posted aug 22nd 2007 11:05pm by will o'brien
filed under: misc hacks
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Useful Health Monitoring Hack
improving your photos after the fact
(the next version of the software asks where you were for vacation and creates all the photos for you, no more need to lug around a camera....gah)
Algorithm draws on millions of images to seamlessly fill blanks in photographs
August 17, 2007 The advent of digital photography has opened up a new world of image editing possibilities including the ability to fill-in blanks or replace unwanted parts of an image. A new algorithm devised by James Hayes and Alexei A. Efros of Carnegie Mellon University facilitates this process by drawing on a huge database of more than a million images from the World Wide Web in order to seamlessly fill in the missing areas of incomplete photographs.
There could be many reasons for an image to feature an undesirable blank area - a patch of bright light that needed to be cropped out or perhaps a shadow, a person or an object ruined an otherwise perfect shot.
The algorithm tackles this problem by completing a given image in a number of different ways leaving the user to select the one which is deemed most suitable. This can be achieved without the user having to label the image fragments being used, or for that matter, offer any direction at all.
'Holes' in images are 'patched' as suitable image fragments are found and re-arranged to complete the image in a manner that is claimed to be semantically valid. That is, the patched area is consistent with the rest of the image. Hays and Efros claim that their algorithm is a means to restore data missing from an image that 'should have been there'. Existing methods of filling such blank areas have largely involved drawing image fragments from other parts of the same picture. This algorithm is quite unique in that it draws from an exterior database and also in the means by which it achieves this.
To learn more visit this page on the Carnegie Mellon University Graphics site where a PDF paper and Presentation are available for download.
A closer look at the black art of aerodynamics in Formula One
August 21, 2007 Aerodynamics is now viewed by Formula 1 teams as the single most important piece of race car design the rules allow them to control. A good aerodynamic setup makes an F1 car slippery in a straight line, maximizes acceleration and top speed, and provides huge amounts of downforce to mash the car's tyres into the tarmac and add extra grip in the corners. Massive money is spent on tweaking the wings and body shape for that elusive perfect flow of air. Toyota's Head of Aerodynamics, Mark Gillan, explains further in the second part of Panasonic Toyota Racing's 'Inside a Formula 1 Car' series.
If you've ever stuck your hand out of a car window on the freeway, you'll understand that as speed increases, the flow of air around the car becomes a significant force to push against. Imagine the strength of that force at a Formula One car's top track speed of around 360kmh.
First and foremost, aerodynamics is the science of manipulating and making use of air flow. In Formula 1, ferociously high speeds mean the air is a formidable force and it can be used to the car's advantage.
Put simply, the bigger the frontal area of an object, the more wind resistance it will encounter, so a bigger object will travel slower than a smaller object with the same amount of power to propel it.
Read on, its pretty cool:
'new' idea in motorcycles
Confederate's Renovatio – the handmade American streetbike goes modular
If you thought Confederate's previous motorcycles, the Wraith and Hellcat, were outrageous to look at, wait 'til you see the company's latest project. The virtually frameless Renovatio takes minimalism and modular design to the next level and flags a bold future direction for this iconoclastic New Orleans-based streetbike manufacturer.
Confederate, in their short history, have made it their business to stand apart from the crowd, delivering high-end hand-made streetbikes with industrial-retro-meets-goth looks, fat v-twin engines and no consideration at all for the racetrack performance that seems to drive most of the motorcycle industry these days. The company's Wraith and Hellcat have sold well for a boutique brand, most famously to Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt – these eye-popping bikes are among the few vehicles on the planet that can legitimately match the world's biggest movie stars in the head-turning stakes.
The Renovatio concept is set to take the company's avant-garde look a big step forward. Confederate's conceptual design team leader, Ed Jacobs, has released his vision for the company's next major model, which the company expects to refine and push to production by sometime in 2008.
The Renovatio (latin for "rebirth") retains the Wraith's carbon-fiber girder fork concept and tractor-style seat, at least in some sketches, but introduces a new modular design language that all but does away with a traditional frame. Swingarm, seat, tank and front-end are all pretty much mounted to the 1686cc v-twin engine – and in some incarnations the Renovatio's seat is suspended in midair from the tank.
Confederate intend for the Renovatio to be a modular design platform – hence the different seat and tank options shown in the design sketches and the large circular mount points located all over the vehicle. At the heart of the beast is a 90-degree v-twin powerplant derived from General Motors' LS7 7.0 litre V8. It should put out around 150hp in the normally aspirated version, or closer to 190hp with the optional supercharger. Either way, those are enormous numbers for a big twin and the Renovatio will be suitably overpowered for the street, particularly given its lightweight carbon fiber/aluminum construction.
