Nerd Beach – Page 7

Myvu Shades 301 Video Glasses for Your iPod

MyVuShades2

It is a beautiful day as I walk Nerd Beach looking for things that have washed up from the Cyber Sea. I am also watching a Nova video from my iPod while doing this, thanks to the Myvu video glasses that recently washed up. Ah, the joys of the multi-tasking nerd.

Myvu has released their Shades 301 video glasses, a version of which are designed to work with video iPods. The glasses feature a 320×240 display, "Ultimate Ears" noise reducing earphones, and a design that allows you to look up from the video to your surroundings through the sunglass portion. The glasses feature a changeable dock connector which allows you to use them with something other than an iPod (with optional connectors from Myvu).

The unit is powered by a rechargeable battery, which allows for up to 10 hours of viewing on a charge. You can also charge the glasses from a handy USB port. The Shades 301 Video Glasses will set you back about $200.

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Pilot View FPV System Lets You See the Action Perspective

Greg Chaffins

Determined to see what is on top of the Nerd Beach cliffs portion that I cannot manage to climb, I don the goggles and launch the remote control airplane that so conveniently washed up from the Cyber Sea recently. Instantly I feel like I am transported to the small aircraft itself as my view shifts courtesy of the goggles. I fly towards the cliffs, the image jumping around as the tiny plane fights the breeze coming off the water. The cliffs begins to swell in the view, becoming larger as the plane approaches my destination. Noting that too much of the cliffs are visible, I adjust the controller in an attempt to climb upward. I hope to clear the cliff face, but a sudden gust throws me forward. Unexpectedly the cliffs come rushing towards me, filling up the screen. As I rip off the goggles I can see the small plane in the distance burst into pieces as it bounces off the cliff and falls to the sand. I sigh and walk towards the wreckage, hoping the camera system is as durable as it looked.

I would imagine that almost everyone that has flown RC models has imagined what it would be like to be on the vehicle itself as it flies through the air. Now the Pilot View Realtime First Person Video System has made that a reality (virtually speaking) by offering a wireless camera system that mounts on the RC model directly. The unit is to sell for $550, and should be available May 30th. While a lot of hobby groups have mounted First Person view cameras on varying RC vehicles, it is cool to see this move a little more into the mainstream.

Aloha from the Beach

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The Trek Desk – Workout at Your Desk

Greg Chaffins

Hiking up and down Nerd Beach looking for things to wash up from the Cyber Sea can burn a lot of calories, but it isn't always possible to get enough quality time in on a given day. For the times that it is not possible here is an interesting alternative – the Trek Desk. Basically it is a 70x 38 desk top that you attach to your treadmill, and it gives you a modified desk designed to work with you as you work out. You can find more information here. I am not sure how they addressed the problem about sweating on your papers, but that may be something that requires practice.

Aloha from the Beach

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Solar Backpack Helius Keeps Your Devices Charged

Greg Chaffins

The paths through and around the cliffs on Nerd Beach can be strenuous but rewarding. The view is the best part; once you get to the top it really is breathtaking. As I finally trudge my way onto the precipice I plant my footing and take it all in. Pausing for a moment, I pull off the backpack and reach for the GPS to map this perfect location. I note that the GPS was dead when I left the sand down below a few hours earlier, but now I push the button and the unit comes to life, locking in a signal quite quickly. Times like this I really appreciate the solar charging backpack.

There have been numerous Solar Charging backpacks on the market, and the Helius Solar Backpack, $130 from V-Dimension Helius Solar Backpack, $130 from V-Dimension is a worthy addition to the list. The backpack contains an internal battery which can charge most devices in a couple of hours (once charged from the sun). Direct sunlight charging (without the internal battery charged) times will vary, but on average expect about 3.5 hours (more for high capacity batteries). The panel itself is a 1.8w unit, enough to charge personal devices but a laptop is definitely out of the question (for that I suggest a rollup fabric solar cell which will get the job done, if not quite so handy while traveling). As it is, the Helius appears to be very convenient for most uses of portable devices while on the trail. As an option you can consider a manual cranking charger, but the passive nature of the solar cell is certainly appreciated.

Aloha from the Beach,
greg