Come on, all I want to know is how much do they really cost. They are turning kids in tropical countries into slaves just to get cheaper bananas, but what's the real cost? 'Cause the bananas don't seem that much cheaper. Why are we still paying so much for bananas when you got them made by little slave kids? What are your overheads? [ifixit]

The image associated with this post is best viewed using a browser.

There are so many questions I have just from the cover.

1) What the hell is a Time Banana?

2) What am I doing with a Time Banana?

3) What am I doing on a book?

4) Why am I gesturing for people to go INTO a burning village?

5) Did I take part, or just precipitate the events that lead to the burning of said village?

6) Why is it showing me with a haircut I haven't had since I was eight?

7) Why is the reflection of the town in the water a city?

8) Who is Duncan Richardson and why did he base a book on my life?

9) Why is this the best book description ever?

Mrs B has a secret. And when she says she can't succeed in her dangerous mission without him, Jason agrees to join her for a ride in her Time Banana. They travel back to the 1860s, with the Great Fire of Brisbane looming.

10) Would my book have sold better if I had called it "Jason Chen and the Time Banana"?

I need to get ahold of Duncan Richardson.

[Amazon (Kindle Version) and Amazon Regular]

I'm not a great boarder. I fall on my butt, knees, shoulders and arms, but the surf like feel and tiger-claw like grip of this board make me feel like I can ride much more aggressively without facing dire consequences. I've been able to much more easily charge through steep moguls, do slashes on steep sides of almost any gully, and carve deep and long enough to double grab the inside of the board on turns. Can't seem to pull it off on the old board. Maybe there's a magic feather effect going on here, or maybe its the tech.

Traditionally cambered snowboards bend the tip and tail downwards to help push the corners of a board down into the snow. Like a ski. Lib-tech's banana boards, taking a queue from rocker boards from the 80s, invert this curve, bending boards upwards at the ends.

This has several effects: It helps boards float a bit more in powder and over choppy snow, pivot the entire board between the feet for quick slash turns, make the ends less accidentally catchy, and precurving the board's ends in an arc that allow the board to carve well when you lean over enough. It gives the overall board a very free feeling, like a surfboard or park board with no edges, but let you carve when necessary when you put the board up on its side.

There are three minor disadvantages/catches: edge to edge for a quick turn is the same as on any traditional board, but going from carve to carve takes a bit more effort. Also, the rocker shape is good for keeping from diving in powder, but you're certainly not floating over it, either. (Lib sells a longer variant of this board with a shovel nose, and a narrow tail model called the Snow Mullet specifically for powder.) And when you are exhausted, since no edges press down on the snow when you're just standing there, it's hard to control unless you are charging. (Hey, those of us riding should be charging all the time anyhow, right?) The board always wants to move.

The bottom line is, rocker boards are super fun because you can take more risks on them, and they fly over lots of rough terrain. Every other board maker is going in on this revival of old 80s rocker shapes. But Lib tech boards like this one also have magne-traction, and so they can carve unbelievably well.

Regular snowboard edges are curved but smooth, like a samurai sword. Magne-traction boards have waves in them, basically turning the edges into steak knives. Here's how I'd explain the advantages to this. Imagine cutting a piece of ice with a butter knife, and then again with a steak knife. Steak knife does better, right? OK then! But here's another advantage the wavy edges have: smooth snowboard edges don't assume lateral movement. The kind of movement that happens when an edge of a board or ski slides out on ice. Take the same ice cube, and drag the butter knife across the ice and it should just move. The serrations on a steak knife serve to hold the edge in place, or regrip again after moving, very quickly.

It's hard to express how much I enjoy this board, out of all the boards in my collection. Usually, I'd have to deal with compromises in terms of short and maneuverable boards and boards that can survive on powder, but somehow through shape and technology, it manages all to a certain degree without being dull. And the paint looks pretty killer, too. I'll be riding it at Snowmodo, for sure.

[Lib-Tech]

Snowmodo is our snow sport winter meet up at Lake Tahoe, with prizes, discounts, tons of fun snow activities, a party and GADGETS. If you can make it (and people are coming from TEXAS) please RSVP. I'll let you wear my hat (below).

For the specs, it runs Symbian OS, HSDPA, 2.2-inch screen, 30fps video, 4GB microSD card, and movies thanks to Universal, Sony and Warner. There's also streaming video from Sky or CNN over its 3G, complete with a mini DVR-like system that you can watch shows anytime. It's Moto's multimedia-centric phone, which changes its form depending on what function is in use. Better yet, there's YouTube, MySpace and Flickr uploading.

