Merlins Tower

Best iPad Case - Official Etch A Sketch Case

Posted on September 24th, 2010 by Merlin.
Categories: Gadgets, iPad.

I need to get one of these cases - This has to be the coolest looking case made for the iPad - even better looking then the Dodo case. While it will not hide the iPad like the Dodo case it does the opposite - it shows off and makes the iPad noticed.  While this case is cool looking it is quite functional, too. HeadCase - The makers state that this case is also designed to protect the iPad too. It is made of impact resistant plastic, has rubber feet and a felt backing inside to hold the iPad gently. The etch a Sketch Ipad case also allows for easy use of all the switches, ports and buttons. This case also comes with a retractable kick stands that allow you to either lay the iPad flat, or angle it for easier usage of the iPad keyboard. Yes it has the Etch A Sketch  knobs but they are low profile and really should not get in the way of using the iPad.

The price is not too bad either - Only $39

Tags: ipad case etch a sketch

0 comments.

LaCie XtremKey 16 GB All-Terrain USB 2.0 Flash Drive

Posted on September 13th, 2010 by Merlin.
Categories: Anything Else, Communication, Computing, Gadgets, Life, Travel, Weird Stuff.

Just overhear this being talked about on one of the PodCast I listen too. But I forgot to write down which one I was enjoying at the time. But this LaCie XtremeKey 16 GB All-Terrain USB 2.0 Flash Drive seems to be the cat’s meow.

With many features such as a 2mm thick full metal casing.  It is hot, cold, water, pressure and drop resistant. But only when closed. This Drive has fantastic write and read performance. And this comes with a wear-resistant braided metal cable ring. And this device performs equally between PC’s and Mac’s.

As I mentioned the metal casing can withstand a truck up to 10 tons.

And this sturdy drive can survive 200° C or 392° F or survive the frigid temps as low as -50° C or -122° F

Plus up to 333 ft deep water resistance.

This is just a really cool drive and a 16GB Drive is $74 (9/13/2010)

I can’t wait to try one of these drives out. With the speed rated at 40MB/s Read and 30MB/s Write this could be a really nice drive to have with you. Having this when you need a some files or need to save files that you need to take with you or take back home can be a really life saver knowing they are really protected.

This can also be a great place to store all your confidential info and keep it with you at all times. What a better way then with something that is this disaster resistant. Yes you can keep some of your info in the clouds but what do you do when the connection to the clouds are severed.

Tags: lacie flash drive all terrain water resistance resistant usb fire ice

Generated by: Technorati Tag Generator

0 comments.

Cool Tool: The Portable Burr Coffee Grinder

Posted on July 11th, 2010 by Merlin.
Categories: Camping, Coffee, Food, Hack.

This really is a nice Grinder for Coffee Beans - Portable and convenient.  I needed a easy to clean and something small and easy to stash. This fit the bill and works really well. I bought mine off of Amazon - As I do for alot of my items.

Some people call me a coffee snob as I like the best of the best coffee’s.  I still use my aeropress - I have a k-cup Brewer and I am trying my hand at roasting my own beans too.

This works so well for the Aeropress and for work when I bring in some fresh bean to all of us to try out. This is just such a simple grinder and so easy to use and works like a charm. Not much else to write about on this but go and buy one today for a nice Burr Grind.

2 comments.

Allstate Insurance - Tilt Shift Commercial

Posted on January 31st, 2010 by Merlin.
Categories: Communication, Photography, Photoshop, Video, YouTube.

In my attempt at Photography - I have been playing with the Tilt-Shift to make a scene look like it is a model platform.

Seeing this Allstate Insurance Commercial on TV today it reminded me how much I like this technique and this would be a fun project to do someday on video.

If you check out Photoshop Nations on Geeks - You can see some of the Tilt Shift Attempts in photoshop.

If you want to learn more about Tilt Shift Photography Take a look here: Wikipedia - Tilt Shift Photography

Technorati Tags: Tiltshift, Tilt+Shift, Tilt, Shift, Photography, Techniques, Allstate, Insurance

0 comments.

Flip Clock Screensaver for PC or Mac

Posted on January 17th, 2010 by Merlin.
Categories: Computing, Freeware, Gadgets, Life.

I have been looking for a good screensaver for my PC that will give me a nice looking flip clock on my desktop. And I finally found one. It is freeware from 9031.com. Check them out there are a few other screensavers and check out their wallpaper generators too.

fliqlo - is a quick and easy setup - and only has a few adjustments available the left right keys switch between 12 / 24 hour format and up down arrows increase or decrease the size of the clock.

I like this because I can see this from way across the room and even down the street if need be.

I like the clean simple look. Nothing fancy just a great looking flip clock.

Enjoy

Technorati Tags: screensaver, flipclock, pc, mac, freeware

0 comments.

Simple iPhone Speaker Enhancer - Low Tech

Posted on January 17th, 2010 by Merlin.
Categories: Anything Else, Cell Phone, Communication, Hack, MP3, Music, Toy, Weird Stuff, iPhone.

I could not pass up sharing this simple smartphone ( Blackberry, iPhone, Droid etc) Speakerphone Enhancer. I wish I would have thought of this - This really is a quick and dirty (only if you leave the glass dirty) Solution that really works. I can’t believe how well this works. I tried it today and the sound is increased - Now this is not hi-fi - But it works in a pinch when you need a little extra boost. Make sure to put the speaker side down - The bottom of the iPhone down. This causes an echo chamber and increases the volume of the sound. Just a little quick and easy solution. Great from when you are away from your regular speakers or dock.

But if you want a little (Well a lot better speaker system for your iphone - I would suggest checking out this page at amazon: Iphone Speaker Docks.

Info From UnPlugged.

Technorati Tags: iphone, blackberry, rim, speaker, dock, cheap, hack, speakerphone, enhancer

0 comments.

Video: The History of Writing and Fountain Pen Usage..

Posted on January 3rd, 2010 by Merlin.
Categories: Art, Communication, Fountain Pen, Journaling, Notetaking, Video.

I recently saw this on Twitter and had to share this great video - By the W A Shaeffer Pen Company and Produced by the Jam Handy Organization (Just love that name)

This is a Western Electric Company Print Copyright MCMXLVII (1947)

This video starts out with a little girl attempting to communicate with her crayons - Drawing the start of communicaton - it then goes on to shows the progression of the alphabet from the early Egyptian times to the modern alphabet.

The video then goes on to show the progression of the pen from early reed pen to the “Modern” fountain pen.

What I really liked was they show old style pens - eyedropper pen - different ways of taking ink with you, The full progression of fountain pens. Make sure to visit your local dealer to match the pen to your handwriting style. (Still good advice) Fine , Medium or broad tips.

I also liked that they showed how the pens are to be filled.

Here it is - The Twenty Six Old Characters. (Internet Archive)

Technorati Tags: History, Alphabet, 26, Letters, Alphabet, Communication, Western, Electric, Jam, Handy, Twitter, Fountain, Pen

0 comments.

Older » « Newer