Technabob » numbers

Irrational Numbers Clock is Perfectly Rational (If You’re a Mathematician)

Range — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 12:37:25 +0000

The Irrational Numbers Clock is slightly more complicated that the Unit Circle Radian Wall Clock. Also, the fact that it looks like a blackboard has a certain scholarly appeal. While I am a mathematician, anyone with high-school math should be able to read this clock. That’s not because they’ll know what all these irrational numbers are, it’s just that all you just need to do is look at the position of the hands to figure out the time.

As a novelty clock, this one is pretty cool. If you don’t remember irrational numbers, they are the numbers which can’t be represented by simple fractions. The easiest example of this is the transcendental number π.

Unfortunately other than Pi, none of the other numbers are easy to figure out unless you are a math geek. Best keep a calculator handy if you buy this one. It’s available for $39.95 (USD) from Skymall. It’s going to be a rare clock on walls, of that much I am sure.

[via GeekAlerts]

The Fibonacci Rings

Alisha K. — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:18:56 +0000

Math geeks like pretty stuff, too, regardless of any nasty rumors you may have heard from the proverbial peanut gallery. But pretty things can be smart, you know, like this ring inspired by the Fibonacci numbers.

One bead, one bead, two beads, three… it’s almost like a song! But instead it’s an homage to the famous sequence of numbers introduced to Europe by Leonardo of Pisa. And it’s the kind of thing even your non-mathy friends can admire, without even knowing what it means.

These handmade rings are simpler than they seem and are available for only $12 from the holmescraft Etsy store. If you don’t like one set of beads, fear not–you can probably find another color that suits your fancy.

Art Lebedev Studios’ Digitus Pixelated Address Numbers Are Retro-Bitmap-Font-a-Licious

Technabob — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:20:55 +0000

Here’s a great way to dress up your office or apartment with some 80s retro-geek style.

Designed by Daniil Dadiomov for Russia’s Art Lebedev Studio, these Digitus address numbers get their chunky, funky shapes from the classic bitmap computer fonts of days gone bye.

I’m pretty sure this was the same font that my old Atari 800 used when I was programming PEEKs and POKEs in Atari BASIC. Ok, now I’m really dating myself.

Digitus address numbers are available in 5 colors – white, terracotta, and metallic blue, green and magenta (although I’m not quite sure what colors are pictured on the doors above). You can find them over at the Art Lebedev store for just $5.77 (USD) each.

Clock Drops Numbers, Doesn’t Care What Time It is

Technabob — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:04:30 +0000

Here’s a clock for people who are perpetually tardy, and want to stay that way. All of the digits on the dial of this wall clock have fallen off of the face, causing a major numeric pile-up at the bottom.

While Nextime’s Fallen Numeral clock does have a functional time mechanism, it really couldn’t give a damn about the actual time. Sure, the hands will move if you put a battery in there, but I certainly wouldn’t point them to the proper locations on the dial or that would defeat the purpose.

The clock measures just under 14-inches square and features a frosted glass background with black numerals. It’s available from Target for just $29.95.

Tiktak Clock Offers Numeric Overkill

Technabob — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 06:22:21 +0000

Sometimes it’s a bit of a challenge to tell the exact time on an analog clock. Sure, you can say “it’s about quarter-to-three”, but it really might be 2:47. This intricate wall clock tries to solve that problem by displaying every individual minute as a separate point on the dial.

Looking like a cross between a clock and a Sputnik satellite, the TikTak clock by Dutch designers Niels van Eijk and Miriam van der Lubbe makes a strong visual statement. Each number on the dial is represented by at one or more metal arms with digits of varying sizes hanging on their ends. Numbers are arranged in interleaved layers of powdercoated metal in varying shades of grey to create depth, while a red second hand really stands out when in motion.

While it’s a bit overwhelming to read, I do really dig the clock’s retro-modern design sensibility. The substantial timepiece measures almost 24-inches in diameter, making it a bold addition to any wall. You can find the TikTak clock at Habitat UK for £89.00 (appx. $177 USD).

[via pan-dan]

Storm Nirvana Analog Watch has Digital Sensibilities

Technabob — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:45:51 +0000

The latest men’s watch from London’s STORM offers a modern display with a retro spin. The watch reveals the current time using a series of numeric discs which rotate behind wedge-shaped portals around the perimeter of its face.

The STORM Nirvana features a cool stainless and black metal hybrid watch band which really stands out from the crowd thanks to it’s cool segmented link design. In addition to its good looks, the Nirvana offers a durable mineral glass crystal and is water resistant to 50-meters (about 164 feet).

The Nirvana is available in limited quantities from Japan modern watch shop Sea Hope for ¥25,515 (appx. $226 USD). Despite its name, the watch does not Smell Like Teen Spirit or ship in a Heart Shaped Box. [Sorry, I couldn't resist].