Inexpensive Ways to Live Like Tony Stark (Iron Man)

By: Lifesaver


Those of you who watched Iron Man on opening weekend know that Tony Stark has a bunch of fancy toys that the average person just can't have....until now. Here is a list of technology that is somewhat similar in functionality to its movie counterpart; some are way off, but some definitely come close. Enjoy!

WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS!


If you liked this article, please read the latest version located at The Hero Gig

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Scene:
Stark first uses the computer in his workshop. He made the keyboard appear from nowhere.

Inexpensive Equivalent:
Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard

Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard:$120

This device projects a keyboard through the use of lasers on any flat surface. Typing on this futuristic device is accompanied by simulated key click sounds. This device has a full sized 63 key QWERTY keyboard.


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Scene:
Stark manipulating his designs virtually

Inexpensive Equivalent: The Oculus Go From Oculus. The Oculus Go enables users to speak to [their xbox and use hand gestures to interact with the software.] The possibilities with this product are endless!

Oculus Go Virtual Reality Headset





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Scene:
Pepper Potts using a tablet to watch a show and receive a call from Tony

Inexpensive Equivalent: The iPad! from Apple Inc. The iPad gives users the ability to perform tasks never before possible. You can watch videos, receive email, and with the release of iPad 2, the ability for video calls via Facetime! Just like in the movie.

Tip: For a better value, get it used

Apple iPad


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Scene:
Pepper steals Stane’s secret project files by locating the ghost drive in his computer. A ghost drive is a part of the computer’s harddrive that is hidden and protected with a password.

Inexpensive Equivalent: Download Truecrypt and you can have that capability too! Just follow the instructions carefully.



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Scene:
Pepper enters the code to gain access to Stark’s underground facility.

Inexpensive Equivalent: The RFID Digital Door Lock gives you the capability to install a lock that does away with the traditional metal key. This high-tech lock requires the user to scan their security card to gain entrance.




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Scene:
Stark tells Yensin about his new power source and that it has been derived from a bigger version that powers Stark Industries.

Inexpensive Equivalent: Since it is still not even possible to fabricate a cost effective power source based on nuclear fusion (assuming the Arc reactor is a form of nuclear fusion), these other technologies will provide a great alternative to your energy needs.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Generator



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Scenes:
Stark first builds the miniaturized arc reactor and when he builds the Iron Man armor prototypes.

Inexpensive Equivalent: Stark is able to build these fancy machines with the help of “a bunch of scraps”. One important piece of equipment is a solder. ColdHeat Pro Soldering Tool from ThinkGeek.com heats up to 500 degrees Farenheit in a second.

You may also need:
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Drill & Home Tool Kit, 68 Piece



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Scene:
Stark decides to keep his secret project in his private server.

Inexpensive Equivalent: You can purchase your very own Server ($720) or get the Ironkey USB drive ($79) instead. Features include: Encryption, self-destruct, and a very durable shell to physically protect your data.



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Scene:
Tony Stark starts designing the Mark 2 Exoskeleton. He uses a surface that interacts with his hands.

WARNING! Expensive equivalent: If you have the money, buy the Microsoft Surface. While I’m pretty sure it doesn’t have the capability to project 3D holographic images (i could be wrong), subsequent versions should have that capability.


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Scene:
Stark driving his Audi R8 to the airport and to the 3rd annual benefit for the firefighter’s family fund.

Inexpensive Equivalent: Playstation 3with Gran Turismo 5: Prologue:$440

Okay, this is a videogame, so what? With the detailed in-cockpit view, Racing Wheel ($150) with force feedback, great car physics, improved graphics, unique engine sounds, and the AUDI R8, you’ll feel like you’re inside one. It’s almost like the real thing and $109,560 cheaper. If you’re not a fan of the Audi R8, there are other cars to choose from at no extra cost.

