Throw the Mind [dot] Com

I was listening to Twit this morning while they were discussing Apple Stores and why people go into them.  All of the speakers on Twit said people go to Apples Stores because they get to play with the computers and talk to knowledgeable people.   While this is true, but I think the main reason is that Apple computers are different from what most people are used to.  They get to break away from Windows and try something new.  Then if they like it, they can purchase it right there.  I don’t think its the fact that the computers are there to use, but more the fact that the computers are different.

This also got me thinking, what if there was a Linux Shop.  A place with computers set up running different kinds of distributions, showing off Open Office, InkSkape, The Gimp, and many other open source programs.  It would be just like an Apple Store, but for open source.  Computers could be sold at a cheap price because of the free operating systems.  The employees could answer Linux questions, and help new comers.  I think this sounds like a good idea, but not a good business idea.  Maybe something Makers Local could do.

The week leading up to Outerz0ne was crazy. We spent many hours working on the new Photobooth. Big thanks to Tim for a crazy design which I firmly believe he sold his sole to Satan for. Bob was awesome, he spend many hours putting the thing together. Venkat did a great job on the new software. Greg, Scott, Justin and I’m sure a few others also helped get this project done.

We had planned to leave Thursday night for Outerz0ne, but as the week rolled forward, it started looking like Thursday night might be a work night for everyone involved.  Indeed it was, we worked late into the night, then got up Friday and continued to work.  We finally finished working on the thing at about 6pm.  Once it was done, we promptly tore it down, packed it up and stuffed it into the car.  Then raced to Outerz0ne.

This was a great project to work on, and I believe it is far better than the first one.  This photobooth actually breaks down and folds up under the seat.  The only components that do not fit are the computer and curtains, but I think we have enough room under the seat for the curtains.  There are a few areas which need improvement, but these are things that can be taken care of fairly easily, and hopefully can be done right without being rushed.

Below are pictures taken while building was taken place, and here is the link to the pictures the Photobooth took from Outerz0ne 5

A couple weeks ago we took a field trip to across the road to Inergi.  They invited us over to take a look around and see what they do.  The place is huge.  They have 3 acres under roof.  We only checked out a few places in the building, but all of them were awesome.  They make some cool things over there.  So if you ever need to have some fast prototyping done, they are the place in town to go to.  Here are a few pics I took while we walked around.

Saturday we had a Open House / Swap Meet at the shop.  I think everything went great.  We had about 30 people show up and hang out for a while.  Brian made a bunch of t-shirts and we ended up with a bunch of stuff.  I think we will be going through it all for a while to come.  Thank you everyone that came out, we hope to do this again.  Here are some pics I was able to take.

We will be having an Open House at our location at 3409 Governor’s Drive. It’s next to the Animal Vet Clinic and Sharp Communication. We will be working on projects as well as having a electronic swap meet.

We will have tables set up in the back yard and cars in the parking lot trading all kind of electronics. If you bring CRT’s, we ask that you do not leave them behind. Inside we will be working on projects such as building a new photo-booth, multi touch computer screens, USB Authentication Door Access, and other fun projects.

Have an idea? Get involved and come build it with us. We’re always looking for new involvement at the Shop, and things to showcase to the community!

Site: MakersLocal.org