As rechargeable batteries continue to grow in popularity, more and more people are picking up packs of NiMH batteries at the supermarket or online to put an end to the never-ending cycle of disposable batteries. When purchasing NiMH rechargeable batteries for the first time, however, many people overlook the importance of choosing the right battery charger for their specific lifestyle and needs. The following article explores the different features and options you can expect to find when shopping for battery chargers and will help you to make the right choice for your specific needs.
Years ago, I was leafing through the world-famous Hammacher Schlemmer catalogue and came upon a most unusual gadget: a down-filled, cold weather parka, complete with a USB jack on the inside lining. This USB-powered coat was the first of its kind, and because USB technology was still relatively new, the conflation of apparel and technology seemed especially discordant. Unable to escape an unfortunate pun, I was seeing the emergence of a dangerous homonym: software versus softwear.
Continue reading ‘The Lowly USB Port: Unsung Hero of Interactive Technology’
Back in 2005, when the Wii, Xbox 360, and Playstation 3 were poised to hit the entertainment market, who would have believed that the Wii would dominate the other two game platforms in worldwide sales? With its lower resolution and quirky game controller, all of the gaming elite doomed Nintendo for the bronze medal in the competition for market supremacy.
Now, the Wii and its innovative game controller has become a cultural phenomenon. The famed “Wiimote,” together with the nunchuck controller, makes for an amazing gaming experience, giving you wireless, interactive play with your favorite Wii games.
But what do you do when the charging dock battery pack in your Wiimote goes flat on you, right in the middle of a great game? Since few people have charged replacement battery packs ready to go, chances are you’ll have to dock the Wiimote for four or five hours while you wait for it to recharge, thus losing your shot at a new high score.
How do you avoid this gaming catastrophe?
Continue reading ‘The High Score Heartbreak: How the Wii Battery Pack On Your Controller Dies at the Worst Times!’