You may also like: Forza 2 (Xbox 360), Project Gotham Racing 3, Project Gotham Racing 4, Gran Turismo 4 (Playstation 2)



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Scene:
Tony Stark destroying tanks and evading advanced jet fighters with his fancy new Mark 3 Iron Man armor.

Inexpensive Equivalent: Unless you are an engineering genius, you don’t have an Iron Man combat suit with a fully functional Artificial Intelligence by your side. So, just get the next best thing; Get Iron Manthe game (available in all platforms).




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Other Fancy Toys:

The following electronics would complete the package but aren't the cheaper alternative.

Apple Cinema 23" HD Flat-Panel Display




LG VX9400







Iron Man Arc Reactor T-Shirt




Iron Man Helmet Prop Replica



Iron Man Arc Reactor Prop


That’s all I have for now; let me know if you have any suggestions!

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Top 10: Reasons Why People Buy Apple Products

By: Lifesaver





Ever since the launch of Apple’s first generation iPod back in 2001, Apple products have been gathering a strong fan base at a high rate with no signs of slowing down. Why are people addicted to Apple products?

Disclaimer: This is NOT a “Top 10 Reasons to Buy Apple Products”. This is a Top 10 Reasons WHY THE AVERAGE PERSON BUYS APPLE PRODUCTS.


Because they are a head turner

How many of you get whiplash when you see a new Apple product? Yeah, I’m guilty of that too. Also, Wired Magazine states that: “Apple represents the shiny happy future of the tech industry”. Just ask yourself, what do you think about when you see someone with a MacBook, iPhone, or iPod ?

Because we think they’re sturdy

These things are so damn good looking that they must use high quality materials! The consumer is right in this case, Apple products are indeed made with quality in mind. After Steve Jobs re-established himself as the CEO of Apple, every product released has been perfectly designed right down to the “hold” button itself.

Because we want to feel safer from hackers, phishers, scammers…etc.

“Macs are invulnerable to hacking” was a common phrase the average person would say about Macs a few years ago. That phrase worked on people that have been screwed by viruses on their PCs and desperately need a change. Believe it or not, countless people still believe this to be true. In actuality, as more and more people use Macs, hackers have started exploiting the security flaws in the operating system. Even the Safari web browser is vulnerable to phishing. The browser lacks a built-in phishing filter and other anti phishing technologies. – Macworld. Also, vulnerability statistics from Secunia shows that the Mac OS X has at least 5 times more vulnerabilities per month than Windows XP and Vista.

Because they are innovative

Wired Magazine states that the iPhone is reshaping the entire wireless industry. It is even attempting to enter the business enterprise market that currently belongs to RIM’s Blackberry. Let’s face it; Apple tends to give its customers what they want before they even want it. If that's not enough, Fortune named Apple as one of the most admired companies this year.


Because services cater to Apple stuff

Products like the iHome and most cars are made with the iPod in mind. For example, the Scion and the new Honda Civic now have connectors that are compatible with the iPod. These eliminate the need for those annoying FM transmitters just to play songs from your iPod. Also, there are certain websites out there that have a section dedicated entirely for Apple products instead of just sticking them in the electronics section.

Because of Steve Jobs

iMac, iPhone, iPod; products that caused the resurgence of the company since Steve Jobs retook the helm. Apple was a struggling business entity and desperately needed innovative ideas; ideas that can only come from a truly creative person like Steve Jobs. In fact, there are people out there that get every single new Apple device just because Steve Jobs was its creator.

Because of the awesome commercials

Apple really had some creative commercials to go with their innovative products. For example, the “Mac vs. PC” commercials really made you hate PC for being so useless. Admit it; the commercials were so good that you went straight to the Apple Store after you saw it on TV. Worse, you were watching it at their website!

Because they are easier to use

Every year, people have become increasingly annoyed at PCs, that they look to where the grass is greener, the Mac. Many of the reasons include: no useless trial software, only one operating system, iLife, OS X 10.5 loads faster.

