Gizmodo: scuba diving

Liquid Image Scuba Series HD320 Diving Video Mask Is Dumbtastic

Jesus Diaz — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:20:00 EST

When I go on my diving vacation at the end of this month, I won't be bringing this video mask. Why anyone would like to attach dumb headlights to vital diving gear is beyond me.

While Liquid Image Scuba Series HD320 is a huge jump over their previous toy-mask—reaching 115 feet and capable of capturing 720p video and 5 megapixel photos—didn't anyone tell these people that one of the first rules of scuba diving is not to have objects protruding out of your personal space beyond your tank and BCD?

Apparently not. Even if the lamps get off easily in case your mask gets stuck in the coral or some underwater plant, it still looks dangerous and complicated. You can use it without lamps, but then you won't be able to use its features to its full potential. Light and color quickly disappear when you go down. In addition to that, in terms of function you will be limited to the movements of your head as far as angles go.

In other words, if you are serious about getting good video or photographs underwater, forget about gimmicks like this and get external equipment. It will be more flexible and safe. [CES Show]

iDive iPod Case and Speakers Are Waterproof Up to 300 Feet

Sean Fallon — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:30:00 EDT

If you simply can't go anywhere without listening to your iPod, H2O Audio's new iDive 300 system will ensure that the tunes keep coming even as your lifeless body sinks into Davy Jones' locker. Features include a polycarbonate casing that uses a locking cam knob to ensure a watertight seal up to a 300 foot depth, an integrated microprocessor for complete control of touch-screen and click wheel iPods and over ear speakers that can be attached to mask strap or tucked under a dive hood. The iDive retails for $350 which is steep for a case, but at least H2O Audio has a reputation for making decent products. [H2O Audio via Blast]

Kirby Morgan 57 Risky Diving Helmet Is Zissou-Worthy

Jesus Diaz — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:15:00 EDT

At $5,900, the Kirby Morgan 57 Diving Helmet is way out of the budget of most scuba diving lovers and Jacques Costeau-wannabes. But don't worry because you don't need one of these underwater wonders unless you want to get down to the pits of hell or dive into biologically contaminated water—like the bottom of a sewage treating tank, shipwrecks with dangerous cargo, public swimming pools, and my bathtub. This is why you need its fiberglass and carbon fiber shell with temperature and electrical charge insulation, defogging valve, ultra-secure latch system, and a quad-valve exhaust system that apparently makes the helmet extremely dry with no breathing performance penalty. Amazing, but—does it have FM radio receiver? That's what we really want to know.

Head to Wired to see the whole video and read more about the KM57. [Kirby Morgan via Wired]

Scooba-Doo is a Dork-Propelled Personal Sub

Adam Frucci — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 12:00:42 EST

Want to scuba dive but are just too damned lazy to actually swim? Scooba-doo to the rescue! It's an underwater moped, letting you sit down and enjoy the underwater depths without annoying stuff like swimming, masks, and tanks. Sure, you'll look like you stepped off the short bus and into the ocean, but fish won't judge you. –Adam Frucci

Product Page [via Coolest-Gadgets]