Apple iPhone

This could potentially be one of the greatest devices of the new millenium.

Now in case you don't know, when it comes to Apple products, I usually could care less. I have a black iPod that's pretty cool, but I have no particular loyalty to the company. I'm not a big fan of iTunes, and I definitely don't like the fact that Apple made "pearl white" the new "black". I'm still waiting for the day when that fad goes the way of the Dodo.

With all that said, I'm nearly ready to prostrate myself before Steve Jobs after seeing the new iPhone. Despite my concerns over the use of oily appendages as input devices, this thing just has "brilliant" written all over it. I don't know if anyone has noticed, but we live in the freakin' 21st century. When I look at some of the pathetic crap that's being peddled to us, I feel robbed. I see a veritable boatload of communication devices out there that can play music, take pictures, and access the web, but you usually have to sacrifice something with each one. Maybe this phone can play music, but it only has 64 megs of internal memory that can't be upgraded. Another phone will allow you to take 1.2 megapixel pictures, but the carrier only wants you to use their web-based service to get the pictures off and share them. Don't worry, they'll just tack it onto your monthly bill. Oh, would you like some ringtones for your polyphonic phone? They're only $2 and expire in 90 days. With a mighty voice, I proudly declare, "WTF?" This is NOT the Tomorrowland that Walt Disney promised me. It's just another system of control. We have had the technology to make integrated products that free us from the yokes of obsolescence, so it's about damn time someone stepped up to the plate.

I shall now withdraw from my soapbox and regale you with the features of this wonderful device. If you go to the website, you'll see animated demos of how the phone works. Trust me, you will want to see this. For me, this device has it all. It's a widescreen video and music player, a 2 megapixel digital camera and photo album, a web browser, an email client, and a phone all-in-one. It also has the ability to run various widgets, which are small applications like weather trackers and stock tickers. The potential for this device is amazing. It looks like the device will come in 4 and 8 gig models and can be synched with your PC or Mac.

I do have some concerns though like any good consumer should. I'm not really happy about the fact that you're still chained to one carrier. I can't wait for the day when you're able to choose a device and pick your own carrier, much like one does for land-line long distance. With all these great features, I can see Cingular nickeling and diming someone to death with this phone. There's also the issue of the phone's cost. This thing could easily go for $600, which I'm sure could be subsidized by selling your soul to Cingular for two years.

All in all, I'm very impressed with what this phone can do and also what it represents. It means that there are others out there who believe as I do, that the 21st century deserves better stuff. I have signed up for additional information and will pass that along as it becomes available.

Real Life Mjolnir Battle Armor

This guy is awesome. He built a suit of armor for soldiers that was inspired by Halo and Star Wars. There's definitely a Stormtrooper meets Master Chief vibe about the suit. Scroll down to the bottom to see a video of the suit in action. Well, if by "action", you mean standing there and crouching for the camera with dual pistols. The world clock in the crotch is a little out there, but who am I to judge?

The DVD Format War Is Unofficially Over

Looks like the porn industry has decided to go HD DVD. I think that pretty much seals the deal. At least it sure did for Betamax.

Seeing Red...

Well Ive talked about it for a few days now and here it is: The Red Death.

Ill get right to the nitty gritty of what it took to get this thing colored up.

Heres what I used to color the controller:

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller

Precision Screw Driver Set (everyone should own this)

TORX Head T-8 (you need a long narrow one, the head that fits universal screw drivers wont work)

Vinyl Dye (several brands out there, I used Duplicolor)

Painters tape, sponge + soapy water, microfiber cloth

I wont go into too many details on how to take apart the controller or the painting. You can find most of that information explained very good at this site (much props to Alcaron for the inspiration).

Heres a few pointers though that I found very helpful:

-Dont worry about using a security TORX driver. Just use the 5/64th screw driver from the precision kit to snap off the security pins. Just stick it into the middle and twist. The pin pops right out. The use the normal TORX size T-8 to get the screws out.

-Unplugging the rumble motors makes getting the triggers off much easier. However the connector for the rumble motors is very loosly sodered on. Use great care to get the wire out of the connector.

-Getting the triggers off can be VERY tricky. Its a 2 step process. First you must remove the analog sensor arm. The trigger is mounted inside a black "frame" and attached to an arm which is in turn connected to the analog sensor. It takes A LOT of pulling and pushing to get the pin of the arm out of the trigger. Push the trigger as hard as you dare in one direction and pull the arm in the other direction. The pin from the arm should pop out with a fair amount of force.

-Second is actually getting the triggers off. Hold the circuit board as if you were using the controller. You will see two "stop pins" on the controller that restrict its movement. You have to get these past the "stop guards" of the black frame. I used my pointer fingers to pull the black guards apart while using my thumbs to push up on the trigger. Once you figure this technique out this part is VERY easy. The trigger should pop right out be sure not to lose the spring which is under the trigger.

-When spraying the controller be sure to spray the bigger, flatter surfaces first. This allows the overspray to hit the sides and greatly reduces overspray defects. I did 2 coats on the faces, then 2 coats on the sides and alternated. Be sure to try and get dye into the creases along the side and into the screw holes. Allow a part you just sprayed about 2 minutes between coats (seems short but its not).

-Allow at least 4 hours of drying time before reassembling. Then allow 24 hours for the reassembled controller to cure.

-Before screwing down the controller make sure you D-pad is centered. The d-pad slides around before the controller is tightened down and you can adjust the position. Make sure its in the middle so it doesnt hit the ring.

Well if you want any more tips hit me up because Im tired of typing. Heres some more pictures of the final product. In the picture of the top of the controller you can see above the left and right bumper where I didnt spray enough and some white is still showing through. Note that all the impressions in the controller are still perfectly visible.

http://www.picvault.info/images/537025953_IMGP4324comp.JPG

http://www.picvault.info/images/537025952_IMGP4323comp.JPG

http://www.picvault.info/images/537025951_IMGP4322comp.JPG

http://www.picvault.info/images/537025950_IMGP4321comp.JPG

http://www.picvault.info/images/537025949_IMGP4320comp.JPG

http://www.picvault.info/images/537025948_IMGP4319comp.JPG

http://www.picvault.info/images/537025947_IMGP4317comp.JPG

Ellis On Second Life

Warren Ellis, one of the greatest comic book writers to grace the world with words, is now writing news for Second Life, that crazy virtual world where the players create the world as they go along. I played this game for about 3 months and can testify to it's unique nature. Anyway, the article is great. Check it out here.