These are volunteer articles for Carl, who published my works in his website but (regrettably) never pursued a long time collaboration.
COOLESTGADGETS.COM
Do-it-yourself GPS system for your car
November 5th, 2006 by Marie in Electronic Gadgets, Vehicle Gadgets
Some people think they’d have to spend thousands of bucks for built-in or standalone GPS system in their car. Why not? However, if you’re like me who would have to think twice before splurging on such expensive buys, wouldn’t it be more practical if you could just buy the cheapest GPS device and navigation software in the market, install the latter on the device, connect it on the PDA, and run the car “your” way? It’s even way smarter, if you think about it, since a built-in GPS system may have a non-intuitive interface or inaccurate maps. A do-it-yourself GPS system lets you personalize everything on a bargain. Think: all you really need is an ordinary PDA, a Bluetooth-enabled GPS unit, and a navigation software of your choice. Then go and hit the road! Ohlamon lets us in on this neat trick: If you already found the nav software, PDA, and GPS unit with Bluetooth capability (there’s even a solar-powered one which you could just position in your car where there is sunlight), then mount it on a holder. When both the devices are turned on and charged, create and enable Bluetooth partnership by following these six easy steps:
1. Tap Start -> Settings -> Connections tab -> Bluetooth.
2. Tap “Turn on” Bluetooth button or checkbox.
3. Tap Bluetooth > Devices tab > New Partnership. Your device searches for other devices with Bluetooth capabilities, and displays them in the list.
4. Tap the name of your GPS device, and tap Next.
5. In Passkey enter an alphanumeric passkey between 1 and 16 characters, and tap Next. (You will find this passkey somewhere in you GPS device documentation)
6. Tap Finish. Find Connect in the menu of your GPS device, then set up and run your navigation software.
Micro BR lets you make music on the road
November 5th, 2006 by Marie in Audio/Video Gadgets
When we think of mobility, we see a vision of the laptop. When we think of visual and audio mobility, we see the iPod. ‘Course those who own cellphones or PDAs that could perform the tricks of both of these devices will argue with us, but there’s no need to argue with them. Thing is, can your typical mobile gizmo record digital music in almost a limitless fashion while you’re on the road?
Guess this is what Roland Corp. had in mind when they came up with phat idea for Micro BR Digital Recorder. Musician or not, this thing will rock your truck.
Exactly what does it do? It loads and plays back MP3 files, like what most digital recorders do. The guitar multi-effects processor lets you time-stretch the MP3s in real time without affecting pitch. Within each of the four simultaneous playback tracks, the Micro BR has eight companion V-tracks, totaling 32. You can sense the advantage and freedom of recording take after take during the mixdown process.
The 300 drum patterns are handy for establishing a new track’s rhythm or for play-along inspiration too.
The Micro BR sells for $319.50 at BOSS, and is just a tad bigger than the iPod. It also makes use of an SD card so you could pretty much buy one from any local electronics store in case you need a bigger storage media.
You don’t have to be a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to consider yourself a hardcore audiophile. Having the Micro BR is probably the next best thing to hearing “Road Trippin’” in your bus. Flea will have to agree.
