Hoga-Boga

by Gina Trapani

When it comes to heavy duty download jobs, Firefox's default Downloads manager just doesn't cut the mustard. If you often need closer control of multiple, large downloads, you need the DownThemAll! Firefox add-on. This extra-strength download manager can speed up, queue for later, and batch download sets of files from the web based on patterns you define in one click.

Today we'll use DownThemAll to grab all the MP3's from a web page as well as an entire set of Flickr photos in one click. Sound fun? Let's get this downloading party started.

Using filters: Download all the MP3's on a page

When you right click and choose DownThemAll from the context menu on a web page, dTa presents a list of possible downloads from that page - every single link that exists there, whether it's to another web page or a piece of media, like an image, video or MP3. The power in dTa is the Filters area, where you define a pattern that selects the files you want to download from the often long and crowded list.

So if you were at Lifehacker's sibling site, Idolator, which features MP3 downloads regularly, you might just want to suck down all the music from the front page in one click. Here's how to do so:

1. Define your filter. In DownThemAll's Preferences area, go to the Filters tab. There you'll see several pre-defined file filters (like Archives (zip, rar) and Videos (mpeg, avi, wmv.)) In the Extensions column, there's a regular expression which defines the file filter. Add one for MP3 files. The Caption can be "*.mp3" and the Filtered Extensions should be /\/[^\/\?]+\.mp3$/, as shown:
   
   
   Hit OK to save your new filter.
2. Select all the MP3's with your filter. Then, on the front page of Idolator or your favorite MP3 blog, right click and choose DownThemAll. Click on the MP3 filter checkbox to select only the music files linked on the page for download- just 12 out of 97, in this case - as shown:
   
   
   Be sure to select the destination directory on your hard drive as well in the Save files in: area.
3. Custom rename files. Another cool feature of dTa is the ability to set the downloaded filenames using different variables, like date and time and order number. In the Renaming mask dropdown, choose the pattern the downloaded file names should use. Hit the little paper clip note button to see the Renaming tags reference table, as shown:
   
4. Queue or start your download. From there, hit up the Start button to begin sucking down the tracks from the web. Alternately, if you don't want to use the bandwidth now, hit the Queue button (a kind of light download bookmarking tool) to set up the files in dTa for kicking off later on.

Advanced filtering: Download the original images from an entire Flickr set

Another interesting use of DownThemAll is to save all the images on a web page to your hard drive. This comes in especially handy if you want to grab a whole album or gallery of photos, like a Flickr set. The only problem is that when you're viewing a Flickr set page, you can only see the image thumbnails; but with a little help from our friend Greasemonkey, you can download the original, large images from Flickr in one click. Here's how.

1. Install the Link Original Image user script. Since DownThemAll only detects the links present on the current web page, you have to expose the links to the original Flickr images on a set page to download them. That's exactly what the Flickr - Link Original Image Greasmonkey user script does. Install that critter (provided you're running Greasemonkey) and voila! When you look at pages of Flickr photos, links to the original images will be present, as shown:
   
2. Filter original image links. Now, invoke the DownThemAll file selection box, and check off the Images filter, which will select all of the set original images (which are also, coincidentally, all named something_o.xx, and could be filtered that way.) Then start or queue your download. [via Vikingo's pub]

One-click access to dTa settings

Once you've got a set of dTa preferences set up that you want to reuse over and over again - say, if you want to download several Flickr sets on different pages - you want to use dTaOneClick!, also available on your right-click context menu. From the help:

dTaOneClick! will start downloading all the links/pictures of the current webpage that will match the filters used in the last dTa! session. Downloads will be saved in the last setted destination path and will be renamed using the last setted [sic] renaming mask.

The one thing you can't do with dTa that you can with my beloved command line wget is schedule regular, recurring downloads (like all the MP3's from Idolator every day at noon). However, DownThemAll's graphical interface and Firefox integration is a lot easier to deal with than command line parameters.

How do you use DownThemAll, or another download manager? Let us know in the comments.

Gina Trapani, the editor of Lifehacker, loves a good list of completed downloads. Her semi-weekly feature, Geek to Live, appears every Wednesday and Friday on Lifehacker. Subscribe to the Geek to Live feed to get new installments in your newsreader.

(Via Lifehacker.)

The Merlin Show arrives Monday, February 26th, at thirty theoretically productive frames per second.

Subscribe for free via the iTunes

elsewhere, merlin mann, podcasts, productivity, the merlin show, video podcasts

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(Via 43 Folders.)

A year or so ago, I put together a list of the ‘Top 10 weirdest keyboards‘. Today we will forget about all of those crazy keyboards and concentrate on those that has an extra edge regarding looks. I’ve probably looked at several thousand keyboards before I came up with these final 10, so if you know of any additional keyboard with a truly unique and nice design, please add them in the comment below!

