What kind of small toys or devices click when you rotate them forwards and backwards? Seeking mechanism or design... [more inside]
posted by pallen123 on Nov 21, 2009 - 13 answers

Help me find a video of a levitating rocket-propelled platform. [more inside]
posted by dendrite on Sep 21, 2009 - 4 answers

Argh. I've installed the drivers, I've searched high and low online, nothing is helping, so I'm coming to ya'll: how can I get my Xbox 360 wireless controller (connected to my PC via the charge and play kit via a USB port) to work on my computer? Specifically, I want to play ROMs with it. [more inside]
posted by Bageena on Sep 3, 2009 - 12 answers

I've taken to using one of the apps available in the iphone app store as a desk clock. It sits on its dock, charging, with the display on all day. At the end of the day when I leave work, it feels warm. Am I doing it damage by keeping it on for so long every day?
posted by leemajors on Aug 25, 2009 - 5 answers

Loathe the new Macbook trackpad in XP, what input device should I use instead that doesn't require a desk and is OK for gaming? [more inside]
posted by Your Time Machine Sucks on Aug 5, 2009 - 7 answers

What is this crazy sci-fi looking device I bought at a salvage store? It has knobs, a compass, and a bizarre spinning top. [more inside]
posted by agropyron on May 28, 2009 - 9 answers

How do I capture P2 footage from my Panasonic HD HVX200 camera into Avid HD Pro?
posted by InterestedInKnowing on Apr 20, 2009 - 2 answers

What sorts of vibrating reminder devices are out there? [more inside]
posted by jinatrix on Apr 1, 2009 - 3 answers

Are there any Skype capable standalone videophone devices other than the ASUS AiGuru SV1? [more inside]
posted by inflatablekiwi on Feb 22, 2009 - 0 answers

Can you identify this strange interactive sound making device? [more inside]
posted by Henrik on Feb 12, 2009 - 8 answers

I have invented a calendar that I think is unique in design and function. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind on Feb 8, 2009 - 12 answers

In Windows Vista, under playback devices, I selected "Don't use this device" for the default audio device. Now that device has entirely vanished, and I can't get it back. [more inside]
posted by agropyron on Jan 2, 2009 - 2 answers

How can I change the generic name "USB Mass Storage Device" in my Vista system tray "Safely Remove Hardware" dialog? [more inside]
posted by msbrauer on Dec 30, 2008 - 6 answers

Sansa Connect two-fer: (1) the little dial sometimes become immobile; (2) which program to use now that Yahoo Jukebox has bitten the dust? [more inside]
posted by ibmcginty on Oct 30, 2008 - 4 answers

My PCI Simple Communications Controller has bitten the dust. [more inside]
posted by carsonb on Oct 12, 2008 - 4 answers

I'm about to begin work at a medical device company (as a paralegal) and would like an introductory book on the subject. I've scoured Amazon, but haven't found anything that's a general overview, with chapters on history, business climate, FDA and regulatory issues, litigation -- just a smattering of everything, with perhaps emphasis on legal / regulatory. Most books are more specialized. Or are there websites or white papers along these lines? Recommendations, please!
posted by nancoix on Aug 1, 2008 - 2 answers

Just bought Ipod Touch....I love it, but sometimes not having internet connection makes most of my widget apps useless. Are there Todo list/grocery list etc type apps that one can use offline? [more inside]
posted by matthelm on Apr 19, 2008 - 3 answers

What exactly does a Telxon 718 do? It looks like a way-back calculator but only has plus, minus, and a few weird, presumably abbreviated, button markings. Any guesses as to what it does? Video within. [more inside]
posted by vanoakenfold on Apr 5, 2008 - 13 answers

I'm kicking off a major home renovation and looking for some green innovations I can incorporate without breaking the bank. This gray water recovery system looks promising. [more inside]
posted by wsg on Mar 19, 2008 - 6 answers

I've made a small mechanical device but need help to find a USB-connected, -powered and -controlled part that gives mechanical input. It should be slow, turned on/off from computer, and really cheap. [more inside]
posted by nolnar on Mar 19, 2008 - 9 answers

Are there any network attached storage devices that work well with Xbox 360? [more inside]
posted by notchristopher on Feb 24, 2008 - 4 answers

Looking for a smart surge protector that shuts down peripherals when a computer is turned off or asleep. [more inside]
posted by floam on Jan 14, 2008 - 7 answers

I'm looking for an MP3 player that you can treat like a USB drive. In other words, I want to load MP3s onto it by just plugging the device into my machine and the copying files over. I do not want to use a specialized program like Itunes, and I want to use a standard USB or Firewire cable to plug the device into my computer. [more inside]
posted by Afroblanco on Dec 24, 2007 - 32 answers

What is this device (180KB jpg)? My dad has had it for years but doesn't know what it's purpose is. It has a jaw that opens (103KB) and a scale (67KB) that reads up to 72, labeled every six divisions, and closes with an odd spring. I don't think that's in degrees since the jaw does not open that wide. It's obviously for measuring something but what that something is we can't figure out. My brother's idea was something involving maps. It is made of steel except for the brass scale.
posted by 6550 on Dec 22, 2007 - 13 answers

I'm looking for a digital compass + travel clock device for my oversea trip next year. Do you guys have any recommendation? Ideally, it should be small and has good battery life (and not outrageously priced :).
posted by parttimeninja on Oct 28, 2007 - 1 answer

ChinaFilter: What are some interesting and unusual medicine or tonics or elixirs I can buy in China that is not readily available anywhere else? [more inside]
posted by gttommy on Oct 25, 2007 - 5 answers

