The MiiPC is a Kickstarter funded Android PC designed for families. After a long wait, I finally got this in. Like with many Kickstarter projects, expect delays. It is now finally in my hands.
What is it?
It is a desktop PC running Android. It has a similar form-factor to the Ouya. The idea behind this is to empower parents to control their kid's computer activity with a simple computer. Apps and website usage can be controlled remotely by parents using their smartphones.
Spec-wise, MiiPC is SFF (small form factor) Android 4.22 Desktop PC measuring 4.7 x 4.7 x 3.1-inch.
It's powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core Marvell New Armada SoC with 1GB of RAM, 4 to 8 GB of flash storage, WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0. The system features front SD card slot in front. In the back, it has two USB 2.0, HDMI, analog audio I/O, Ethernet and power.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Anker 25W 5 Port USB Wall Charger.
This is a pretty nifty USB 5 port charger currently selling for 20ドル at Amazon.
Made by Anker, it is fairly compact (3.8" long, 2.4" wide, 1" high). What is cool about this device is it can charge multiple high power USB devices like the iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tabs simultaneously. A single iPad or TAB normally require more juice than your normal USB chargers yet this device can power 3 high AMP USB devices and 2 normal devices all from the same box. In fact, it is even labelled for each device.
There are two iPad 2.1 Amps (highest output) ports, one single Samsung Tab 1.3 Amps ports, and two 1 Amp ports for iPhones, other Android phones, or any other regular USB accessory.
It is important to remember, this is rated at 5V/5A. The combine number of devices cannot exceed 5A . With two iPads, the most you can connect is probably 2 more normal devices like another two iPhones.
Here it is next to a Logitech mouse.
The real test, an iPad, 7" Samsung Tab and a Galaxy Nexus are all charging from the same charger.
It is strange that they call it a Wall charger when it is actually a brick with a small AC cable. However, that isn't a big deal for me.
Overall, I really like this and this is ultra convenient for multiple devices. 20ドル isn't bad considering many 2.1 AMP USB chargers go for that much.
Link: http://www.amazon.com/RELEASE-Family-Sized-Charger-Samsung-Devices/dp/B00DVH62J2/ref=pd_sim_cps_2
Monday, October 28, 2013
Pioneer A1 Wireless Airplay Speakers XW-SMA1-K
Over the weekend, Best Buy had the Pioneer A1 Airplay speakers on sale for 50ドル. These originally retailed for 300ドル then dropped to 150ドル recently. 50ドル was a steal so I figured I get two. One for the Guest Room and another for the Garage or future tree-house/deck I plan to build in the back yard.
The A1 is an Airplay speakers that also supports DLNA and HTC Connect audio streaming. It is fairly compact with two 3" Mid-range speakers and a single 1" tweeter. This turned out to be an odd arrangement because fidelity wise, your high notes will sound mono or like a center speaker. However, for this size, you're not gonna be looking for stereo imaging or soundstage. At 150,ドル I'd be concerned but for 50,ドル these sound great. For that price point, you get a rather full body warm sound which is enough to fill a small room.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
OSX 10.9 Marvericks - Thunderbolt Bridging IP over Thunderbolt
If you just recently installed OSX 10.9, Mavericks, you will be pleasantly surprise to know IP over Thunderbolt (Thunderbolt Ethernet / Bridging) is now supported. This is a pretty big deal for small workgroups that want to transfer "BIG" files over a closed network.
Thunderbolt is rated at 10Gbps. With a 30ドル cable, you are now essentially getting 10Gbe networking for free between two Thunderbolt equipped macs. This is a big deal. How big of a deal is this? 10Gbe networking isn't cheap. Gigabit ethernet has a max theoretical 125 Mb/s limit with real world 100-109 Mb/s.
When you first launch your networking preference, you will notice that the OS now adds a new network port. Thunderbolt Ethernet, bridging, networking. In other words, IP over Thunderbolt is now a reality.
Now, all you need to do is create a closed network.
