Gear

Canon Rebates are here

In Deals, Gear, Money, Photography on 19 May 2008 with 1 comment

Thanks to Jean, I found out that Amazon’s price for the Canon EOS 40D (body only) dropped to $959.94.

If you bought it (or any other item from Amazon) within the past 30 days, Amazon has a price drop policy.¹

Otherwise, here’s a list of the Canon items that have rebates from May 18th, 2008 until July 19th, 2008:

[via unwir3d]

I signed up for my 40D through the Refund Please service, but I didn’t get an email from them like I was supposed to. Lame. ↩

The Canon EOS 40D LCD screen is tough!

In Gear, Money, Photography on 7 May 2008 with 1 comment

I was thinking of buying an LCD screen protector for my new Canon EOS 40D, but after some research, it’s not necessary.

The LCD for the 40D isn’t responsive to touch like a PDA or iPhone — it’s already protected. Also, it’s a waste of money to buy those other protectors. You’ll sacrifice some screen visibility, and the replacement parts cost about $20 anyway.

CB3-3763-000 - TFT Display Window
CB3-3764-000 - Double Sided Tape

Canon Parts Center: (732) 531-7230

Sources: photo.net, Canon EOS 40D Users Flickr group

The Party Button - literally

In Gear, Geek, Photos on 22 March 2008 with 1 comment

Bryan Villarin | March 21, 2008 | Riverside, CA
50mm * f/1.8 * 1/40 sec * ISO 400

***

No joke. My friend, Brian Gaut, made this button.

You press it, then the blinds close, the lights dim, a strobe light in the kitchen starts to flash, a laser by the TV starts going crazy, and Haddaway’s, “What Is Love” plays.

Awesome.

Currently, there’s no protection if someone accidentally presses it. He needs to integrate a key next.

[View on Flickr]

Want me to sell this print? Let me know!

Update 3/27/08 — Ooh, I got Dugg!

Welcome home, nifty fifty

In Gear, Photography, Photos on 14 March 2008 with no comments

Nine days after it broke and got shipped away, it has finally returned. I should have had it two days ago, but whatever. Happy happy joy joy…

Come back soon

In Gear, Life, Photography on 7 March 2008 with 2 comments

On Wednesday, I was lingering at the end of the day, taking self-portraits because I didn’t have Legos for Flickr Group Roulette. Then, the front lens (right) popped into my lap.

My jaw dropped. My lips quivered. I fought the tears.

Yesterday afternoon, I shipped it to the Canon Factory Service Center in Irvine. I bought it from Arnold only four months old.

I miss it already. I know it’s under warranty, but I hope they just send me a new one at no cost.

Update 3/7/08 6pm — Shipped via USPS Priority Mail, my lens got to Irvine already. And…

We have received your equipment for evaluation and repair. Based on our initial examination, we will start the necessary repairs at no charge to you. You can expect the repair to be completed and returned back to you within approximately 7 business days* from [today]. There is no need to respond to this notice.

Please note that in the unlikely event that any additional internal damage is found due to liquid/water, sand, corrosion, battery leakage or impact (such as dropping the unit), a revised estimate will be sent for your authorization, since these conditions are specifically excluded from warranty coverage.

*Actual times may vary. Seasonal volume or repairs requiring special parts may add more time.

Sweet!

Update 3/12/08 2pm — My lens is on its way back to me! I’ll get it either today or tomorrow, depending if my mom’s at home to sign it.

Update 3/14/08 8pm — After a longer-than-necessary wait, my precious has been repaired to factory specs and returned to me. Yay!

How to not carry so much stuff

In GTD, Gear, Life, Organizing on 7 February 2007 with no comments

I got home after school yesterday to find my mom shredding a bunch of paper and stuff. Apparently, she was an accomplice to a crime and was destroying evidence. (Just kidding.)

We got to talking about organization, then she brought up that one of her coworkers only carries around her driver’s license. My mom ranted that in her purse, she has checks, bills to pay, loose papers, and a whole bunch of other stuff I don’t remember. On top of that, if she brings lunch, that’s another bag to carry. I could see self-realization rearing its head. Once again, I told her about setting up and using a tickler file. (I print labels and make the 43 folders for her later.) This time, I think she’ll give it a shot.