Pricing will be at the premium end – The Wraith and Hellcat both sell for well over US$50,000, reflecting the thousands of hours of work that goes into their construction and the exotic materials they're made from.
The Renovatio is an exciting concept from Confederate and we look forward to seeing how these CAD sketches translate into a road-going production motorcycle.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
The good news, or lack of it
While the general news is usually glum here in the US (remember, fear sells), the scientific news is often filled with a neat-o feeling of hope. These are the headlines mailed to me today (my comments in parentheses):
SCIENCE IN THE NEWS
from Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society (these guys are good)
SCIENCE IN THE NEWS
from Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society (these guys are good)
British Outbreak May Be Linked to Human Action
(a story on the latest H&M disease outbreak being caused directly by
human activity)
Team Finds Largest Exoplanet Yet
(cool)
'Baby Einstein': A Bright Idea?
(an article that finds that kids who watch this stuff have lower
vocabularies than kids who don't.... another US generation down the
tubes)
G Whiz! Craft Identifies Source of Faint Saturnian Ring
(cool)
Cooking Up More Uses for the Leftovers of Biofuel Production
(cool)
Yangtze River Dolphin Driven to Extinction
(first major vertebrate killed off in 50 years, all due to human
stupidity)
Scientists, Executive Clash Over Quake
(did the quake cause the cave-in, or the other way around? Either
way, people died due to risky mining practices.... all for coal)
Breast Implants Linked to Suicide Risk
(again, no causality, but bad either way)
Coral Reefs Vanishing Faster Than Rain Forests
(likely human caused.... )
Ancient Ape Was an Early Swinger
(cool)
So apparently you have to be in outer space, fighting big oil or an
ape from the past to get the cool factor. 6 to 4 on the side of oh-
crap!
Not what I would call heartening news.... then again, we did it to
ourselves AND at least this will sell science publications (not).
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Care.com
Last time I used www.sittercity.com and had VERY good luck.
Caregivers unite at Care.com
If you are looking for a babysitter, tutor, pet sitter or even an elderly caregiver check out Care.com.
This site allows users to join and search the network to find the best possible family care individuals through safe and trustworthy options. Users start off by entering their name and address, and then get connected to care givers. A free account allows users to search with limited profiles, but an extended account allows full profiles, background checks and contact information for the family care individuals that suit specific requirements.
Care.com seems like a great research tool for ensuring your family is safe with the caregiver choice you choose. There is a free account, and 3 Premium accounts to choose from starting at $25 for one month of unlimited access, up to $125 for premium 12 month unlimited access.
Embedded Linux Router Hacked for Sprinkler Control
Why buy a sprinkler controller when you can make your own. And if you are making your own anyway, might as well make the DIY Sprinkler Controller better than any off the shelf models available. At least that is what Arek Jankowski decided to do!
"Arek combines a wireless router, NAS, and a USB Bit Whacker to take control of his sprinkler system. Reflash the router and NAS with linux, add some PHP and USB controlled phototriacs to the sprinkler controller and control it all from the comfort of your PC. I wanted to have a way of controlling both systems from my PC. The idea was to create something that would allow me to remotely turn on and off the sprinklers for each zone without going down to the basement to set it up on the Hunter controller or without going down to the garage to open the faucet. I have a wireless access point set up in the house for my wife's laptop and this is what I also used in this project. The project involved hardware, software and a little bit of plumbing work. Below I will describe what I did to get this all working."
"Arek combines a wireless router, NAS, and a USB Bit Whacker to take control of his sprinkler system. Reflash the router and NAS with linux, add some PHP and USB controlled phototriacs to the sprinkler controller and control it all from the comfort of your PC. I wanted to have a way of controlling both systems from my PC. The idea was to create something that would allow me to remotely turn on and off the sprinklers for each zone without going down to the basement to set it up on the Hunter controller or without going down to the garage to open the faucet. I have a wireless access point set up in the house for my wife's laptop and this is what I also used in this project. The project involved hardware, software and a little bit of plumbing work. Below I will describe what I did to get this all working."
hacking contest - sort-of
RedPost Kit Contest - Your Design Created by Artist John Mishler
How would you like win a cool design made by John Mishler? Even better, the design he would create would be a concept thought up by you! Your design will be created around the RedPost/Kit, a Linux-based picture frame that boasts a 19″ LCD, Wifi and a built-in MiniPC.
