Computers & Mobile

The latest DIY ideas, techniques and tools for digital gadgetry, open code, smart hacks, and more. Processing power to the people!

Giant Machete-Shooting Slingshot

Giant Machete-Shooting Slingshot

I love Cory Doctorow’s droll description of this creation almost as much as I love the thing itself:

This handy gentleman has built an (arguably ill-conceived, but nevertheless impressive) rifle-cum-slingshot that fires machetes, should you find yourself with the need to fire machetes.

The handy gentleman in question is YouTuber Jörg Sprave, slingshot enthusiast par excellence. He blogs about it here. [via Boing Boing]

Camera Hotshoe iPhone Mount

Camera Hotshoe iPhone Mount

Have you ever found that you needed to mount your iPhone on your DSLR? This can come in handy when you’re using apps like Pocket Light Meter and PanoTool. German photographer Nigel Nowhere pieced together this quick iPhone hotshoe mount for just such a purpose. You can build one for yourself with his easy to follow how-to.

A Clock That Eats Flies

A Clock That Eats Flies

This prototype clock from UK designers James Auger and Jimmy Loizeau is powered by a microbial fuel cell. It features a conveyor belt of flypaper that attracts flies and drops their bodies into the fuel cell. Depending on the available fly supply, the process can generate enough power to sustain itself and power a digital clock, as well. [via Boing Boing]

Smarter iPad 2 Smart Cover

Check out this super sleek wooden roll top cover for the iPad 2 from Dutch case manufacturer Miniot. Made from a single piece of cherrywood, the case fits snug to the tablet using internal magnets. The design differs from the stock Apple Smart Cover with its rigid rolling arch, smooth organic lines, and its lack of hinge. Though I have yet to hold one in my hand, from what I’ve seen in the video demonstration it appears to offer superior support when used as a stand to prop up the device.