For connectivity, input options and simply fitting into your pocket, aigo’s MID certainly has plenty of potential. Unfortunately, as reviewers have discovered, it’s hamstrung by its OS: adding new apps is a struggle, meaning most people will be stuck with what software comes out of the box. One owner, though, has heavily customized his 3G-equipped aigo to better perform as a UMPC rather than just an internet browser; full video demo, plus details of the changes, after the cut.
In the right hands, a ring-flash can produce some great shots with a DSLR; problem is, that “right hand” also likely needs to have a deep pocket to dip into, as DSLR accessories don’t tend to be cheap. So how about a DIY ring flash, made from fiber-optic toys, a tube of toothpaste and a load of zip ties?
Sadly not a sign of ASUS’ upcoming Eee PC UMPC plans, but a very impressive DIY effort, this UMPC is based on an ASUS Eee PC 701 to which a touchscreen and new casing has been applied. That gets you a super-portable Atom based device that, at 922g, is almost half the weight of the donor Eee PC, but a whole lot more usable when on the move.
It seems over the years video game manufactures have moved from arcade style video games to first person shooters and multiplayer party games. Now we have an amazing looking arcade stick to play some of our favorite 2D fighting games on the Playstation 3.
If you’re the forgetful type, it’s likely you’ve forgotten your clothes in the washer at least a few times. Ryan Rose decided to solve that problem using an interesting tool – Twitter. You can watch a video about Ryan’s tweeting washing machine after the jump.
For many, the iPod has come to represent mobile music; if you’re looking for portable speakers, then, what better than iPod-shaped ones? Jordan Horwich put together a pair of individually-amplified stereo speakers using two original iPod casings: inside each there’s a 2.25-inch speaker cone, volume control, Altoids Tin Speaker amp and DIY battery holder.
We’ve seen Steampunk monitors before, but I’m a sucker for misappropriated piping and so here’s another, this time courtesy of Australia-based Mad Uncle Cliff. Based around an LCD panel, the mod uses copper piping, a spray pump to hold the controls and a pair of endearingly-alien speaker horns.
Wood seems to be growing in popularity as a PC case mod material, and it’s certainly shown off to its best advantage in the shape of Nick Falzone’s Chiaroscuro. Made from ebony and maple, this is less of a case mod and more of a ground-up new build; inspired by the renderings of the Beijing Digital building, it’s a beautiful sandwich of wood, black brushed aluminum and UV acrylic.
We’ve seen Tablet PC mods of netbooks before, but Aeeeris are making the conversion even easier with their new faceplate for the 700-series ASUS Eee PC. With it, turning your clamshell netbook into a touchscreen slate-style UMPC is even more straightforward; Aeeeris claim it can be done in just 30 minutes.
HP’s Mini 1000 may have just got an official mobile broadband option, but what if your netbook is already sat on your desk, not on HP’s production line? 3G modder extraordinaire jkkmobile steps in, with a guide to adding a third-party HSDPA modem to the netbook’s mini PCI-e slot.
Check out the video guide after the cut
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