Radio Controlled Projection Alarm
There were many interesting items at CES 2009. I tried to cover each area at least once. And although I was only there for 2 to 2+ days, I did mange to get through most of it. Some areas were so interesting and so heavily populated with presenters, that I tried to get through those areas more than once.
When I was at CES 2009, I was pleased to find a presenter that offered to let me try one of their projection clocks. They sent one to me that not only projects the time but the exterior temperature.
I have to admit that for the past few years I’ve been anxious to try one of the clocks that projects the time onto the ceiling at night. I already have a large readout LED clock that allows me to see the time easily during the night.
After a few minor stumbling blocks, I was able to set the time and install the exterior sensor for the exterior temperature. At first I set the clock across the room hoping to project it onto the ceiling. The ceiling was too high and it was too far away to be able to see what was projected. I ended up setting it on a table about 2 feet from the side of my bed. When I projected the display onto the ceiling, it was still too far and not clear. The projection light is on a moveable extension to the main clock, so it easily tilts. This allows for the best angle and visibility.
Once I got it all set up and pointed in the right direction the display was legible. Although it’s not a powerful projection and therefore is not extremely bright, I was able to see it. It would alternate between the time and the exterior temperature, flashing back and forth.
I have to admit that I still tend to use my old LED clock but when I want to know the temperature outside, I do check the display on the wall. And I do use the regular clock display on the face that is a regular LCD display during the day. It is fun and I think I will purchase one for my own use.
Thank you
Grandma Geek
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Eye-Fi Wireless Secure Digital Memory Card
As you probably figured out, I'm always looking for new cool gadgets to play with. Anyway, a little while back, aphotographer friend of mine called to tell me about this new wireless SD card he heard about.
First, the back story. My friend and I do event photography, where he shoots the pictures, and I print them out on site, using professional photo printers. we always had to be connected (between the camera and the computer) with a USB cable, or we had to keep swapping memory cards, both of which are a pain it the neck. We had been looking at a wireless adaptor made by our camera manufacturer, but it costs around $1600.00! Way to much for us to want to spend to transfer images.
So, back to the present.
My friend told me about this "Eye-Fi" card, that is basically a 2gb Secure Digital memory card and WI-Fi adaptor combined. It looked like a cool idea, but i knew it couldn't be more than a toy that wouldn't work very well. There was no way that this could replace a $1600.00 professional camera interface. Boy, was I ever wrong!
We bought the card, set it up, and started to try to prove it wasn't going to work. To our surprise, it did everything that it claimed, and did it every time! This has got to be the greatest SD card ever!
The card has good range, (around 120 feet), but the cool thing is the pictures that you shoot when out of range start transferring as soon as you get back into range. and transfer times are fairly quick, about 6 seconds per image, even with large hi res images.
Nothing is perfect, but this card comes close. The only thing I would change is the fact that you need an internet connection for the initial setup. This is so that you can log into your account to make changes for uploading to photo sites such as Photobucket, etc. Once the card is set up, you no longer need to go online. Maybe the manufacturer can change the setup to allow you to change card settings that don't involve online services?
All in all, a great gadget, and one that I highly recommend to anyone that wants to transfer images without cables or card swaps!
Until next time,
Captain Video
First, the back story. My friend and I do event photography, where he shoots the pictures, and I print them out on site, using professional photo printers. we always had to be connected (between the camera and the computer) with a USB cable, or we had to keep swapping memory cards, both of which are a pain it the neck. We had been looking at a wireless adaptor made by our camera manufacturer, but it costs around $1600.00! Way to much for us to want to spend to transfer images.
So, back to the present.
My friend told me about this "Eye-Fi" card, that is basically a 2gb Secure Digital memory card and WI-Fi adaptor combined. It looked like a cool idea, but i knew it couldn't be more than a toy that wouldn't work very well. There was no way that this could replace a $1600.00 professional camera interface. Boy, was I ever wrong!
We bought the card, set it up, and started to try to prove it wasn't going to work. To our surprise, it did everything that it claimed, and did it every time! This has got to be the greatest SD card ever!
The card has good range, (around 120 feet), but the cool thing is the pictures that you shoot when out of range start transferring as soon as you get back into range. and transfer times are fairly quick, about 6 seconds per image, even with large hi res images.
