CMoy Pocket Amplifier

         
The internet is great, through a Podcast show I watch called Systm I found out about the CMoy Pocket Amplifier. Basically it is a small amp to drive more power to your headphones when connected to your iPod, mobile phone, etc. The sound is fantastic and really noticable when plugged into my Nokia N95 with it's weedy power out.

You can watch the show here, Episode 81 - Soldering Your Own Headphone Amp to see how they are put it all together. Full instructions and all the components required can be found here, it really is an excellent entry into electronics.

Designs in motion for Prototype B!

By Mark Little

eBoy

I found this random site: hello.eboy.com which appears to be a company based around creating pixel based artwork in isometric. I really like the concept and it's cool to see it being used on Coke adverts. The company seem quite interesting with the artwork they create, I am a little less sure about the "toys" they make though.

By Mark Little

::Update::
I thought these guy's work looked familar in some way, yes they created the artwork cover for Groove Armada's Soundboy Rock Album.

Products we Dig

As designers we are always analysing the products we use, so I thought it would be a good idea to create a list of a few of our favourites;

Apple iTouch / iPhone
Maybe you love Apples, maybe you don't, but there is arguing that they've really hit the mark with these products. The interface that Apple have managed to create is truly incredible and a giant leap over what Nokia and Sony had ever come up with. All designers and engineers (or anyone putting shelves up!) check out the an appl called a Clinometer. "It is the hopefully most precise (we do all we get out) slope measurement tool for the iPhone/IPod Touch". You just wonder how long it will take for Apple to produce a full touch screen Mac.

Nissan GT-R
Simply on this list because it is an engineers / designers wet dream! Just looking at this car for a second, you instantly know this is special, it is a no compromise performance car, and that is what I love the lost, no compromise.


Xbox 360 Controller
After several years of owning one the white controller to precision gaming has never let me down and shows no real signs of wear. Reasons why this product is so good is in the details, the clear over moulded buttons


Thunderbird Email Client
If you have ever got frustrated with the bogged down email programs such as Outlook and have switched to... I have mine setup with an Imap enabled Gmail account, so no matter which machine I am on I get an automatically updated version of my emails. - This actually works best with the number on product on this list, the iPhone! - It truly is incredibly simply and easy to use.

Solidworks 2008 SP3
This version of Solidworks has been a real joy to use, very stable and many new useful features. Top tip: press the 'S' key during sketching (and any other time) for a quick shortcut menu - saves a lot of wrist movement!

Marshall Amp
Just look at their product range! There are so many reasons to love this product, its well thought out design of audio adjustments, it's durable construction and black and gold finsh!


By Mark Little

A Blog on Blogs

I thought a good way of starting the blog page was to in fact mention some of them that I sign up to and read on a regular basis; Ricky Jordans Blog This guy is really into his Solidworks! - Check his articles out to find out the latest on the CAD software and other interesting design discussions.

Ricky Jordans Blog
This guy is super into his Solidworks! - Check his articles out to find out the latest on the CAD software and other interesting design discussions.

Uselog
With everyone having more awareness about product ergonomics, usability and the frustrations everyday objects can bring (and repeated mistakes of companies.... I'm thinking new XBOX UI here) it's becoming a more discussed topic between people. Jasper van Kuijk always finds some great examples of the good and the very bad!

BBC Technology
This is a great site for regular high quality technology news stories; I usually check this on a mobile device when stuck on the train or bus.

Protomold Design Tip
If you are a product designer or engineer involved with plastic tooling, this newsletter is well worth a read! Minimum wall thicknesses, drafts, surface finishes, etc are all explained in great detail. Very handy and on their website all the articles are archived.

MAKE
An internet Blog site on products people modify and build from scratch themselves. Some amazingly original ideas to be found here, shows that there is so much potential to product recycling. Any suggestions of great design blogs please let me know and I can add them to the list!


By Mark Little