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Gadgets
Go Green: Lampless Projectors
0789 days
Casio has announced an “environmentally friendly” line of projectors. The price seems a little bit high for only 2500 Lumens, but I guess that can be justified with the “green” sales-pitch and the cost of replacement lamps. The average lamp costs well over $300, and has half of the advertised lifespan of this projector, so when you put the cost of a chassis and one lamp replacement together, you’re looking at about the same price. But how hard set is the 6000 hour lifespan? If you’re buying a new unit for every two lamps you’re replacing in another system, is this really a viable ”green solution”? I guess when you factor in the portability of the unit and the similar ROI, you really can’t go wrong with these units, as long as they perform as advertised.
Apple iPad Battery Policy Announced
0790 days
by Nicholas Wautier
in Gadgets
Thanks to Gizmondo, I have become aware that Apple (yet again) won’t allow their users or authorized service centers to replace the battery in their new line of products. All iPads with batteries that no longer hold a charge can be sent in for a replacement for ONLY $99 + s&h. While I love that Apple’s customers will get an ultra-quick turnaround and an entirely new system at an extremely reasonable price, I am also a bit concerned about a few aspects of this program.
Firstly, are security issues. Sure, I can synch up with my computer so i don’t loose the content on my iPad before shipping it off, but can I securely format it as well? Make sure you use a secure file deleter like CCleaner, assuming that Apple doesn’t lock the device down. I would never ship my laptop with all of my browsing history, bookmarks, and bank information on it for fear of the shipment getting intercepted or a disgruntled employee taking liberties with my information. I am also disappointed that Apple won’t allow their certified repair partner and reseller networks to assist with this seemingly simple repair. I trust my local repair center, and they could probably do the work that same day. This would save time and money for both Apple and their customers, while offering an additional revenue stream to partners that are already struggling in a competitive market.
I say, why not let the customers decide? For $99, plus shipping and a delay, you get a new system, or a faster response from a local business.
Tesla Would Be So Proud!
0794 days
by Nicholas Wautier
in Gadgets
About 3 years ago I read about Powermat, a startup company who had figured out how to transmit electricity without any physical connection between the source and the consumer of the power. The technology required a flat pad, the Powermat, be plugged into the wall. Devices equipped with comparable battery packs, could then be placed on the mat, and would automatically begin charging on contact. The Powermat system was expected to sell for about $350, and it would only work with certain compatible devices.
Now it seems as if Duracell has purchased this technology, and is working to make it affordable to anyone with a cell phone. The Duracell myGrid Starter Kit comes with the charging pad, and a receiver that plugs into the phone’s mini-usb charging port. At $62, you should never need to buy another phone charger again (assuming USB 2.0 lasts forever).
