Neocube needs no mechanisms
Take, as an example of the hidden mechanisms within puzzles, the work of Erno Rubik. In his famous cube, each sub-cube isn't really a cube at all, but is instead a cleverly-shaped plug that fits into a ball in the middle. More visibly, Rubik's Magic is held together by a latticework of plastic wires, which may become snarled in the hands of a wankhanded puzzle-solver. Neo Cube, however, needs no wires, internal mechanisms or other structural legerdemains. Comprising 216 neodymium magnets, its freakish and ordered workings are governed entirely by the laws of physics.
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I've been told that Rubik actually designed the cube as a mechanical-engineering visualization puzzle, challenging students to explain how it operated (without disassembling it, of course). According to this story, the fact that it was also a challenging combinatorial puzzle (which is of course what it was mass-marketed as) was pure serendipity after one was painted with different colors on each face.
No, I don't have a citation. But I can easily believe it.
I believe the Instructables website has previously featured homemade Rubikoid puzzles which used magnets in place of the original hub-and-pivot system. I wonder how/whether those differ significantly from NeoCube.
My name... is Neo.
This might be the best desk toy I've ever seen if not for the fact that I'd be terrified of screwing up my monitor/disk/misc electronic gizmo left on my desk.
Still want one.
wow, that's almost like a phospholipid bilayer in a cell. Amazing.
these look just like the cool bracelets from dynomighty. i can and have played with those things for hours and HOURS. it feels like they have a memory, or that they're trying to understand what you want them to do.
Amazing, and guy sure is gettin' all worked up with the heavy breathin' and all. I think i might get out my headphones and give it another listen.
Sold out. You could make one yourself if you could find a place that would sell you 216 1/4" spherical neodymium magnets for that price. Which you can't. I've looked. They must have gotten a hella deal on the things.
This is the coolest toy I've ever seen. Want.
Ah. Finally saw the video; I agree, this is an interestingly different object. Fine desk toy. Just keep it away from magnetic media and your screen...
neocube's need no mechanisms because on the moon mechanisms are not needed, isn't that right err?
Is it just me or is the web page down?
Well, I actually have a bunch of spherical magnets from this company: http://www.engconcepts.net/list_of_sphere_magnets.asp
Coolest things ever. Except, I'd recommend getting epoxy coated ones because the nickel plating on mine is coming off after hours of "use."
But the price for 216 5mm sphere magnets is a bit much $86.
There's more stuff like this at http://amasci.com/amateur/beads.html
Their list of warnings is rather funny:
http://www.theneocube.com/warnings.html
'This product contains small balls.'
oh man... must have neo cube...
Back in 2002, I bought a big batch of these little 1/4" spherical magnets from wondermagnet.com for $0.15 each. Sadly, they are currenly out of stock. dealextreme.com sometimes has good deals on powerful magnets too (along with tons of other irresistible crap to waste money on), but currently only discs.
They are a fun toy to play with, as the video shows... They're not a "puzzle" in any way, though, so I'm not sure how Rubik relates...
Must Have. The perfect fidgety thing. It will ive in a pocket and denature my credit cards and I won't notice....
Bought one on 04/30/08 and haven't received it yet 05/13/08 and get know reply from email contact and no callback from phone number.
Hope it's not a scam and he is just short on stock.
I made a call to the office not long ago, regarding my order. I got a very courteous, apologetic and prompt call back from StrongForces. They are way short on stock, due to unexpected demand, Dogbone. Expect at least 8 weeks to deliver. I can't wait.
They now have it in GOLD. try searching in ebay "neocube". This thing is getting popular.
@ #15...
How is this not a puzzle?! The "puzzle" element is the individual trying to re-create some of the stunning shapes. Idiot.