Gizmodo
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battlemodo
Toughcam Battle: Canon PowerShot D10 vs. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1
Both Panasonic and Canon announced their first water- and shock-proof compact toughcams earlier this year, and we've taken them underwater for a test. Which is better for capturing your summertime antics both wet AND wild? -
review
Olympus Stylus Tough 6000 Waterproof Camera: Snowmodo Review
The Gadget: Olympus' waterproof, shockproof, coldproof—and hot-tubproof—10-megapixel pocket cam with new controls that work when you are gloved and freezing, as I discovered over the past weekend in Park City, UT. More » -
cameras
Waterproof Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 is the Toughbook of Digital Cameras
Built by a company with some experience at making things that aren't flimsy, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1 is a waterproof, dustproof and shockproof point-and-shoot camera for the outdoorsy and/or clumsy type. More » -
waterproofing
Golden Shellback's Waterproofing Voodoo Magic Now Available For Purchase
Golden Shellback started circulating videos of their extraordinary gadget waterproofing treatment in action way back in July, and it took us a while (and a live demo) to really believe that it works. Well, it does, and now you can buy it. That is, if you're willing to send the company your gadget to be treated with their mysterious "vacuum deposited film." All of the coatings come with a warranty, but its modest 30 day duration raises some concerns about the coating's durability. But really, warranties? Longetivity? Whatever, tell me about it on my underwater BlackBerry. Amphibian-able gadget list, with prices, after the jump. [OhGizmo] More » -
ipod
iDive iPod Case and Speakers Are Waterproof Up to 300 Feet
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]
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By Sean FallonComment by OMG! Ponies!: One of the best aspects of diving is the meditative effect of the silence interpersed only with your own breathing.... 8 Responses | Other threads
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waterproof tv
Sony's XDV-W600 Portable TV Does Something Like No Other Bravia: Goes Bathing
Sony's XDV-W600 is no 60-inch high-contrast plasma TV, for sure: no, it'll sell for a different reason... it's waterproof. In fact, it meets IPX 7 and IPX 6 specs, and can safely go three feet under for half an hour. Clearly designed to go in the bathroom, it looks a smidge like a bar of soap, and has a 4-inch screen, recording function to its own 2GB internal memory, and runs for 23 hours from its own batteries supplemented by AAs. Bathing TV fans may be disappointed though: it's a oneseg digital unit, so we're unlikely to see this weirdness in the US. [AVWatch and Akihabaranews]
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By Kit EatonComment by KeepingTheForeName_GitEmSteveDave: My dream house has and LCD/touchscreen behind plexi with a waterproof keyboard build into the wall of the shower, so... 2 Responses | Other threads
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digital cameras
Olympus Hazard-Proof Tap-To-Snap Stylus 1050 SW and Its Skinny Sidekick, the 1040
Olympus' tough-as-nails Stylus 1050 SW updates the 1030 SW with a tap-control feature that makes it easy to take pictures in extreme environments. While the specs are nearly identical to the 1030—10.1MP, 5 feet shockproof, 10 ft. waterproof, 14°F freezeproof—he 1050 uses an accelerometer to allow button-free control. Tapping the top, back or sides of the camera cycle through different options, so you can make adjustments to your pictures even if you're wearing gloves. It'll be out in October, and for $300, I'd tap that. The Stylus 1040, one of the best looking Olympus point-and-shoots we've seen, down below. More » -
diy
Build Your Own Waterproof iPod Video Boombox
Popular Mechanics has a great DIY feature, showing you how to build a waterproof video boombox for your iPod. Making use of an iPod touch, some old speakers, an 8" personal video player screen, video cables, gorilla tape and a hard camera case, Anthony Verducci has created a waterproof video case for the iPod that he believes is the first to float. More »
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Comment by cmantito: @ryanobo66: I've used this concept myself a few times -- I dock my iPod in some speakers in the bathroom... more » | Other threads
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digital cameras
Review: Pentax W60 Waterproof Camera Catching Whale Sharks
I had the perfect backdrop to review this Pentax W60 waterproof camera while vacationing in Hawaii last week. It's 10mp, has a 5x zoom, and does HD level video, but the only reason to buy such a point and shoot is that it's rated to 13 feet of underwater depth for two hours, and is the smallest waterproof camera of its kind. It would prove to be a fortuitous addition to my travel gear, catching some great shots of some of my first surf lessons and some rare aquatic life while other tourists fumbled with crappy disposable film cams. More » -
apple
iPhone 3G + Rain = Disaster
In case you needed any extra warning, do not leave your iPhone 3G in the rain. It's not waterproof. According to routine testing by the Fédération Romande des Consommateurs: More »
