Plugless ZEV
Link: http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/24/miras-h4v-plugless-plug-in-hybrid-is-surprisingly-clever/
Unless the designer is using significantly different battery technology, this design for a plugless zero emissions vehicle isn't terribly clever (pace Engadget's headline); anything the size of the batteries in the picture is going to be horrifically heavy and unmanageable for most people.
Back to the drawingboard, guys.
The death of the gaming desktop PC
Link: http://gizmodo.com/392555/question-of-the-day-are-desktops-dead
A discussion similar to the one linked to over a Gizmodo came up the other day while at a gaming session with some friends. After spending thousands of dollars on killer hardware and hundreds of hours on installation, configuration, patching and troubleshooting, we came to the conclusion that, basically, the gaming desktop had no future. It's not going to be replaced by an uber-laptop, but by the games console.
Bluetooth speakers
Link: http://gizmodo.com/391979/logitech-adds-to-pure+fi-speaker-range-with-bluetooth-mobile-version
Well, it appears that Logitech gets it. I do wonder when other vendors will start to implement A2DP on their Bluetooth-capable devices.
Etsy.com
Link: http://www.etsy.com/
Etsy is sort of like an Amazon marketplace for the arts and crafts crowd. Specializing in homemade goods Etsy acts as the store front for the individuals who create all sorts of interesting items, most of which are unique. The clean front end makes for a nifty browsing experience. Etsy very sensibly allows users to create a favourites list so that friends and loved ones looking for interesting gifts can find something wanted come birthday, Christmas, Valentine's or some Hallmark-holiday time. As usual, payment is pretty much limited to PayPal but as that service works well it's not really an issue.
On Airline Surcharges
Link: http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB121137763935210567-lMyQjAxMDI4MTIxMTMyNzE3Wj.html
The link is to a Wall Street Journal piece about American Airlines imposing charges on checked luggage (via Political Animal.) It's a companion piece -- at least in spirit -- to one referenced earlier here which approached the fuel cost issue from the other side: efficiency.
Google Earth Sightseeing
Link: http://googlesightseeing.com/
For whatever reason, I love maps. Google Earth takes that and raises it few more notches. While browsing around I came across "Google Sightseeing" which is a site dedicated to interesting entries visible via the Google world.
Definitely worth blowing a few hours on this one.
JPod
Link: http://www.cbc.ca/jpod/
The CBC had a very good comedy going this season, JPod, which is basically a reworked version of Douglas Coupland's "Microserfs". Given that Coupland was also involved in this show, I guess that's not really an issue. It's a Canadian show, filmed in Canada, and actually makes no bones about being set in Canada. It's funny, adult, and unsurprisingly, canceled.
However, the complete run is on the CBC's website so go watch it while you can.
(Via Daveberta)
Advertising
Link: http://www.boingboing.net/2008/04/22/funy-backwards-bus-a.html
I don't think I'd want to get stuck behind this bus.
I Want One (cellphone wristwatch)
Link: http://gizmodo.com/387538/ep2502-cellphone-watch-has-good-looks-waterproofing-and-oled
While I have an extremely nice and tasteful -- albeit conventional -- watch, this little number is strangely appealing.
Yes, more so than an Apple iPhone...
"Repo Man"
I have issues with this soundtrack. I bought it because of the presence of one stunning instrumental, "Reel Ten" by the Plugz. Moody, interesting, twangy. The problem lies in the remainder of what's on the disc.
A hamster wheel with a difference
Link: http://uk.gizmodo.com/2008/05/06/hamsters_get_cars_start_cruisi.html
I don't actually own a hamster, but if I did, I'd buy this set of wheels for it.
Le Doh
While browsing Amazon recently, I found a Barbara Hambly book I'd previously been unaware of called "Fendragon". Being a major Hambly fan, I ordered it in excitement and it finally turned up today. Yay!