Contest Site
"Contest outline:
Contest Site
"Contest outline:
Submit the following to contest@theredpost.com by August 17, 2007:
* colored drawings of your design along with an explanation, if needed
* description of where you plan to install your creation and how you plan on using it
* colored drawings of your design along with an explanation, if needed
* description of where you plan to install your creation and how you plan on using it
John Mishler, Master Sculptor, will choose a winner by August 24, 2007
* the winning design is solely up to John's artistic discretion
* final design may be modified slightly at John's discretion, with the winner's permission
* He'll complete your design within 4-5 weeks
* the winning design is solely up to John's artistic discretion
* final design may be modified slightly at John's discretion, with the winner's permission
* He'll complete your design within 4-5 weeks
Design guidelines:
* the base will be the raw metal (steel) RedPost/Kit frame
* you can integrate any (almost) materials into the design: plastic, wood, bolts/screws, metal (welding certain metals to other metals isn't possible, for example, steel and aluminum)
* John will favor designs that fit best with his artistic style (check out his website/artists statement for more info), simplicity - no more than 3 paint colors
* the frame is 18-1/8″ wide x 15-1/4″ high x 2-5/8″ deep with a 1-3/4″ border around the screen (PDF diagram)"
* the base will be the raw metal (steel) RedPost/Kit frame
* you can integrate any (almost) materials into the design: plastic, wood, bolts/screws, metal (welding certain metals to other metals isn't possible, for example, steel and aluminum)
* John will favor designs that fit best with his artistic style (check out his website/artists statement for more info), simplicity - no more than 3 paint colors
* the frame is 18-1/8″ wide x 15-1/4″ high x 2-5/8″ deep with a 1-3/4″ border around the screen (PDF diagram)"
this is of course for jack
I love coffee
Coffee May Protect Women's Memory, Study Says
Caffeine May Boost Memory for Older Women, Study Suggests
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Escher, sent to me by Jack
Impossible Illustration Brought to Life
What happens when you try to take an 2D illustration of an impossible 3D construction and turn it into a real-world sculpture? We figured that it would create a dangerous rift in the space time continuum bringing about an endless solar winter that would engulf our planet in darkness. Luckily in the case of this unusual Escher Waterfall Sculpture none of that occurred.
Instead we discovered that by closing one eye, and viewing this sculpture from just the right angle we could bring the amazing work of M.C. Escher to life. Of course a casual glance with binocular vision destroys the entire illusion... but hey it's still a very cool little sculpture that really captures the detail of the original Waterfall woodcut.
Product Features
|
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Some great Papers to read
If you are thinking of becoming an entrepreneur, read these:
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=275190
http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=275190
good advice
I picked this up somewhere, can't remember where, found it in my mutli-clip clipboard, decided to post it, not certain why the numbering is messed up:
So, if your cell phone has no other numbers stored in its memory, make sure it has these numbers:
- Local Fire Department - Because you may need them and it may not be enough of an emergency to call 911. Very good for those pesky cat-stuck-in-tree situations
- Local Police Department or Law Enforcement - Same reason as above.
- Nearby Hospital(s) - These are great when a loved one isn't home hours after they said they'd be. A lot easier to have them preloaded into your phone instead of sifting frantically through the yellow pages!
- ICE (In Case of Emergency) - If you're ever in an accident and are incapacitated or killed, the authorities who find you will likely look for this entry in your cell phone numbers (and call it). A spouse or relative capable of making decisions on your behalf would be best here.
- Taxi Company Dispatch - Just in case you find yourself stuck on the side of the road (or maybe you've had a few drinks). This is especially helpful in the latter situation since you won't have to sheepishly ask the bartender to call you a cab.
- Water and Power Department - In case your water or power ever get shut off and you'd like to know why (especially if it's the power and your regular phones don't work).
- Doctor and/or Pediatrician - Another one for you parents. When little Junior suddenly breaks out in hives and you'd like to speak to somebody (but don't want to spend the cheddar on the emergency room just yet), this is another one that's good to have. Also, these can be very difficult to locate in a time of stress, so record it next time you have the chance.
- Poison Control - So, you think you little Timmy might've just ingested two big mouthfuls of Pine-Sol? Not sure if you should take him to the hospital or use his sweat to clean the floor? These people generally answer very quickly and are very helpful - a must for the parents.
