Star Wars

I am not normally all that interested in fanboy electronics, however, when I saw the new R2D2 projector in the Star Wars Shop, I got interested. Most electronics of the genre fall quite far from the par. This projector, however, actually packs a bit of a punch. Considering that R2D2 uses a projector in the movies, there couldn't be a more appropriate Star Wars electronic creation.

Getting down to business, let's take a look at what everyone's favorite droid has under the hood:

• Picture by DLP from Texas Instruments
• Project to ceilings and walls up to a 260-inch picture
• Resolution: 1024x768
• Contrast Ratio: 1800:1
• Lumens: 1500
• Built-in CD/DVD player. Also plays MP3/MP4 video
• iPod docking station, memory card and USB slots
• Built-in 20 watt stereo speaker system
• FM wireless audio out (channels 1 through 7)
• Full-function: forward, reverse turn 360 degrees and recline
• Millennium Falcon remote control with removable stand
• Head turns using Millennium Falcon remote control
• Plays the most popular R2-D2 sound effects

While this probably won't be getting the approval of the high-end home cinema buff crowd, I have to say that it would be a pretty neat toy to have. Not everyone needs or can afford a full blown home theater, however, better projectors are getting cheaper and cheaper. Sure, prices fall a lot cheaper than this one, but it has good resolution; a reasonable lumen output and contrast ratio and it has so much functionality built into it. Sure, it won't compete with standalone theater equipment, but it looks more than capable of delivering a bit of geeky enjoyment. And it has a Millennium Falcon remote control.

So, you want your own lightsaber but not some crappy off the shelf version, you want to build it yourself like a real Jedi. Where do you start? Think Geek has made the answer to that question really easy with a DIY Lightsaber kit. It contains all of the parts you need to build your own and it produces some nifty effects to make it all that much better. If you are a complete geek that loves telling your friends to "use the force," you might just have to go ahead and buy one of these.

• Features:
  • Glowing blades ignites with realistic power-up/down effects (not as bright as other Force FX blades, but still awesome)!
  • Authentic sound effects digitally recorded from the movie.
  • Features four motion sensor controlled sound effects, Power-up, idle hum, clash, and power-down
  • Sturdy blade is permanently attached to the hilt
  • Tri-Color Blade (switch between: red, green, and blue)
  • Over 1,000 possible assembly combinations
• Includes: Main saber unit, battery compartment, 3 metal pommels, 3 plastic handles, 3 plastic

switches, 3 plastic upper sections, 3 metal emitter housings, and 6 accessory screws

• Power: Uses 3 AAA batteries (not included)

Price: About $100, not cheap but a small price to pay for your own lightsaber.

Source: Think Geek