Ok then, so let’s kick off with the number 10 position:

The Surta-7 is a vandalism-proof industrial keyboard meant to be used in public places and various kiosk stations. It’s a robust and clean design made out of stainless steel. I guess this one is a pain to type on (as there’s usually only small micro switches beneath each key), but at least it looks good. Or I would put it this way - it’s so ugly that it’s beautiful!

The Surta-7 industrial keyboard [industrialkeyboard.com]

The wireless Speedlink flat metal keyboard is a elegant and classy input device. The front face is made out of brushed material and the keyboard features 18 hotkeys that gives you quick access to anything you would like. The working range is about 10 metres.

Speedlink metal keyboard [speedlink.de]

I realize that this photo doesn’t give the Microsoft’s Wireless entertainment desktop 8000 the credibility it deserves. It’s in fact a really good looking keyboard. The coolest thing with the keyboard is the fact that it’s completely backlit and the comfort curve makes it feel very relaxing and easy to use.

Wireless entertainment desktop 8000

The diNovo Cordless Desktop is another sleek keyboard from Logitech. The numeric keypad doubles as a calculator and can even display the temperature and date/time. Everything is wireless and the set also includes a wireless mouse and a mini-receiver desktop stand.

Logitech diNovo Cordless Desktop [logitech.com]

The SteelKeys 6G is a pro gaming keyboard from SteelSeries. Thanks to a built-in buffer system up to 8 keys can be used simultaneously. It’s a cool looking keyboard!

SteelKeys 6G [steelseries.com]

The Luxiium Luxeed is a keyboard that features built-in LED lights in every single key. The key can be programmed to display any of the available 512 colors which makes it possible to do program some really cool night effects. The keyboard is also available in a white model with transparent keys. Interesting concept!

Luxiium Luxeed keyboard [Engadget]

Das Keyboard may look just like any other keyboard at the first glance, but take a closer look at it - it’s totally clean. Just glossy black plastic with absolutely no text on the keys (except the logo of course). The home keys F and J have been specially shaped so the user’s index fingers find their home position easily. Yeah, this is the ultimate hacker keyboard - and the completely black design make it a cool contender on this list.

DasKeyboard.com

The Optimus keyboard is probably the most talked-about keyboard so far. It’s one of the most digged stories ever (currently one of the Optimus stories has 12 888 diggs), and the release date has been pushed forward a couple of times. The keyboard isn’t out yet, and the last thing I heard was that the keys wasn’t going to be in color - black and white only. We’ll see about that, but the original idea made it onto this list.

The Optimus keyboard [artlebedev.com]

Apple’s wireless keyboard that got introduced in 2003 is a true beauty. It utilizes bluetooth to transfer the data and the keyboard features 16 function keys, full numeric keypad, inverted-T, audio control and the ability to eject optical media.

Apple.com/keyboard

Here’s a better view of it taken by lluniau [flickr.com]

Picking the winner was quite easy - and a few of my gadget friends picked the same winner - the Logitech diNovo Edge. The combination of glossy black plexi, brushed aluminium and the cool lighting effects make it a stunning keyboard. Check out the side view and start drooling. Congratulations Logitech!

Logitech diNovo Edge [logitech.com]

The Fujitsu’s UMPC concept is just a concept, but it features a beautiful keyboard that also has a clever foldable design.

Fujitsu’s UMPC [reghardware.co.uk]

You got to give it up to the classic rubber keyboard from Sinclair on the ZX Spectrum. The rubber keyboard (chiclet keyboard) of the ZX Spectrum is something truly unique. I still have one at home…love.

ZX Spectrum [Wikipedia]

The Diatec’s Majestouch is a huge and heavy piece that features a brushed aluminim face and blue LED lights. Gizmodo gave this one the title ‘Pimp keyboard‘, and that’s a pretty good summary of the Diatec’s Majestouch.

Majestouch: Pimp Keyboard [gizmodo.com]

Digg this! [digg.com]

(Via Fosfor Gadgets.)

Filed under: Handsets, Nokia

We've seen dozens and dozens of aftermath photos from laptops and other random batteries suddenly possessing violently explosive tendencies, but we all know full motion video is more satisfying than simple stills. In this particular case, we're thrilled that the smoking, fizzing Nokia 6280 was filmed while in a location where humans couldn't be harmed, and initial reports are (unsurprisingly) tagging the battery or charger as the culprit. The 3 customer reported that his new handset "began fizzing white smoke" just hours after switching it on for the first time, and Nokia is reportedly investigating the issue. Of course, this isn't the first time a Nokia battery has been blamed for a fire, but unlike the previous case, we kind of doubt the firm will get off as easy here. So if you've actually hung around to read this far, we'll let you get to the fun stuff now, so go on and hit the read link for the final moments of the mobile's smoky death.

