Gadgetstronics

Most of us have heard about the P2P filesharing network BitTorrent, so when we present the term CarTorrent, you probably already grasp the concept. A UCLA project with big partners like BMW and Toyota, cars communicate through 5.9GHz wireless LAN over ranges of 100-300 meters. During its first implementation—currently project for 2012—the system will communicate navigation info (road/traffic conditions), various media (ads and attractions) and surveillance (data from car cameras, etc for police to comb through later).

The system will run an (optional) $500 premium when it’s unrolled, and obviously, such a system can only be as good as its network. Eventually, CarTorrent could be a whole lot more that a way to share small amounts of information—it could be a way for cars to communicate in times of crisis, allowing car computers to sync in split-second decision territory where individual drives could fail.

Of course, many of us realize what CarTorrent really is: a means for cars to eventually assemble into a giant Megatron and destroy all of mankind (pending oil prices stay in check). [guardianunlimited via digg][image: gettyimages]

Do you have too much free time? Do you have crates of different inanimate objects that need labeling? Well, you’re in luck; Suck UK has just launched this range of customizable tape.

Much like normal tape, the adhesive goodness can be used pretty much anywhere you want, but this type specifically has an artistic value, allowing you to create your own messages, profanities and primitive pictures, which can then be used to decorate your abode. Prices range from £5-£7 ($10 - $14), but can’t you just get some nice wallpaper instead? [Technabob]

What’s the easiest way to suck all of the fun out of your favorite activity? Just throw in a little exercise and you’ll be sure to hate it within just a few minutes. Now I’m not talking about things like the Wii which get you up and make you move a bit while playing your game, that’s actually kind of fun. I’m talking about the Gamercize, which makes you keep stepping or pedaling in order for you to keep playing your PS2. We covered the Gamercize for your PS2 when they came out back in September, but the creators have developed a new version that’s sure to make you hate your job more than you already do. That’s right, Gamercize PC.

The concept is pretty much the same. You hook this stair-stepper up to your computer and it keeps track of your foot movements. You can set the required speed, and so long as you keep it up everything works fine. However, if you slow down too much, or stop altogether you’ll find that your keyboard and mouse stop responding. I seriously can’t think of a single situation where I would find this practical. I doubt that I would be able to give the kind of concentration that I’d need to do my work, or play a game. If you’re a glutton for punishment, you can pick yours up for $199 from ThinkGeek.

Source: GeekAlerts

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With Apple’s new baby the MacAir not even launched yet - concerns have been raised over the battery situation already.

As with some other Apple products - the MacBook Air contains a non serviceable 37-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery which raises the question about what happens when it inevitably looses performance?

All laptops gradually kill the battery over time, but thankfully its just a case of snapping in a new battery yourself. Aple have also got a bit of a history with malfunctioning batteries, with a recall/replacement programme for the Macbook & Macbook Pro batteries sold in 2006.

Luckily the battery replacement process is trivial for somebody not scared to use a screw driver. The process requires a single size-0 type philips screwdriver and some patience.

Once flipped upside down, the Macbook Air’s bottom cover is easily unscrewed and removed, providing immediate access to the battery cavity. From there, the battery can be unscrewed from the chassis with the same screwdriver and unplugged from the circuit board with a simple tug — it’s not soldered to the board.

Apple has announced its intent to offer a MacBook Air Out-of-Warranty Battery Replacement Program, which promises authorized replacements for US $129. The return to base repair process normally takes 5 business days, the company says.

There is no word on whether the battery change could invalidate the Apple warranty. So if you’re thinking of doing it later this year, it might be worth checking with AppleCare to be sure.

Source AppleInsider.com

You were born to rock, and to help you live dream, Shinya Kasatani has released PocketGuitar for the iPhone and iPod touch, which turns your device into a touchscreen guitar. The application looks insanely great, and we cannot believe it has taken humanity this long to realize the true destiny of the iPhone. It makes so much sense now; it is the guitar of the future, sent back to destroy enemies of rock music.

