RSS for MAKE
I just ordered what might be the cool hack toy of the year. It’s called the GameOptics LCD Display available at ThinkGeek and it’s a little USB device that displays instant messaging software, incoming emails, MP3 and internet radio playback, and weather. The purpose of this device is to use it while you’re playing MMORPG’s (Massive multiplayer online role playing games) and still tune in to the meat space. I think there’s a lot to hacking in store for this little guy, first item of business- add IRC support.
GameOptics LCD Display
Posted by Phillip Torrone | Saturday March 19th, 2005 12:29 AM
Categories: Uncategorized | 3 Comments
Very slick.
I’m wondering how hard it would be to make this work with the Mac, since the screenshots on ThinkGeek look pretty windows centric.
Interesting out-of-box device, but I’ll pass on the hack front…
You can get old PDAs for less on eBay and at used computer stores, and serial2USB (and parallel2USB) interfaces can be found everywhere. The old PDA approach also gets you a higher resolution touch-sensitive screen, and often an IR interface.
On the other hand, if the backlight can be replaced with some high-intensity LEDs to project the LCD display outward, I might be interested…
On second thoughts, if this thing DOES have a serial interface inside that you can hang other devices off to read+use the text, it’s got po’. Certainly saves having to re-invent the software side of things to send useful text to it!
Follow MAKE
From the Maker Shed
Launch Price: $75.99
RedPark TTL iOS Cable Breakout Pack
Exclusively in the Maker Shed, this updated Redpark Breakout Pack for Arduino and iOS makes interfacing your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with the real world easy! This bundle includes the new RedPark TTL Cable for iOS so a TTL adapter (and soldering) is no longer required.
Read More →