I chosen 192.168.2.0/255.255.0.0. One will need to be the master and the other the slace.
My 15" Macbook Retina (192.168.2.2) as the master and my 2012 13" Macbook Pro as the slave (192.168.2.3).
With file-sharing on, I can access either via their Thunderbolt IP.
Then I did some copies and benchmarks.
AMAZINGLY FAST. See for yourself.
This is over the network. The 15" Macbook accessing the SSD of the 13" Macbook Pro over the network.
Real world copies. 15 large MP4 movies totalling 45GB in less than 5 minutes over AFP.
For you UNIX networking nerds, I ran iperf
Thats right, 760 plus MB/sec. Networking is only limited to the reads and writes of the drive now.
This is a game changer. The set-up.
UPDATE:
You can read up on multiple mac bridging here.
Thunderbolt is rated at 10Gbps. With a 30ドル cable, you are now essentially getting 10Gbe networking for free between two Thunderbolt equipped macs. This is a big deal. How big of a deal is this? 10Gbe networking isn't cheap. Gigabit ethernet has a max theoretical 125 Mb/s limit with real world 100-109 Mb/s.
When you first launch your networking preference, you will notice that the OS now adds a new network port. Thunderbolt Ethernet, bridging, networking. In other words, IP over Thunderbolt is now a reality.
Now, all you need to do is create a closed network.
I chosen 192.168.2.0/255.255.0.0. One will need to be the master and the other the slace.
My 15" Macbook Retina (192.168.2.2) as the master and my 2012 13" Macbook Pro as the slave (192.168.2.3).
With file-sharing on, I can access either via their Thunderbolt IP.
Then I did some copies and benchmarks.
AMAZINGLY FAST. See for yourself.
This is over the network. The 15" Macbook accessing the SSD of the 13" Macbook Pro over the network.
Real world copies. 15 large MP4 movies totalling 45GB in less than 5 minutes over AFP.
For you UNIX networking nerds, I ran iperf
Thats right, 760 plus MB/sec. Networking is only limited to the reads and writes of the drive now.
This is a game changer. The set-up.
UPDATE:
You can read up on multiple mac bridging here.
Monday, October 21, 2013
1st gen G4 Mac mini vs PogoPlug Classic
I took out a G4 Mac mini out of the storage and thought about junking it. It has been in storage for over 5 years now. I googled, "What to do with an old G4 Mac mini" and found some surprising results. People are retiring them into low-powered servers.
I have the very first gen G4 with 1GB DDR RAM, 100 GB PATA drive. I also have a GPower USB/Firewire external matching enclosure hub.
The original 1.25 GHz PowerPC G4 first generation Mac mini consumes about 32-85W (Max). At idle, 32W is decent but not what I call low-power.
I found some people debating whether or not an ARM based lightweight device like a PogoPlug would compare. PogoPlugs run at 4-5W and can be hacked into full Linux servers running mySQL, web,FTP,rsync, miniDLNA, torrent boxes, Squeezebox music server, you name it.
They are often discounted at 15ドル-20.
I personally have 8 of these Pogos running various things. However, I also have a whole closet full of Firewire drives that could be put to good use and shared over the network. Hence, I thought of re-using the Mac Mini.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Current Obsession the Alfa 4C
This is my current obsession. The new Alfa Romeo 4C. If you don't have an obsession, life isn't fun.
I'm in the market for two new cars right now, a daily commuter and a weekend car. Unfortunately, Alfa Romeo's return to the USA has been hit by delay after delays. In a way, this is good for me. I just purchased a new house this year so I am recuperating from that so the projected 2014 Quarter 2 release fits in line with my goals. I've gone through the hassle of buying first year cars with advance deposits and waiting list before so I am ready to do it with this one. Unfortunately, there is no clue who will carry this. Initially, it was suppose to be FIAT dealers and now, it looks like Maserati dealers will be carrying Alfa Romeo.
