Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with devices

Do they make kids handheld movie projector toys anymore?

jeremias — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:31:52 -0800

Do they make kids handheld movie projector toys anymore? I don't quite remember the form factor and "projector" is not actually correct, but as a lad in the 70's I had this toy that you could put 8mm film cartridges of some sort into. It wasn't actually a projector because you had to look inside an eyepiece to see the cartoon, I mainly remember Disney cartoon loops of a minute or so. . Can't remember what the light source was, if it was a lamp, ambient light or what.

In any case, failing memory aside, is there anything like this on the market today, esp. for kids?

Don't Touch me.

pjern — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 11:39:40 -0800

I'd like recommendations on an alternative to the iPod Touch. I'd like web browsing and photo storage in a similar format. I'm not really interested in a phone package with usurious rates for data transfer, and I find Apple's policies wrt DRM and jailbreaking reprehensible.

I'm interested in wifi connectivity , basically for on-the road usage, with a small form factor, ideally pocketable.

Build me a monster of steel and wire

baggers — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 16:30:04 -0800

Is there an engineering equivalent of RentACoder? I need a couple of testing devices built, and I want to put them out for bid. I've used RentACoder for small programming jobs, and am looking for a site that works the same way: you write a description of a device that you want built, and people make bids to build it, then you pick one and the site escrows the money until you accept the device as being complete. Is there anything along these lines for devices?

Capitalising on other peoples stupidity: On Ebay, how do i know which broken devices aren't really THAT broken after all?

freddymetz — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 10:51:02 -0800

Capitalising on other peoples stupidity: On Ebay, how do i know which broken devices aren't really THAT broken after all? I see a lot of people selling broken devices (phones etc), some of them appearing relatively clueless about the problem. Are there any problems that can be easily fixed? And is there a chance of fixing a water damaged device after a significant period of time has passed?

Examples of assistive/monitoring medical devices for the elderly?

superwillis — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 23:45:39 -0800

Could anyone provide examples of medical devices that assist the elderly / assisted-living patients? (for instance, LifeAlert, the device that can be used to notify authorities if an elderly person is in danger). I'm doing an analysis on such devices, but I need to formulate a list of the different types of technologies available first. Keep in mind, this list includes both monitoring devices and assistive devices.

Medical Device malfunctions

engling — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 11:00:12 -0800

Does anyone know much about IV Patient Controlled Analgesia pumps? Specifically regarding device errors? I really hate wasting my one-question a week on this one, but my Google searches have turned up nothing. I am trying to come up to speed on IV PCA pumps. Looking for risks associated with the device. Specifically, have there been reports of guidewires breaking off? I am unfamiliar with the apparatus, so even a basic overview of how it works, and how a guidewire could potentially dislodge would be helpful.

Can you mix rechargeable batteries with different mAh ratings?

monsta coty scott — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 20:22:28 -0800

Can you mix rechargeable batteries with different mAh ratings? I only use Energizer NiMH rechargeable batteries. All of my older batteries are rated at 1850mAh and I bought a bunch of new ones that are all rated at 2500mAh. Can I mix these two batteries with each other in the devices I use? Can I charge them together or should I keep them all separate?

The reason I ask is that it is often stated that you should never mix fresh batteries with half dead batteries. Is mixing the two different ratings equivalent to that since the lower rating batteries will die sooner?

What are the numbers for video iPod use?

k8t — Tue, 03 Jan 2006 08:21:57 -0800

What are people watching on their Video iPods and other devices that use downloaded video content? How many people are buying them? What are the stats on what people are buying (PSP vs. Archos vs. iPod, etc.) I'm looking for information about video players specifically. Sure, the iTunes store tells me what people are legally downloading from them, but I assume that the majority of items downloaded aren't legal. Any stats are helpful. I've seen Apple's financial statement, but that's not terribly useful. Any info that is region specific, especially concerning Europe would be great.

Are there any RFID triggering devices?

TwelveTwo — Sun, 02 Oct 2005 12:28:20 -0800

Are there any devices able to trigger/trick RFID detectors? I've had mild amusement with stick-on RFID chips, so the recent question here piqued my curiosity. Are there any devices in existance that go across all frequencies used by RFIDs as to trigger them. Thus allowing for push button activation of the beeping theft obelisks at the enterance of stores.