I’ve always liked capturing footage of me and my friends skating, boarding, jumping, etc. A couple of early jackasses ourselves, Jay and I have footage from the mid-1980s of falling to frozen earth from 10 feet off a half pipe. OK, actually Jay is the one who bailed and I merely zoomed in on his face to capture the pain. See that’s the problem – one of us had to miss the action/pain in order to capture the moment, but this is no longer the case.

In March Bitness reviewed the ATC2K camera, but seeing that this is the season for giving and the price seems right, be sure to also check out the GoPro Hero cameras. Quick release helmet, vehicle and wrist (waterproof enclosure) cameras capture nearly an hour of 3 megapixel digital footage (513×384). A time lapse mode (every 5 seconds) and adjustable sound recording levels can maximize storage on a 2GB SD card.

I know plenty of peeps who would grab one of these . My friend Dan already has a camera on his motorcycle helmet and posted a video of him doing 174MPH. Should he total himself and need a new one, it’ll be for his wheel chair or coffin.

Source: Lawrence

Many runners feel that an MP3 player detracts from the experience of running outdoors. That not being in tune to your breathing, or hearing the birds chirping is cheating yourself. I, on the other hand, prefer Black Sabbath screaming in my head and yes, the occasional Dane Cook comedy break.

The more obvious argument is that running with headphones is unsafe; you can’t hear cars, bikes, or pedestrians. I say that only adds to the experience, but I run mainly on trail.

I love to swim, snorkel and even Scuba and being underwater is a peaceful place. It’s here I like to be on alert, listen to my breathing and absorb myself in all that surrounds me. A company called H20 Audio thinks you should listen to music underwater too, and sells a number of waterproof cases (depending on your player) and waterproof headphones.

There are many models to choose from, the iS2 is used with the newer Shuffle, is submersible up to 10 feet and can be worn with the included armband. You can also adjust all the controls even while it’s enclosed.

If diving with sharks is your thing (props to Eli and Karen) and you think it would be more exciting to do so with a soundtrack, visit H20 Audio and get immersed…

Posted by: Lawrence

I like to run with an iPod so I don’t have to hear the labored breathing of a man killing himself. I prepare song lists for different distances that are based on song type and length. The song lists appear as ‘Running Man 6’ for a six miler, ‘Running Man 8,’ etc and always start mellow with a good beat. I use comedy clips for mundane parts of the run and hardcore or metal for hills and to finish the run. Setting up these song lists requires a lot of thought and examination of previous runs I store on MotionBased.

Like any good technology should, I can perhaps stop thinking so hard. A new product from Yamaha called BODiBEAT will be available this Fall that synchronizes the music I enjoy to my workout. Both an MP3 Player and a heart rate monitor, BODiBEAT changes songs on the fly to match your workout.

The BODiBEAT has four modes; Free, Fitness, Training and Music…

• Free Mode – You control the music: Music playback stays in sync with your movement
• Fitness Mode – The music controls you: Match your pace to the tempo of the music playing
• Training Mode – Create custom programs: Similar to my current method (explained above)
• Music playback – Simply use the BODiBEAT as a music player

For my taste, the look of the BODiBEAT leaves something to be desired. Perhaps I’m just spoiled by the incredible industrial design by Apple, but the BODiBEAT looks like a small brick. Also, instead of a chest strap, the BODiBEAT pulse sensor clips on your ear. On the Web site, the ‘music’ they play in the demo reels would cause me to keep running – right into a mental institution. I’m not sure they can determine the beat of your own music, so Free and Fitness modes might not actually be your music at all. I guess we’ll have to wait until the Fall to find out, unless Yamaha decides to drop something in the mail in advance…

Posted by: Lawrence

Garmin has released new beta versions of its POI loader and Unit Software Updater, enabling Garmin GPS (Global Positioning System) users to download and install software updates using a Mac and a USB connection. The POI (Point Of Interest) Loader for Mac 2.0.0.1 Beta allows users to load custom points of interest into a GPS unit, accepting input files downloaded from the internet or created custom. Users can configure the unit to produce alerts when they are within a certain distance of a point or are driving over a certain speed near any given point to warn about upcoming school zones, red lights, and speed cameras. POI Loader for Mac 2.0.0.1 Beta is available as a free download, requiring Mac OS X 10.4 or later.

Source: macnn

The people at ROM stand-by their claim that 4 minutes a day on their CrossTrainer is all you need to stay in peak cardiovascular shape. A ‘lengthy technical explanation’ backs up this claim, but if you’re stubborn and still don’t believe them just have a read through all their marketing pain points. Whereas most companies would address these points behind the scenes and present you with cleverly written copy and glossy images, ROM lays it all out there in a flourish of humility.

The ROM will last 80,000 uses – that’s 219 years (the warranty will only get you 5-10 however, hmmm). ROM does the new math and came up with 250. In fairness they only recommend 4 days a week (equal to 15 minutes) but for $14,615 – I intend to get my money’s worth. After I re-mortgage my house and get one of these babies I’ll be breathing all the 60mlO2/kg/min that you no longer need because you already died… 130 years ago. I better get two so I can put the other in my vacation home on Mars.

Judging by their Web site, it doesn’t look like ROM has moved many CrossTrainers. Surely people have accepted their findings and were willing to lay down their $14,615 right? Can’t we raise enough money to buy ROM a paragraph break? No, my bad, it turns out those long paragraphs are an insanely clever intimidation tactic to dissuade the visitor from actually reading – pure brilliance.

If I only had 4 minutes for a workout, then clearly I don’t have time to read the Web site. But I suffered through it for you, my loyal readers who don’t have 1 minute to leave a comment (yeah, I said it).

I don’t claim to be an expert, just a guy with no particular interest to rush my workouts. I workout to relieve stress; the stress of rushing around and never having a moment to appreciate what’s around me. If you have a lot less time and a lot more money then go for it. After all the ‘described delivery/installation process goes very smoothly 85% of the time.’