Came across the new Sony DSC-T1 digital camera. The world's thinnest 5MP camera in the world. Furthermore, Sony released a marine pack which makes your camera water resistant to a depth of approximately 120 feet.
"I see a lot of Gadgets, but honestly when I opened the box of the Sony DSC-T1 removed the handbooks and CD and was looking at the tiny Digital Camera I got a really big smile on my face. This Camera is not only thin but it is actually looks very small to. And this big screen (2.5") is out of this world."
Wired reviews three portable generators and lists Yamaha's EF1000iS as a best buy at $799, altough the Honda EU2000i pumps out 2 kilowatts for up to 15 hours per 1.1-gallon tank of unleaded, making it the most powerful luggable unit available.
"Yamaha's pint-size EF1000iS purrs at between 47 and 57 dB and weighs a mere 28 pounds, yet puts out up to 12 hours of 1-kilowatt power. Like the Honda, it comes equipped with a built-in inverter, making it safe for finicky electronics. Its 0.66-gallon tank is completely sealable for transport, and it boasts a unique valve for draining the carburetor to prevent gummy buildup."
A bit further on the same page three fish finders are compared, claiming Navman FISH 4500 is your best buy, with Furuno's FCV600L not doing bad as well.
"The only thing missing from this tracker is a TV tuner. Then again, you'll be so busy reeling them in you won't have time for a break. The finder emits two sets of sound waves and, based on how many bounce back, it demystifies the deep. The results, including likely fish, appear on the high-resolution 5.6-inch LCD. The Furuno is easy to set up and searches down to 3,000 feet."
It's been out for a while, but it received one of Motor Boating Editors� Choice Awards. I think it's a good example of how boats are being (wirelessly) networked, and that displays therefore do not require computing power in itself. All this allows far more flexibility and possibilities for the use of electronics on board.
"It may seem like a toy, and some fishermen think it is, but Humminbird's SmartCast deserves a serious look for its wireless technology. A portable sensor is imbedded in a bobber that you cast out; the sensor sends "pictures" of fish and bottom contours to a small display screen. The screen can be located in a mobile station or mounted on a fishing rod. It's even available in a wristwatch configuration."
Was reading an article in Slasdot on 3D displays that do not require any glasses to work. I was just imagining that this could be a convenient interface for all kind of data and graphics when sailing, fishing or racing. Guess it will take a while before we see a glass compass replaced by something like this, but, who knows...
"Hitachi, Ltd has developed a 3D display called Transpost which can be viewed from any direction without wearing special glasses. 3D movies can be seen as floating in the display. Also, 3D movies captured at other places can be shown on the display in realtime. The principle of the device is that 2D images of an object taken from 24 different directions are projected to a special rotating screen. They also developed a camera which can capture images from 24 directions simultaneously." The pictures are interesting, but..."
Instead of stuffing your small on-board refrigerator with sixpacks, you might consider this new product developed by Heineken and Krups. It will save precious space, and will serve 20 nice cool beers from 1 keg.
"How does it work? Consumers insert the proprietary, compact, 4-litre Heineken keg in the BeerTender appliance, which keeps the keg at the right temperature and in optimal condition for a period of three weeks after the first beer is tapped. Beers taste just like they do in a real bar, minus the smoke and corny jokes."
Since mobile phones are a great way for coastal sailors to stay in touch with the rest of the world, it might be wise to protect them, just like some of the other on-board gadgets, like say an Apple iPod. Vaja is a company that sells cases for gadgets, and you can even have them custom made.
In case you're chartering a boat in the carribean and have a specific need for certain electronic aids, have a look at a company called Renport which allows you to rent all you need.
"Whether you wish to stay in touch with friends, family or your office by sending and receiving e-mail; check the latest weather reports; plan your itinerary with electronic charts; watch a movie with dinner; play games; listen to your favorite music; have a blended mix drink and enjoy the sunset, we have a package just for you!"
The entrance of Bluetooth in the marine electronics industry has just begun, but here's a nice example of what can be done. It's a bit expensive though..
"Here's a unique high-end marine keyboard, and it uses the Bluetooth wireless protocol mentioned in my column. Its tough composite construction is supposedly good for a million key clicks, and the unit is submersible to 60 feet."
Short roundup by Practical Boat Owner of some waterproof digital cameras.
"The Pentax Optio 33WR and Casio�s GV-20 can tolerate being dunked in water but must not be used underwater . However the Sony Cybershot DSC-U60 and the Ricoh Capilo 300G can both be used down to a depth of a metre or so."
Came across the new Sony DSC-T1 digital camera. The world's thinnest 5MP camera in the world. Furthermore, Sony released a marine pack which makes your camera water resistant to a depth of approximately 120 feet.
"Yamaha's pint-size EF1000iS purrs at between 47 and 57 dB and weighs a mere 28 pounds, yet puts out up to 12 hours of 1-kilowatt power. Like the Honda, it comes equipped with a built-in inverter, making it safe for finicky electronics. Its 0.66-gallon tank is completely sealable for transport, and it boasts a unique valve for draining the carburetor to prevent gummy buildup."
A bit further on the same page three fish finders are compared, claiming Navman FISH 4500 is your best buy, with Furuno's FCV600L not doing bad as well.
It's been out for a while, but it received one of Motor Boating Editors� Choice Awards. I think it's a good 
Was reading an 
"Here's a unique high-end 
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