Tag: pocket

Categories
Technology

Neutron lets you tote around a PC in your pocket

Part of what made the switch to mobile technology so natural for people is the way that existing technology is always pushing itself to be smaller, more efficient, and more convenient. Somewhere along the way, desktop computers got lost, choosing to stay large, boxy, and cumbersome.

The Neutron is an impressive palm-sized x64 PC that is deceptively powerful for its size. More than just a proof-of-concept novelty, the Neutron can run a full, modern Windows OS(8.1), uses Intel Haswell i3 and i5 processors, and is extremely energy efficient. With a minimum of 8GB of RAM and 256GB of solid state storage, the Neutron is no slouch computer, especially when being stacked up in a pound-for-pound comparison. With a mini displayport, mini HDMI port, and four USB 3.0 ports, the Neutron supports any USB accessories and up to three displays at once.

Available in seven different acrylic case colors, the Neutron is an eye-catching device sure to start a conversation wherever it gets set down and used. The onboard Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11AC Wi-Fi make it a snap to connect with at any location as well. For those that want a little more performance, the Neutron Pro comes in the same size case, but offers a Core i5 Processor, an Intel Iris 5000 graphics card, 16GB of DDR3 memory, and 480GB of solid state storage. If Atom Computer can raise $30,000, backers will get theirs in time for the 2014 holiday season starting at $750.

This isn’t just a neat idea being made available to people just because. This is a legitimate computer that fits inside a cargo pant pocket. For people who don’t mind latching onto displays wherever they can find them, that means having a fully-featured personal computer everywhere and anywhere. And that seems like the next evolutionary step for desktops.

Categories
Organization Tools

Small, durable Keynade lets your keys hang around

KeynadePerhaps one of life’s major annoyances is that matter of frequently misplaced house and car keys – small but highly essential items. In an effort to put a stop to the craziness of trying to find them or remember where they may have been placed last, Keynade offers a key ring that has a hook for hanging keys in a pant or purse pocket. The solid, Aerospace grade Titanium sanity restorer also includes a bottle opener, tab lifter and screw driver that seems to be effective while still being TSA-friendly. This seems like it may be a rather quality product overall, but it might be even nicer if the hook functioned more like a mountain climbing clip. For $25, backers get one product with an expected deliver of December 2014.

Categories
Music

Drop the beat, not expensive equipment, with Openmix

From the mixtape maker to the part-time party planner, everyone has an inner DJ just begging to mix songs together to make people smile and dance. But DJ equipment is expensive, large, and difficult to set up, so it’s no good for the impromptu get-together.

Openmix is the world’s smallest audio mixer, roughly the size of an iPod Mini. It has microphone jack plugs to connect to phones or MP3 players and controlled via the small dial fader on the front of the device. Openmix also features a third port for input, allowing a tablet or simple synthesizer to be connected to provide sound effects or other audio options. This allows devices to be swapped in and out easily, allowing for an ever-changing library and selection of tracks to be at the fingertip of the Openmix user.

In terms of features, that’s where Openmix really stops. It’s not meant for professional grade mixing or complicated techniques, it’s just something that can take a party from the groundswells to the dance floor. Openmix is a device built around fun, and so it’s simple enough for anyone to use and flex their DJ skills with before passing it along. Invented by New Yorker Gabriel Danet, it’s going to take $65,000 to bring Openmix out of the functional prototype stage and into full production and availability. Party people can lay down tracks with Openmix in January 2015 for $34.

Does Openmix fill a need in the market, or revolutionize its industry? Certainly not, but with its presentation, price point, and feature set, it’s clear that Openmix is just about accessible fun and sharing music. When viewed in that light, there’s no reason not to have an Openmix on hand just in case.