Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Surfing on a Surfboard

Posted by michael on from the make-sure-ankle-strap-is-securely-fastened dept.

JamesD_UK writes "The BBC is running an article about a surfboard developed by Intel with an embedded, solar powered, wifi capable, laptop with web cam attached. It features a 1.7GHz processor and a 80GB hard drive. The camera is able to create videos and transmit them through an access point located on the beach. Jools Matthews of Gulfstream surfboards designed the board itself and pro surfer Duncan Scot helped with the design of the board to make sure that the board still performed well with the extra weight. The board debuts at the Gold Coast Ocean Festival 2004 from 18 to 20 June at Croyde beach in North Devon."

9 of 198 comments (clear)

  1. Is there are purpose to this? by Dagny+Taggert · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Other than PR value? When do I get my wi-fi enabled rollerblades and sandals? I mean, after all, God forbid any of us be off the grid for more than a microsecond.

    --
    Don't be a looter...and yes, I know that it's spelled with an "A" instead of an "E".
    1. Re:Is there are purpose to this? by Quimo · · Score: 5, Insightful

      The purpose of this is to show that we have the technology to integrate (wirelessly) devices into smaller and more hazardous(to the computer) places. This was by no means considered a product (except for possible the surfing video industry.) This is just to get people thinking about what else they can enable that we couldnt before.

  2. Surfing on a beach by cuvavu · · Score: 5, Informative

    In Brighton (UK) you can surf on the beach with the free PierToPier wifi connection.

  3. Some ask "why"... by p4ul13 · · Score: 5, Funny
    While some folks ask "why bother?", I proclaim "bitchin' case-mod dude!!"

    --
    Paul Lenhart writes words!
  4. Geeks and the Sun by CompWerks · · Score: 5, Funny
    Is a recipe for disaster

    --
    If you can read this sig - the bitch fell off.
  5. Mad Scientist Plot by L.+VeGas · · Score: 5, Funny

    This solves the problem I've had for years. How do I turn athletic, good-looking people into nerds? Once I do that, I can rule the world and get their women!

    --
    Best Windows Freeware
  6. Re:Yet another... by javatips · · Score: 5, Funny

    A better application of technology would have been to put a micronized mp3 playing into the board so you could have your own sound track playing while barreling down a wave.

    That a good way to protect the sharks. When they hear Celine Dion comming from the surf board... They will not attack because you have bad taste.

  7. Photographer's dream by mrn121 · · Score: 5, Interesting
    While I am not a professional photographer/videographer, I do know that photographing and videotaping surfing is largely restricted due to the problems related to having lots of expensive equipment in the water. Currently, a lot of the video/pictures you see of surfers are from land, and they aren't nearly as cool as the shots from the water, inside the tube.

    While most people seem to be passing this idea off, this really could lead to some cool photos/videos coming from the water. Granted, the technology would probably need a lot of tweaking. It may not seem all that worthwile of a product to develop, but I do think there is slightly more use to this than most people seem to be giving credit for.

    Plus, I am a geek, so I will probably be the one on those beaches trying to get onto the wireless networks that they are using.

    -mike

  8. Re:Interesting... by NineNine · · Score: 5, Funny

    I think that this should be filed in the "Stupid shit that should never have existed" category.