I have wanted to add LCD screens to my thesis project, but didn’t think I would find any for a good price.

I was in futureshop buying a cordless phone (34.99 with caller id! ) and I saw something I’ve never seen before, the “Hip Gear, Screen Pad”. I never saw it here, but apparently it was a failed product in America. Basically it’s a game controller (3 versions, Xbox, Playstation, Gamecube) with a 2.6” colour screen built-in (built-in is a loose term, and so is the mounting job on this product). Overall right away I can see numerous reasons it failed, but none are important for me to go over here.
The important thing is instead of costing $149.99, it was going for 29.95! (I was shocked and couldn’t believe my eyes!! Right next to it they had another portable gaming screen for $219.99)

One persons junk is another persons GOLD. I must have starred at it for 20minutes, I just couldn’t believe it. I kept flipping it and peering through the plastic thinking it had to be PART of a full product, the mounting for a screen perhaps? Or, a complete misprint in price!) Everywhere else small TFT screens are $99+ and usually 7” of PURE crappiness!

This screen is 2.6”, but it’s crisp and sharp, I can read computer text on this tiny 2.6” screen! You can’t do that on one of the 7” ones!

What’s better? Hacking it was EASY! It took me all of 5minutes to rip apart and rewire to my TV. Priceless! Oh, it also has built in speakers. For $30 this is a complete steal!
I baught 4. 3 for me, 1 for my buddy Rob. (happy belated Xmas…) I want 2 for thesis, 1 for future use. It’ll take a few years before I see any other LCD screens for such a low price. And the odds they’ll be such high resolution is completely doubtful.

In the project I’ll use it as planned in the bordering store display surrounding the packages, but I will also embed a second into another Genpet package. At the moment I think they’ll both have the same video, but if I have time I’ll make them different. I want advertisings for these things playing on the screens, with happy kids and lots of flash.

I debated this for awhile, I want to keep my costs down, and I’m broke, but this is too good of a deal to pass up. Shiny blinky ALWAYS gets peoples attentions. Why cheap out if it’s going to make the piece so much better? I refuse.

Also found the motors I’ll be using. And sound proofing foam. And I’m cooler than you.