I wrote about streamlining my backpack (part 1, part 2) awhile ago. I’m happy to say that I’m still good. I don’t have to bring any cables anymore. I’m going to buy a messenger bag soon because when I go to work, I basically just have my handful of gadgets, a couple pens, and some index cards.

As for my wallet, I barely have anything. Cash, driver’s license, debit card, student ID, auto insurance card, proximity card for work, and a few stickies for my debit card in occasions where I’m at a restaurant with a group of friends. I do have a Blockbuster card, library cards, a Borders Rewards card, AMC rewards card, Ralph’s Club card, etc. — they’re just in a small inexpensive Five Star Xpanz Zipper Pouch that I keep in the door compartment in my car. I also have more index cards and a spare pen.

Lastly, I have a portable inbox for random scraps of paper/stuff I might come across during the day.

All in all, my mom notices that I don’t that many papers lying around. Shredding/discarding stuff regularly is only a small part of my system. I figured I’d explain myself here — you can take and tweak the system to suit your needs.

What’s in your bag? Can you see where you can change? And finally, read “Zen Pockets” — he explains more stuff.

I want a simple watch

In Gadgets, Gear, Life on 31 January 2007 with 2 comments

Since I’ve owned a cell phone, I don’t think I’ve worn a watch on a regular basis. I own a nice watch my dad gave me years ago, and I’ll wear that for certain occasions. For the most part, my wrists are barren.

Then, I saw “Jack Bauer Gear” from Uncrate. While I don’t need the ruggedness of the Special Ops Watch, I realized I just wanted something simple and kind of vintage (if that’s an appropriate word).

When I was a kid, I wanted something complex. Digital. Stopwatch. Timer. Now, I’m going backwards. We’re weird like that, aren’t we? Or, is it just me?

Anyways, I ordered the Timex Men’s Camper Watch #T18581. I should get it in a day or two, since I opted for one-day shipping. (Thanks Andy!)

Here’s my review in advance: it works, doesn’t require maintenance, water resistant, and I can state 24-hour time in confidence. Yes, you can expect a dorky picture of me wearing it soon enough.

WaterField Sleevecase review

In Gear, Laptop, Review on 18 January 2006 with 1 comment

Technically, I would’ve gotten my Sleevecase yesterday, but it couldn’t just be dropped off on my doorstep. I ordered last Thursday, it shipped Friday night, and came in Tuesday. If Monday wasn’t a holiday, I think it would’ve came in that day instead!

Anyways, I’m very impressed! I love the materials used, the huge strap - everything about it. I mean, I don’t know what more to say. Go to the Sleevecase page, look through it, and order with confidence that you’ll get exactly what you want.

The whole feel of ordering from WaterField Designs was so…comfortable. Maybe even a bit personal? The sales receipt even had a hand-written “Thank you”. That’s cool.

I didn’t get any extras because at the moment, I’m planning on just using it with my backpack. Before, I had a Dell carrying case, so I had to carry two things around, since I carry my backpack for everything else. Now, I’ll just be carrying one bag. So awesome! (Here’s more pictures…)

What I bring to work

In Gear, Photos on 27 July 2005 with 2 comments

Just posting this like I promised!

Streamlining my backpack, Part 2

In Gear, Work on 26 July 2005 with 1 comment

I forgot to mention that one of the reasons why I wrote “Streamlining my backpack“: it was because of this: What should NOT be in my bag? Also, it was because I had to bring my laptop last week. I will get a laptop sleeve so if that ever happens again, I’ll still only have to carry one bag instead of two.

I also missed his link to Zen Pockets, so I’ve downloaded that to my TE for reading during my commute this afternoon. It looks very well written (skimming the first few paragraphs).

As an update to cutting down, I’m better than last week. I got some cables for my PDA for work, so I keep my other one at home. I still have to bring my iPod firewire cable and power block, and I should get a small zippered plastic bag to keep the cord from getting crazy in there. I’m also just keeping the IR keyboard in my car, unless I feel I’m going to type something on the train (I haven’t felt compelled to yet). I did take the notebook, but only because the backpack felt too empty without it. I won’t do that tomorrow.

At least when I get back to school, my bag won’t be filled to its limits. I’ll take a whatsinyourbag photo later.

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All Narfed Up photography and words by Bryan Villarin

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