- Animal Control - This isn't just for mountain lions and wild bore who show up on your back stoop. Maybe your neighbor's dog's brain made a wrong turn at Albuquerque and now he thinks little Maddy is a kabob of some sort. You'll obviously want the tranquilizer-toting folks in coats to come down and diffuse the situation, pronto.
- Coworker or Boss - Because you don't want to call the company switchboard to tell them you ran out of gas on the Interstate and managed to wet your pants in the process. Shoot for a direct line or cell phone.
- Your Next-Door Neighbor - Hear about a house fire on the news? Give old Ted next door a ring and have him poke his head out to make sure your house is still standing (and offer to return the favor).
- Tow Truck Company - Preferably one that will drive long distances if need be. Other than that, this one needs no explanation.
- Car Insurance Carrier/Broker - The first people you should call if you're in an accident (unless somebody is hurt, then you call them second). They'll tell you want to write down and if you need the police. Another number you don't want to go fishing through your Costanza Wallet for if you can help it.
- Pizza/Chinese/All-Night Take-out Food - Because once you find a good place that's open late, that's a number you keep and call often.
I lIke Stuff
I read Kevin kelly's Cool Tools blog every now and again. I use it to put together imaginary survival kits for the car. This is, of course, aside from all the 'normal' stuff that goes into such a kit
For instance, I would use this to hold it all:
Viewtainer
Cheap, mini-tool storage
The Viewtainer is an inexpensive, flexible plastic tube with a rubbery cap at both ends. Originally, they were intended to hold small parts (screws, nuts, bolts, etc.). On one end the rubber cap has a slash in it, so when you squeeze the tube, you can dump the parts out. Although these Viewtainers may work well for storing parts, I've found that one of the larger Viewtainers, which is about 8" x 3", is an awesome mini-toolkit container that's easy to access and stash. It's amazing how many different useful (and in some cases, full-size) tools, you can fit into such a tiny container: screwdrivers, sockets, specialty bits, pliers, mini-saws, tire irons, flashlights, and on. I keep one in my car, one in my bike bag, and one in my study on the second floor so I don't have to run out to the garage every time I need a screwdriver. -- Sam Mapadatha Viewtainer $4 (8" x 2.75") Available from and manufactured by Viewtainer
And in it I would include:
One of these:
Atwood Mini Tools
Keychain-size, steel pocket utensils
The beauty of these tools is they feel like a fetish item in your hand and, due to their size, you can always have them with you. They're handmade by Peter Atwood and have incredible strength because he uses a specialty stainless steel made via a powder metallurgy process ("The powder is compressed under significant force to a homogenous, solid state and the steel is rolled to required stock size. Molecules are uniform, inclusions of impurities are insignificant"). Both of my EDC knives -- a Swiss Army Cybertool and a SOG Multi Tool -- have slightly bent tips on the main blades because I tried to open or pry something I shouldn't have. That will never happen with the Mini Son of Prything I carry in my pocket or my Prybaby. The trend in tools is to include more and more features. An Atwood piece - and there are a variety of them worth checking out -- is generally designed to do a couple of things really well, and it does: open a package, pull a nail, cut some tape, strip a wire, etc. There are obviously other discovered tasks -- like propping up a new power supply in my computer while I get a couple of screws in -- but it's calling on that intended purpose that is most gratifying. -- Greg Needham Atwood Mini Tools $35+ Available from Atwood Knife & Tools
And one of these:
Credit Card Survival Tool
Wallet-size multi-tool
I have two friends who've been carrying these slim, multi-tools for a few years now and swear by them. I've only used the mini-screwdriver and bottle opener, but those functions alone seem worth it. It's stainless steel and will add some weight to your load, but no more than the average metal beverage pop-top. Why junk up your keychain when you can slip another "card" into your wallet? Added bonus: can opener, straight edge, knife edge, et al. -- Steven Leckart
Credit Card Survival Tool $5 Available from Fishboy Manufactured by BCB Survival USA [This item was previously available via Amazon, so you may want to check if it's back in stock -sl]
And next to that would be one of these:
Gas-O-Haul Collapsible emergency gasoline can
This disposable fiberboard container folds flat and has a bladder that can hold a gallon of gas (about 14" by 6" by 2"). I've yet to have a car emergency, but I've used it for a prosaic fill up on a lawn mower. No leaks, easy to carry and cheap to replace. Keeping one around is handy and comforting, and it's way better than the bulky plastic ones that have bounced around in the back of my car for years. -- Vincent Gas-O-Haul $9 Available from Genuine Hot Rod
ANd an empty one of these:
Sigg Aluminum Water Bottles Non-plastic beverage containers