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By Mark WilsonComment by mildretard: This just in: water gets shit wet. more » | Other threads
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portable media
AMPHIBX Waterproof Armbands: iPhone 3Gs and Nip-Slips Collide
With the Olympics in full-swing, and the watersports getting so intense that both balls and boobs are flying (NSFW link), there was no better time for H2O Audio to unveil their new AMPHIBX watersports armband. According to a recent press release, it provides 100% waterproof protection up to depths of 12 feet for both the original iPhone and the 3G version as well as almost every iPod, MP3 player and cellphone under the sun. More »
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By Sean FallonComment by distortedloop: @Xenobiologista: What kind of loser can't acknowledge that just because they personally don't have a need for a particular product,... more » | Other threads
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mp3
Lancer's Laqa3 Waterproof MP3 Player Takes Design Simplicity to New Levels
Maybe I'm not a slope-wise skier, but when I'm hurtling down a mountain I love to hear wind sounds—not music from my iPod. Other people are different, and this waterproof MP3 player from Lancer certainly fits the "rugged enough for big snowboard crashes" bill. The Laqa3's design is a plain metal tube. And... well, that's it. There's a headphone connector, and presumably controls somewhere, but other than that it's a plain metal tube. You may dig its industrial-look, or not, but it weighs just 25g, has IPX7 waterproofing so it's good for swimming, and comes with IPX7 silicon ear buds. It plays MP3s and WMAs, has an eight-hour lithium battery. It's released July 25th in Japan for about $185, which is lots considering it's 1GB. [AVWatch] -
Invisible Waterproofing
Golden Shellback Hands-on: Phones Can Make Calls While Underwater
I just got to play with a phone that had been waterproofed using the Golden Shellback technology, and it was pretty amazing, not to mention legit. In the video above, Golden Shellback inventor Sid Martin took a Golden Shellbacked BB Pearl, started a call, dropped it in a glass of ice water, and it all worked without a hitch. More » -
gps
Garmin's New Nuvi 500 GPS Does Driving, Walking, Boating Nav in One Unit
Garmin has just announced a new member of the Nuvi GPS range, the 500 series. In a first for Nuvi, the rugged, waterproof 500 units are specifically designed to be multipurpose, with maps for driving, walking, cycling and boating built in. For out-doorsy types, there's a shaded digital elevation map option, and a dedicated compass page and tracklog. Plus the battery is a swappable 8-hour Li-ion type, so you can carry a spare for extended trips away from a power source. The 500 comes with City Navigator, and topographic maps of the US, while the 550 has highway coverage of the US and Canada, but no topographic data. The units are on show at the British International Motor show in London form today, and go on sale soon in the US for $499. Press release below. More » -
Technological Trickery
Waterproof Gadget Coating is Invisible, Mystifying, Mind Boggling Witchcraft
Golden Shellback is a coating that lets you spill, pour, or submerge your gadget in a liquid and have it survive. Golden Shellback says it will protect against oils, water-based liquids, synthetic fluids, dust and dirt. Tekzilla's Patrick Norton shot a segment on Golden Shellback and has footage of cellphones and CB radios functioning normally under a foot of water (Golden Shellback claimed the CB sat underwater for 455 consecutive hours). More »
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Comment by banmojo: @TechatNMI: when can I get this done to my new iPhone????? more » | Other threads
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waterproof tvs
MarineAV's 70-Inch, Waterproof LCD TV
The 57-inch Aquavision is a definitely a big waterproof television, but it falls well short of the 70-inch beast that MarineAV is packin'. Outside of its size and rugged exterior, the LCD70 also features full 1080p resolution, a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, 600cd/m2 brightness, 8ms response time, 178 degree viewing angle, and AV, S-Video, Component, HDMI, PC (VGA) inputs. Not bad...until you see the £27,995.95 ($55,500) price tag that is. [MarineAV via HDTV UK via Born Rich] -
glass keyboard concept
"No-Key" Glass Touch-Keyboard is Antithesis of Steampunk
This concept from designer Kong Fanwen lies somewhere between minimalist Apple keyboards, and projecting laser touch ones. The No-Key is very simple: just a light source, a camera and an etched sheet of glass, showing the key positions. You just type, the cam sees your contact with the glass and sends appropriate commands to your PC. It really is the antithesis of the clunky, complex steampunked one we showed the other day. And one image suggests it'd be waterproof, so... blogging from the bath? I want one please! [Yanko Design] -
toys
Sega Updates HomeStar Planetarium to Fit the Bathroom
Sega's HomeStar planetarium has been around for aeons and aeons, in a raft of different versions. Its latest incarnation is the HomeStar Spa, which basically means it's ripe for the bathroom. As before, you sit the newly-waterproofed little globe in the corner of your (bath)room and throws crazy shapes onto the walls. New projections include "Flowers" and "Kaleidoscope." The HomeStar Spa will be launched at the Tokyo Toy Fair, at the end of this month. [Trends In Japan]