It does more than that.

However, instead of downloading movies on your PC to put it onto the Z8, they're going to sell cards with movies pre-installed so you can plug those into your phone. We saw how well that worked out with the PSP, but maybe placing it onto an SD card will make a difference.

Moto also announced that there's going to be gaming (via studios like EA), as well as taking video and pictures and uploading it to sites like Flickr and Myspace (the UI in the video above). That's similar to the Nokia N95 we've been playing around with. You can even use it to blog, if you're into that kind of thing.

– Jason Chen

MOTO™ Z8 Kick start your day with the new MOTO Z8. Reinventing the slider phone, the MOTO Z8 brings multimedia, speed, pleasure and mobile broadband1 to your fingertips. Providing you with the ultimate in entertainment, the MOTO Z8 allows you to watch crystal clear video at 30 frames per second through a large QVGA 16m TFT display. The device also supports optional expandable memory up to 4GB using microSD, which is enough space for full length movies or hours of music. Music can be enjoyed wirelessly utilising Bluetooth™ wireless technology that, when combined with an optional Bluetooth enabled stereo headset such as the Motorola Bluetooth Active Headphones S9, provides complete wireless control and freedom.1 Feature packed, at 15.3 millimeters, the MOTO Z8 is not much larger than the classic MOTORAZR™ waist band. Providing an innovative and exciting mobile experience the MOTO Z8 allows you to enjoy your multimedia content while on the go with crystal clear video and high fidelity sound. Whether you're watching or streaming video2 or having a lengthy conversation, the MOTO Z8 is much more than your typical slider - it's a revolution in mobile multimedia. Goodbye image. Hello reality.

Lightning Fast Speed
For instant gratification when you need the right content, the MOTO Z8 and its HSDPA, Symbian software and 3.5G enablers will come through for you. The MOTO Z8 not only delivers quick access to content, it delivers smooth services and experiences directly to your phone. Staying entertained has never been easier - watch pin sharp videos on the 2.2 inch screen or access on-demand content directly on your handset.2 Harnessing the power of mobile broadband, download content over-the-air (OTA) - getting your music, video files, games or even accessing the Internet has never been easier.2 From sharing photos to rocking out to your own personal soundtrack, saying you'll be satisified is an understatement.

Instant Access
From fashion gurus to multimedia junkies, the new MOTO Z8 has something to offer all consumers. Bursting with multimedia capabilities, this do-it-all handset includes a powerful 2.0 megapixel camera with dedicated shutter button for one-click photo and video capture, integrated lumi LED light and even red-eye reduction. With a hot swappable microSD card with up to 4GB of optional memory, you can quickly access files. Equipped with an integrated music player, the MOTO Z8 allows you to create playlists, add creativity to your music with on-screen visualizations and easily skip to the next groove with shuffle capability. The MOTO phone's redesigned user interface allows simple one-click access to all this and more.

Expand Your Horizons
Enabling you to expand your music experience wirelessly, the MOTO lets you set your music collection free ... from wires. The MOTO Z8 effortlessly syncs with your compatible Bluetooth enabled music center wirelessly. Using compatible stereo Bluetooth accessorie you can enjoy your favorite tunes wirelessly without ever missing a call - at home, on the move, on the go!1

SUMMARY OF FEATURES:

* Unique ergonomic slider design
* Up to approximately five hours 3G talk time, up to approximately 16 days standby time3
* 3.6Mbps HSDPA providing mobile broadband1
* 2 megapixel camera with 8x zoom and lumi LED light, video record and playback capabilities
* Approximately 90 MB free internal user memory4, optional expandable to 4GB with microSD
* Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS 1.21
* Integrated media player
* Redesigned user interface with one-click access to phone functions
* A2DP AVRCP Bluetooth stereo profiles1

The MOTO Z8 is expected to be available in the first half of 2007. For more information on pricing and product availability in your region, please check with your local Motorola representative.

Certain mobile phone features may not be activated by your service provider, and/or their network settings may limit the feature's functionality. Contact your service provider for details. All features, functionality and other product specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

1 This device supports Bluetooth A2DP-Source, AVCTP, AVDTP, AVRCP-Target, BIP-ImagePush, BPP-SenderDev, DUN-GW, FT-Server, GAP, GAVDP, Headset-AG, HFP (1.5) AG, OPP-Client, OPP-Server profiles. In order for Bluetooth devices to communicate with one another, they must utilize the same Bluetooth profile. To determine the profiles supported by other Motorola devices, visit www.hellomoto.com/bluetooth. For other devices, contact their respective manufacturer.

