Darth Vader Balloon

July 7, 2008 · Filed Under Musings, Gadgets, Toys · 2 Comments

Here’s something you don’t see everyday….If there are uber-Star Wars geeks, it’s got to be them Belgians!

Thanks to these dudes from the Fanwars Southern Belgian Garrison, they created a huge hot-air balloon shaped like Vader’s helmet.

The balloon measures 26 meters (86 feet) high with the basket included, 21 meters (69 feet) wide and with a depth of 24 meters (78 feet). The estimated hot air volume 3.000 m³ (106,000 cubic feet) and estimated weight 320 kilos (705 lbs). The balloon can carry two passengers and a pilot. First revealed to the general public on the official Star Wars website, the Darth Vader balloon was present at the fan convention Celebration Europe in July 2007.

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[ gadgets ] Indoor-Legal Cigarette

May 27, 2008 · Filed Under Infotech, Videos, Gadgets · 3 Comments

Honestly, my doctors have advised me to kick the damn habit.

I can proudly say that I’m an expert in kicking my smoking habit. Why? Coz I’ve done it many times (and failed). Sigh.

Meanwhile, while trying to Google some aids to help me stop smoking, I discovered this wicked, cool “Indoor Approved” cigarette. Dubbed the Super Smoker, you can get it for $140 US (around PHP 5,000++) and you’ll have to shell out more for the cartridges. Guess what? You’re better off smoking outside… or, if you’re a smoker, join me in my quest as I do the next best thing - QUIT!

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Saving Money on Printer Ink

May 19, 2008 · Filed Under Infotech, Gadgets · 3 Comments

These days, printers (the hardware) are a “dime a dozen”. Why? Because the real business of manufacturers are to sell the “consumables”. By that, I mean - ink.

Just recently, I’ve been consuming my own ink for my personal printer really fast. But now, there are alternatives to saving money on printer ink.

The first, and obvious thing, is to have your ink cartridges refilled. Although this is the fast and easy way, the life of your “head” and toner cartridge is limited and often does not give the same quality output.

Fortunately, there are other options. Learn more after the jump.

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[ gadgets ] PSP Maintenance Guide

April 16, 2008 · Filed Under Gadgets · 2 Comments

More and more people are getting into handheld gaming. Here in the Philippines, the most popular would be the Sony PSP and the Nintendo DS.

I only have the PSP but am saving for a rainy day, so to speak, to buy me a DS pretty soon.

In the meantime, here’s a handy-dandy maintenance guide from PSP Blogger.

It will show you how to replace your faceplate, repair cracks, replacing the UMD door, clean parts and even make it waterproof (I don’t know why you’d want to do that). But don’t let your investment go to waste. Sometimes, you don’t even have to go to a repair shop to have it fixed. All it takes is a little common sense, bravery and some helpful tips from the web.

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Gamer Cribs: Girard Garcia

April 8, 2008 · Filed Under Gaming, Gadgets, Gamer Profiles · 2 Comments

When we go on coffee breaks here at Level Up, we always end up talking about gaming. We compare notes on the best setups, how to avoid 3RLs in Xbox, etc. etc.

This made me think; wouldn’t it be cool to feature and show my readers some of the actual gaming cribs of actual Pinoy gamers? Sweet! ‘Eureka blogging-moment’.

And as debut for “Gamer Cribs” (I thought of that name myself. Wapak!), I talked to Girard Garcia. Girard works for our creative department as senior copywriter and editor. He’s the guy that cranks up all those words in our flyers, websites and press releases. Girard or “Gi” is also an avid console gamer and he’ll show us his setup below.

Gi’s interview (and his crib) after the jump…

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My New Nokia N77

April 7, 2008 · Filed Under Infotech, Musings, Gadgets · 7 Comments

I’m saying goodbye to “old faithful”… my Nokia 6680. It has served me well. Goodbye, old friend.

Meanwhile, I say hello to a new associate - my new Nokia N77. The phone, my official office service unit, arrived last Friday from SMART and that (along with Rica Peralejo coming to visit us) completed my week.

I really had a tough time deciding which unit to choose (from the Smart Gold packages). At first it was a toss-up between the N81 8GB and N95 8GB. Being a gamer myself, I was inclined with getting the N81. After reading some minor glitches about the N95, I already wrote down the n81 at my application form - until Chino, RF Online Game Manager, showed me his N77 and I got to compare it with another officemates’ N95.

It’s the myTV that got me hooked!

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Gamer Gadget Roundup

March 28, 2008 · Filed Under Gaming, Gadgets · Comment

If you’re a gamer, it’s best to have gadgets specifically designed for your stringent needs (or requirements).

Here, in my latest gadget round-up, I review 4 cool gear that you simply cannot afford to ignore.

Store your screenshots and character info in a big 4GB flashdrive, get ready to connect all your devices with a sleek and stylish USB port, a great wireless keyboard and finally, a device that Brainiac will use if he were a gamer.

Check it out!

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Honda Remix Concept Car

March 25, 2008 · Filed Under Gadgets · 2 Comments

Concept cars are way cool! And Honda is not one to be left behind. Presenting the Honda Remix, unveiled last 2006 at the LA Auto Show, this uber-sexy and stylish car is sure to make jaws drop.

I want one! The REMIX explores the shape and design of a two-seat sports car focused on agile and fun-to-drive performance that can also provide exceptional practicality as a daily driver.

Sports car in shape and design, the low-slung REMIX features a wrap-around canopy that adds a fighter jet-feel to the driving experience.

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The ICQ Toothpaste

March 23, 2008 · Filed Under Musings, Gadgets · 3 Comments

Do you remember ICQ? One of the first instant messaging services in the web?

The Israeli company that developed ICQ has recently partnered with a pharma company to come up with a real, working ICQ TOOTHPASTE (see below). I kid thee not.

In fact, it seems that their marketing mantra is “help P2P communication (person to person) while reducing bad breath.”

Lame? Cool? Useless?

You decide…

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[ infotech ] Wifi Can Now Reach 60 Miles

March 23, 2008 · Filed Under Infotech, Gadgets · Comment

Wifi here at the office can reach the veranda at the 6th floor but the signal is low (we’re at the 11th floor). I sure wish there’s a way to boost the darn signal. Well, methinks my prayers are finally answered.

Intel has recently figured a way to boost WiFi to 60 miles. “The wireless technology, called the rural connectivity platform (RCP), will be helpful to computer-equipped students in poor countries, says Jeff Galinovsky, a senior platform manager at Intel. And the data rates are high enough–up to about 6.5 megabits per second–that the connection could be used for video conferencing and telemedicine, he says.” to quote the article at Technology Review

The system consists of processor, radios, specialized software, and an antenna