Panasonic Toughbook
Its been some time since I have seen the Panasonic Toughbook range, but the latest versions have got the point that they are ideal for (photo) journalists operating in tough terrain. They are in the 3000 Euro range, which is a lot for a laptop these days, but then you can continue writing out in the rain. I once saw someone who tried to test such a computer by throwing into a swimming pool. Bit like putting it in a blender - not a good idea. It's shower proof and the various outlets are protected against moisture - but not designed to be submerged. The spec for the hard-drive is on the slow side for fast video editing, erring on the side of robustness rather than speed. The screen can be swivelled around and is bright enough to be usable in quite bright sunlight. Options exist to remove the hard-drive easily, so that different users can swap disks, complete with the Windows Vista operating system.
Edirol R-09HR Spotted
The new Edirol is out but apparently heavily back ordered. Spotted this at a call-centre exhibition last week in Utrecht. This recorder was being used to record conversations between stockbrokers using mobiles - as a record in case of later disputes.
Snapper Audio Tool Updated
If you edit audio on the Mac, with something like Pro-Tools then the latest version of Snapper is worth getting. It allows you to manipulate audio very quickly and send off entire files (or bits of them) as MP3 files to e-mails. A new version was released today and I like the fact that they offer a 100 day trial so you can really test it out before you part with your hard-earned cash. I'm guessing a Dutch connection from the name "Peter Bakker", though I guess they're on the West Coast of the US rather than the West Coast of Europe. Check out the 100 second demo.
Try Gadget Designer 1.1
If you've ever thought about creating your own Google Desktop gadget, try the latest version of Gadget Designer, a Windows application that's part of the Google Desktop SDK. You can find instructions for downloading and using this app in a new tutorial, Using Gadget Designer.
Here's what people have to say about latest version of Gadget Designer:
With the designer I have my whole development process in one place and one window: javascript coding, xml editing and buttons arranging. A preview is just an F5 push away and I get the whole thing packed up with F7. It doesn't get any easier than that... errr, okay, it will probably directly parse human thoughts in the future.
- Yannick Stucki
Apart from [an issue in creating packages], I must say that this version of the designer is a perfect tool to develop gadgets, with everything you need in the same window (API reference, preview, sources, debugger, etc.)
- Luca Ongaro
Packshot Creator
A French company makes this photo-studio in a box, selling it as a complete solution for people who run shops from their home (e.g. selling on E-Bay). It is a fast way to make a product shot that give enough detail and which looks professional. There's a version which has what looks like a microwave turntable inside to made 360 shots. You can't buy the light-box on its own - you have to buy the camera and the software as well....at least that's what the Dutch dealership told me. I was impressed by the quality and the compactness of the studio. Would be interested myself (to be able to photo equipment I have tested) but don't need the camera. I can imagine this might be useful for broadcasters making websites who want to photograph small objects to illustrate articles, perhaps avoiding high copyright charges on agency material.
Introducing the Energy Saver gadget
On this Earth Day 2008, we're very pleased to announce the release of the Energy Saver gadget.
This Google Desktop gadget for Windows XP and Vista helps you save energy (and money) by minimizing the power that your PC consumes when you're not using it. The gadget works by enabling and optimizing Windows power settings so that your PC meets EPA-recommended standards.
If saving energy and money isn't exciting enough, you can also see how much energy you've saved, both individually and as part of the group of people using the Energy Saver gadget. If you're like me and don't know the difference between a kilowatt and a kilowatt-hour, you'll appreciate the nifty, real-world comparisons:
Please join us in reducing power usage, and download the Energy Saver gadget.
Happy Earth Day from the Google Desktop Team!
Scanners that can see through your clothes!
Nobody can escape from the millimeter wave scanner. The Transportation Security Administration has announced that it will begin a run of pilot test of millimeter wave scanning technology at Los Angeles International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). These scanners enable TSA personnel to see concealed weapons and other items that may be hidden beneath clothes, a thought that will come across as uncomfortable to some folk. The first pilot test began in October at Phoenix Sky-Harbor International Airport last year, and TSA Administrator Kip Hawley has given reassurances that the agency’s main goal is to protect passenger privacy without storing any potentially revealing body scans. It’s their word that ordinary folk like you and I have to trust, so I guess it is time to hit the treadmill unless TSA employees want to throw up their lunch after seeing my six pack rolled into one.
Featured gadget: Digital Clock
Name: Digital Clock
Author: Hemakumar M
Description: Pure digital looking clock gadget
More information | Download gadget
Each week this blog features a recently added Google Desktop gadget that looks promising. If you'd like to see all new Desktop gadgets as they're published, subscribe to the RSS feed.
Featured gadget: Mobile Meter
Name: Mobile Meter
Author: KEEN
Description: Wireless reception, screen resolution, and power status for your Mac or PC
More information | Download gadget
Each week this blog features a recently added Google Desktop gadget that looks promising. If you'd like to see all new Desktop gadgets as they're published, subscribe to the RSS feed.
Featured gadget: Gadget de SincroGuía TV
Name: Gadget de SincroGuía TV
Author: InOut TV
Description: Personalized TV guide for Spain
More information | Download gadget
Each week this blog features a recently added Google Desktop gadget that looks promising. If you'd like to see all new Desktop gadgets as they're published, subscribe to the RSS feed.
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