9 posts tagged “linux”
Knife and Fork Lift
Cutlery for Dieting
Link: Knife and Fork Lift
A bit of a gag gift designed by Tom Madden, the Knife and Fork Lift takes a different approach towards dieting from the Checkmate Appetite Intake Controller (Episode 466). It's and knife and fork set, weighted down like a pair of dumbbells (and we're not talking about Dick and Leo).
Disclaimer
The Knife and Fork Lift carries with it a disclaimer, just as Leo's show TWiT Fit does (and as should all of Leo's shows). The Daily Giz Wiz has its own disclaimer - created by Dan Lueders - see Episode 601.
Giz Wiz Meetup - As Planned
At the time of recording, Dick and Leo were still planning the meetup. Eric Shank from Wild Planet would be taking along the Beat Blender, which he invented, for a demonstration. Leo had great plans too and hoped to take with him his Verizon MiFi ("Don't leave home without it" is Leo's new slogan), his new Olympus EP-1 Micro Four Thirds camera and Ozzy the Papillon. To cap it all, he might a grand entrance in his Terratrike.
Giz Wiz Meetup - As it Happened
Very little of what Leo "planned" materialised. Despite that, everyone had fun last night. John Slanina, better known as jammerb was there and was kind enough to post a slideshow of some of the photos he took at the meetup soon after the meet-up. Don't miss the last photograph - it's a very special Spork.
Julie Bernstein of FunCrunch has also posted her pics taken at the TWiT Cottage (during the recording session) and at the meetup. Here's her set of photos.
Dick in Petaluma and TWiT Cottage
Dick had a grand time in California this time. He appeared on Leo's radio show on Sunday, went on the Wine Train on Monday, had a test run in listeners Darrell and Marilyn Holmquist's new Tesla yesterday, after which he and Leo went back to the TWiT Cottage for a fun time recording next week's shows, including Episode 900. Fans have made lovely gifts for Dick and Leo for Episode 900, and so don't miss the show. If you can't wait, go to odtv.me to watch or download the video - but don't forget to download the audio podcasts still, as TWiT needs the numbers for podtrac and the sponsors.
Presto Saves the Day
Marcia Richardson installed the Presto OS (Episode 834) on her Toshiba laptop. Her windows installation was attacked by a dastardly virus but she was able to continue using the machine by booting into Presto. Finally, some good came out of the show!
Listen to Episode 893
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Find DGW Info on GizWizSearch
Presto OS
Instant Boot Operating System
Link: PrestoMyPC
Presto is a Linux-based operating system with a small footprint, which boots up instantly. Essentially it's Xandros (which the first Asus Eee PC used) and is from the same company. The extra is that the software installs itself as a dual boot OS with Windows XP or Vista for you (inclung the familiar Windows dual boot menu). It comes pre-installed with the most often used applications, such as IM, web browser, and office applications. There is a Presto Application Store where you can easily find and access other applications that will run on Presto. It's Linux made easy.
Fitness Ball Recall
After Leo's fitness ball started leaking, he decided to get a cheaper version which quickly became the subject of a recall. He's now reverted to his Gophersport Ultrafit Anti-Burst Stability Ball (Episode 322).
A Sump Pump for Dan Lueders
Back in Episode 737, Dan Lueders wrote to Dick about a power cut and the flooding of his basement. Listener Tom Westland suggests the Zoeller Home Guard Back Up Sump Pump, which does not require electricity and simply uses water pressure to work. Back in Episode 331, Dick talked about Reelsmart's No-Crank Garden Hose Reel, which rewinds the hose using water pressure.
WTHII March-April 2009
It's an Alcotube Plus, for breathalysing yourself.
Listen to Episode 834
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Fitness Ball Recall
After Leo's fitness ball started leaking, he decided to get a cheaper version which quickly became the subject of a recall. He's now reverted to his Gophersport Ultrafit Anti-Burst Stability Ball (Episode 322).
A Sump Pump for Dan Lueders
Back in Episode 737, Dan Lueders wrote to Dick about a power cut and the flooding of his basement. Listener Tom Westland suggests the Zoeller Home Guard Back Up Sump Pump, which does not require electricity and simply uses water pressure to work. Back in Episode 331, Dick talked about Reelsmart's No-Crank Garden Hose Reel, which rewinds the hose using water pressure.
