Want a Gmail account?

Google has been testing their web-based email service for almost a year now. It is called Gmail, and it is definitely better than anything else out there (Hotmail, Yahoo Mail etc). For a start, they give you 1Gb storage for your email, and a unique way of archiving and searching your email meaning you never need delete an email. There are no annoying banner/popup ads, just relevant context-sensitive text ads and search results. Although they're not yet letting the public apply for accounts, you can get a Gmail account right now by using this invitation service:
isnoop.net gmail invite spooler

Steve Jobs as a Lego figure! Sold out though...

Remember that iPod dancer you could buy as a Lego figure? Well the PodBrix artist Toni has created a Steve Jobs figure in typical keynote clothing against an appropriate backdrop. A great way to celebrate Steve Job's 50th birthday (yesterday).
PodBrix Minifig - Keynote

The Good Guys in '24' use Macs

I never really noticed this before, but in the hit TV show '24', there's a theory that all the good guys use Macs, and the bad guys use PCs. Click below for evidence from the 1st series that proves it (don't worry - no spoilers)
Wired News: 24's Good Guys Do Use Macs

Loophole at Napster - get 282 albums for free!

Some clever PC user (yes, there is such a thing) has worked out a way to burn music from Napster's on-line catalogue of 1 million songs for free. Bit naughty, but serves Napster right for being PC-only, and for stopping people from owning their music. Note that this site also goes by the name of 'marv' - what a copy cat!
marv on record: Burning through Napster's collection, free

Live Webcam of Apple Store Birmingham

The BBC have a live webcam installed in the Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham. If you look on the far left, you can see black plywood covering the storefront of the upcoming Apple Store. ifoAppleStore predicts an early April opening.
BBC - Birmingham webcams - Bullring webcam 1

iPod shuffle RAID array

So you and three of your mates all buy 1Gb iPod shuffles. What do you do next? Go home, install iTunes and start filling them with your favourite tunes? No. You connect them all to a USB 2.0 hub, and configure them as a 4Gb RAID array. Of course.
Wright This Way: iPod Shuffle RAID

iPod ads and Lego

A little Lego man just like the dancers in the iPod adverts. Genius.
PodBrix - 1000 brix in your pocket

Information overload - a techie gives up broadband

Can you imagine Marvbloke doing this?
BBC NEWS - Why I'm giving up broadband

Just how random IS random?

MSNBC - Does Your iPod Play Favorites?

Project Blinkenlights: Play Tetris on a building

I had seen a similar project some years ago mentioned on Steve Wozniak's website, but Project Blinkenlights took it a step further in Berlin and Paris in 2002. They offered 4 different games (Tetris, Pong, Breakout and Pacman) and anyone could play using a mobile phone.
Project Blinkenlights: Arcade Games

PC in a Mac mini enclosure

It's amazing what you can do with a Nano-ITX motherboard and a metal handsaw. Apple fans: If you're squeamish, look away now.
kevin rose dot com: PC mini

Microsoft's own employees use iPods

To the growing frustration and annoyance of Microsoft's management, Apple's iPod is wildly popular among Microsoft's workers. How embarrassing.
Wired News: Hide Your iPod, Here Comes Bill

Marv Computers launched

In a move that may surprise regular Mac-toting readers of Marvbloke, we are now offering custom-built PCs at reasonable prices. They are aimed at PC users who still haven't plucked up the courage to buy a Mac mini. Four models are available from only £519 inc. VAT and can be altered for individual needs.

Marv Computers Range - February 2005 (PDF, 99k)

Marvbloke sells out

In a blatant attempt to make some money, Marvbloke has today become ad-supported. Please visit our sponsors.