[Via TheInquirer]

 

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(Via Engadget Mobile.)

Filed under: Handsets, Windows Mobile, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, UMTS

You already knew the basics: Windows Mobile 6, VGA screen, tri-band 3G (3.6Mbps HSPDA on this one), but we've got a bit more to go on now with i-mate's flip-n-fold Ultimate 7150, not the least of which are pics from all angles. We can't say it looks quite as good in real life as it did in those PR renders the other day, but what ever does? Still, we're willing to forgive plenty with this little guy, with frills like a secondary embedded OLED display on the 7150's shell, a 520MHz Intel processor, and 0.7-inch thick form factor. The 3.8-inch screen of course never did anyone wrong, and it appears i-mate managed to squeeze in WiFi as well. Check after the break for that sexy integrated display, or hit the read link for the full collection.

[Thanks, ZSX]

 

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(Via Engadget Mobile.)

Filed under: Software, ALP

We only caught a brief early glimpse of ALP at 3GSM this year before they quickly snuck away all the gear, but PDAStreet claims that ALP has hit 1.0 in its dev cycle, and has screencaps and a lot of info we've been waiting for to make the case. First up, hardware: it should run on current generation devices, requiring at least a 200MHz ARM9 CPU (400MHz+ recommended), 64MB RAM and 64MB flash memory, and has support for input via QWERTY, 12-key with 5-way d-pad, and touchscreen (obviously) or digitizer (interesting!)with four or five hard keys. Interestingly, supported resolutions include QVGA (240 x 320), HVGA (320 x 480), and WVGA (800 x 480) -- where's the 320 x 320 Palm OS Treos have had since the 650? We dunno. ACCESS still hasn't announced any licensees, but unless ALP switches up and adds a square aspect ratio, it doesn't look like we'll see this running on any Treos as we know them today. Oh, app list after the break.

[Via Download Squad]

ALP apps, many of which are like totes obvs:

• Phone
• Contacts
• Calendar
• Memos
• Tasks
• HotSync
• NetFront browser
• HandMail
• SMS+
  
• iMessenger
• Music
• Video
• Photos & Studio
• Camera
• Documents
• Utilities (Clock, Calculator, Recorder, Home Screen, Flight Mode)

Of course, as we learn what these strange new programs do (and don't), we'll undoubtedly be posting to Engadget Mobile.

 

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(Via Engadget Mobile.)

AAS - all about Symbian has got a Nokia N95 to play with and they have already post an article featuring their first impressions and some sample images. The main advantage with the Nokia N95 compared to other phones is the built-in GPS and the 5 megapixel camera. Oh, and don’t miss out on the last part of the article - the holy unboxing ceremony.
Nokia N95 First Impressionse’ [allaboutsymbian.com]

(Via Fosfor Gadgets.)

Run Linux from a CD? How 20th-century. Now you can boot the Linux distro Knoppix right from your USB flash drive. A simple new tutorial shows you how.
All you need is a 1GB-or-larger flash drive, an HP drive-formatting utility, and the USB version of Knoppix. Links to the latter two downloads are included in the tutorial. The entire installation process requires just six steps; it's so easy even a Lifehacker editor can do it.
Alas, I had trouble getting the distro to run on my Dell Latitude. It seemed to load okay, but then I was faced with a blank screen. Still, this should work, and I'll definitely try it on some other machines. In the meantime, check out our other post on installing Linux on a flash drive, this one based on Damn Small Linux rather than Knoppix. — Rick Broida
All in One USB Knoppix 5.1.0 zip [Pendrivelinux.com]

(Via Lifehacker.)

Mythbusters TV show host Adam Savage drops science on how to make a warm can of Coke cold in under 2 minutes over on Ask MetaFilter.

That would be about 20-25 minutes in a freezer. If you put [the can] in a bucket of ice, that would halve that time. If you put water in that ice, it'd be cold (+- 5c) enough to drink in about 4-6 minutes, if you put salt in that water, you'd reduce the chill time to just over 2 minutes. Agitating the can in the water, rolling it around, reduces the chill time even more.

The fastest possible way is to grab a CO2 fire extinguisher and unload that sucker on the can.

While our lawyers tell us not to recommend the fire extinguisher route, salt in an ice water bucket is doable. (And if you haven't seen Mythbusters, you're missing out. That show is a MacGyvering lifehacker's dream come true.) — Gina Trapani
How long in the freezer to chill a Coke from 89F to 35F? [Ask MeFi via A Whole Lotta Nothing]

(Via Lifehacker.)

