The HypnoCube is fun to watch

OK, so I’m into computers and technology. I use computers, I write about them and I talk about them on my weekly radio talk show, “Computer America.” I’m also a gadget hound, which means that I use and even collect technology devices and gadgets of all sorts. Sometimes I’ll buy a technology gadget just because it’s very cool. These devices fall into that special category that’s defined as something that has absolutely no useful purpose nor any redeeming value and I will probably never use it but I want one. The HypnoCube falls into that category and I couldn’t be happier with mine.

Let me just say that I have this strange affinity to technology things that have lots of flashing lights. I’m not quite sure what the significance of that is but let me further refine what I mean hence you may begin to wonder if I have some strange attraction to highly decorated Christmas trees. Some examples of what I find attractive in this special category are electronic clocks that display the time in some kind of unconventional format. I have a rather extensive collection of these that include a sampling of binary clocks. These are clocks that display the time using a variety of colorful LEDs that are constantly shifting on and off. With some practice, you can determine the time of day at a glance while others simply wonder how you can discern the time. Many of them also wonder why you just don’t use a normal clock like everyone else. But to me, they’re fun and different.

Other technology gadget examples include devices that let you levitate objects in midair. My Caller-ID display is inside a blue globe that uses a retinal persistence display so that the letters and numbers seem to float and rotate inside. Now if you’re someone who shares in this attraction, then you get it and I have something you will really like.

The HypnoCube is a matrix of LEDS that are configured into a 4 by 4 by 4 — three-dimensional grid. Each LED is capable of displaying up to 4096 colors. This 3-D lattice of LEDs is made up of thin but sturdy wires that are stiff enough to maintain the cubelike shape of the structure. The entire grid sits on top of an exposed circuit board that contains all of the electronics that make the magic happen. All of this is finally enclosed in a clear acrylic cube.

Just looking at the powered-off HypnoCube sitting there is cause enough for the curious to walk on over. But when you turn it on, your inner technology geek is going to be very, very happy.

When you plug it in, you are greeted with a dancing light show unlike anything you’ve seen before. Patterns begin to form, shift and change. The colors shift from muted tones to dazzling bursts of raw color. It is absolutely beautiful to watch. To me, it’s along the lines of why people enjoy watching a fireplace glow. It’s almost hypnotic hence it’s name, the HypnoCube.

I have my HypnoCube in my office on the bookshelf. When someone walks in, it almost never fails to make some kind of impression. Of course, the question I hear most often is “What’s it do?” or “What is it for?” These are the ones that just don’t get it and no matter what I say, they probably never will. Still, my best reply is that it’s a piece of modern technology art. That’s the answer that usually gets them to nod their heads in an understanding manner.

But I don’t care what they think and you shouldn’t, either. All that’s really important is that you enjoy looking at it. As with any work of art, beauty is within the mind of the person looking at it. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy looking at your HypnoCube just like I do.

You can buy the RGB 4cube HypnoCube in a kit form if you’re talented with a solder iron but may I highly suggest you buy one already assembled for $380 plus shipping.

http://hypnocube.com

X Craig Crossman is a national newspaper columnist writing about computers and technology. For more information, visit his Web site at www.computeramerica.com.

2008 McClatchy Tribune