Many years ago, back in the days when Windows XP was standard, I believed that portable mini computers were going to be popular. This was before netbook popularity. There were others that agreed, but it was just too early. There are mini computers that run Windows ME, but they didn't catch on. I wasn't aware of them at the time. Part of it probably had to deal with the need for a CD drive at the time. USB drives were 8MB (yes 8MB. I have one somewhere. It's probably a collector's dream), 64 MB was crazy, then the 128MB. Flash storage was expensive and not viable. The Internet was slow. Broadband was just starting to hit the market, so dial-up was still mainstream. Computers were slow, and these smaller ones were even slower. So the timing wasn't right.

I also thoguth about having everything stored online, and everyone having a computer with whatever monitor they wanted, to access all their files from anywhere. Google's cloud computing was already in the works, but I had not heard of it. I think we are a little ways away from widespread adoption because subscription fees are not desirable to online services (although upgrading to a larger hard drive is OK). Also, the Internet speeds should be faster. Waiting more than 30 seconds is too long for us. That amount of allowed waiting time will only get shorter for future generations. The local copy saved on the hard drive and update when connected is the response to that. Still, people like free. Auto backup online seems like it would be buggy.

Ok, so two things I had thought about these last few weeks included inventing a 3D video recorder. A week later, I found out that one was made already because of the success of the Avatar movie. I had saved the polarized lenses to try to make one of my own.

Another thing I thought about was having an HD mini projector for a laptop. I'm still thinking it through, but imagine a laptop without a screen, but rather a projector. A white... or even a clear... piece of material could be used as the surface it would project onto. If you wanted a smaller or larger screen, simply adjust how far away, or the focus of the lens. This would be a low cost alternative to an LED display. It would be nice simply because of the versatility in changing screen size. Another idea would be to have a projector attached to a laptop to be used a dual screen. The issue would be to create a 22" across picture with the projector on;y a few inches away and far below it. Say the unit was placed behind the screen and it projected upwards to create a projected screen above the laptop screen. But how would there be a portable stationary surface to project onto?

Well here is a pocket projector.

OK, I gotta give it up to Microsoft. Honestly, who wants to watch videos on how to do things? They take a long time to buffer and interest can be easily lost. Well Microsoft now has 7 second video demo. The buffer time is short and the videos are fun.



I stayed up until 6 a.m. looking at the Jawbone 1,2, 3/Prime and the icon versions. The icon version was really cool because of all the features the apps could give you. I looked into them. The cool ones required a monthly subscription. Sure they are only $3 a month, but still, Google voice rocks them out. I kept thinking that I should go ahead and spend up to $38 ($12 below market value, about 25% off) on these headsets for a few people I know. But right now I don't have a secure source of income. The jawbone is cool because it really reduced background noise.




I also searched and found the Windows 7 "snap" feature for Mac OSX. It's called Cinch. It's free but will show a pop up asking you to buy it for $7 when the program starts up. I haven't gotten any pop ups during use yet.




Woah, an Arnold Schwarzenegger (Doug) movie has s part where you can buy a "memory of a lifetime". How valuable is a memory? What makes it special? How much is it worth?

Oh, and a week ago I was trying to think about something I could invent and I thought about an affordable, high quality 3d video camera. But one just came out.

I'm trying to find a good video camera I can use to make near production quality videos.

I found the Cannon Rebel T2i that takes 1080p video at 24 and 30 fps.

That sounds like what I'd like. The video I watched that was made by the camera is choppy as though the frame rate is slow and choppy at times when watching in 1080p. Maybe that's just because of the uploading process done in YouTube. The 420 isn't as choppy but the words in the book can't be made out.



The Canon 550D is supposed to be the same thing as the T2i.... not sure why the name is different. I do see the flaws, but is it good enough to spend $650 on in a year (when I can get one second hand for $150 off MSRP).

I also am wondering what lens to get for it. Apparently the lens is the most important thing in a camera.

What should I video?