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By AddyDugdaleComment by JEmlay: "Sega will start selling the Japan-only Homestar Spa on September 4th for $70." more » | Other threads
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keyboards
'Really Cool' Keyboard Is Silent, Waterproof For Underwater Spy-Typing Adventures
This "Really Cool" keyboard mixes two things we really love about keyboards: the ability to type quietly and the ability to withstand a glass of milk being poured on it. It's completely sealed in a silicone outer shell with "no" moving parts, which explains its waterproof-ness. If our experience with silicone keyboards is worth anything, these things are pretty hard to type on, making this a silent, waterproof and awkward keyboard. [Man Machine via DVICE] -
digital cameras
Pentax Optio W60 Extreme Weather Cam Good for Dips, Not Dives
The Optio W60 is the most waterproof Pentax cam yet. A step up from the W30, it's a 10MP point-and-shoot that will survive at depths up to 13 feet for two hours, good enough for the pool, beach and most non-competitive snorkeling. It also handles freezing temps (14°F) and is certified dustproof against dirt, sand and dust. The Optio features 5x optical zoom, 28mm wide-angle shooting, and HD video recording. It comes in silver and blue and will be out in July for $330. Maybe this summer I'll test it against the Olympus 1030SW and others in a Bathtub Battlemodo. Additional picture after the jump. [Pentax] More » -
stardust
Light-Up LED Furniture is Sticky, Disco, But You Can Call It Stardust
This lightweight furniture by Meritalia is so light you can pick it up with one hand, and so light that you can probably read by it. Designed by Mario Bellini, and made of plastic "ravioli," the stuff often found in packaging, LEDs and inox wire, Stardust furniture can be used by the pool, in the pool (well, it says that on the fact sheet) as well as in the house. And I love the name—Stardust makes me think of all sorts of lovely things, such as Bowie, as well as one of the best French house tunes ever, Music Sounds Better With You. More »
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By AddyDugdaleComment by Kung-Fu Kurtis: Rush rush get the yay-o....*puts on Scarface* more » | Other threads
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gadgets
EP2502 Cellphone Watch: Surprisingly Stylish, and Waterproof
There's something about the idea of cramming a cellphone into a wristwatch that keeps the designs rolling out, but is this the first one with a touch of style? Possibly, with that metal case and strap, and looking not too horrifically fat to wear. The EP2502 even has a 1.3-inch OLED touchscreen, a 2-megapixel camera, tri-band and Bluetooth support and claims to be shockproof. It's also supposedly the World's first waterproof cellphone, though we don't know to what waterproofing standard. More » -
gaming
Waterproof PSP Bath Bag Is Every 9-Year-Old's Wet Dream
As Adrian pointed out, if we had these PSP bath bags when we were nine, we'd be a whole lot cleaner and a whole lot wrinklier than we are now. It's a bag. It holds your PSP. It goes into baths. That's pretty much all you need to know. It's unclear to us why you couldn't just get a sandwich bag from Target that would do the same thing, but sandwich bags don't have that fancy pants cord at the top. Does the PSP camera work with Skype video? Because we have an idea... [Impress via PSP Fanboy via Kotaku]
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By Jason ChenComment by squarerootofwindows: I would just take the newly-waterproofed PSP to the pool, short circuit the battery, and throw the PSP in... more » | Other threads
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digital
Problem: Waterproof Rugged Cameras Are Too Easy to Lose!
Rugged and waterproof cameras are great, but they've got a lot of improving to do in general design before they'll be good in the outdoors. I mean, someone just keep me from losing these things. More »
8,622
By Brian LamComment by YardanTiger: Problem solved! The Surf Camera case will fit all the Pentax & Olympus waterproof cameras keeping it out of your way... more » | Other threads
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camcorder
Sanyo Xacti DMX-CA8 Waterproof Camcorder has 8 Megapixels
Sanyo's new Xacti isn't much of a change over the previous version: mainly a new 8 megapixel CMOS sensor (versus the previous 6) and a "face chaser" mode. This maintains exposure and focus settings on people you're videoing or snapping. There's a new underwater shooting mode too, which corrects for blue-color light effects, and seems sensible for a cam that can be taken down to five feet underwater for an hour. The rest of the camera remains the same, including the case and 5x optical zoom. Next time give us a waterproof HD version, eh Sanyo? Available in Japan at first, mid-May, for around $490. [Akihabaranews and Impress] -
digital cameras
Lightning Review: Waterproof Shockproof Freezeproof Olympus Stylus 1030SW
The Gadget: The Stylus 1030SW, Olympus' semi-indestructible 10.1MP point-and-shoot, is designed for fairly extreme conditions. Olympus claims the camera is shockproof (to 2 meters), waterproof (to 10 meters), freezeproof (to 14°F), and crushproof (to 220 lbs.) We've seen other cameras with features like this, but it's rare that they're all combined into one.