WTHII March-April 2009
It's an Alcotube Plus, for breathalysing yourself.
Listen to Episode 834
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
T-Mobile G1
Smartphone
Link: T-Mobile G1
As hinted at in Episode 673 and last week, Dick and Leo finally talk about T-Mobile's G1. Made by HTC, the G1 is the first phone featuring Google's open-source smartphone operating system Android.
It has bluetooth, wifi, GPS (though not turn-by-turn), 512 MB built-in memory, although it has an microSD card slot and comes with a 1GB card; a back-lit qwerty keyboard (which is revealed by sliding out the screen) and a replaceable battery; a 3.2MP camera, but like the iPhone, it does not shoot video, and like the iPhone it does not support Flash on the internet. Unlike the iPhone, it supports voice dialling and "cut and paste".
Physically, it weighs just under 6 ounces. At the bottom is a panel of buttons: a big Menu button, underneath which at the centre is a trackball (for navigation and as a select button). To the left of the trackball are the "Call/Send" button and the "Home" button; to the right of the trackball are the "Back" and "Hangup/Power" buttons.
On the left hand side of the phone is a Volume toggle, and on the right hand side the camera button. For the earphones, unfortunately it's a microUSB connection and you'll need an adapter for your 3.5mm jack earphones.
The display is 3.2 inches at 480 x 320 resolution, with a capacitive touch-screen. It does not support multi-touch, but does support long presses (through which you get a context menu including "cut and paste"). It has an accelerometer and is supposed to adjust itself to Portrait/Landscape mode, at least when the qwerty keyboard is open.
Since Android is open-source, many applications are expected to come out supporting the platform, and will not be filtered as in the case of the iPhone. You can access the apps from the Android "Market", and Google will tell you in relation to each app what types of access the app may have on the phone - such as communications, your location and your personal information.
The phone comes with the standard Google apps, such as Gmail, Contacts, Calendar, and like the iPhone, offers a mobile version of YouTube. If you don't use Gmail, there is another mail application. Unfortunately, this other mail app cannot open attachments (which Gmail can by HTML conversion), nor save them. The IM app supports major instant messengers such as AIM, Windows Live, Yahoo and of course Google Talk. Like Google's desktop browser the Chrome, the Android browser is WebKit-based. Another app that comes with the phone is AmazonMP3, with access to Amazon's DRM-free mp3 downloads - which only works with Wifi, and not 3G or Edge. The phone also has its own music player software.
At the moment, the phone is available in T-Mobile stores only in cities which has T-Mobile's 3G coverage.
Favourite Episodes
In Episode 679, Dick and Leo were asked if they had a list of their 20 favourite/funniest episodes. Ludwik Trammer of gizwizsearch can answer for them. Search queries on his site show which episodes are most frequently accessed - 182 Titanium Spork, 465 Electron Echo Piano, 462 MP4 Watch, and of course 282 Toothpick Bird.
Ludwik also tells us that the accumulative length of all the DGW shows now exceeds 7 days.
One More Thing
Ludwik is going to introduce a new feature on his site. In fact it is already operational. Just go to his site and see if you can spot the difference. Otherwise, just wait for an announcement through Dick and Leo in tomorrow's recording session, or in next week's episodes.
Video Podcasts To Wait
The last time Leo talked about video podcasts (with hopes of getting DGW on video) was Episode 671. Unfortunately, with the economic downturn, Leo has decided to be a little more prudent, and maybe putting that on hold, although he may still put out a weekly "best of" video podcast.
Second Longest Episode
At 31:03, today's show is the second longest episode, just 12 seconds short of Episode 634, the Lexmark X9575 Professional.
Listen to Episode 686
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
It has bluetooth, wifi, GPS (though not turn-by-turn), 512 MB built-in memory, although it has an microSD card slot and comes with a 1GB card; a back-lit qwerty keyboard (which is revealed by sliding out the screen) and a replaceable battery; a 3.2MP camera, but like the iPhone, it does not shoot video, and like the iPhone it does not support Flash on the internet. Unlike the iPhone, it supports voice dialling and "cut and paste".
Physically, it weighs just under 6 ounces. At the bottom is a panel of buttons: a big Menu button, underneath which at the centre is a trackball (for navigation and as a select button). To the left of the trackball are the "Call/Send" button and the "Home" button; to the right of the trackball are the "Back" and "Hangup/Power" buttons.
On the left hand side of the phone is a Volume toggle, and on the right hand side the camera button. For the earphones, unfortunately it's a microUSB connection and you'll need an adapter for your 3.5mm jack earphones.
The display is 3.2 inches at 480 x 320 resolution, with a capacitive touch-screen. It does not support multi-touch, but does support long presses (through which you get a context menu including "cut and paste"). It has an accelerometer and is supposed to adjust itself to Portrait/Landscape mode, at least when the qwerty keyboard is open.
Since Android is open-source, many applications are expected to come out supporting the platform, and will not be filtered as in the case of the iPhone. You can access the apps from the Android "Market", and Google will tell you in relation to each app what types of access the app may have on the phone - such as communications, your location and your personal information.
The phone comes with the standard Google apps, such as Gmail, Contacts, Calendar, and like the iPhone, offers a mobile version of YouTube. If you don't use Gmail, there is another mail application. Unfortunately, this other mail app cannot open attachments (which Gmail can by HTML conversion), nor save them. The IM app supports major instant messengers such as AIM, Windows Live, Yahoo and of course Google Talk. Like Google's desktop browser the Chrome, the Android browser is WebKit-based. Another app that comes with the phone is AmazonMP3, with access to Amazon's DRM-free mp3 downloads - which only works with Wifi, and not 3G or Edge. The phone also has its own music player software.
At the moment, the phone is available in T-Mobile stores only in cities which has T-Mobile's 3G coverage.
Favourite Episodes
In Episode 679, Dick and Leo were asked if they had a list of their 20 favourite/funniest episodes. Ludwik Trammer of gizwizsearch can answer for them. Search queries on his site show which episodes are most frequently accessed - 182 Titanium Spork, 465 Electron Echo Piano, 462 MP4 Watch, and of course 282 Toothpick Bird.
Ludwik also tells us that the accumulative length of all the DGW shows now exceeds 7 days.
One More Thing
Ludwik is going to introduce a new feature on his site. In fact it is already operational. Just go to his site and see if you can spot the difference. Otherwise, just wait for an announcement through Dick and Leo in tomorrow's recording session, or in next week's episodes.
Video Podcasts To Wait
The last time Leo talked about video podcasts (with hopes of getting DGW on video) was Episode 671. Unfortunately, with the economic downturn, Leo has decided to be a little more prudent, and maybe putting that on hold, although he may still put out a weekly "best of" video podcast.
Second Longest Episode
At 31:03, today's show is the second longest episode, just 12 seconds short of Episode 634, the Lexmark X9575 Professional.
Listen to Episode 686
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Marsona Sound Machine
Sound Box for Sleeping
Link: Magellan's
The Marsona Sound Machine, available from Magellan's, makes "white noise" to mask off other noises, such as traffic and noisy neighbours, which might otherwise disturb your sleep, especially when you're travelling and sleeping in an unfamiliar environment. Choice of "rainfall", "waterfall" and "surf".
A Request for Retraction and Apology
Tom of goinglinux.com demands a retraction and apology from Dick. In Episode 533, Dick referred to an article in Mad with monkeys in parodies of popular film titles, such as Primates of the Caribbean and Saving Primate Ryan. But primates include lemurs, monkeys, apes, and humans too. As a primate, Tom finds it highly objectionable.
Listen to Episode 559
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
A Request for Retraction and Apology
Tom of goinglinux.com demands a retraction and apology from Dick. In Episode 533, Dick referred to an article in Mad with monkeys in parodies of popular film titles, such as Primates of the Caribbean and Saving Primate Ryan. But primates include lemurs, monkeys, apes, and humans too. As a primate, Tom finds it highly objectionable.
Listen to Episode 559
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Haier's Ibiza Rhapsody Media Player
PMP
Link: Haier
Another PMP, this time from Haier. It's the Ibiza Rhapsody Wifi Media Player, available in 4GB, 8GB, and 30GB models. It supports MP3 and WMA files and many video formats. It is Wifi b/g enabled (and the 30GB model supports bluetooth). Designed to support Rhapsody, it comes with a 30-day free subscription to Rhapsody To Go. You can also access Rhapsody's free streaming channels, FM Radio, AOL Video, and your favourite audio and video podcasts. The wifi means you can download content without a PC. 2.5" LCD screen (320 x 240 pixels), about 4" x 2.5" x 0.5" in size, 5 ounces in weight (for the 30GB model), and slightly smaller and lighter for the 4/8GB models.
Law against Wifi Sharing
Steve Miller notes that sharing your wifi using the Meraki Mini (Episode 432) may be a great idea, but check you local and state law, as there may be a law against it (as it is in Michigan). Leo rants about these misconceived regulations.
The Continental
Dick and Leo talk about an old TV programme called the "Continental", and its spoofs.
Listen to Episode 499
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
Law against Wifi Sharing
Steve Miller notes that sharing your wifi using the Meraki Mini (Episode 432) may be a great idea, but check you local and state law, as there may be a law against it (as it is in Michigan). Leo rants about these misconceived regulations.
The Continental
Dick and Leo talk about an old TV programme called the "Continental", and its spoofs.
Listen to Episode 499
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
Eee PC
Portable Computer
Link: Asus
Turn-The Tables-Tuesday
From Asus, the largest motherboard manufacturer in the world, the Eee PC is a little hand-held computer with a 7" LCD screen (800 x 480), 4GB solid state disk (2.5 GB of which is taken up by the pre-installed software), Celeron M processor, 512MB RAM (DDR2), SD card slot (SDHC compatible), 3 USB ports, audio in and out, VGA port, Ethernet port, Wifi (b/g), full keyboard and touch pad, built-in video camera, microphone, and speakers. No optical drive.
The OS is developed by Asus based on Xandros Linux, and it comes installed with applications such as Skype, Firefox, Thunderbird, Open Office. The desktop has 4 tabs: Internet, Work, Learn and Play, with individual application icons under each tab.
All of that in a 8.86" x 6.30" x 1.26" body, weighing 2 pounds. An 8GB model with a 10" screen is expected.
Eee stands for Easy to learn, work and play; Excellent internet experience; Excellent on-the-go. Leo had a good laugh at the Taiwanese Chinese again, after Episode 163, for the silly slogan.
WalkStool
After insulting the Taiwanese, Leo goes on to insult a listener. He reads a letter from Anthony Devito Junior who writes in about the WalkStool. Leo doesn't understand why he's written in and thinks it's a crappy letter. The letter might have something to do with the EZ Swany Stick Chair (Episode 425) and it wouldn't have been so awful if not for Leo's crappy Italian accent.
OLPC
Alessandro writes in about the OLPC, One Laptop Per Child project. For the US and Canada, between November 12 and November 26, you can buy an OLPC and another one will be donated to a child in a developing country.
Listen to Episode 447
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
All of that in a 8.86" x 6.30" x 1.26" body, weighing 2 pounds. An 8GB model with a 10" screen is expected.
WalkStool
After insulting the Taiwanese, Leo goes on to insult a listener. He reads a letter from Anthony Devito Junior who writes in about the WalkStool. Leo doesn't understand why he's written in and thinks it's a crappy letter. The letter might have something to do with the EZ Swany Stick Chair (Episode 425) and it wouldn't have been so awful if not for Leo's crappy Italian accent.
Alessandro writes in about the OLPC, One Laptop Per Child project. For the US and Canada, between November 12 and November 26, you can buy an OLPC and another one will be donated to a child in a developing country.
Listen to Episode 447
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
Clocky
Rocking and Rolling Alarm Clock
Link: Nanda
Designed by Gauri Nanda, a student at MIT Lab, for herself and other incorrigible sleepers. Clocky is an alarm clock on wheels that rolls away from you once the alarm is set off. You have to get up to retrieve it in order to stop the alarm. Try it along with the Flying Alarm Clock (Episode 328). Just don't put it a bedside table higher than 2 feet.
DGW-Looker-Upper-Listener
14-year-old Collins has made a DGW Looker Upper Listener. Go to http://www.roundobia.com/dgw/
and just enter the 3-digit episode number to listen to any episode. At
the moment you need to enter the zero(s) in front, such as 015.
