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Thursday, 06 March 2008 |
 While we are all pretty handy with a screwdriver and a Dremel, I want to take my modding to the next level. The way I want to go is software, I want to build the software to run the way I want it to run. Often times I find a good app, but it does something I hate, does one thing shy of perfect, or cost to much money. No more.
With the help of an open-source book I will learn to write my own damn apps. Booya! Take a look at cocoalab.com. Offers a free open-source "How to be an XCoder". View it online or download as a PDF (only 2MB). Take a look, and as you are showing off your next cool hardware mod, show off your new app also.
Cocoa Lab's FREE book.
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Access Your Mac's Secrets |
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Wednesday, 05 March 2008 |
 Want access to the features of Leopard that landed on the cutting room floor? You could go research all the hidden preferences, or you can check out the beta version of Secrets.
Secrets works only on Leopard, but it is pretty cool. It basically has a database of undocumented preferences. A simple checkbox or drop down box allows you to add or modify the settings. It loads as a preference pane and has oodles of software mods. My favorite is the single app Mac, one of the settings allows you to hide all other applications except the one you are in, even when you switch to another application.
This is a must have app, but beware that it is still in beta.
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Wednesday, 27 February 2008 |
 If the ASUS P22 wasn't bad enough (now named the Nova P22), now there is a Linux Mini clone. Everex built it's own clone of the Mac Mini, but this time they are pretty straight forward in that it is a rip off by calling the "mini" ( not capitalized on purpose ). The one cool thing about the mini is that it comes on Linux. Everex's last claim to fame was the $200 Linux PC available at Wal-Mart in 2007.
The Everex mini comes with some nice features that the P22 missed out on, namely a fire wire port and 4-1 media card reader. The price tag is $499 and is expected to hit New Egg by the end of the week (the Mac Mini starts at $599 and has had the same form factor since 2005). It packs a 1.8 Intel Pentium Dual Core (not the Core 2 like the Mac Mini), but does come with s-video and DVI. It also comes with only 512 MB of RAM and a 120 GB hard drive. They don't specify which version of Linux they are putting on it, but if it is like their Green gPC it will be Ubuntu.
Ironically, they encourage people to get involved in the Open Source movement on one page, then on their store front they have "Everex recommends Windows Vista Home Premium". Come on guys, you can't have it both way. Personally, I'm getting into the market for a digital hub, and if this was a hundred or so cheaper I would consider it. But since I can get a Mac Mini for $100 more in a design that has been tested and established for years, I'll pay the extra $100.
Everex mini
Mac Mini
ASUS' Nova P22
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Wednesday, 27 February 2008 |
 Almost every piece of technology you can find is made overseas. Even Apple computers have the components made overseas and assembled in California. That is why Super Talent caught my eye. They make their products in Silicon Valley and hold over 160 patents for Flash and DRAM.
Now the cool part. They are extremely inexpensive, and price match anybody. 110% price match. Take a look at them next time you want to buy RAM for your Mac. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
More about Super Talent
Super Talent Apple compatible RAM
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Tuesday, 26 February 2008 |
 There have many efforts to bring computing to everyone. From the third world countries to the handicapped, computers are reaching everyone. One of the coolest technologies to come from making computer accessible by all is the hands free computing. SmartNav has a teamed up with RJ Cooper and Associates to bring hands free computing to the Mac OS.
The SmartNav system works by placing a reflective dot on either your head, hand, or any movable body part. The IR sensors detect the movement and the mouse moves in relation. RJ Cooper & Associates has written the software application for the Mac, and they have included OnScreen, a dynamic on screen keyboard for typing. Prices range from $500 to $600, depending on features.
While this is what I would consider out of range for my budget, it would be a really cool mod addition. Down side is the need to have the reflective dot attached to work.
SmartNav Products
RJ Cooper & Associates
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Protecta Drive from Newer Tech |
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Tuesday, 26 February 2008 |
 This is one that caught my eye. The Protecta Drive from Newer Technology. It is basically a minimalist shell for your internal hard drive. It's made of silicon rubber and while some may say it is ugly, I love it. I love seeing the technology in use. It would also be great for any modder. The flexible silicon rubber protects against shock and static electricity.
If you are building a mod, but don't have good scenario for your hard drive, this $10 gem may be your answer. Available for both the 3.5" and 2.5" drives.
Who doesn't love silicone?
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Saturday, 23 February 2008 |
 This has to be one of the coolest iPhone case mods I've seen. The back covers are replaced with black anodized aluminum to give it a solid color (instead of the two-tone) and then the magic happens. Through a process that is way above my head. Basically they take titanium and optionally aluminum and mix in nitrogen to form a plasma. The by product is TiN and TiAlN (Titanium-Nitrogen, and Titanium-Aluminum-Nitrogen). The TiN is the gold, and the TiAlN is the black.
I'd need to go back to school for a year or two to understand the process, but the end product is undeniably cool.
The iPhone Custom.
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Upgrade to a SuperDrive for less |
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Thursday, 14 February 2008 |
 Check out this great deal! OWC has internal SuperDrives from Pioneer for under $30! The 16x Dual Layer SuperDrive is $29.99 and the 20x Dual Layer SuperDrive is only $34.99.
If you don't have a SuperDrive in your Mac, grab one now. This is a great deal!
Optical Drive Selection.
$29.99 SuperDrive.
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