If you decided to skimp on the warranty for your laptop or have no problem voiding it, your in luck. Custom maintenance and modifications are going to be made available. By Pixel Qi later this year.  Specifically, they are offering DIY kits to convert your laptop screen to an e-ink LCD screen.  No more glare from the sun; no more putting up with that cracked screen; and no more headaches from spending too much time in front of the screen without taking eye breaks.  

The great thing is that this conversion kit might actually make the iPad a viable competitor with other e-book readers.  The biggest problem with the iPad as an e-reader was that, while the battery life can last practically forever, your eyes can only look at its normal screen for so long without straining and causing headaches.  This solves that problem and makes it actually better than the kindle.  The only problem is that this would almost certainly void AppleCare, and the accompanying “it done broke, here’s a newer better one” policy of fixing every problem.  

Solarbotics not only offers a full range of solar-powered robotic kits.  In addition to these little green tech gadgets, Solarbotics offers solar cells that generate voltage in a small area, enough voltage to power small electronic devices.  They offer cell options ranging from 1/2 volts up to 8 volts, but offer to design one to fit your needs if you'll buy enough of them.  Prices go as high as $11 for one cell, or a little less if you buy in bulk (bulk is considered more than one, except in the smallest cell). 

The Photopopper Photovore 5.0 is a cute little solar-powered do-it-yourself robot by Solarbotics.  Photopopper is a very smart light-seeking, obstacle avoiding robot with high efficiency motors.  With these motors and circuitry, he can move a distance of 3.3 feet in under a minute.   He uses "eyes" that are infared detectors, which make him attracted to light.  His antennae are sensors that help him to avoid obstacles.  Version 5.0 is an upgrade from previous versions, being twice as fast and looking fancier with updated electronics and a sleek gold trim. 

Looking for a hobby to fill up your spare time?  Want to be kind to the earth and go green with your new hobby?  Enjoy using your hands and building models and gadgets?  Well, consider yourself the perfect candidate to be a customer of Solarbotics!  Dave Hrynkiw, the president of Solarbotics, discovered BEAM technology in 1992 and by 1994 there was enough interest in his hobby that he turned it into a business.  BEAM technology (acronym for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, and Mechanics) was invented by Mark Tilden in 1989.  His techniques combined simple electronics and mechanics to create robots.  Often, the mechanics of his creations were solar-powered. 

Last Wednesday Howcast offered a webinar for the Creator’s Corner entitled “Learn the Secrets to Low-Budget, High-Creativity Filmmaking.”  The webinar focused on providing new filmmakers solid tips for how to make a high quality video with low or no budget. I’ve highlighted three of the  top tips below.

For the past few years, with the advent of services like Hulu, and Skype, it has become apparent that the data-streams are merging.  What this means is that sometime in the very near future, the various digital media that we have considered separate for so long (internet, television, telephone etc...) may well become one great interactive stream of information that encompasses all the potential functions of it's component parts. 

YouTube is the leader in online video viewing and sharing the world over. So it is no surprise YouTube offered a live-streaming conversation with some of the most talented film makers from Howcast last week.

Earlier today we informed you that one Amvona customer Jan Christian likes modifying and designing cool stuff with Amvona equipment. He has designed a Dual Speedlite Bracket that fits into an Amvona Softbox. You can create this cool Dual Speedlite bracket too, just follow Jan's instructions below.

Have you ever been to a photo shoot and had to struggle with the lighting? Or had the wrong balance of light on your models face? Or ended up with a sun glare in your pictures? In situations like those most of us (photographers) struggle with the equipment or give up in frustration. But then there are those who find a solution and come up with amazing ideas of making things work in their favor. Jan Christian is one of those people who can easily modify equipment and make it work in their favor.

Cooking Capsules: This application may well revolutionize the way we view the culinary arts.  Long ago, learning to prepare a dish meant being taught by an older and wiser chef.  Later, cook-books allowed for further proliferation of recipes, and fidelity in recreation.  In the digital age the internet and television came up with interactive cooking secrets, that a truly great recipe could spread to dinner tables across the world.  Now, all you need to do is tell your phone what you want to make, and for how many, and it will give you instructions in real time to help prepare your meal.

Are you still looking for a last minute Christmas gift? Do you want to surprise your loved ones with something special? The Felt Ipod/Iphone Case is your answer. It's a simple but very meaningful gift. It is an original design produced by a Blogger at IdeaofNorth Maine (a Maine based design company/blog). The case is hand made and is made from 95% recycled Industrial felt.

Remember K'Nex? That collection of sticks and connectors that thrilled young aspiring engineers everywhere? Well before you sell your old set in the yardsale,  give this DIY lightbox a try.

Most cell phone cameras are pretty limited when it comes to lens attachments. One thrifty Do-It-Yourselfer has discovered a way to transform an old DVD player into a macro lens for your cell phone.