.FLYINGHEAD GETTING CREATIVE
.TITLE Try your hand at the Computing Unplugged Tapwave Hype-a-palooza
.AUTHOR James Booth
.FEATURE
.SUMMARY Welcome to Hype-a-palooza. This, our first ever Hype-a-palooza, is designed to promote awareness of the underappreciated Tapwave Zodiac (and get you a ton of cool prizes). Why hype the Zodiac? The reason is pretty simple: we think it’s a great product, a real innovation in the handheld market. In the future, we will likely hype-a-palooza other products that we feel are deserving of added attention.
Welcome to Hype-a-palooza. This, our first ever Hype-a-palooza, is designed to promote awareness of the underappreciated Tapwave Zodiac, shown in Figure A (and get you a ton of cool prizes). Why hype the Zodiac? The reason is pretty simple: we think it’s a great product, a real innovation in the handheld market. In the future, we will likely hype-a-palooza other products that we feel are deserving of added attention.
.FIGPAIR A Here’s what the Tapwave Zodiac 2 looks like.
So what is the Zodiac? The Zodiac is a multimedia handheld computer that runs the Palm OS. In addition to being a standard handheld, the Zodiac is the first to incorporate a dedicated video processor and 3D engine to optimize it for video, audio, and game play. For in-depth coverage of the Zodiac, see my review in the August issue of Computing Unplugged Magazine, at http://www.computingunplugged.com/issues/issue200408/00001348001.html.
This Hype-a-palooza is produced by Computing Unplugged Magazine, a publication of ZATZ Publishing, in conjunction with Tapwave and Zodiac Gamer. Neither Tapwave, nor Zodiac Gamer (at http://www.zodiacgamer.com) are advertisers with, nor are they directly affiliated with Computing Unplugged Magazine or ZATZ Publishing.
The inspiration for Hype-a-palooza came from the staff at Computing Unplugged Magazine because the Zodiac is a product we would like to see succeed. This is our way of helping to spread the word and make the public more aware of it.
.H1 What’s this Hype-a-palooza thing and what do I get out of it?
The idea behind the Hype-a-palooza is you create your own special ad for the Tapwave Zodiac, and, if our band of judges love your creation, you win one of a ton of killer prizes! Now, you may be saying you don’t own a Zodiac, so why should you get excited? The answer’s simple: the grand prize is a Tapwave Zodiac. So, if you’re creative enough, you might just get one of your own.
.CALLOUT The grand prize is a Tapwave Zodiac
Before we tell you what you’ve got to create, take a look at all the great stuff we’ve lined up to give away.
.BREAK_EMAIL Tap here for the rules, complete prize lineup, and lots more fun!
.H2 Prize: Brando Workshop Zodiac Protector Pack
We’ve got what I like to call the Brando Workshop Zodiac Protector Pack in Figure B. Brando Workshop has donated one of their Leather Zodiac Cases, see http://shop.brando.com.hk/bwzodiaccase.php, as well as an Ultra Clear Screen Protector for the Zodiac, see http://shop.brando.com.hk/ultraclearscreenprotector.php, and their Enhanced Screen Protector for the Zodiac, see http://shop.brando.com.hk/screenprotector.php.
.FIGPAIR B You can win the Brando Workshop Zodiac Protector Pack.
.H2 Prize: NorthGlide’s Neat Phreak
NorthGlide Systems has donated a copy of their Neat Phreak pack, see http://www.northglide.com/products.html, to help keep your handheld clean. The Neat Phreak pack, in Figure C, is comprised of two applications, Cleanup, for removing orphaned program bits, and Uninstall Manager for complete removal of installed apps.
For more information on the Neat Phreak pack, see the article "Housekeeping on the Handheld" in the Nov. 2003 issue of Computing Unplugged Magazine, http://www.computingunplugged.com/issues/issue200311/00001147001.html.
.FIGPAIR C Are you messy. Win the NorthGlide Neat Phreak pack.
.H2 Prize: Blue Nomad’s BackupBuddyVFS
Blue Nomad has given us a copy of their BackupBuddyVFS, shown in Figure D, their complete backup utility for Palm devices with expansion slots, http://www.bluenomad.com/bbvfs/prod_bbvfs_details.html. Look for complete coverage of BackupBuddyVFS in an upcoming Computing Unplugged article.
