Here’s a great list of applications you can download and run off any USB drive or music player like the iPod. I usually keep my iPod nano filled with applications so I can use any system, but still have access to all the programs I need. It’s also handy to have a toolset when you need to fix computers. Link.
Scott writes “Just a quick, simple hack I did to totally change the feel of my Logitech scroll mouse. (basically, removal of the scroll wheel detent spring.) This will probably also work on many other mice with scroll wheels”. Link.
Earlier I posted about Google’s secure VPN access, turns out you can use it with a Mac as well (here’s how) – and if you’re looking for another VPN client – Tom writes “There is a free and more trustworthy free VPN client software (called “iPig”) and the iPig server, so you can set up your own (WiFi) VPN in a few minutes. Worked very well for me!”
Patrick writes “Low tech sensors and actuators -A cool project with details on canibalising cheap toys for sensors to use in interactive electronic projects”. MAKE’s David Pescovitz has a great article in thefeature archives with more about Usman Haque’s projects. Link.
Josh writes “There is a jack accessible to the faceplate (under the faceplate, above the b button) that says V-5(5 volts, I assume) on the circuit board. Nintendo is also patenting ‘smart’ faceplates. Are any Make readers up to the task of building a Gameboy Micro faceplate with LEDs embedded in it? (Hopefully with a subtle effect – nothing distracting)” Link.
DIY Weather channel – Ivo Janssen writes “I was browsing the Hurricane Rita path on the NOAA website, and then realized that Google Earth does image overlays. So I turned NOAA’s boring picture into fascinating 3D views of the hurricane path. Currently, it’s slated to miss Austin, make landfall at Matagorda Bay, take US-77 to Temple and Waco and then go on over Forth Worth”. Link.
Here’s a free 411 service (800-free-411) instead of paying your cell carrier (92 percent of the $8 billion the carriers earn annually on directory assistance calls is profit) you get the same 411 information plus a location based audio ad. I’m going to try it and see how it goes. [