Design Milk]

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