Certain Bluetooth features including those listed may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices, or by certain wireless carriers. Contact your wireless carrier about feature availability and functionality.

2 Network and/or SIM card dependent feature, not available in all areas. Airtime, data charges, and/or additional charges may apply.

3 All talk and standby times are quoted in Digital Mode, and are approximate. Battery performance depends on network configuration, signal strength, operating temperature, features selected, and voice, data and other application usage patterns. Talk times and standby times will be lower when in Analog Mode.

4 Available user memory varies due to the configuration of the phone, which varies by service provider.

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. The Bluetooth trademarks are owned by their proprietor and used by Motorola, Inc. under license. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2007. All rights reserved.

MOTO Z8
Band: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Class 10
Mode: Dual mode UMTS 2100, HSDPA 3.6Mbs
Dimensions 109mm x 50mm x 15mm
Size 77 cc
Weight 112 grams
Battery Li-Ion 1030 mAh with instantON
Talk Time3: up to approximately 5 hours 3G talk time
Standby Time3: up to approximately 16 days
Video Playback: up to approximately 5 hours (MPEG4, 30fps)
Music Playback: up to approximately 12 hours (MP3 at 128kbps)
Display
User Interface 2.2" QVGA 16 million color TFT
Symbian 9.2, UIQ 3.1, TI 2420 multimedia processor
Memory Approximately 90 MB free internal use memory4
Hot-swappable microSD memory slot expandable up to 4GB optional memory
Features

* 2MP camera with 8x zoom and flash with several modes and dedicated camera shoot key
* VGA camera for two-way video calling1
* Multimedia: uses 3.6Mbps HSDPA , streaming 3GPP, H.263, H.264 @30fps, MPEG4 AMR-NB
* Music player and playlists support MP3, AAC/AAC+/AAC+E, AMR-NB
* Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS 1.21
* Email: SMTP, POP3, IMAP4, SSL/TLS1
* Java: J2ME MIDP 2.0, CLDC 1.1, OTA download of applications and games1
* Stereo Bluetooth wireless technology enables you to lose the wires with a compatible Bluetooth enabled headset (see Motorola S9)2

Connectivity OMA DM 1.2, CP 1.1 and DS with SyncML
Mini-USB/EMU, Full rate US 2.0; PC sync application
Bluetooth wireless technology: Class 2 EDR; A2DP with AVRCP profiles2
FOTA
The MOTO Z8 is expected to be available in the first half of 2007. For more information regarding pricing and product availability in your region, please check with your local Motorola representative.
Certain mobile phone features are dependent on the capabilities and settings of your service provider's network. Additionally, certain features may not be activated by your service provider, and/or their network settings may limit the feature's functionality. Always contact your service provider about feature availability and functionality. All features, functionality and other product specifications are based upon the latest available information and are believed to be accurate; however such product specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

1 Network and/or SIM card dependent feature, not available in all areas. Airtime, data charges, and/or additional charges may apply.

2 This device supports Bluetooth BIP-ImagePush, BPP-SenderDev, DUN-GW, FT-Server, GAP, GAVDP, Headset-AG, HFP (1.5) AG, OPP-Client, OPP-Server profiles. In order for Bluetooth devices to communicate with one another, they must utilize the same Bluetooth profile. To determine the profiles supported by other Motorola devices, visit www.hellomoto.com/bluetooth. For other devices, contact their respective manufacturer.
Certain Bluetooth features including those listed may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices, or by certain wireless carriers. Contact your wireless carrier about feature availability and functionality.
3 All talk and standby times are quoted in Digital Mode, and are approximate. Battery performance depends on network configuration, signal strength, operating temperature, features selected, and voice, data and other application usage patterns.
4 Available user memory varies due to the configuration of the phone, which varies by service provider.

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. The Bluetooth trademarks are owned by their proprietor and used by Motorola, Inc. under license. Java and all other Java-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2007. All rights reserved.

Bluetooth Banana Phone Wireless Handset [Instructables]

For the actual phone—it is a slider with 142MB of memory, MP3 player and a 1.3-megapixel camera. No word on pricing or availability or any other fruit phones coming from LG in the future. How about a pear phone? –Travis Hudson

LG SV80 looks yummy [uberphones]