As many people don't realize, Alfa Romeo has been out of the US market for 19 years now. I remember my friend's in high school who had Alfa GTVs, Spyders and even one had the 164 sedan. For some reason, I really like this car despite the funky looking, often criticized, headlights. The list is suppose to be 55 grand starting in the US. With options like sports exhaust, I think 63-65 is a good bet for a loaded model. With 65 grand, one can get a used, low mileage manual tranny Aston Martin Vantage V8. So there are obvious other competitors like that and the new Corvette and Porsche Cayman S.
I have a 1/2 a year to think about this. I may end changing my mind in a few months.
This car is pretty low-tech except for the Carbon fiber tub and twin clutch flappy transmission. It is also bare-bone like the Lotus Elise. I've test driven the Elise and it was pretty spartan as well. There are no glove compartments, no boot space in the front, and a small trunk in the rear for small luggage. It is light so the power-to-weight ratio is pretty impressive. Yep, it is a 4 banger so that would be interesting as well.
In the meantime, the lease for my company commuter car is up. I think I am going to look at either the Fiat 500 or Prius C for my daily commute. I want something to hold me over for a year. My wife is getting almost 90 MPGe (MPG equivalent) on her new plug-in hybrid. 650 miles in two weeks and the tank is still half full.
LINK:
Alfa's delay hinged on IPO:
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/07/alfa-romeos-us-return-chrysler-fiat-deal-video/
Labels:
4c,
alfa,
Alfa Romeo,
Alfa4c,
automotive,
cars
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
A child's recreation of Raiders of the Lost Ark and 80s retro video
This youtube video has been getting some press. It is basically some kids in the 80s that filmed a re-creation of the the Indiana Jone's adventure, "Raiders of the Lost Ark." The video has resurface and there are talks about a Hollywood documentary on it.
Here is the trailer. Today, most people would scoff at the quality. Back then, that was very impressive.
TheVerge reports.
I took interest in this story because I am the age of the filmmakers and when I was 10 years old, I experimented with video quite a bit throughout my teenage years; making videos for the local television station. My high school had a broadcast department in which we got to play with the latest gear at the time. My father bought all the latest and greatest gear. I can name all the technologies : Hi-8, Super-VHS, BetaCAM, BetaCAM SP, VHS Compact, U-Matic, and Betamax.
During my teenage life, I would save up and buy things like video-titlers, VCRS with time code and jog-dial wheels for editing. Life was much more difficult back then. Editing video actually required some skill versus today's non-linear editing. My dad is also a hoarder so he has all that rare, awesome retro equipment somewhere. One day, I will probably inherit them and the world would probably see some of the coolest gears of the 80s properly documented for the newer generation. Some of this gear is not even documented anywhere on the Internet or in places like Wikipedia. So you guys will be getting reviews of retro gear first hand.
For example, here is the coolest piece of electronic I've seen and used my entire life. A Toshiba SVHS (Super VHS) VCR. I believe the model is SV-990. Extremely rare and high quality build. It weighed a ton.
I remember it cost my dad 900ドル back in the 80s. He bought it mail order and the retail was 1400ドル or so. Other VCRs were 200ドル or 300ドル at most and they were considered high-end. At 900ドル in the 80s, that is considered ultra-lux. That is the equivalent of someone spending 5ドルK to 7K on a blu ray player adjusted for inflation. It was a thing of beauty. I will have it someday. Instead of plastic like most VCRs, this thing was hefty and solid. You couldn't buy it in the local audio video store. Seriously. It was reviewed in some videophile trade journal magazine and my dad had to have it. So he ordered it grey market from some dealer in New York.
It had a high-end audiophile look. Brushed aluminum front, veneered rosewood on the side. The front adorned actual analog "VU Meters." This was un-heard of it a consumer video cassette recorder. It was like being a kid with the first 4K television while everyone was using 1080p HDTV. 400 lines analog vs 240 standard. It had "Flying erase heads" to make your edits clean without that jarring cut. Four heads for fidelity. It was so good, I used it to record only audio. Audiophiles would use VHS and simply record audio for playback as the specs far exceeded any other analog tape format.