.FIGPAIR D Save your data with BackupBuddyVFS.
.H2 Prize: Four copies of Handmark’s Warefare, Incorporated
Courtesy of Handmark, we have four (count ’em, four!) copies of Warfare, Incorporated, shown in Figure E.
.FIGPAIR E Kill ’em all with Warfare, Incorporated.
This was the first RTS (Real Time Strategy) game for the Palm platform, available from http://www.handmark.com/products/detail.php?id=182. You can find my complete review of Warfare, Inc. in the March 2003 issue of Computing Unplugged Magazine, at http://www.computingunplugged.com/issues/issue200403/00001251001.html.
.H2 Prize: Five copies each of Astraware’s Hellfire: Apache vs. Hind and GTS Racing: Turbo Edition
Astraware has been kind enough to donate five copies each of Hellfire: Apache vs. Hind, their attack helicopter simulation game, available from http://www.astraware.com/palm/featured/hellfire/?skucode=0205-111-0111, and GTS Racing: Turbo Edition, their racecar driving simulator, available from http://www.astraware.com/palm/featured/gts/?skucode=0202-030-0030.
Figure F shows screenshots of both. You can find a complete review of Hellfire in the September 2004 issue of Computing Unplugged Magazine, which you can read at http://www.computingunplugged.com/issues/issue200409/00001328001.html.
.FIGPAIR F Get your game on with Hellfire and GTS Racing.
.H2 Prize: Tapwave’s Deluxe Leather Zodiac
From Tapwave, we have a Deluxe Leather Zodiac case, shown in Figure G. Tapwave’s leather case, available from http://store.tapwave.com/product.asp?sku=2545109, is virtually identical in design to the Brando Workshop model.
.FIGPAIR G Protect your handheld with Tapwave’s Deluxe Leather case.
.H2 Grand Prize: A Tapwave Zodiac 2
Also from Tapwave, shown in Figure H, is the real kicker, our coup de gras, an actual Zodiac 2!
.FIGPAIR H The most creative of you will win this Zodiac 2.
The Zodiac 2 has a 200Mhz processor, a dedicated video processor with 8 MB of RAM, two SD slots, and 128 MB of RAM. You can visit http://store.tapwave.com/product.asp?sku=2541228 for more information on the Zodiac 2.
By the way, there’s yet another prize, but you’ll have to read on to learn about it.
.H1 Participating in Hype-a-palooza
So how can you participate in Hype-a-palooza? It’s very simple. Just send us your very own advertising design for the Tapwave Zodiac. We’re sponsoring three categories of ads: video, print and graphics, and slogan.
.H2 Preparing your video (and winning a free copy of Ulead’s VideoStudio 8)
Videos should be no more than 30 seconds in length, 640 x 480 or greater in resolution, and submitted in AVI format.
In addition to all of our other great prizes, Ulead has gratiously donated ten copies of their VideoStudio 8, shown in Figure I, and available from http://www.ulead.com/vs/runme.htm. These ten copies will go the top ten entries in the video category.
.FIGPAIR I Win one of ten copies of Ulead’s VideoStudio 8.
And yes, we know you need a video program to do the video entry. We’ve taken care of that for you, as well. You can head on over to Ulead’s site, download the demo of VideoStudio, see http://www.ulead.com/vs/trial.htm, and use it to compile your entry.
Of course, you’re not required to use VideoStudio to do you video production; you can use any tool. It’s just that the Ulead folks were cool enough to give us ten copies of their product to give away to you. And you. And you. And you and you and you and you and… well, you get the idea.
.H2 Preparing your print and graphics ad entry
Print ads should be in TIFF format at a minimum of 150 dpi, and should be suitable for print. If you have a particular media in mind for your submission, such as magazine, billboard, web, etc., then make sure you tell us in your submission.
Do not send us the printed copy. Instead, send us a final TIFF image we can reproduce.
.H2 Slogans are cool, too.
If you’re not a graphic’s wiz or a video jock, you can still exercise that powerful creative muscle: your brain. Slogans are just that, a slogan. A series or collection of words used to convey a concept. Slogans should be submitted as a TXT, DOC, or RTF file only.