These bottles are a great solution for anyone looking to get away from plastic. In the last few years, studies have suggested that using plastic bottles may be harmful to your health. For instance, plastic bottles made of polycarbonate (#7 recycle code) contain a substance called bisphenol-A (BPA), which acts as an endocrine disrupter that mimics estrogen and has been linked to aneuploidy, adipogenesis, and other scary problems with funny names. Found in plastics with recycle codes 1-5, phthalates (the chemical that softens plastic) can be carcinogenic and act as endocrine disrupters, too. Even water standing at room temperature in a plastic bottle can leach phthalates from a bottle, not to mention a bottle that goes through temperature changes throughout a day. Granted there's been great debate over all these studies and whether the levels of leached phthalates in the average plastic bottle are really high enough to merit health concerns. Either way, just think about the toxic byproducts of plastic production: dioxin (a carcinogen) and plastic waste. Enormous amounts of plastic waste from all those bottles that aren't recycled create equally enormous vortexes of plastic garbage in various oceans, where they wreak havoc on marine life. Moving away from plastic is healthier for the planet. The Sigg bottles are just a tad heavier than their plastic counterparts. The water-based, polymer coating is taste-neutral and acid-resistant (think fruit juices), and guaranteed for the life of the bottle (5 years according to the manufacturer). They come in a variety of eye-catching designs and sizes. You can also purchase a variety of caps (i.e. the sport top) that increase the utility of the bottle for your specific needs. -- Ari Cohn Sigg Aluminum Water Bottles $16 Available from Amazon (1 liter, in blue)
And this seems very useful:
Stanley Tripod Flashlight Portable, hands-free LED lighting
I replaced my D battery Mag-Light with this small LED light that only needs AA batteries. I get whiter light, longer life, and more intensity. Tripod lights have always been great tools (I work at Amazon, so I see a lot of gear). The problem with the traditional ones is they get very hot, use lot of battery power, and burn out fast. Stanley's tripod light - the first LED version - takes all the advantages of LED and combines it with the convenience of a fold up stand.
I have already used it for a variety of household projects since I bought it last year. The best use has been to install dimmers. Usually I'd have to do this during the day or ask my wife to hold the flashlight. With the tripod light, I can now do it by myself at any time. -- Jason Goldberger Stanley Tripod Flashlight $24 Available from Amazon Manufactured by Stanley
My love of tools
the two together, now if only I could justify $36 for knife/tool I
will likely never use.
I would buy this....
If I weren't moving soon:
Silver and Frosted Glass Airplane Light
- Posted by Jeff Chenkus
- July 30, 2007
- Stumble
Meant primarily for chidren's rooms, the Airplane light has a nice satin silver and frosted glass look to it. Not that you adults can't have one also, I mean we all deserve a little bit of fun in our lives. But single people may have some trouble with dates if this were a primary feature in the living room, and I can't believe most spouses would be any more interested. The choice is still yours.
Product Page (£74.00, about $150)
Filed Under: Household
cool toy (jack style)
« Dancing Transformer: Robots In Discos | Main | Claim: iPhone Hacked To Make Calls on Telstra »
Make Your Own Wooden Automaton
By Rob Beschizza 
July 31, 2007 | 11:00:03 AMCategories: Robots
No glue, no tools, and no microprocessors are required to assemble your own simple robot using The Designing Automata Kit, available in the west thanks to the MAKE Store. See it as a complex mechanical puzzle, perhaps, where you get to win every time!
Crafted from Thai rubberwood by the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre in London, the set is $60.
Product Page [Make]
SO need to buy this
This is what happens when gamers have babies, they start out as a "level 1 human", and gain experience points daily to reach the next level.
Another 'hack' I am tempted to build
For less than $10, you could "see the world in a whole new light", with this infrared goggle hack. Continue reading to watch.
For Shaun, wireless video
Teq AV/IT's WID110 makes any display wireless
Forget forking out for one of those proprietary wireless displays, as Teq AV/IT's WID110 enables any ole display or projector to receive video signals sans wires so long as it understands VGA. The wireless gateway / receiver "enables multiple computers to stream video to a screen without any cables," and allows presenters to carry around a few small pieces of hardware rather than a dedicated monitor. Notably, the unit plays nice with 802.11b/g, outputs at 1,280 x 768, supports Windows XP / Vista / CE and OS X, is password protected, and even handles video clips in MPEG formats. Reportedly, you can look forward to a 250-foot range outside and a 150-foot range whilst indoors, and while there's no pricetag readily available, we don't envision such a luxury coming without a noticeable premium.
cool idea, miserable execution
07. 31. 2007
Twinkling coffee table
There's been fun buzz around Microsoft's $10K Surface table, but if you're truly in the market for interactive furniture there are other less expensive (though still expensive) pieces out there for you to consider. Among them is this interactive LED table created in partnership between Evilmadscientist.com and Becausewecan.org.
