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Check out these Cool ALAVs (Autonomous Light Vessels) by Jed Berk! Tight! It uses Sun Microsystems SunSpot microcontroller, which can be programmed in Java. I like this idea since there’s a lot of Java embedded processors out there but this ones from the creators. Jed tells me that all the pieces were 3D designed on the computer and laser-cut, kinda cool~

Jed says, Make Store will have these cool DIY ALAV kits soon!

Internet is kinda slow here at the Maker Faire. (That’s why our posts are slow too.) We even switched to a Sprint Broadband but with live video streaming, it’s still too slow but we will keep postin’~

You can come and join us to chat here to while watching our live video.

You can also check out our Flickr photos from Maker Faire Day 1 and Jed’s Flickr for more ALAVs.

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Check out the Light Orb. Remember we had a post about the Light Orb way back? It’s cool to see it in real life. Maker faire rules.

These shoes are in fact a museum piece, but they do show how technology can be integrated into clothing or anything, like art etc.

This is a great way of preserving old tech, which at one time we all thought was the best thing that ever happened, it just goes to show how old it makes you feel when things like this are set to become museum pieces, I suppose that it might be time for me to update my computer from this Sinclair Spectrum that I am using to write this!!

The beauty about these shoes, is that the game boy devices can actually be removed, so if your were actually able to these shoes, then when life gets a bit boring there is always something to do, I wonder if they do a size nine?

Source [Tech Diva]

This huge machine has been designed to enable the iPod owner, despite having a microphone it is not a dreaded karaoke machine, the microphone can however be used for making announcements or singing, ideal for events or entertainers.

To get idea of the size you only need to check out the iPod in the top, this is speaker overkill!

Features of the Portable PA Audio System are as follows -

* Sing or address a crowd using the pro-quality microphone, or hook up an instrument to play live music
* Built-in rechargeable battery plays high-volume levels of music for over 6 hours; lasts even longer at lower levels
* Easily connect to CD, MP3, and iPod players
* High-output two-way speaker system for great acoustics
* Included power cord charges battery during operation
* Heavy-duty aluminum construction stands up to elements
* Retractable top handle allows easy portability
* Rugged, suitcase-style wheels make the speaker easy to roll anywhere the party goes

The cost of this big boy is around $300, and as they say, iPod not included.

Source [Coolest Gadgets]

I wonder how many people still have collections of old 45 vinyl records? It must run into thousands, yet how of them actually have the equipment to play then on.

At last there is a player that will allow those people to transfer the old 45 records onto a laptop and from there save the recordings into the mp3 format that can then be transferred onto your favorite digital player, or if you like the discs thing you can always produce a CD of all those favorites.

Product Features & Specifications

* Professional quality turntable connects to your PC via USB
* Classic styling with included smoked plastic dust cover
* Rip your vinyl directly to MP3 or WAV format
* Easily move your recordings to iPod or burn them to CD (Free iTunes software download required)
* Ships with Audacity software (compatible with PC and Mac) for removing clicks, pops, and other undesirable characteristics of vinyl
* Audacity supports high-speed recording, then returns music to original playback speed
* Audacity software includes ability to export to WAV and MP3
* 33.33 and 45 RPM playback speeds
* Supports the recording of 78 RPM records through the included software
* RCA line outputs with built-in pre-amp allow direct connection to your existing audio system.
* Plug and Play USB compatibility with both Windows (XP, 2000, Vista) and Mac OS X
* Packaged with all necessary cables to interconnect with both a computer and stereo playback system

Cost is around $99.

Source [Fat Wallet]

In keeping with all of the characters that happen to be appearing on a desk near you as a mouse, the most famous of all computer game characters the Super Mario Brothers can now help you get through your days work, but unfortunately they cannot blast away all the SPAM that appears in your In Box every day.

There are two characters Mario of course and a Star, both have the same features and prices tag, however they feature the dreaded roller ball, which is not to brilliant unless you like cleaning it out every week or so.

Product Features

* Two Button USB Mouse
* Your Choice of Mario or Star
* Plug and Play
* Compatible With Windows, Mac and Linux

The cost is $24.99 a bit on the expensive side, but if you really do love those old games then naturally the price is irrelevant.

Source [Gadgets Weblog]

It is well known fact that many people leave their computer peripherals on all of the time even when the computer has been turn off, yet just by leaving the plug in can still drain power and therefore cost you money.

The new device from Bits Ltd called Smart Strip can save you money and protect your computer from a lightning strike or power surge.

Save Time. Save Money.
Listed below are just some of the many ways that the Smart Strip saves time and money:
1. No more waiting for your computer to shutdown before you can turn off your computer peripherals.
2. No more leaving your computer peripherals on.
3. No need to replace your computer and/or your computer peripherals to save.
4. No software, No drivers, No messing with your computer to save.
5. However, you can add optional software to enhance the smart strip if you like.
6. The Smart strip saves money on your monthly energy bill.
7. Less costly than most other surge protectors + high quality + better guarantees = a great value.
8. Better protection means not replacing your computer because of lightning damage.

This device will eventually pay for itself from the saving that you make on the energy bills. It can also be used in conjunction with other electrical items such as the TV etc.

Cost is $34.95 plus shipping etc.

Source [Smart Home USA]

For those of you who visited us at Maker Faire today and want more details regarding the HID Portal plans and code, I’ll have it posted here pretty soon. I’ll try to get it online by tomorrow morning, but if not then it’ll definitely be available within a day or two of the last Maker Faire day (tomorrow). If you email me at garrett@zedomax.com I’ll be sure to notify you when I post the info.

Thanks for all the positive comments and Corsair dogfighting!

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Wow, there’s so much cool stuff here at Maker Faire such as this cool balancing bot. It’s so big and there’s so much stuff, I don’t think you can see everything in one day. Phew…

Hey we are live at the Maker Faire, blogging live! See our automated camera that follows people? Well, it’s a $160 Logitech camera we got in a hurry at Best Buy last night just before the store closed. Glad we got it working although the internet here sucks sometimes. Anyway, our booth is really popular!

Garrett is doing a great job with the crowd while I am hiding in the back. (Why am I hiding? Blogging of course!)