Nothing is perfect, but this card comes close. The only thing I would change is the fact that you need an internet connection for the initial setup. This is so that you can log into your account to make changes for uploading to photo sites such as Photobucket, etc. Once the card is set up, you no longer need to go online. Maybe the manufacturer can change the setup to allow you to change card settings that don't involve online services?
All in all, a great gadget, and one that I highly recommend to anyone that wants to transfer images without cables or card swaps!
Until next time,
Captain Video
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Cliphangers
It's about time we started this off with a new gadget.
The "Cliphanger", or more specifically, the "Cliphanger Shield".
Now, I've never had a problem keeping track of my cellphone. I have never lost it, or had a problem keeping track of where I left it. My wife on the other hand, could never find her phone. She must have lost seven or eight phones in 2007 alone!
So this year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, I was doing what I do best, walking around looking for good free swag. Sometimes I get some cool stuff, but most of it becomes the stuff I have to toss later in the year.
I actually walked past the Cliphangers booth without really noticing them - like I said, I can keep track of my phone, but I was sent back retrieve one of my fellow geeks that had stopped to talk to the people there. I noticed that my friend was buying a Cliphangers Shield for his phone, and was talking to them about maybe reviewing their products, and of course, I had to jump in with my two cents. They asked what type of phone I had, and quickly determined that I was happy with my original clip. But then I thought, free swag - what about the wife's phone?
It turns out that they had a shield for her Motorola Razr, and they promptly gave both of us shields for the respective phones. I had it made. a free gift for the wife! That would make her happy. Later, when i got home, I snapped the shield on to her phone and handed it to her. She looked at me a little funny, since she had tried many other covers, and none of them really worked well.
She looked at the clip on the back, and said "that will break real quick". I reminded her that it had a lifetime guarantee, but she still doubted it would last. But I'm here to tell you that after three months, after being twisted, dropped, and otherwise abused, it still works and looks like new! When dropped, the case doesn't fall apart or break. The clip is still like new, even after hanging off of her purse like a christmas ornament. And the best news ever, she has not lost her phone since I gave her the shield!
This thing really works! It looks good, and is very functional. Now I hope they make one for my phone, and SOON!
For more information, you can go to www.cliphanger.com, and tell them that Geek's Product Investigations sent you!
Until next time,
Captain Video
The "Cliphanger", or more specifically, the "Cliphanger Shield".
Now, I've never had a problem keeping track of my cellphone. I have never lost it, or had a problem keeping track of where I left it. My wife on the other hand, could never find her phone. She must have lost seven or eight phones in 2007 alone!
So this year at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, I was doing what I do best, walking around looking for good free swag. Sometimes I get some cool stuff, but most of it becomes the stuff I have to toss later in the year.
I actually walked past the Cliphangers booth without really noticing them - like I said, I can keep track of my phone, but I was sent back retrieve one of my fellow geeks that had stopped to talk to the people there. I noticed that my friend was buying a Cliphangers Shield for his phone, and was talking to them about maybe reviewing their products, and of course, I had to jump in with my two cents. They asked what type of phone I had, and quickly determined that I was happy with my original clip. But then I thought, free swag - what about the wife's phone?
It turns out that they had a shield for her Motorola Razr, and they promptly gave both of us shields for the respective phones. I had it made. a free gift for the wife! That would make her happy. Later, when i got home, I snapped the shield on to her phone and handed it to her. She looked at me a little funny, since she had tried many other covers, and none of them really worked well.
She looked at the clip on the back, and said "that will break real quick". I reminded her that it had a lifetime guarantee, but she still doubted it would last. But I'm here to tell you that after three months, after being twisted, dropped, and otherwise abused, it still works and looks like new! When dropped, the case doesn't fall apart or break. The clip is still like new, even after hanging off of her purse like a christmas ornament. And the best news ever, she has not lost her phone since I gave her the shield!
This thing really works! It looks good, and is very functional. Now I hope they make one for my phone, and SOON!
For more information, you can go to www.cliphanger.com, and tell them that Geek's Product Investigations sent you!
Until next time,
Captain Video
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Upcoming "Gedgets"
Looking forward we will have some nice reviews here.
Cellphones covers, Bluetooth Accessories, Mobile Electronics, and more...
Stay tuned.
Cellphones covers, Bluetooth Accessories, Mobile Electronics, and more...
Stay tuned.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Geeks' Gadgets
Got something you want reviewed? Need help understanding the features of a new toy? Send us your questions and request and we'll get you the information you need and maybe a good tutorial too!
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