Gizmodo: Ghetto

10 Ultimate Ghetto Gadget Creations

Sean Fallon — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Even though design is a major focus of gadget manufacturers these days, the results are not always pretty. In fact, they can be downright hideous at times. However, when it comes to hacks and DIY projects, the goal is to create something that flat-out works—not something that is pleasing to the eye. The following 10 gadgets are a testament to that fact. They may not be pretty, but MacGyver would certainly approve.

The Most Ghetto Car Stereo Ever Makes Duct Taped Windows Seem Classy

Jason Chen — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EDT

We've no idea how old this image is—it's probably been floating around the internet for a while—but unless we see any other possible entries, we're going to award this the Most Ghetto Car Stereo Ever trophy. If you've got an old beater from the 1970s or '80s, you can actually make your own! I know! It's seriously making a statement to potential stereo thieves. A statement that says, "really, your self-esteem is low enough that you'll steal THIS? How about I just give you five bucks and we call it even?" [My Confined Space via Gearfuse via Tech Digest]

How To Do Matrix-Like Bullet Time Video at Home

Jesus Diaz — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:15:17 EST

Head to Instructables for a tutorial about how to do your own spectacular Matrix-like ghetto Bullet Time videos for those lovely OMG-grandma's-is-frozen-in-time-and-space moments. Using nothing more than wood, tubes, a whole lot of digital point-n-shots, one external shutter trigger and a box full of relays, you will be able to play Neo in the hood, but without red pills, white rabbits and black shiny latex. Or maybe with all that too.

Although Bullet Time is a patented process, nothing stops you from making such a device for your own use. It doesn't have to be as complete as the one in the tutorial and since old digital cameras are a buck-a-piece on eBay, it won't break the bank.

The Bullet Time trick is easy: you line your cameras on a wood arch, connect them to your trigger box and fire them in quick succession. The cameras will grab a series of frames which, put together in a video editing program, will give the illusion of frozen time while the camera travels through the scene. This rig was developed by "Graffiti Research Lab and director Dan the Man to use in a hip-hop music video for underground rappers Styles P, AZ and the legendary Large Professor," who is the guy in the loop above. [Instructables]

(Music in the loop by Bret and Jemaine)

DBA XPD171 iPod Ghetto Blaster Boombox

Jason Chen — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:25:10 EDT

If you're in the mood for combining the currently-in-favor iPod with the darling of the '80s, the boombox, check out this currently unannounced DBA iPod speaker dock. It's styled after the ghetto blasters of yore, but has a room for your iPod. Not many other details other than the tape player-esque buttons on the front and other details that you see. It's the best of both worlds, which means you should be prepared to have your subway ride ruined once again.

Thanks tipster!

DIY Ghetto Hovercraft Uses a Leaf Blower and Duct Tape (Naturally)

Matt Buchanan — Sun, 20 May 2007 13:38:05 EDT

If you're looking for something to keep the kids busy on a Saturday morning (and they've already finish mowing the lawn, sweeping the gutters and trimming the hedges) then this leaf blower-powered hovercraft construction project might be a good way to keep them busy so you can watch Saturday morning cartoons in peace.

Just tell them not to dart into traffic since they'll have to use their $2-a-week allowance to pay the hospital bills if they get smacked by a car.– Matt Buchanan

[via Neatorama]