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flashdrives
PQI's Intelligent Stick Flash Drives are Tiny, Waterproof, Dust-Proof
PQI's new Intelligent Stick USB flash drives may be a boon for those clumsy people, like myself, who often spill coffee on their electronics or get them soaking wet in pockets that let the rain in. I can't think of a time when I've got a gadget too dusty to use, but these tiny flash drives can even cope with that. Manufactured with a special COB process, they're available in 2GB and 4GB in a number of colors, and are due to be unveiled at CeBIT this week. More » -
shrink wrapping
XZABADY iPod Dock is Waterproof, Thinks It's a Picture Frame
Shrink-wrapping your MP3 player has suddenly become reality, thanks to the guys at Twinbird. The XZABADY (crazy name, eh, crazy guys?) is a frame-shaped iPod dock with FM radio that you can park your player in to make it waterproof. The player connects via an audio jack, and you can customize the background with a picture of your loved one—maybe they look better with an iPod superimposed on top of them—and then press down on the silicon rubber sheet to seal. XZABADY: truly a byword for fugtional; where fug meets function. [Trends in Japan]
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By AddyDugdaleComment by ANoel: Into the Kitten Bag. /the iPod can stay. more » | Other threads
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iriver
Waterproof MP3 Player is iRiver, Dives to 200 Feet Under the Sea
I wouldn't—well, I would just once, like to see what it's like to dive with The Hives singing along while I fin down to a reef —because I like to live out my Darth Vader fantasies, but this MP3 player could just persuade me otherwise. What is remarkable about this iRiver iFP-380T, with its waterproof case and headset, is that you can go down to 200 feet with it clipped onto your mask. The device runs on one 9-volt battery and one AA and it costs $199. [Frontgate via UberReview]
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By AddyDugdaleComment by Multitude00: As divers don't have enough on their minds as it is... air, depth, no deco limits, partial pressure of oxygen,... more » | Other threads
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tvs
Aquavision AVF 57-4LCD is World's Largest Waterproof TV, Lacks Vibrating Remote
Besides your bodily filth, what else do you take into the bathroom with you? How about a 57-inch waterproof TV? That's right, those fellows at Aquavision, who have brought us all manner of waterproof TVs in the past, have now gone to work on the world's largest waterproof display. More »
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By Haroon MalikComment by OldPunk: @OldSchoolGadgetLover: Great point! Use this TV at the BBQ, patio, pool. I do not need 57" TV to watch porno in... more » | Other threads
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Comment by Oz: @ext212: oh yea... just the way i like it lol... ok i need to calm down... is not everyday that... more » | Other threads
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digital cameras
Olympus Stylus 1030SW Is Drop-, Water- and Freeze-Proof
Here's the Jack Bauer of the new Olympus compacts: the Stylus 1030SW, drop-proof from 6 feet, waterproof to 33 feet and operates at temperatures as cold as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. With 10.1 megapixels, a 3.6 x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD, and with built-in scene modes for underwater shooting as well as beach and snow modes, it looks like we need a vacation to try it out. Available in March for around $400. [New Launches] -
cellphones
Fujitsu F705i is World's Slimmest, Waterproof 3G Cellphone
You may think the groovy chick in the top pic is trying to drown the new Fujitsu F705i cellphone, but you would be negating the fact that the F705i is the world's slimmest waterproof 3G cellphone. Sitting pretty at 13.7mm thick, the Fujitsu handset can handle a 1-meter water submersion for 30 minutes. Check out the rest of the mega gallery after the jump. More » -
camcorders
Hands On with the SDR-SW20: Panasonic's First Underwater Camcorder
Camcorder Info has their hands on of the SDR-SW20 up, Panasonic's first attempt at a dive camcorder for those who like recording video in the ocean...as long as that ocean is less than 5 feet deep. (Like its direct competitor, the Sanyo Xacti E1, it is only waterproof to 5 feet.) They found visual quality to be unexceptional, since this camera uses the same image capture setup as Panasonic's low end DVD camcorder. But the easy to spot case and grippy finish earned it some points. If you're considering one of these, I suppose the correct thing to do is wait to see what the second revision brings. [CamcorderInfo] -
obituary
Chandler Blinkers III Drowns at Panasonic's Waterproof Camera Showcase Tank
Today, a tragic event of dramatic proportions hit CES 2008 in Las Vegas: Chandler Blinkers III, affectionally known as Pit by everyone at Panasonic, died in the water tank at their booth. According to the press conference held by the company, the circumstances are still unknown and police is still investigating. "He was there one moment, happily swimming, and then... then poof... gone. He was belly up. I can't start to tell—" said Panasonic spokeswoman Rosa Fernández before she couldn't hold her tears anymore and left the stage. At this time, workers are still emptying the tank where Mr. Blinkers had stayed for the past five days showcasing that, indeed, some Panasonic cameras are what Engadget's Editor-in-Chief Ryan Block technically classified as "waterproof."