Because of the ability to run Microsoft Windows and Office

Macs have a capability called "virtualization", this lets users run OS X and Windows simultaneously. This is one of the main reasons the New Museum in Manhattan switched to Macs. " The ability to run Windows made the Mac the perfect solution for us on a very practical operational level," says John Hatfield, the contemporary art museum's deputy director. - Businessweek (5/12/08)

Because we get creative using them.According to Macworld, creative people buy this for photoshop and final cut studio. iLife is created for people that create websites, blogs, home movies, and other entertaining hobbies. So obviously, these people all have a Mac or two.


There you have it, 10 reasons why people buy Apple products. What are you waiting for?! Go get them!

If you liked this article, check out my other Top 10 list!

Also, check out the Hot Deals section for the best deals on electronics

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MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro vs. MacBook




Currently, there are three major Apple Macbook versions out in the market. Each version all share that classic "Apple" design, illuminated keyboard, magnetically attached power cord, and other neat features. Now you ask, which Macbook should you purchase? Here, I pit each Macbook against each other and explain what each should be used for.

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Apple MacBook Pro 2007 Edition

  • Things that set it apart: Includes the fastest Intel Core 2 Duo processor, most powerful videocard, largest touch pad real estate, 802.11n support, highest maximum screen resolution, largest HD speed and space, 6 hour battery life, comes with 2GB ram installed (4GB max), LED backlighting.
  • Things that turn me off: The heaviest out of the three (6 pounds), no media card reader, problematic software drivers for video card.
  • Should be purchased if: You absolutley need to play 3D games on a Mac, HD video editing (because of the Macbook's 1080p resolution capability), and if you need the processing power for simulation modeling or GIS.
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  • Things that set it apart: Processor is faster than the MacBook Air, the cheapest out of the three versions of the MacBook, comes in black and white, 6 hour battery life, slightly lighter than the MacBook Pro at 5.1 pounds.
  • Things that turn me off: Processor is slightly slower than the fastest MacBook Pro CPU, comes with 1 GB ram installed.
  • Should be purchased if: 3D gaming and running simulations aren't on the top of your to-do list. Also, if you are on a budget but still want a Macbook.
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Apple MacBook Air

  • Things that set it apart: Surprisingly thin at ¾ of an inch thick at its thickest side, can connect with a different computer in the same network to use their cd/dvd drive, has a larger screen space than the similarly sized Macbook, can zoom in and out of documents and photos like the iPhone, more resistant to fingerprints than the MacBook, the solid state drive (no more hard drives with moving parts)

  • Things that turn me off: small hard drive space, no optical disk installed, the modified version of the Intel Core 2 Duo processor performs slightly slower than the MacBook, CAN’T REPLACE THE BATTERY YOURSELF, no media card reader, could potentially be the most expensive of the three, it’s not as light as a feather (it is actually 3 pounds), 4 hours of battery life, stripped down set of ports, no Ethernet jack, native resolution is lower than the MacBook Pro, 2GB ram (max).
  • Should be purchased if: You need an ultra-portable laptop with basic functionality for traveling and the capacity to bring only the most important documents.
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Final Word
In the end, all of these laptops perform relatively similar; neither of them can really run the most graphically intensive games out today, but are all great for web surfing, videos, and editing. Also, your choice really depends on what kind of traveler you are; if you hate carrying big laptops, depend on Wi - Fi like it’s your life, and the occasional USB flash drive, then the MacBook Air is for you. If you must play a video game with a little bit of flash, then purchase the MacBook Pro. For the people, who only need a laptop for chatting, web surfing, and music, then the MacBook is for you.

Read the CNET review

Notice how your Macbook is aesthetically pleasing to your eyes? Keep it that way with covers and screen protectors to protect it from being scratched. These would help keep your Macbook look as if you just bought it yesterday.
You may be interested in the Top 10 Reasons Why People Buy Apple Products
DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THE HOT DEALS SECTION!

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