Singin’ In the Rain…and Fully Equipped

12 November 07

It’s been raining on and off for the past couple of days here, and I love to go walking in the rain just for the heck of it. So here are 2 high-tech cover-ups and gadgets that can make singin’ (and surfing) in the rain more fun:

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Pileus Internet Umbrella

In meteorology, pileus* is a ’small, horizontal cloud that can appear above a cumulus or cumulonimbus cloud, giving the parent cloud a characteristic “hoodlike” appearance.’ In the tech world, Pileus is an internet umbrella powered by Flickr and Google Earth.

Created and designed by Sho Hashimoto and Takashi Matsumoto, the Pileus umbrella consists of a large screen on the top surface, a built-in camera, a motion sensor, GPS, mobile projector, and aPHS/Wi-Fi/HSDPA connection. You can take pictures with the camera and upload them to Flickr, view pictures and video via Flickr and YouTube, and use 3D map navigation via Google Earth and the built-in GPS.

I’m not quite sure if the Pileus is actually waterproof with all the high-tech gear on it. The handle is rather bulky as that is that’s the location of the controls and electronic equipment. As of now, the Pileus Internet Umbrella is only a prototype still in testing stages so it’s not available commercially. If and when they do decide to put this gadget up for retail, they should tag it with a warning: May cause injury due to distraction. Be aware of your surroundings and use with caution when crossing the street.

Moving Along…

The Otterbox: iPod Waterproof Case

I personally own an Otterbox for my iPod Nano. Not only does the Otterbox Armor waterproof your iPod for up to 3 ft., it is ruggedized to dustproof and drop-protect it also. The case is made up of a hard plastic compound with a flexible membrane near the front middle for controlling the clickwheel. Otterbox cases are also available for various PDA and cell phone makes and models. The cases now come in two series:
1) Defender - This series of cases are slim and semi-rugged. It’s designed to dust proof, drop proof, and semi-water proof your gadget. So you can take it for a stroll in the rain, but don’t fully immerse it in water.

2) Armor - These cases are more heavy duty. They offer the most protection available from Otterbox. Dust proof, drop proof, and waterproof for up to 3 ft.

I did my own testing experiments with my Otterbox case. Not only is it ruggedized for my own use, I also consider it a childproof accessory. Now I’m not afraid to let kids play with my iPod…they can drop it or spill water on the case all they want. Anyway, I’ve taken it running in the rain, tested it in the shower, and immersed it in a bowl of water(see above pic). The only place I haven’t taken it is out surfing…I’d love to listen to music while I’m out in the ocean but the case probably can’t withstand that kind of water pressure. I don’t want to test it to the limit because while there is a warranty for the Otterbox, it is for the Otterbox case alone and not your iPod. If your case leaks and damages your electronic equipment, they’ll be happy to replace your case while you’re stuck having to buy another iPod out of your own pocket.

I got my Nano case for $35, and it came with a lanyard and belt clip. You can purchase extra accessories such as wristbands($15) and waterproof earbuds($35) from Otterbox also.

The Wrap

So there you have it. Did you find other waterproof gadgets and what-nots that you found interesting? If you care to share, feel free to drop me a line via the comment box below.

Sources: Wiki, Pileus.net, and Otterbox.com

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