DIY: Inexpensive Wiimote-based Smart boards

My son's school has been lucky enough to be able to afford Smartboards for each of its classrooms so that teachers can use them in a number of amazing ways. Students can interact with web pages, flash games, and software using "electronic chalk". Material, both digital and physical, is easily presented to the entire class. The boards open up a wide range of activities never before possible in the classroom, limited only by the imagination.

That said, smartboards can be exceedingly expensive. Second only to the capabilities of smart boards themselves is the inventiveness of hackers, DIY'ers and Makers who set out to use the relatively inexpensive Wiimote game controller to create an less expensive, home brew version of the Smartboard. Even better, building the system can be made part of the educational process for everyone involved .

This article from MAKE: Blog ( Make your own Wii smartboard) details how to create and use this inexpensive system in your own school or group. The video below offers a quick view of the amazing things you can accomplish with such a system.

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New Wells Fargo Envelope-Free ATMs confuse users

Wells Fargo ATMs now take a stack of checks at one time, but confuse many users

For the record, I think the new Wells Fargo Envelope-Less ATMs recently installed in our California branches are pretty neat. First it saves the need for an envelope (and I am sure it makes it easier for bankers to not have to open all those envelopes). Next, you can get a receipt that lists not only each check and its amount, but it will even print out an image of the check on the receipt itself. Pretty cool!

Of course, as with any new technology, there seems to be a bit of confusion when using these new ATMs. I first noticed this when my wife complained about having to hit so many buttons to deposit several checks. Now, I had been to the new ATM and even as a tech geek I had to read the directions carefully, but in the instructions it says to insert all your checks or cash at one time, in a stack with the account numbers arranged along the right hand edge.

I think the confusion arises as we are not used to inserting a number of items sans envelope. It just seems weird to us and I still am getting used to the new system.

When I saw another complaint about the ATMs on Twitter a few days ago, I thought perhaps they were having the same problem as my wife. Sure enough, the customer was inserting one check at a time and annoyed that it made her do each deposit transaction separately. In fact, that message is what caused me to write this post, as it clearly falls under the 'Control your technology. Don't let it control you!" motto of TechnologyIQ.

Here is a PDF Brochure from Wells Fargo explaining the new Envelope-Free ATMs

Link: Wells Fargo Envelope-Free ATM

I hope this helps those of you who have been having trouble with these new ATMs. Furthermore, it shows yet another reason why companies like Wells Fargo should be monitoring Twitter and other social network sites for customers who are having trouble with their banking systems.

Typical Mac User LIVE - Another great podcast for your questions

The producer of the Mac Cast Loop is also a longtime Mac podcaster in his own right over at the Typical Mac User. His LIVE show, TMU LIVE can be found on Talkshoe.com, just like the MacCast Loop.

You can connect up via chat or telephone and ask your most pressing Mac questions and comment on the theme for evening.

Link: Typical Mac User podcast
Link: Typical Mac User LIVE podcast

Technorati Tags: howto, how-to, podcast, podcasting, events, technology, macintosh, software, computers, high-tech, free

Great LIVE podcast for Mac Users - MacCast Loop

I am a little late in telling you about this show, as I am listening to it LIVE right now on Talkshoe.com, but I did want to recommend that that Mac users check it out.

MacCast Loop is the LIVE, interactive version of Adam Christianson's regular podcast, the MacCast. On MacCast Loop you can call in and ask you Mac-related questions and also hear great questions and comments from other users. If you can't join LIVE, you can download the shows as podcasts to play on your computer, iPod or other MP3 player.

MacCast Loop happens every Sunday morning at 10 AM Pacific/1 PM Eastern time. Check it out and you might just see me in the chat room or hear me on the show.

Link: MacCast Loop - LIVE Show
Link: The MacCast

Technorati Tags: howto, how-to, podcast, podcasting, events, technology, macintosh, software, computers, high-tech, free

Something may come in very handy...Belkin Easy Transfer Cable for Windows

Hi all: If you have an old PC and want to move to a new PC (especially with Vista (!)) - you need an easy way to "get 'er done". The link below depicts a piece from Belkin that may make it easier. I'll try to read up on it and get back to you here. Here tis:

Belkin Easy Transfer Cable for Windows Photo Gallery

(credit Paul Thurrott's WinSuperSite

Talk with you soon! - SDA