Build a bristlebot

Cool way to make use of a toothbrush..

I found a book available - The Invasion of the Bristlebots (Klutz) which comes complete with 2x toothbrush and motor. You make them by just sticking a self enclosed motor with battery assembly on top of a pre-cut toothbrush ready to go, they sell a book with 2 Bristlebots for just over 6 quid



And if you wanna go bigger (dust pan brush), check out this site, they sell the kits! http://www.bristlebot.co.uk/

 

Kindle 3 Update

I have just installed the latest update for the Amazon Kindle 3. This version is 3.0.1 and fixes a few issues, one of which I have experienced on more than one occasion - hanging. This usually occurred when I used the experimental browser. I almost disregarded the hanging initially, because the browser is experimental. However, I use wikipedia, and feedbooks which I use to catch up with the full bbc news feed, you begin to realise that the browser becomes essential to the kindle and the hanging gets very annoying.

The good news is that I haven't experienced any of the crashing since updating the software which can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_navbox_top_kindlelgi?nodeId=200529700

I was slightly concerned doing the update, because the kindle rebooted itself twice, and seemed to take a long while to complete. So be patient!

btw, yea i'm still loving it.

List of Web to Kindle Services

Kindle services that send content to your kindle in a friendly format


1. http://www.kindlefeeder.com/
Great RSS to kindle service, using a manual Send To Kindle button, or automated daily for a subscription fee.


2. http://www.rekindle.it/
A free service, similar to Instapaper, this is a simple service that allows you to send the webpage directly to your kindle via the email to kindle service. You copy a link containing javascript to your bookmarks, and then click it whilst visiting a web page. This will take you to a new page showing a rekindle form, allowing you to send the page to your kindle via the email to kindle service.


3. http://www.instapaper.com/
A free service which allows you to send a web page like rekindle, however, the pages are stored on your Instapaper account, which means you can read them later on the instapaper website, or with the iphone, ipad, any device which is compatible. It also has a service for scheduling the articles you have added to your kindle.


4. http://www.feedbooks.com/news
Feedbooks, not only lets you download free books to your kindle, but also news


The great thing about feedbooks,  is that you can update your downloaded file, with an up to date version by clicking on a link when you navigate to the cover. This is really useful for blogs and news feeds.

Here is a list of Full RSS feeds, someone may find useful:

http://feeds.feedburner.com/bbcnewsfrontpagefullfeed
http://feeds.feedburner.com/bbcnewss...naturefullfeed
http://feeds.feedburner.com/bbcnewstechnologyfullfeed
http://feeds.feedburner.com/bbcnewsworldfullfeed
http://feeds.feedburner.com/bbcnewshealthfullfeed

Here is a website that links to the RSS Full Feeds:

http://dev.barnesdmd.co.uk/ff/

Kindle 3 Unboxing

Short video, just so you get the idea of the size, screen etc.

I switched on the Kindle and expected to see the 3G symbol and some of the wireless signal bars show as solid, but they didn't. A friend with the Kindle 2, had full strength, so I was a little concerned. Next I tried to register the device, using the device itself - it should have come pre-registered, but I think I accidentally deleted it - whilst trying to delete my old iPhone from the Kindle Management on the Amazon website. Every time I tried to access the online services, such as register device, Kindle Shop or the new experimental browser, it would automatically jump to the WiFi connectivity page, which would have been ok apart from no hotspots.

I decided to phone Amazon support, and spoke to Barry who was very helpful. We went through some setup stuff but could not get it working so ended up in the logs pages and me repeating the some of the values, he said he would give me a ring within a couple of days. within 30 Mins Barry phoned back saying it had been fixed, and the problem was they had not activated the cellular data on their end for my device. So all OK now.

I Had a look at the Amazon Store and downloaded Treasure Island, which I have been reading on my iPhone, it was great to see it display the very page I had been reading.

I held it next to the Kindle 2 device and could see the difference, the contrast and sharpness was better, page turns slightly faster too. I next tried the new experimental webkit based browser and used one of the preset bookmarks pointing to Wikipedia, it was better than expected - I expected Lynx type of experience! But it was the full page in your face. The text was a little small to read without zooming and panning, I then tried the 'article mode' - this vastly improved the reading experience, making the columns of wikipedia into whole pages which could be navigated using the forward and back buttons, really good - for e-ink

I went into my garden which had a clear blue sky and direct sunlight. I held up my iPhone 4 with the kindle app displaying Treasure Island, same with the Kindle. OMG what a difference, the iphone looked barely readable, the Kindle on the other hand, was incredibly readable, the contrast was perfect. Downloading books took a few seconds over WiFi, I purchased the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo for just over a couple of quid. Im very impressed with the lower prices compared to the iBooks Store. 3G ain't slow either, Treasure Island took about 10 seconds! Conclusion: Over the moon with this device, It's light weight, with razor sharp display, very portable, looks great. Browsing is not great but this because is e-ink has a slow refresh and is not made for this kind of thing, so you gotta think of it as an added bonus, which is great for occasional use.

Islabikes Review

I got this bike for my 2 year old son. The bike is really well made and can support my weight of 12 1/2 stone.

It's a balance bike - which means it has no pedals, it's supposed to help with getting used to riding a bike without throwing in another
set of obstacles such as pedals. For some kids, it takes a while to get used to it. So I'm gonna persevere. I personally like it. Ain't cheap at around 100 quid. But it is the best out there. Oh yea it's got a break too, which only activates on the rear wheel, so yer kid doesn't go head over heels!

Islabikes

Fenix TK20 - LED Torch Review

I've had the Fenix TK20 for over a year now, it has been the best torch I have ever owned. Why? you might ask, well, it's one my brightest torches for a 2AA, It has the best build quality, rechargeables work well, the cree neutral white LED, gives a pleasing daylight white throw, the handle has a rubberised yellow cover - which makes it easier to find when dropped. Its fully waterproof and has 2 modes; 150 lumens - 1.25 runtime, 45 lumens - 8 hour runtime. It's regulated, which means that the light output will stay at constant brightness until the batteries are too low a level for this to occur, it will then reduce at a more linear rate with the battery discharge.
The beam has a throw of over 180M, which makes it ideal for spotting the odd hedge hog down the bottom of my garden. The complete assembly comes in 3 parts: head, abdomen, and thorax - no that's an insect, oh well, you know what I mean! This makes it ideal for replacements if ever needed and easy battery access. Anyway enough ramblings, the bottom line is, its freakin awsome, so Go Gadget Get It!

Tamron AF 70-300 review

The Tamron 70-300 is a great budget lens. The good points: Cheap, Macro setting (180 - 300) Bad points: Slow focus, slight blue tinge, when you inpsect the photo closeup.
All these points are to be expected with budget lenses, so don't let it put you off. For the money, I think, you can easily put up with the slower performance and lack of image stabilisation, go gadget get it! Here is a pic I took at Bristol Zoo: