Tagged : Gadgets

in Misc Bin

GoPro Helmet Camera

I recently borrowed a friend’s GoPro Hero helmet mount camera and was thoroughly impressed. I have worked in professional video for the past 7 years or so and I have seen my share of small lipstick cameras, but this one is quite astonishing for the price.

The camera was simple to use and mount and is very small. There are a variety of different mounting configurations available as optional accessories that allow the camera to be mounted to a variety of different surfaces that include cars, surf boards, kayaks, bike seatposts, etc.

The model I tested was a Standard Definition version, but the footage still turned out fairly good. Based on my experience with this SD model, and footage on the GoPro website, I am ordering myself an HD version for extensive testing and use in both sports and research settings.

Compared with more expensive tiny cameras like the Sony HXR-MC1 Compact POV Recorder this little GoPro seems to stack up fairly well and for about 1/10th the price. I’ll keep you posted as I have some test footage to post.

in Misc Bin

Apple iPad Sucks?

There has been a lot of praise for the new iPad by Apple and with that has been some heavy criticism as well. I personally think that the iPad is going to be great for the majority of internet users. Most people need something simple to communicate with and share photos and content with others. Someone who uses the computer to seek out information, look at and share multimedia photo and video content, and write the occasional document will likely find the iPad a great tool in a sleek and small package.

I don’t see the iPad as a performance computer built for intensive multitasking, but for the price I think it satisfies the needs of most basic users and comes in at a totally reasonable pricepoint. The lack of memory in the 16gb entry level option may be a concern to some, but I would argue that the average user might be better off storing photos and other documents online in a Dropbox or MobileMe account anyway.

In any case, I think the iPad is great for what it is and the type of person it will appeal to, but if you’re interested in reading a more scathing critique check out this review over at Gizmodo. This particular writer more-or-less thinks the new iPad sucks.

in Media Culture

Google Nexus One Better Choice for Travel?

Today Google announced the much anticipated Nexus One phone. From a quick perusal it appears to rival the iPhone in terms of its specifications. Don’t get me wrong, I love my iPhone and all that it does, but there is one thing that Apple has royally screwed us with and that is the inability to choose your own wireless provider.

Google-Nexus-One

I am in full support of open source software and hardware and the fact that the Google Nexus One will be available for purchase as an unlocked device means that I will be free to choose whichever wireless carrier I want. For me the main reason for wanting this is travel. I travel frequently in the USA and often return to absolutely heinous mobile phone bills. I’ve tried using Skype for the iPhone whenever possible, but it’s not always easy to find a free wireless connection. The ability to insert a US or European SIM card when travelling will be hugely advantageous for me in my business travels. Apple is an amazing company with great products, but if they want to stay ahead of the curve they will need to embrace consumer choice and a new way of selling phones. The iPhone should really be available unlocked so that consumers are able to choose their device independently of their wireless carrier.

Check out the Engadget review of the new Google Nexus One.