There are only a few stands available in the market for the ever famous iPad. Apple’s version is designed to charge the iPad once docked, but it is somewhat difficult to undock. The BookArc stand, designed by Twelve South, is nicely crafted and easy to use. Combine it with a Bluetooth wireless keyboard from Apple, and you have a great typing platform. The stand sells for about $40 directly from Twelve South or at most Apple retail stores.
Build your own car
Have you ever wanted to build your own car? It can be a very expensive enterprise. A new venture called Local Motors is doing just that. They are an American car company that is using a method similar to open source to design and build cars locally. Customers form part of a design and build team. The design process is open to customers globally. Participants vote for the most desired features and car characteristics. The best designs are built in local micro-factories and only a limited amount of cars are produced. Customers can actually participate in the build process. They currently have about five models and many more to come.
Redesigned AppleTV announced
Apple recently announced a new redesigned AppleTV. It is the first major redesign of the multimedia network appliance since its introduction in 2006. Different from its predecessor, it does not have sizable internal storage and it is much smaller in size. It also appears to use Apple’s iOS, which also powers the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Also new, Netflix subscribers will be able to stream videos from their instant queue. They will also be able to rent and buy movies as before. A Windows or MacOS computer running iTunes is required to stream content. This includes movies, music, podcasts, and photos. The new AppleTV has a USB, HDMI, Ethernet, and optical ports. It also supports resolutions up to 720p.
Forget sharpeners, use a liquid pencil
Since their introduction in 1964, Sharpie’s have been a useful marking tool. They come in several varieties and are used to permanently mark many types of surfaces. Sanford, the makers of Shapies, recently introduced an innovative “liquid pencil“. It is like using an ink pen, except with all the benefits of writing with a pencil. It uses a new liquid graphite technology that is very durable and equivalent to a #2 lead. Forget broken leads and no more sharpening. It is also refillable. A valuable tool for those unending math tests.