Steam-powered iPhone charger
Despite my love of the latest gadgets, I do have a soft spot for old mechanical contraptions such as typewriters, trams, cars and, of course, steam engines. So I am grateful to Engadget for news of the latest development in USB-charging power. An enterprising mechanic has harnessed a small steam engine to a generator in order to produce enough power to charge and run any device that can take a USB feed--including our beloved iPhone. Now this is much more fun than simply plugging the thing into the wall socket. It makes a lovely noise and you really get all the visual and audible clues that your device is being charged.
Nikon Coolpix A camera in best Christmas deal
Leica’s sharpshooter 50mm APO-Summicron gets a new silver coat
A new coat of silver and fresh choice for lovers of optical perfection.
Tweet anyone?
I may be an ancient Macfanboy but I'm not backward in adopting new technology. Not for me the ancient G4 and a copy of Apple Works. Give me the latest OS and the rammiest computer money can buy. I just like new things. But I have to say that I feel deprived because I cannot get used to Twitter. Everyone, especially the podcasters, rave about Twitter.
Burlington Arcade Ski Slope: The clue is in the wheel on the skis
Exiting the Leica store in London's high-denomination Burlington Arcade, I was surprised to find myself surrounded by skiers in full regalia and apparently ready for action. With London lucky to get half an inch of snow a year, this was incongruous to say the least
Britain puts a stamp on eight world-class inventions
An impressive set of eight postage stamps to commemorate British inventions has just gone on sale. It's a rather eclectic bunch which covers a number of innovations, such as the computer and the World Wide Web, but ignores older triumphs such as television, penicillin, the steam engine, railways and spotted dick. But it makes a pretty set, nonetheless.
Yet another plug for Apple: A multi-pronged adventure
A couple of months ago the company announced a recall in certain plug adapters for charging units. These included European, Chinese, Australian and Brazilian plugs. As I wrote at the time, I had accumulated a dozen or so suspect prongs and I set them aside pending further action.
Leica adds silver to X Vario line-up
Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race: The press pack in full pursuit
Fuji X-Series firmware update brings big improvements, especially for X-T1
Sony RX100 to get hotshoe and tilting screen
Britons net-buy like crazy but deliveries continue to irk
According to Britain's communications watchdog, Ofcom, the British spend three times as much online as their European counterparts and make on average 19 internet purchases every six months. It seems we are following the tradition of catalogue selling, although I remember that catalogues from companies such as Littlewoods traditionally majored on easy payments and tended to be aimed at the poorer sectors of society. The motivation was always the easy credit rather than the convenience. It was different in the USA where remote communities have traditionally bought by mail order because, in many cases, it was the only way to get the choice.
Waiting at home for deliveries has always been the big snag with on-line or catalogue ordering in this country. While friends in the USA routinely find packages left on their doorstep when they return home, courier companies in the UK would be foolish to do that here. Even a bottle of milk is in great peril, never mind a Kindle or iPod touch.
What annoys me, though, is the slavish refusal of courier companies to offer a self-collection service until they've made at least one fruitless attempt at delivery. Apple and UPS are among the biggest culprits here. Not only do they insist on trying to delivery, but packages are whipped back to the sender in double quick time if you are not available to call or make delivery arrangements.
There would be a good demand for a collection point in most towns where parcels could be delivered for later collection by the addressee. I'd even pay a small premium for this service because, in the long run, it would work out cheaper than getting in the car and driving to some godsforsaken industrial estate in the hinterland of Heathrow airport. I breathe a sigh of relief when something is delivered by Royal Mail because, at least, I know that there's a handy place to collect from - the local sorting office.
When less is more and more and more
Leica Monochrom gets coats of many colours
Fancy a card full of black-and-white images but from an ultra-colourful camera? Look no further than the new Leica Monochrom à la carte. Mike has been turned loose on the options list...