LEDs inside the table are only activated by motion (setting a glass on the table, reaching for something, or the swishing of the cat's tail). Whatever the action, areas of this table light up when something moves over the top of it. Without motion the lights quiet to a slight enchanting twinkle.
When fully active, the entire pool of 480 super-bright white LEDs uses a total of 35 watts, which is less energy than a single common household light bulb. Using a network of 32 active and passive near-infrared optical sensors, it detects motion above the table and changes in ambient light. Made of fully analog circuits, the light patterns move outwards from your motion, glowing stronger the closer the movement is. It works in full sunlight or total darkness.
The table is made of 100% sustainable wood and water-based finishes, is 62" long by 31" wide by 18" high, and comes with either a glass or plastic top. Well-crafted wood lattice underneath, spanning the side waves, forms a sturdy shelf for storage.
Price: $2,800 at Becausewecan.org
Bridges, bridges everywhere
a long time ago I played a 'game' that gave you minimal pieces with which to build extra long/strong bridges. I became expert at building bridges that fell apart just AFTER the test train made it to safety.
This guy makes that stuff look...well....game-like.
We have all seen the Popsicle stick bridges that can hold some heavy weights. This cardboard tube bridge takes bridge building to the next level! "Weighing 7.5 tonnes, the bridge is made from 281 cardboard tubes, each 11.5 centimetres (four inches) across and 11.9 millimetres thick. The steps are recycled paper and plastic and the foundations wooden boxes packed with sand. Balloons filled with 1.5 tonnes of water were used to test its resistance, said Ban's assistant Marc Ferrand. " Via: Geekologie |
Of extreme usefulness
Find Articles - vast archive of free and premium articles
Posted Aug 1st 2007 9:00AM by Jason Clarke
Filed under: Business, Internet, Text, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Search
Filed under: Business, Internet, Text, Windows, Macintosh, Linux, Search
Find Articles is a service by LookSmart (remember them?) which provides access to a massive library of research quality articles from over 900 magazines and journals, dating back to 1998. While it's unclear how they define "research quality", it appears that the average quality of article is quite high, even for the free ones. It's imaginable that this might be a useful resource for students, however it's not going to replace Google or Wikipedia for up-to-date information on any topic imaginable any time soon.
For someone looking to find articles to reference or hyper-focused articles, Find Articles might be helpful.
Mini News
All-Electric Mini Cooper Ready for Consumer Market
Hybrid Technologies, known for their Smart Car and sponsoring UC Berkeley's sophisticated Cal Sol Project, announced today that their all-electric, Lithium-Ion powered BMW AG Mini Cooper has moved into production. The car is reported to have a range of 120+ miles on a single charge, speeds up to 80 miles per hour, and acceleration of 0-60 in 6.0 seconds. According to the press release, "The Mini Cooper Frame is produced by Mini Cooper in Oxford England, and the conversion to all-lithium currently takes place in North Carolina at Hybrid's Mooresville plant."
You can watch these test drive videos from Popular Mechanics and Forbes Magazine.
I love announcements like this. I think fun and sexy cars like the Mini and the Tesla are just what the auto industry needs to get people excited about the potential of electric cars. No word about the cost, though. Hopefully it will be affordable...
The Mini is incredibly fun to drive as it is...I can only imagine what an electric engine will do for its performance. You can currently rent a non-electric one from ZipCar, it will be interesting to see if car sharing companies hop on this as a great way to introduce people to these cars.
On a related note, check out Jay Leno's review of the Tesla.
AND ALSO THIS:
MINI Clubman
The MINI family is getting a new big brother. The MINI Clubman ($TBA) retains the trademark styling and agile handling, but gains new proportions, split-rear doors and a passenger-side suicide door. The 5-door Clubman has 9.45 more inches of body length and a wheelbase that's extended by 3.15 inches, offering more leg and storage room. The Clubman will go on sale in the U.S. early next year with two models — the MINI Cooper Clubman (120-hp, 1.6-litre 4-cylinder) and the MINI Cooper S Clubman (175-hp, 1.6-litre 4-cylinder with twin-scroll turbocharger).
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