Episode 913

Darkfield Laser Tracking
The main difference between Logitech’s VX Nano (see inter alia Episode 847) and the new Anywhere MX is the Darkfield Laser Tracking technology.  It blocks out the central area of light immediately underneath the lens and only allows rays of light to enter the lens at an angle.  Imperfections on the working surface appear as bright objects on a dark background, like a starry sky.  When necessary, the mouse will employ the 2nd laser beam as well for a better detection of imperfections.  For more details, check out Logitech’s innovation brief (pdf).

The Anywhere MX works on clear glass
The mouse still will not work on a “perfect” surface.  That is rare in the real world, but if that does happen, Logitech suggests that you grease the surface with your palm to create the necessary imperfections!

The Big Five?
Leo has not been invited to the Apple Event that is to take place today.  He’s not bitter.  He acknowledges that he’s not one of the Big Four Apple favourites, or the Big Five if you add Dane Golden, formerly of the Argus-Courier, to the mix.

Court Transcripts
Tim Rasmussen grew up watching the Match Game and reading MAD.  As a part-time proofreader of transcripts for court reporters, he’d like to return the favour to Dick by giving him real exchanges in court, for a bit of fun.

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Episode 912

Leo in 3D
John Zengerle’s brother works at Z Corp which also offers 3D printers (see Episode 907), including ones which use starch instead of plastic to make the prototypes.  Leo is familiar with these machines as he was given a bust of himself made from one of them when he was still doing The Lab with Leo (even though the bust looks more like Julius Caesar).  Video below from odtv.me.

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Episode 911

.comwars
Today Leo, his family and friends, and the TWiT Team are going to play Capture-the-Flag in the .comwars in Junipero Serra Park in San Francisco, using lasertags.  It’s being organised by TWiT fans funcrunch and Ziggy.  That’s one way to celebrate Labour Day.

A Note from the Past in the Future
Pete Helmore from the UK can’t visit TWiT Cottage just yet, but has time enough to recommend FutureMe, where you can send an email to yourself in the future.  Dick and Leo are quick to send emails to themselves, with predictions for the future tech world.

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Episode 910

Cool Wagon
Watch Dick demonstrate the Cool Wagon on this short video clip (excerpt from odtv.me).



Dedication, Determination, Devotion
Scott, who's probably Scott Brocks who last wrote in Episode 506 and whose service in the armed forces has taken him to the UK, Germany and Iraq, is at present posted at Wellington, New Zealand.  With a little girl in the family, Scott ordered the Good Nite Lite (Episode 801) with an international credit card, had it posted to a US address, sent over to New Zealand, only to find that it got a US plug, bought an adapter, then discovered that it was rated 110V, purchased a transformer to run the light at 230V, and finally got it to work.  That's dedication, determination and devotion for you.

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Episode 909

The Cost of Gadget Development
Lionel Robitaille, inventor of the Box-Buddy, explains to Dick that the idea came to him in his sleep in 1990, did nothing about it until 1995, applied for a utility patent which took two years.  The total cost to date, including his current stock, is $250,000.

Box-Buddy
Lint-Free Cow Catcher
Speaking of gadget invention, how about a lint-free cow catcher, suggests Dick, and they can always get Eric Shank from Wild Planet to lend them the Dimension 3D Printer to make a prototype.

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