Help me build a device to last the ages - and still function! For a hobby/art project, I'm building a pocket-sized gadget comprised of electronics, gears, metal, glass, wood, plastic, etc. Is there any particular book or other source that stands out as the bible on issues of long-lasting methods and materials? Ie covers questions like how transparent and strong various plastics remain after X years/decades of sun and UV? Which material/method of lubrication for gears will best last decades under X conditions? Which soldier alloy? [more inside]
posted by -harlequin- on Oct 17, 2007 - 7 answers

Is this some sort of Japanese Torture Device? [more inside]
posted by tdischino on Jul 24, 2007 - 4 answers

Does the iPod Nano (2nd generation) work as a mass usb storage device ON MAC? The answers I found suggest it does this only on Windows. Oddly Apple's own specs say nothing about it. But many reviews mention it.
posted by sparrows on Jul 18, 2007 - 4 answers

External Hard drive USB device not recognized, how do I fix? [more inside]
posted by complience on May 26, 2007 - 9 answers

Hi: I would like to know if anyone has had experience with Mandibular Advancement Device. I have allergies which cause my nasal passages to get totally block at night. When I do fall off to sleep I wake up due lack of Oxgyen. I have tried nasal strips, they dont work well, and I don't like taking drugs. Please let me know if its worth buying one of these devices..... I need a good night's sleep.
posted by Noodles on Apr 15, 2007 - 6 answers

Access Control & Electronic Lock Filter: I'm working on a project that requires a method of controlling intermittent access to a small container, can you help? [more inside]
posted by Sevenupcan on Mar 1, 2007 - 2 answers

I am looking for a PDA or electronic device used primarily for accessing the web through WIFI. The bigger the screen the better. If possible I would want this device to be able to read JAVA. When traveling, I find my computer is a bit bulky to use quickly as a web device. Thanks
posted by Mckoan1 on Feb 17, 2007 - 15 answers

What is the best PFD (personal flotation device) for a beginner sea kayaker? Is it an essential to try on before buying and is a used PFD something to avoid? [more inside]
posted by cast4321 on Dec 4, 2006 - 8 answers

Standing Room Tickets: Find me a portable device that lets me stand (or sit at standing height) comfortably for 3 hours in the standing room area of an opera house. [more inside]
posted by anonymoose on Sep 16, 2006 - 11 answers

What is this implement? [more inside]
posted by fire&wings on Sep 7, 2006 - 40 answers

Does this device exist: standalone video player with a builtin harddrive, component video outs, menu system & remote, ethernet/wifi. Does not rely on computer in the house. Can be turned off/made silent like a normal device when I'm not using it. But when it's on I can watch shows and movies I've transferred to it over the network without excessive hacks-- hopefully it can decode most common video formats and play in HD if necessary. Does not need video in--I don't want a recorder. [more inside]
posted by neustile on May 16, 2006 - 11 answers

I need to buy a USB steering wheel that is tough enough for an arcade machine. [more inside]
posted by andrewzipp on Jan 24, 2006 - 4 answers

I'm about to buy a new laptop. Is there a good way of finding out which laptops have devices on board that are noncompatible with a regular Windows install? Let me explain further, in regard to an annoying HP Omnibook I have... [more inside]
posted by shannymara on Nov 2, 2005 - 6 answers

Which one of the portable devices usable with Rhapsody is any good? [more inside]
posted by mcguirk on Sep 10, 2005 - 10 answers

I understand that there is a new cell phone with an embedded chip that can assist parents locate their children. The cell phone works with GPS, an ID Chip, and a Microsoft program. The cell phone costs approximately $100.00. http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9135838/site/newsweek/ Is there an inexpensive locator device (other than LoJak which is rather pricey) that can locate a car if stolen?
posted by Mckoan1 on Sep 1, 2005 - 3 answers

Am I right in thinking that there exists a certain contraption that can be used to squash the remnants of various bars of soap into one large bar of soap, thereby utilising all those little slivers of soap that are always left over? If so, what is such a thing called? And where can I get hold of one? (pref in UK) Thanks
posted by juniorbonner on Apr 29, 2005 - 14 answers

So all of us mad inventors now know about eMachineShop and PIC microprocessors and interesting connectivity devices. And some of us have designed truly wicked little systems just begging to make it onto the front page of Engadget. [more inside]
posted by felix on Feb 18, 2005 - 2 answers

Does anyone here have a Griffin Powermate? If so what do you use it for?
posted by zero on Dec 14, 2004 - 10 answers

I picked up the latest version of knoppix, and since this being my first time using Linux, I love it. Something sparked in my mind, and I wanted to ask anybody if corporate hackers use knoppix to do work, then reboot to wipe any data? Is knoppix known to be evidence friendly? I am not asking if it is or not, I am asking if it is known to be.
posted by Keyser Soze on Jun 3, 2004 - 8 answers

Amherst College wants to know: what is this thing?
posted by Vidiot on Apr 19, 2004 - 17 answers

The ideal recording device. I am looking for a compact audio recording device that has input/outputs for an external mic if necessary, and storage media that is digital. It will be used to make sound recordings of people and other sounds in public areas. The recorded sound should also be easily converted to mp3 or wav format.
posted by turbanhead on Feb 10, 2004 - 8 answers

I need a way to keep in touch with my sweetie. I don't want a cellphone. I was thinking a combo of text-messaging + pager would be perfect. does such a device exist? [more inside] [more inside]
posted by soplerfo on Dec 12, 2003 - 12 answers