Make an InfoMate a DIY Ambient Orb
The InfoMate is a device that provides visual / auditory / sensory / etc. information relating to the status of various “tasks.” The tasks may range from checking email or stock quotes, to motion detectors, remote control of the coffee pot, to snail mail checkers. The InfoMate “end device” is artwork: a picture, a sculpture, or other object that integrates the electronics in such a way that it is not obviously an electronic device. The InfoMate is essentially the poor man’s Ambient Orb. Unlike the Orb, it requires a PC and internet connection to work. Link.
I tend to think companies like this will be really important in the next 50 years….VintageTech has the expertise to convert from just about any media format to any number of modern formats. Old or obsolete data can be read from its original media and migrated to contemporary formats. Like stringy floppy. 
Four contestants. Four phones. One Big Prize. We took four heavyweights from the digital art and design worlds, gave them a bottom-of-the-line touchtone phone, and challenged them to transform it into the “uberphone”. Watch their progress as they go head-to-head in the ultimate nerd deathmatch, and then cast your vote on the most tricked-out phone. I’m surprised Vonage sponsored something like this, nice. I hope they post the HOW TOs later. 
MacMod is pleased to announce and bring to you “The Great MacMod Challenge 2005 with dealmac.com”. Last years’ first annual challenge was a huge success. Everyone who competed last year was anxious to compete again and now is your chance as well. “The Great MacMod Challenge” is your opportunity to win some great prizes offered by our sponsors and have fun doing it, all while you reap the benefits of having a modded mac. All you have to do is mod an item that fits into one or more of the following categories… I can’t enter now, but I will help folks! 
Recycling paper, plastic, and glass has become routine, but what are you supposed to do with the old laptop or analog television that’s taking up precious storage space in your attic or basement? Looks like the gov is looking for solutions in a proposed “Nation tech recycling” bill but haven’t worked out the details yet…