table
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Wable graphically represents web activity, ain't much of a table
Frankly, we're not totally sure we actually long to "create a physical link between our virtual and real identities" -- you know, we like to keep that stuff pushed far, far away from the forefront of our minds -- but if we ever have a change of heart, it seems the Wable will be right there waiting. This unique "table," as it were, sports four bars that raise and lower automatically based on the activity from web applications such as Plazes, Flickr and Last.fm. Beyond that, it doesn't seem to add too much more value to one's life, but if it's the simple things that keep you smiling, check out a remarkably unremarkable video of it after the jump.[Via Core77]
Which nuvi is the right nuvi for you?
Yeah, we sure love our charts / tables too, and with Garmin's nüvi lineup now bordering on thoroughly overwhelming, we're glad to see the folks over at NaviGadget doing the dirty work and cranking out "the ultimate nüvi comparison table." Click on for a much easier way to digest the latest outpouring of nüvis, will ya?
DIY'er stuffs MAME machine into dinner table
Hot on the heels of Gamerator's stupendous MAME cabinet and AOTS "world's largest arcade machine" comes a DIY project that gives both of the aforementioned products a run for their money. The aptly-titled IKEA MAME Dinner Table cleverly crams a MAME machine into a standard dinner table, which we're absolutely sure any warm-blooded mother (and / or gamer) could appreciate. The table can slide open to reveal a 15-inch LCD, Happ Controls and an Ultimarc I-PAC, and while a myriad games can be played, the creator's personal favorite is the famed Ms. Pacman. Click on for a couple more looks, and then head on to the read link for a slew of pics from the underside.[Via MAKE]
Lite Table brings back illuminated childhood memories
While some things may take you back, the Lite Table manages to warp you way back. Upon first glance, there's absolutely no doubt where this masterpiece of a table got its inspiration, and for those who wasted hours on end moving pegs and devising new Lite Bright creations as a wee lad (or dame), any price would seem reasonable for this. Granted, this piece has been spotted before, but thanks to Jellio, what appears to be a fanboy's creation is actually available for purchase. What's it gonna take? A mere $600, a whole lot of patience, and a prime spot in the living room to show your youngsters that grown-ups can still relate.[Via UberReview]
Armory data: Popular and unpopular specs
Finally, someone has done something worthwhile with the Armory other than make fun of people's gear and complain about invasions of privacy. Zyph of Maelstrom wrote a program that pulled random names of level 70 characters off of Allakhazam and inputted them into the Armory, and then compared their specs. He ended up with the spec information of over six thousand players. Zyph wanted to find out three things from his study. First off, he wanted to know what percentage of a class was specialized (31 points or more) in one tree. Then he wanted to see how many people who were specialized in a tree skipped the 31- and 41-point talents of that tree, and how many took them. The results of his survey can be found beyond the cut.
Joystiq impressions: HP's Misto
HP showed off another research and development project, Misto, at its recent game media event. Misto is basically a coffee table with a touch-sensitive display rigged underneath its glass. That's not to say it's not impressive for a coffee table or a display; we've just seen similar projects, and other creative, homebrew game tables.Misto's demos relied on a few simple applications to prove its touch sensitivity. I moved puzzle pieces around the screen. I browsed through photos. I looked at houses I couldn't afford; Misto is currently in-use with at least one realtor although not available for general consumers.While a coffee table interface would be fun for certain games, Misto's current version misses big by only recognizing one touch at a time. Sure, there are technical reasons why it and many other devices can't juggle multiple users. But for the table to have the social gaming applications HP mentioned, that untouchability is a major oversight. If Misto ever makes it to market -- perhaps for virtual/actual Settlers of Catan or other social board games -- it needs to accept two or more touches at a time before we want one.
Build your own digestive table
It may sound like something out of a David Cronenberg movie, but the digestive table designed by Amy Young is in actuality only slightly less disturbing -- and, best of all, you can build one of your own if you've got the carpentry skills to match the plans. If you do, you'll soon be turning your leftovers into nutritious, sweet-smelling compost with the help of some hard-working worms and sowbugs that'll chew 'em up and spit out the results on the plants below. So as you don't miss a moment of that action, the table also comes equipped with a 10-inch LCD connected to an infrared camera set atop the compost heap, capturing the circle of life in all its stomach-turning glory.Via Inhabitat]
Swiss designers create LED-based assembly instructions
Sure, step-by-step instructions by some of the best modders we've ever seen can help you turn your Jaguar into a portable or stuff a Linux box inside an Apple monitor, but what if that newfangled computer desk just magically assembled itself as soon as you got it home? While we're not quite there just yet, a group of Swiss gurus have devised a prototype system that utilizes multiple series of LEDs that glow and fade based on user input, direction, and tasks remaining. Designed to be used on typical flat packed tables, chairs, and other forms of IKEA-derived furniture, the diodes act in "proactive fashion" and "adapt to each movement the user makes" in order to guide the assembler to screwing the right bolt in the correct location and in the appropriate order. While there are far too many specifics to get into here, be sure to hit the read leads for the full skinny, including a comparison to the often used "paper and frustration" method. [Warning: PDF links]Read - LED furniture assembly explainedRead - LED furniture design details[Via infosthetics]
Concerto table has built in iPod dock, speakers
It's the problem that has plagued humankind since October 23, 2001: Where do I get a piano-shaped table with a built-in iPod dock and speakers? We all want one, but they're just so hard to find. Fear not, dear readers. TUAW has the answer for you.The Concerto table is shaped like a grand piano, has a dock for connecting your iPod (with dock connector, of course) and built-in speakers. These retail for...actually, it's one of those "If you have to ask you can't afford it" deals. Don't say we didn't warn you.[Via Luxist]