More »
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By Jesus DiazComment by packcamera: Mr. Blinkers sounds a lot like "The Incredible Mr. Limpet"... [www.imdb.com] more » | Other threads
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iphone
H2O Audio's iPhone Case Saves Your Phone From Toilet Blunders
It's rare that people are clumsy enough to take their phones close enough to a pool to drop it in, but accidentally slipping it into the toilet is another matter. If these people are iPhone owners, then they need the H2O Audio iFR Ruggedized Case, which wraps the phone in a water-resistant seal that protects against drops, shocks and scratching. Even though their previous products have been waterproof, we're not sure if this particular one is completely sealed or just water resistant. Either way, it beats having to fake-cry to the Apple Genius for them to fix your phone. [PRNewswire] -
deathproof
Twinbird Zabady Bathroom CD/MP3 Player Foils Sad Attempts To End Miserable Lives
The cute little Zabady AV-J189S splash-proof sound system from Twinbird can do a lot of things. It has a slot-loading CD player and a USB jack for thumbdrives and other local storage that contain MP3 or WMA files. When you dock it, the lithium-ion battery charges up and can run for 4.5 hours on CD, and up to 7 hours using just the built-in FM radio. The one thing it won't do is help you commit suicide by bathtub electrocution: While not truly "waterproof," it meets the same IPX7 specification as many rugged outdoor devices. "If by any chance you make a mistake and drop it into the bath, it is all right," says the promo page. [Twinbird (translated) via Akihabara News]
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Comment by strider_mt2k: Indeed. Consumer reports stated that they were "okay with them" and that the product also seems "pretty cool" but lacked Steal... more » | Other threads
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ipod
Teardrop-shaped iPod Dock is Showerproof
Zumreed's raindrop-shaped iPod dock is waterproof, so it's perfect for singing along to sad songs in the shower, if you're that kind of person. Available in three colors, white, turquoise and orange, it weighs just over a pound, costs $49.95 and is compatible with most 4th- and 5th-gen iPods. [AudioCubes via Sci-Fi Tech]
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By AddyDugdaleComment by ANoel: Well, if they had altered the conformation of the plastic case somewhat and merged the innards with this kit, [gizmodo.com]it... more » | Other threads
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ces preview 2008
SentrySafe Fireproof Waterproof USB HDD Housings Save Your Data (Not You) From Armageddon
SentrySafe has made safes for 70 years, but now they've teamed with Seagate/Maxtor to make hard-drive housings that withstand up to 1550degrees Fahrenheit for a half hour, and "full" 24-hour water submersion. Some like the Fire-Safe/Waterproof 80GB and 160GB ($320) drives are freestanding units that house 2.5" bus-powered drives in impervious containers. The other alternative is a full-blown $520 safe that has a USB pass-through for your bus-powered drive. A third option is a smaller filing box, the Data Storage Safe, which lets you keep DVDs and other small documents along with a small USB drive. [SentrySafe] More »
4,557
Comment by Truth Bringer :D: How about USB to a Wireless Nic? then you can hide it anywhere you can put/have an A/C outlet..??? A... more » | Other threads
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watery tunes
H2O Audio H3 Earphones Good for Water Lovers and Landlubbers
If you've got some serious underwater basket weaving to do, these H2O Audio H3 earbuds might be just what you need to keep you entertained. The company says it's improved the sound of these earphones over their predecessors, boosting the bass response as well as increasing their overall output by 10dB. The H3s are made for use either in the water, where you place the "aquatic silencer" earplugs in place for a watertight seal, or you can remove those for use on dry land. Get these for $50, and don't forget that waterproof housing for your iPod. [Macnn]
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Comment by whiteknight: Cool! It's about time. The previous white version of the headphones is difficult to use underwater while swimming. I bought... more » | Other threads
waterproof
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