Gizmodo: campers

Call For Photos: iPhone 3G Campers Around the World

Jason Chen — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:14:14 EDT

Those New Zealand jerks may have gotten their iPhone 3Gs already, but everyone else around the world is still waiting in line, sweaty and hungry for their new devices. If they're anything like our friends in Gizmodo Japan, they're quite enjoying the experience. We want to know about it. Send in photos of the first people in line around the world waiting for their iPhones to tips@gizmodo.com with the subject "iPhone Camper Photos." We'll do a gallery later in the week showing everyone just what kind of person it takes to wait in line overnight.

Call For Photos: iPhone 3G Campers Around the World

Jason Chen — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EDT

iPhone 3G Campers. Devoted fans or masochistic screwballs? We don't have the answer, but we don't have enough evidence yet. That's where you come in. We want you to send in pictures of the first person in line at Apple stores and cellphone stores around the world so we can see just what kind of testicular fortitude it takes to sit in the cold for two days just for a phone. And yes, testicular, because women aren't stupid enough to do this. At least, not unless someone drags them there. Send all photos to tips@gizmodo.com with the subject "iPhone Camper Photos". Above, you can see the flagship Apple store in Tokyo. Thanks, Jamandru!

Knee Brace Charges Your Cellphone

Benny Goldman — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:48:12 EST

A knee brace that generates enough electricity to power 10 cellphones was demonstrated by scientists recently. The brace harvests the energy of a person's knee braking after taking a step, similar to the way hybrid car brakes collect energy to charge their batteries. The device only weighs 3.5 pounds, and does not need the intense effort that other human-powered energy generators such as hand cranks require. And while the cellphone measurement given by the creators is pretty useless, they do have several practical applications in mind.

Scientists suggest that the brace could be used by campers and soldiers to power GPS locators and satellite phones in areas with limited access to electricity. It could also charge prosthetic knees, eliminating the need for periodic surgery to replace the batteries in the joint.

The current version of the knee brace is just a proof-of-concept; the team plans to make the device less bulky while still retaining its energy harvesting capabilities. We think this is a great idea with lots of potential (even if it was created in part by a University of Michigan professor). Hopefully we can get a working model before CES next year so we'll never need to worry about our laptop running out of juice. [Science via Science Daily, Reuters, BBC]

Non Interview: First iPhone Campers Not What Apple Expected

Jason Chen — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 22:01:38 EDT

You know those two guys waiting in line for the iPhone a whole 100 hours early? We've got an exclusive non-interview with them. And this grumpy guy is probably not what Apple expected when it envisioned the perfect customer for the iPhone.

Fake Steve is going to cry this is a Microsoft plant. But, look at it this way: he's a living, breathing, sweating indicator that Apple's iPhone really does appeal to the masses, and is ready for more love from the mainstream. Hey, you can't sell 10 million phones by catering only to beautiful technocrats.

Oh and readers, can you help identify these two men? Do you know them? If you do, email us.
UPDATE: Carolyn over at CNet talked to the man, and found out he's a veteran camper, having endured a PS3 launch. Aha, he looks so much friendlier in these shots.

Video by Nick McGlynn and Richard Blakeley

UPDATE: Andrew Andrew sends in photo of #1 iPhone fan's mysterious sign.

PlayStation 3 Melee Watch: Rapists, Wii, and Smashing Edition

Jason Chen — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 19:47:47 EST

Jackholes come in threes, and that's no exception for the PS3 melee madness. Our jerkbag is a suspected rapist who escaped from a University of kentucky Hospital only to go to Best Buy in order to buy a PS3. People were suspicious when they saw a man who fit the escapee's description. The description: boxer shorts and tennis shoes.

After the jump: PS3 smashing, and a gigantic Wii.

In the tradition of douchebags smashing electronics everywhere, SmashmyPS3 dresses up in a pimp outfit, buys a PS3, then smashes it to the horror of line-standers everywhere (especially there). See video to witness said horror.

A guy from 1up decided it would be funny to take his gigantic Wii costume, go to Best Buy, and flip off all the campers. He was right.– Jason Chen

Guy Flips off PS3 Campers [Gamebrink]

1up Guy [1up]

Escaped rape suspect arrested at Best Buy [Kentucky]

PlayStation 3 Melee Watch: Campers Get Violent

Jason Chen — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 19:05:53 EST

Oh my. People really, really want their PlayStation 3s. Just check out all the craziness going on today.

• Campers and local news reporter shot with BB pellets
• Guy robs 10 New Yorkers in line at gunpoint
• 60 people fight over 10 PS3s, one guy's face goes into a pole.
• Near riot takes place as SF PlayStation store tries to move line
• Wal-Mart shuts down when fight erupts over moving line from inside to outside
• Future Violence: Best Buy camping only starts at 5:00 am launch day, melee to erupt at 4:59
• Line cutters pissing off everybody, fights erupt

For those not involved in the fisticuffs, enjoy our ongoing PS3 coverage. – Jason Chen