Synopses & Reviews
Come on out and play
You can only surf the Net so long. You can only play so much video poker. So if youre a PC addict whos ready for some new fun, this book is your toybox. Each of the 14 projects inside includes a parts list, suggestions for finding the needed equipment, clues to the cost, helpful Web links, and complete directions. Whats that? You have a few ideas of your own? Check out the suggestions in the final chapter, and start inventing your own PC toys.
The Toys
Each with a complete materials list and detailed, illustrated instructions
- TiVo-like video recorder
- MP3 or CD jukebox
- Coffeepot controller
- Telescope tracking station
- Workout monitor
- Home surveillance with Internet remote access
- Fridge and freezer monitor
- Fish tank monitor
- Auto diagnostic center
- In-car navigation system
- Weather station
- Robots
- Networked video games
- Model train controller
CD-ROM includes
- Trial version of Pinnacle Studio
- Visual GPS, freeware, and SocketWatch, shareware version
- Demo versions of GoldWave and Nero Burning ROM
- Unreal Tournament 2003 demo
Synopsis
Two professional PC toy-builders present step-by-step, hands-on instructions for more than a dozen ultra-cool, free, or low-cost projects that readers can build with their PCs.
Includes directions for building projects like an MP3 or CD jukebox, a TiVo-like digital video recorder, a weather station, a home surveillance system with Internet remote access, an in-car navigation system, and more. Shows readers how they can use their PCs to perform automotive diagnostics, throw a head-to-head video gaming party, or convert home movies to DVD. Includes a complete list of parts needed and sources of supply for all projects. Appeals to the growing number of tinkerers and do-it-yourselfers who want to do more with their PCs than office work and Web surfing.
One of the first of Digital Lifestyle Media s books focused on high-tech projects for the serious technophile.
Synopsis
Come on out and play.
You can only surf the Net so long. You can only play so much video poker. So if youre a PC addict whos ready for some new fun, this book is your toybox. Each of the 14 projects inside includes a parts list, suggestions for finding the needed equipment, clues to the cost, helpful Web links, and complete directions. Whats that? You have a few ideas of your own? Check out the suggestions in the final chapter, and start inventing your own PC toys.
The Toys (Each with a complete materials list and detailed, illustrated instructions.)
- TiVo-like video recorder
- MP3 or CD jukebox
- Coffeepot controller
- Telescope tracking station
- Workout monitor
- Home surveillance with Internet remote access
- Fridge and freezer monitor
- Fish tank monitor
- Auto diagnostic center
- In-car navigation system
- Weather station
- Robots
- Networked video games
- Model train controller
CD-ROM includes:
- Trial version of Pinnacle Studio
- Visual GPS, freeware, and SocketWatch, shareware version
- Demo versions of GoldWave and Nero Burning ROM
- Unreal Tournament 2003 demo
Synopsis
Come on out and play
You can only surf the Net so long. You can only play so much video poker. So if you're a PC addict who's ready for some new fun, this book is your toybox. Each of the 14 projects inside includes a parts list, suggestions for finding the needed equipment, clues to the cost, helpful Web links, and complete directions. What's that? You have a few ideas of your own? Check out the suggestions in the final chapter, and start inventing your own PC toys.
The Toys
Each with a complete materials list and detailed, illustrated instructions
* TiVo-like video recorder
* MP3 or CD jukebox
* Coffeepot controller
*Telescope tracking station
* Workout monitor
* Home surveillance with Internet remote access
* Fridge and freezer monitor
* Fish tank monitor
* Auto diagnostic center
* In-car navigation system
* Weather station
* Robots
* Networked video games
* Model train controller
CD-ROM includes
* Trial version of Pinnacle Studio
* Visual GPS, freeware, and SocketWatch, shareware version
* Demo versions of GoldWave and Nero Burning ROM
* Unreal Tournament 2003 demo
Synopsis
Come on out and play
You can only surf the Net so long. You can only play so much video poker. So if you're a PC addict who's ready for some new fun, this book is your toybox. Each of the 14 projects inside includes a parts list, suggestions for finding the needed equipment, clues to the cost, helpful Web links, and complete directions. What's that? You have a few ideas of your own? Check out the suggestions in the final chapter, and start inventing your own PC toys.
The Toys
Each with a complete materials list and detailed, illustrated instructions
* TiVo-like video recorder
* MP3 or CD jukebox
* Coffeepot controller
* Telescope tracking station
* Workout monitor
* Home surveillance with Internet remote access
* Fridge and freezer monitor
* Fish tank monitor
* Auto diagnostic center
* In-car navigation system
* Weather station
* Robots
* Networked video games
* Model train controller
CD-ROM includes
* Trial version of Pinnacle Studio
* Visual GPS, freeware, and SocketWatch, shareware version
* Demo versions of GoldWave and Nero Burning ROM
* Unreal Tournament 2003 demo
About the Author
Barry and Marcia Press have been indulging their need to build PC toys for 25 years. Barrys creations have included a unique cable TV modem, ATM networks, a desktop computer that can analyze drug interactions, and an artificial intelligence planning system. He and Marcia are also the authors of the PC Upgrade and Repair Bible as well as several other hot-selling computer books.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments.
Introduction.
PART ONE: ENTERTAINMENT.
Chapter 1: Create Your Own TiVo-Like Digital Video Recorder.
Chapter 2: Build a Jukebox for Your Home Stereo.
PART TWO: HOME.
Chapter 3: Have Hot, Fresh Coffee Whenever You Get Up.
Chapter 4: Build a Telescope Tracking Station.
Chapter 5: Monitor Your Workout.
PART THREE: SECURITY.
Chapter 6: Home Surveillance with Internet Remote Access.
Chapter 7: Monitor Your Refrigerator and Freezer.
Chapter 8: Monitor Your Fish Tank.
PART FOUR: OUT AND ABOUT.
Chapter 9: Do Your Own Automotive Diagnostics.
Chapter 10: Build Your Own In-Car Navigation System.
Chapter 11: Build a Weather Station.
PART FIVE: PURE FUN.
Chapter 12: Create and Control Your Own Robots.
Chapter 13: Throw a Networked Head-To Head Video-Gaming Party.
Chapter 14: Set Up a Computerized Control Center for Model Trains.
Chapter 15: Inventing Your Own PC Toys.
Appendix A: Working With Your PC —Software.
Appendix B: Working With Your PC—Hardware.
Appendix C: What’s on the CD-ROM.
Index.
End-User License Agreements.