The remote below allowed you to do cool things like edit video. You can add titles, do transitions, and special effects. I actually made some good money in high school with that gear. The remote below shows the metallic metal finish and jog wheel. This was the remote control!
Sad to say, I am pretty certain I had access to better gear than those two boys who made that Raider's of the Lost Ark video. I'm too embarrass to post any vintage video. Most of my videos were wedding videos made for cash.
I don't want to wish ill on my old dad but one day, I will have some extremely cool retro high-end gear and publish them on this blog. For example, the first portable Hi-8 Sony mini cam, he has that somewhere. Amiga video editing gear. Yep. Somewhere in some storage shed.
Link: The Verge
Here is the trailer. Today, most people would scoff at the quality. Back then, that was very impressive.
[フレーム]
TheVerge reports.
Strompolos and Zala started recordingRaiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation in 1982, when the former was 11 and the latter 12 years old. They spent the rest of their teenage years adding to it, performing their own stunts and borrowing costumes, props, and friends to stand in for Indy's antagonists.
I took interest in this story because I am the age of the filmmakers and when I was 10 years old, I experimented with video quite a bit throughout my teenage years; making videos for the local television station. My high school had a broadcast department in which we got to play with the latest gear at the time. My father bought all the latest and greatest gear. I can name all the technologies : Hi-8, Super-VHS, BetaCAM, BetaCAM SP, VHS Compact, U-Matic, and Betamax.
During my teenage life, I would save up and buy things like video-titlers, VCRS with time code and jog-dial wheels for editing. Life was much more difficult back then. Editing video actually required some skill versus today's non-linear editing. My dad is also a hoarder so he has all that rare, awesome retro equipment somewhere. One day, I will probably inherit them and the world would probably see some of the coolest gears of the 80s properly documented for the newer generation. Some of this gear is not even documented anywhere on the Internet or in places like Wikipedia. So you guys will be getting reviews of retro gear first hand.
For example, here is the coolest piece of electronic I've seen and used my entire life. A Toshiba SVHS (Super VHS) VCR. I believe the model is SV-990. Extremely rare and high quality build. It weighed a ton.
I remember it cost my dad 900ドル back in the 80s. He bought it mail order and the retail was 1400ドル or so. Other VCRs were 200ドル or 300ドル at most and they were considered high-end. At 900ドル in the 80s, that is considered ultra-lux. That is the equivalent of someone spending 5ドルK to 7K on a blu ray player adjusted for inflation. It was a thing of beauty. I will have it someday. Instead of plastic like most VCRs, this thing was hefty and solid. You couldn't buy it in the local audio video store. Seriously. It was reviewed in some videophile trade journal magazine and my dad had to have it. So he ordered it grey market from some dealer in New York.
It had a high-end audiophile look. Brushed aluminum front, veneered rosewood on the side. The front adorned actual analog "VU Meters." This was un-heard of it a consumer video cassette recorder. It was like being a kid with the first 4K television while everyone was using 1080p HDTV. 400 lines analog vs 240 standard. It had "Flying erase heads" to make your edits clean without that jarring cut. Four heads for fidelity. It was so good, I used it to record only audio. Audiophiles would use VHS and simply record audio for playback as the specs far exceeded any other analog tape format.
The remote below allowed you to do cool things like edit video. You can add titles, do transitions, and special effects. I actually made some good money in high school with that gear. The remote below shows the metallic metal finish and jog wheel. This was the remote control!
Sad to say, I am pretty certain I had access to better gear than those two boys who made that Raider's of the Lost Ark video. I'm too embarrass to post any vintage video. Most of my videos were wedding videos made for cash.
I don't want to wish ill on my old dad but one day, I will have some extremely cool retro high-end gear and publish them on this blog. For example, the first portable Hi-8 Sony mini cam, he has that somewhere. Amiga video editing gear. Yep. Somewhere in some storage shed.
Link: The Verge
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)