Also, I've read about various test adapters (Logic analyzers, protocol analyzers, etc ) that work with the i-phone, i-pad and other small, smart portable appliances. You can have a full lab in a single portable device. Can't find the article anymore, but I'm sure google will give up the information.

I'm considering getting a tablet and moving my vairous test modules from my laptop. But, unless I get a microsoft tablet, they would all need to be re-worked for the OS ( most probably will be Andriod )

 

Geek candy has been taken,try google.

Sorry my mistake, maybe I saw or heard it somewhere.

... I wasn't trying to get you exicted about the gen, just try to suggest something unusual, as I know you already have every kind of test gear set and development system you'll need for years. As for the geek factor, consider modern portable generators are technology laden, enabling lots of fun things. I'm working on making mine self-starting, so that it may start up and charge the camp's batteries unattended.

I suppose a self starting generator is plenty geeky. You need to geek up the name a bit; "Autonomous miniature power station" or something.

There are a number of guitar players here on AAC.
I've been thinking of getting a Fender for Christmas.
What is your choice between a Telecaster and a Stratocaster and why?

I'm the wrong guy to ask I prefer Gibson style guitars (actually Ibanez style) to Fenders although I have owned a few Fender amps. Personally I think you should have a good look around at all the brands, including the Asian brands.

A lot depends on the music you play. I like rock/hard rock etc so like a "proper" pickup (ie a nice big fat humbucker) not those plucky Fender pickups. I also like a Floyd Rose bridge, for the ability to tune the notes at the bridge and the tremelo arm that won't go out of tune.

Before shelling out on a new Fender for $$$ I would really look around at used equipment, you can probably get a good guitar and amp and some pedals (vital) as the "instrument" is not just a guitar it is an entire set of equipment.

My current favorite guitar is an early Samick (Korean) where they picked up a lot of the craftsmen that were working for Ibanez (Japan). I got it real cheap on ebay complete with original Floyd rose and I spent a bit putting some Armstrong pickups in it although the Samick pickups were not too bad.

Re the Fender Strat and Telecaster, I've played a couple of Strats and they are very comfortable to sit with, and pretty decent lead sound although the tremelo is really lacking for lead style compared to a Floyd on a more hardcore rock guitar. Never played a Tele but talked to owners, they seem to be a specialist guitar for very plucky sound like country music (not a great choice as your only guitar if you play rock).

If you like a Strat-style guitar and like rock/hard rock then my call would be a nice Ibanez with Floyd Rose bridge;

This one is similar to my early Samick but mine is very dark blue and has two humbuckers with one single pickup in the middle, and black bridge not gold (you can get one for <$200 and the necks are very well made);