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Rocking with PC Mods

Rocking with PC Mods

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The prospect of saving money and controlling every aspect of their computer is leading a growing number of users down the path of DIY. Happy to rely on the manufacturer warranties for each individual component, DIYers assemble and configure their own machines and provide their own tech support. The payoff, they say, is a more powerful machine that they understand down to the smallest quirk. Arts-law student and PC enthusiast Greg Sadler says building his own PC is as much a learning tool as it is a hobby. Link.

Do and Don’t Battery Table

Do and Don’t Battery Table

Images-14 Handy battery guide- Each battery has unique needs that must be met to obtain reliable service and long life. The Do and Don’t battery table summarizes these needs and advises proper handling of each battery type. Optimal handling may not always be practical in real life. Deviations from the ideal are acceptable but will lower the life expectancy of the battery to some degree. Exposure to heat may be the larger deterrent. Link.

Systm New Web only Tech Show

Systm New Web only Tech Show

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Kevin Rose of G4Tech TV fame is moving on to do his own web only technology show (and homegrown network) called Systm. All episodes will be released free of charge, in a variety of formats (Theora, Xvid, WMV, H.264, PSP), wrapped in RSS (for vidcasting) and licensed under the Creative Commons. Link. I think we’re going to see a lot of great shows come out this year!

Lego VCR

Lego VCR

Vcr-1 Another one to add to the LEGO project list- The VCR is controlled by the Lego Mindstorms Robotics Invention System. It has a motorized top-loading deck, working tape reel drive and IR remote control.The deck accepts a cassette that holds two reels of (imaginary) tape. Beta, VHS and now Technic. Link. Source included on the site.

Podcasts in iTunes 4.9!

Podcasts in iTunes 4.9!

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Wow! Looks like we’re going to be getting iPodder-like functionality in iTunes 4.9 (coming out in the next 60 days). For now it seems there’s only going to be free content (not purchased through iTunes) so I’m guessing you’ll add a playlist and a RSS feed and the podcasts will be downloaded automatically. The Yahoo! Music Engine has a neat plugin that does this now, so I’m excited about seeing this in iTunes soon. Link. Update: Looks like Apple will be picking the podcasts for download.

New “from the shadows” DIY Lightsabers

New “from the shadows” DIY Lightsabers

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New episode of from the shadows is released! In anticipation of the release of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of The Sith, the From The Shadows Crew took a trip to the “Star Wars Line” in Hollywood. There FTS met up with Aaron Mosny Master Sabersmith of Saberology.com. Following in the tradition of the Jedi and the Lightsaber, Aaron has created the “Perfect Dueling Weapon” utilizing forms including Kendo, Kenjitsu, Iaido, Chinese Broadsword, and European fencing. Unlike shanai, boken, or fencing foils, this weapons design could be used for almost any martial form. Link.