07.21.2005

As We May Think

Sixty years ago Vannevar Bush's famous article "As We May Think," appeared in the July issue of The Atlantic Monthly. Many websites have remembered this anniversary this past week (gizmag, Slashdot) and I thought I'd keep spreading the meme, because Vannevar Bush's original article is a must-read for everyone interested in today's technology.

Consider a future device for individual use, which is a sort of mechanized private file and library. It needs a name, and to coin one at random, "memex'' will do. A memex is a device in which an individual stores all his books, records, and communications, and which is mechanized so that it may be consulted with exceeding speed and flexibility. It is an enlarged intimate supplement to his memory. It consists of a desk, and while it can presumably be operated from a distance, it is primarily the piece of furniture at which he works. On the top are slanting translucent screens, on which material can be projected for convenient reading. There is a keyboard, and sets of buttons and levers. Otherwise it looks like an ordinary desk.

[...]

It affords an immediate step, however, to associative indexing, the basic idea of which is a provision whereby any item may be caused at will to select immediatelyand automatically another. This is the essential feature of the memex. The process of tying two items together is the important thing.

Posted by Camilla Category: current affairs
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07.21.2005

Unique PC cases

Katsuya Matsumura can sculpt a pc case featuring pretty much anything you would like. You can check out a selection of what he has created so far on his website. These pc cases look quite unique indeed. I particularly enjoyed looking at the step by step explanation of how he created every single model.

The price for a custom made anime-like case varies, for example the ERN004 (Tarutaru) based on the Final Fantasy XI character, costs between $1000 - $3000...which appears to be kind of a wide range. I guess the final price probably depends on the size of the case. If you are interested in getting one of Katsuya Matsumura,Aeos pc cases, you can read all about his prices and conditions on his website.

Via Wonderland

Posted by Camilla Category: toys
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07.21.2005

Ironman does it better

The Ironman ironing board is not just fun, its shape makes sense as well. Designed by Shane Inder, it has the shape of a broad-chested man with a hole in his head for the cord to go through and the legs allow you to slip over trousers.

From 199 Australian dollars.

From Notcot.

Posted by regine Category: home
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07.21.2005

Miragraphy mirror

Hitachi has developed a mirror that functions as a computer display. It combines a mirror and a diffusion film to show any digital text, photo, porn video, tv show, website, flash movie, etc. The technology, called Miragraphy, also integrates sensors, RFID readers, barcode readers, cameras, etc. So, the mirror automatically responds when people are around and personalize digital contents based on their sensed identities.

The Miragraphy will be available for purchase in Japan on September 30.

Via RFID in Japan.

Posted by regine Category: devices
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