Month: April 2006

The DryPod: Waterproof iPod Case

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The DryPod

Back when I had my iPod Photo, I had a great case called a LiliPod, that was good for going to the beach. It prevented water and sand from getting in my iPod.

When I bought my new 5G (video) iPod, I couldn’t use the LiliPod anymore because the plugs were in the wrong place. I have a vacation coming up where I could use a waterproof case so I went to see if they ever came out with a 5G version. They haven’t, but I’m actually kind of glad they didn’t because I found something better, the DryPod.

The DryPod provides the protection, but unlike the LiliPod, you can actually use the controls while the iPod is in the case. They make one for 4G and 5G models, with a version for the Nano coming in late May.

The DryPod is $44.95 from the manufacturer, but this site sells it for $39.99.

It’s worth checking out the DryPod if you’re in the market for a waterproof case. I’ll include links to other cases I found to help you compare.

Links: DryPod, Otter Box, H2O Audio, Aquapac Universal Case

The Big Face on 4th

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Big eerie face on 4th

Tonight I walked over to the grocery store by our house, and I noticed this giant face. It’s painted on a big piece of plywood and mounted on a beam under the freeway overpass on 4th street, near Harrison.

I have no idea what it’s for, but it looked kind of eerie. Anyone with any info on this, leave the scoop in the comments.

UPDATE (9.13.07): It took a year and a half, but I now know what this is, thanks to Laughing Squid.

Rumors of Aperture’s demise greatly exaggerated

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Aperture

The other day there was a story over at Think Secret that read like an obituary for Apple’s pro-level photo management software, Aperture.

Today, John Gruber, of Daring Fireball, had a slightly more level-headed version of the story. It’s worth a read if you have concerns about the future of Aperture. Personally, I think it’s ridiculous to think Apple will be ditching Aperture. They obviously see a market… they’ll fix any problems with v1, and offer a solid 2.0 version.

Eye-Fi: SD Card with built in WiFi

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Eye-Fi

How would you like to upload your pictures straight from your camera to Flickr, or another photo sharing site, without ever going near a computer? That’s exactly what Eye-Fi wants to give you. They are a new startup here in the Bay Area, and they’re developing a product called Eye-Film. Basically, it’s an SD card with built in WiFi. They’re also working on a Compact Flash version.

The idea is to allow your camera to upload images directly to the internet, to a central server. That server would then route the pictures to a photo service of your choice.

There isn’t much information on their site yet but it looks pretty cool.

Found via Laughing Squid

16-page ad for the first Macintosh

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16 page ad in NewsWeek Magazine for the Macintosh (1984)

In the Fall of 1984 Apple published a 16-page (with fold-out) advertising insert in Newsweek magazine, for the very first Macintosh. Today, the entire ad is online for your viewing pleasure.

One thing I noticed is nowhere in the ad is there a picture of Steve Jobs. There is however a picture of a young punk by the name of Bill Gates, with this quote:

“To create a new standard takes something that’s not just a little bit different. It takes something that’s really new and captures people’s imaginations. Macintosh meets that standard” ~ Bill Gates, Microsoft

I couldn’t agree more, Bill.

Link: 1984 Newsweek Insert

Found via Apple Mad

Star Trek on G4: The Commercials

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Star Trek on G4

G4TV is replaying all of the original episodes of Star Trek. To promote the show, they have put together some awesome commercials using the Star Trek action figures. I love these things, they are hilarious! I’ve come across 4 of them, if anyone knows of any more leave a link in the comments.

On a side-note, when I was 9 years old I had the entire bridge crew, plus the Klingon. Yes, I’m a geek from way back. Unfortunately, I was playing with them in our front yard one day, and I ran inside for just a minute… when I came back they were gone! Damn thieves! I was crushed. :(

Links: Poolside | Cribs | Karaoke | Coffee House

UPDATE: There’s a new one… Cribs – The Director’s Cut

The future of real people?

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McDonalds Poser

I’ve long held the belief that as time goes by, and it gets easier and easier to create realistic looking 3D people, we’ll see more and more of them used in media in place of a real person. I see this happening in all media… print, TV, film, etc…

I had a minor affirmation of this belief today. I had lunch at McDonalds. When I sat down at a table to eat my meal, I noticed this card. At first I didn’t give it a second thought, but after a quick double-take, I noticed this is not a real woman. “She” is a 3D fabrication.

Instead of this being an expensive photo-shoot with a real model, photographer, and a half dozen assistants, it was probably one lone-designer sitting in his home office (in his underwear) with a copy of the Adobe Creative Suite and Poser.

Mark my words, this is only the beginning. Some day soon you’ll have to look twice at that Victory Secrets catalog you have hidden in your night stand.

Spring has Sprung

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Flowers

Woohoo! I think Spring has Sprung, here in the Bay Area. Our six weeks of rain appear to be over, or at least coming to an end.

Today was a beautiful spring day. Not a cloud in the sky… warm and comfortable. I hope it lasts :)