AA – Page 3 – NerdBeach

Sub $200 Micro Projector Soon Available

micro_projector

It is a dark but pleasant night as we walk across the sand, the flashlight dancing about as we tell stories and laugh. We get to the washed out rocks, and from the pack I pull out the mini projector. I also pull out a blanket, some wine and some cheese (all items courtesy of the Cyber Sea). With a flick of a switch we are soon watching a romantic movie right on the rocks, and the surf creates a wonderful backdrop to the moment.

Micro projector 2

While low priced Micro Projectors have been promised for some time, we now have an actual practical model due to hit the market. Dubbed rather non-imaginarily "Micro Projector", the unit measures roughly 7 x 4 x 4. runs on four AA batteries, and incorporates a built in speaker. The little projector also has an SD card slot that supports pictures, movies and music. While not ultra bright (expect about a 3-" screen projection size), it does use a bright white LED as the projection source. This means that keeping a supply of bulbs is not required (I would hate to have to watch for the right bulb to wash up). The projection resolution is only 480 x 240, but for the price (under $200) and the mobility this is probably not an issue. You can find more information on the versatile and economical Micro Projector at Drink Stuff, which at last check was slated to be available on June 5th.

Aloha from the Beach

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MTI reveals GPS with embedded Fuel Cell

Greg Chaffins

Here on the Beach the power outlets are a bit few and far between, so when the fuel cell powered GPS washed up it caught my attention. MTI Micro debuted an embedded fuel cell GPS, featuring a Mobion fuel cell, that provides more power reserve than 3 sets of 4 AA batteries. The device is claimed to work with a color GPS for 60 hours continuously, or several weeks easily with typical GPS usage.

Since GPS devices are very handy in finding your way on an outdoor trip, having reserve battery capacity is probably a very good thing. MTI is certainly trying to capitalize on that fact while giving the user a little peace of mind. Of course, if you get to where you NEED the GPS, you might consider taking some backup technology (map and compass), just in case.

Aloha from the Beach,
greg

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i-Bean Head Mounted Video Display

Greg Chaffins

This is something interesting that washed up on the Beach, something that would be fun to put to use. The i-Bean Head Mounted Video System is lightweight and projects the same impression as a 21 inch display at 1 meter. It is lightweight too, weighing in at only 10g. Another cool feature is that it attaches to any existing eyewear with only a suction cup, so current eyeglass wearers can use it with prescription glasses. The i-Bean also has a built-in Tv Tuner, and runs off of 3 AA batteries. The device will cost about $385, and more information can be found here (translated page, so read carefully). Strap a Wii to your back as well and you can play Tennis even on a tennis court (wait, that's been done before).

Aloha from the Beach,
greg

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