TTTT Gadgets Coming Soon
Leo is going to do a new cellphone tomorrow, and Dick has sent Leo's way a Neuros gadget running on Linux.
Listen to Episode 306
Go to TWiT
Candle Impressions Flameless Candles
Battery-Operated "Candles"
Link: Candle Impressions
Authentic-looking battery-operated scented wax candles with flickering lights from Candle Impressions. Some even with timer functions. No more worries about smoke and fire. Can be used indoors or outdoors, and very decorative. Dick and Leo saw the first version of these Flameless Candles together at a show, which Leo referred to back in Episode 9. Leo and his wife Jennifer love these candles.
Waiting-For-Dick
Another gadget delivery by Fedex while recording the show. It's from LifeGear, a 6-in-1 personal safety device, which is in due course covered in Episode 249.
The First Noel ...
For once, Leo has a letter to forward to Dick. Happy Birthday to 9-year-old Noel, fan of DGW, Debian Linux user, singer of the GizWiz gravy jingle, and chanter of the gravy slogan. And to Leo's sister Eva, too.
Mad Minute
No Mad Minute today.
Listen to Episode 211
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Another gadget delivery by Fedex while recording the show. It's from LifeGear, a 6-in-1 personal safety device, which is in due course covered in Episode 249.
The First Noel ...
For once, Leo has a letter to forward to Dick. Happy Birthday to 9-year-old Noel, fan of DGW, Debian Linux user, singer of the GizWiz gravy jingle, and chanter of the gravy slogan. And to Leo's sister Eva, too.
Mad Minute
No Mad Minute today.
Listen to Episode 211
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Sharp Zaurus SL-C3200
Linux-based PDA
Link: Dynamism
You-Can't-Have-It-Monday
The Sharp Zaurus SL C3200 is the first PDA with an integrated HDD (6GB), its 3.7" screen swivels between PDA style and laptop style. Runs linux, has a QWERTY keyboard, flash memory card slots, and stereo out for playing your mp3s.
The 8 Seconds Rule
Learn about the 8 seconds rule in copyright.
Mad Suit
Dick recounts the story of how Mad was sued by a songwriter over a parody of a song (see also Episode 50). He's forgotten who it was, and which song it was. It was Irving Berlin suing Mad over a parody done by Frank Jacobs and Larry Siegel of the song "A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody". The case was decided in favour of Mad in 1964, in the celebrated case of Berlin v E. C. Publications, for the protection of parodies. See Wikipedia entry.
Orginal Lyrics
I have an ear for music,
And I have an eye for a maid.
I like a pretty girlie,
With each pretty tune that's played.
They go together,
Like sunny weather goes with the month of may.
I've studied girls and music,
So I'm qualified to say
A pretty girl is like a melody
That haunts you night and day,
Just like the strain of a haunting refrain,
She'll start up-on a marathon
And run around your brain.
You can't escape she's in your memory.
By morning night and noon.
She will leave you and then come back again,
A pretty girl is just like a pretty tune.
Mad Lyrics
I have an ear for music,
And I have an eye for a maid.
I like a pretty girlie,
With each pretty tune that's played.
They go together,
Like sunny weather goes with the month of may.
I've studied girls and music,
So I'm qualified to say
A pretty girl is like a melody
That haunts you night and day,
Just like the strain of a haunting refrain,
She'll start up-on a marathon
And run around your brain.
You can't escape she's in your memory.
By morning night and noon.
She will leave you and then come back again,
A pretty girl is just like a pretty tune.
Mad Lyrics
Louella Schwartz
Describes her malady
To anyone in sight.
She will complain!
Dramatize every pain!
And then she'll wail
How doctors fail
To help her sleep at night!
Louella Schwartz
Will say her malady
Is diagnosed all wrong!
When you think she is through,
She'll start on you!
Louella Schwartz
Is groaning the whole day long!
Regis
Listen to stories about Regis from Dick and Leo.
Podcast Alley
Dick and Leo haven't got to No.1, and they're still not begging ...
Listen to Episode 71
Go to TWiT
Listen to stories about Regis from Dick and Leo.
Podcast Alley
Dick and Leo haven't got to No.1, and they're still not begging ...
Listen to Episode 71
Go to TWiT