Oh sweet mother of WinMo computing, HTC looks to have a new one up their sleeves with this, the HTC Athena (X7500). It's apparently not their rumored UMPC, rather, this pup is said to run Windows Mobile Pocket PC "Pro edition" (whatever that is) so that's a 3.5-inch QVGA touch-screen with stylus and detachable QWERTY -- yes, detachable when you need to keep things light. The unofficial specs being passed around indicate that this handheld is destined for Europe: UMTS 2100 with tri-band GSM/GPRS radio (what, no EDGE or HSDPA?), 802.11b/g WiFi, 256MB ROM / 64MB RAM, 2 megapixel camera, SD expansion, and USB 1.1 interface. All running on a 400MHz Samsung processor. Still, doesn't this seem a bit light for all the device's bulk? Read on for more pics and clues from this mystery device.

[Thanks, Yoda M.]

Read (Polish)




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(Via Engadget Mobile.)

Deets were slim when we first got wind of this HTC Vox phone, a purported GSM counterpart to the HTC Libra, but now The Boy Genius Report has managed to track down some more juicy details, including the first "live" pic of the phone. As rumored, the Vox -- officially titled the S710 -- goes with a messaging-friendly setup, running Windows Mobile 5 Smartphone instead of the Pocket PC featured by some of its QWERTY-sliding companions in the HTC lineup. Contrary to initial reports, the phone is supposed to feature 128MB of ROM and 64MB of RAM, and with a 2.4-inch QVGA screen, Bluetooth, 802.11b/g WiFi, a 2 megapixel camera and a microSD slot, the phone is by no means a total slacker on specs. Of course, the most interesting part of the device is that numeric keypad on the face of the phone, with a semi-automatic sliding QWERTY keyboard tucked behind, but at 0.7-inches thick, it looks like HTC managed to keep things relatively slim, despite the extra keys. What's still up in the air is whether or not the phone will sport 3G data -- the spec sheets list quad-band EDGE as the tops, but that tacked-on smartphone screen up above reads "UMTS operator," so at least there's hope.
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(Via Engadget Mobile.)

The Daily Cup of Tech help site describes how to recover lost network passwords - like email, FTP, or HTTP - by using the free network sniffer and decryption program, Cain and Abel.
As the article author says, this tool could be used for good or evil. Stick with good, eh? Like when you're setting up Mom's new computer and she has no idea what her POP email password is. Check out the article for detailed instructions with screenshots. — Gina Trapani
Recovering Your Lost Passwords [Daily Cup of Tech]
(Via Lifehacker.)

Windows only: PortableApps Suite 1.0 stocks your USB drive, portable hard drive, or any other drive with a full complement of software, ready to run wherever you plug in.
This new version of the suite (which we've loved on in the past) includes the latest portable versions of Firefox, GAIM, OpenOffice, and other open-source gems. The suite also comes with PortableApps Backup for--you guessed it--making backups.
The Standard Edition of the suite requires about 260MB; there's also a 105MB Lite version that substitutes AbiWord for OpenOffice. Whichever version of this app-tacular bundle you download, you're going to love it. PortableApps Suite 1.0 is free; it requires Windows. — Rick Broida
PortableApps Suite 1.0

(Via Lifehacker.)

Windows only: Convert nearly any video format to nearly any other video format with the aptly named Any Video Converter.
The program supports just about every video format known to man, including AVI, DivX, FLV, RM, and VOB. It also comes with output profiles for devices like the iPod and PSP, though you can easily create a custom profile with the audio and video specs of your choosing.
AVC couldn't be much easier to use, and it supports batch conversions--always a nice perk. You'll definitely want to add this utility to your video arsenal (though don't overlook Videora Converter, arguably a better choice for converting videos for mobile devices). Any Video Converter is free for Windows. — Rick Broida
Any Video Converter [Any-DVD-Converter.com]
(Via Lifehacker.)

Tech writer David Pogue took photos with 5, 8 and 13 megapixel digital cameras, had them printed and blown up to 16 x 24 inches poster size, and asked passersby to pick out which ones came from the higher res camera:

Dozens of people stopped to take the test; a little crowd gathered. About 95 percent of the volunteers gave up, announcing that there was no possible way to tell the difference, even when mashing their faces right up against the prints. A handful of them attempted guesses--but were wrong. Only one person correctly ranked the prints in megapixel order, although (a) she was a photography professor, and (b) I believe she just got lucky.

Kinda crazy, but good to know when you're picking up a new camera for the holidays. — Gina Trapani
The Truth About Digital Cameras [Pogue's Posts]

(Via Lifehacker.)