Archive for the 'gadgets' Tag

iPhone = Star Trek?

Just a quick post: I got an iPhone this week. Aside from my iPod, it’s my first Apple purchase… and it’s awfully slick. I’ll avoid hyperbole, and simply state that it actually exceeded my expectations, which was no small feat. I feel like I’m living the Star Trek dream: I have a hand-held device that can tell me where I am, what’s around me, retreive books and music from thin air, and I can talk to and get results (Google’s Voice Search is damn impressive: say “post offices in goleta california”, it’ll pop up the local offices, then hit “get directions” and get turn-by-turn GPS guided directions. Slick). I’ll probably blather on later about my favorite applications, or “apps”, at a later date. But for now: it’s nifty.

Finding a HDTV is hard

Finding a HDTV is a difficult thing to do, apparantly, if you’ve read up on the technology and are looking for good product. I even have a short list of what I want:

  • 1600:1 or greater contrast — Most HDTVs have this
  • HDMI port — Most HDTVs have this
  • DVI PC port — Greater than 60% of HDTVs have this
  • Size of 27 or 32 inches — the most popular LCD TV sizes
  • Viewable angle >150 degrees — Almost all HDTVs have this
  • Native HD resolution — and here’s the rub… almost no HDTVs fulfill this seemingly trivial requirement (more on this if you click “continued” below)

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A Wii Lament

So, the Nintendo Wii game console is coming out any day now… and I don’t have one pre-ordered. Which means I might not have one until Christmas, or (egads!) even later. I can’t think of a time I’ve been as excited about a game (except perhaps my misguided and ultimately disasterous infatuation with the terrible game Black and White). So, yes, a lament. On a side note, I quite like the first Nintendo Wii commercial that’s airing.

The iPod Age

So Andrew bought me an iPod a few weeks ago and while I can’t say it’s been a life-altering event, it has changed a few things I do, and I’d imagine many people have probably made similar discoveries. (continued)

Arts & Crafts Rebirth — Knitting and Crocheting

It seems that, in the general public, there’s recently been a real revival of arts and crafts interest, specifically with knitting and crocheting, and I’ve been doing my little part to contribute to it. Anybody else into this, or other arts and crafts projects? (continued)

Gadget Blog

I’ve recently become kind of hooked on GizModo, the gadgets weblog. (continued)

iPod, uPod, we allPod for iPod

I got an iPod last night… (continued)

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Linkdump

My first first-author paper!

Just wanted to share that my first first-author paper is now online! In the journal Stem Cells and Development, here’s my paper on “Roles of Integrins in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Growth on Matrigel and Vitronectin.”


The Future of Scientific Publishing

Just read a fascinating (if lengthy) essay on disruptive technology and the future of scientific publishing. Well worth the read!


Deflation!

Just wanted to share Mint.com’s Visual Guide to Deflation, which is quite explanatory.


All Things Stem Cell

Hey all Paradoxdruid readers! I recently started up a blog on stem cells that I’d love you all to take a look at: http://www.allthingsstemcell.com/


Barely Literate: The Fermata

I participated in another Barely literate book review podcast, this time on Nicholson Baker’s “The Fermata”. Give it a listen!


Time for Change

Obama has outlined a strategy for America, in great depth. Read all about Change.gov!


Free Rice

Okay, I’ll admit that it’s entirely possible that I am the last person to learn about this website*, but it’s really addictive. 
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