If your not feeling up to an acoustic solo session, fret not, well actually, you will need to fret, but you can do all your fretting alongside music that is already stored on your iPhone. That’s right, you can be Hendrix. Man, you are so in to the music, you are Hendrix. That some heavy, insane music philosophy right there. To get your fingers strumming, launch Installer and follow these instructions: Installer > Sources > Add http://podmap.net/apps to your repositories. PockeGuitar is filed under the Toys category. If this takes off in a big way, expect iPhone finger board extension peripherals to drop soon. We can’t wait. [PocketGuitar via Mobilewhack]

Click for a larger image.

In cased you missed it, or want to watch it again, here is the video spoof shown during the CES 2008 Bill Gates keynote about his last full day at Microsoft. The production team pulled out an all-star cast for Mr. G, including: Brian Williams, Steve Ballmer, Matthew McConaughey, Robbie Bach, Jay-Z, Bono, Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Jon Stewart, Kevin Turner, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Al Gore, Ray Ozzie and Craig Mundie.

We’ve seen plenty of other Eee PC mods, but an intrepid Norwegian bested everyone by building what appears to be the One Eee to Rule Them All. Not content with only one modification, this Eee modder installed ten add-ons to his diminutive subnotebook including bluetooth, 802.11n Wi-Fi, and GPS.galleryPost(’tenmodeee’, 3, ”);Here’s the full list:

1&2 - Two USB hubs (which still have two free internal USB ports)
3 - GPS
4 - Bluetooth
5 - SDHC card reader
6 - 4GB flash drive
7 - Power switches for everything
8 - 802.11n wifi card
9 - FM transmitter
10 - Modem

The price for all these mods?

Total 454.38 USD - including shipping to Europe. If you say I could get a much better, powerful, plain old, regular laptop for the same money, I say: What’s the fun in that?

Though impressive, none of the ten mods did anything to fix what is arguably the Eee’s biggest weakness: screen size. So maybe we should be the ones asking, “what’s the fun in that?” [IVC via CLUMPC/Digg]

Put this Robotan toilet paper holder, by Airyusha (Japanese maker of lifestyle and home furnishing products) in your guest bathroom, and it’ll make even your most serious dinner guest smile. Or, it could serve as an incentive for your reluctant toddler-in-potty-training (or she might just stand there and pull at the toilet paper for ten minutes until it’s all gone). Made out of heavy ceramic, and available in red, white, black and yellow, Robotan sells for $36 at Audiocubes. Oh, and they throw in a roll of environment-friendly toilet paper made from recycled paper, so you can use your Robotan right away!

Kensington Flylight LapTop LED Light

Your presentation in a darkened boardroom will have more impact now, because you can actually see your laptop’s keyboard rather than guessing (and missing) the right keys to hit. The gentle illumination of the FlyLight? won’t drain your battery or disturb others.     Features No batteries, powered by USB port Long-lasting, bulb-free design No switches, bulbs or batteries–virtually nothing to break Gentle LED glow for task light without disturbing anyone Flexible neck positions light where it’s needed Small enough to take anywhere Uses less than 90 seconds of battery charge per hour of use

Technorati Tags: Gadgets

With Apple’s new baby the MacAir not even launched yet - concerns have been raised over the battery situation already.

As with some other Apple products - the MacBook Air contains a non serviceable 37-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery which raises the question about what happens when it inevitably looses performance?

All laptops gradually kill the battery over time, but thankfully its just a case of snapping in a new battery yourself. Aple have also got a bit of a history with malfunctioning batteries, with a recall/replacement programme for the Macbook & Macbook Pro batteries sold in 2006.

Luckily the battery replacement process is trivial for somebody not scared to use a screw driver. The process requires a single size-0 type philips screwdriver and some patience.

Once flipped upside down, the Macbook Air’s bottom cover is easily unscrewed and removed, providing immediate access to the battery cavity. From there, the battery can be unscrewed from the chassis with the same screwdriver and unplugged from the circuit board with a simple tug — it’s not soldered to the board.

Apple has announced its intent to offer a MacBook Air Out-of-Warranty Battery Replacement Program, which promises authorized replacements for US $129. The return to base repair process normally takes 5 business days, the company says.

There is no word on whether the battery change could invalidate the Apple warranty. So if you’re thinking of doing it later this year, it might be worth checking with AppleCare to be sure.

Source AppleInsider.com