.H1 Submitting your entries (and a special category)
Regardless of category, all submissions must be in the form of a digital file.
Let your creative juices flow and express your thoughts about the Zodiac. Don’t be afraid to be funny, humorous, deep, introspective, or philosophical. Whatever does it for you may win you a prize.
We’ve also decided to add a fourth category in honor of David, our Editor-in-Chief. David likes things that are strange and unusual because, well, he himself is strange and unusual. The David category is specifically for strange, wacky, sick, twisted, weird, and dark entries. Essentially, anything that falls outside the definition of mainstream normal would be eligible for David’s Sick and Twisted prize.
Entries for the David category can be video, print, or slogan, but must meet the same criteria as entries for those categories. We also reserve the right to change a submission’s category if we feel it would best be served in another. We also reserve the right not to publish any entries if they’re too sick and twisted. Just fair warning.
Tip for your benefit: As a startup company, Tapwave especially likes third party quotes and mentions of awards in their ads as they lend validity. Tapwave has been kind enough to provide us with images, campaign examples, and other material for your reference and benefit. We’ve put them all together in a file that you can download. It’s at http://images.zatz.com/zatz/resources/downloadables/tapwave/tapwave-resources.zip. This is a MONSTER size download, so only download it if you’re prepared to spend a few minutes waiting.
.H1 Prize categories
We’ve managed to line up some really great prizes for the best of the best submissions. Below you’ll find how we’ll be distributing those prizes over the four categories.
.H2 Grand Prize: A brand-new Zodiac 2 handheld
What more is there to say about this great prize. This is really something worth working towards winning. After I got my Zodiac, I was so turned on by it, that I was moved to create this contest. Go for it!
.H2 Video category
Remember, the top ten video entries also get a copy of Ulead’s VideoStudio 8. In addition, here are the prizes you can win if you get picked for the best video:
.BEGIN_LIST
.BULLET 1st: Brando Workshop Zodiac Protector Pack and Handmark’s Warfare, Inc.
.BULLET 2nd: NorthGlide’s Neat Phreak pack
.BULLET 3rd: Astraware’s Hellfire: Apache vs. Hind and GTS Racing: Turbo Edition
.END_LIST
.H2 Print and graphics category
Here are the prizes you can win if you get picked for the best print and graphics entry:
.BEGIN_LIST
.BULLET 1st: Tapwave Leather Zodiac Case and Handmark’s Warfare, Inc.
.BULLET 2nd: Astraware’s Hellfire: Apache vs. Hind and GTS Racing: Turbo Edition
.BULLET 3rd: Blue Nomad’s BackupBuddyVFS
.END_LIST
.H2 Slogan category
Here are the prizes you can win if you get picked for the best slogan entry:
.BEGIN_LIST
.BULLET 1st: Handmark’s Warfare, Inc. and Astraware’s Hellfire: Apache vs. Hind
.BULLET 2nd: Astraware’s Hellfire: Apache vs. Hind
.BULLET 3rd: Astraware’s GTS Racing: Turbo Edition
.END_LIST
.H2 David’s sick and twisted category
Here are the prizes you can win if you get picked for having a particularly warped sense of creativity:
.BEGIN_LIST
.BULLET 1st: Astraware’s Hellfire: Apache vs. Hind and GTS Racing: Turbo Edition
.BULLET 2nd: Astraware’s GTS Racing: Turbo Edition
.BULLET 3rd: Handmark’s Warfare, Inc.
.END_LIST
.H1 Deadline and how to submit
Hype-a-palooza will be open for submissions from Oct. 1, 2004 thru Oct. 31, 2004. To be eligible, all submissions must be received by Midnight, Central Standard Time on Oct. 31, 2004.
All submissions should be sent to jbooth@zatz.com with the Subject line: HYPE SUBMISSION, and must include the applicant’s name (that’s you, bucko), full shipping address, email address, and the category that you’re submitting. Only one submission per email please.
Any submissions that are too large to email (greater than 1 MB) should be placed on a non-returnable CD-R and mailed to:
Hype-a-palooza
c/o James Booth
1356 Morton Drive
East Moline, IL 61244
Alternatively, you may provide us with a download link and we’ll accept your Web submission.
Applicants are free and encouraged to make multiple submissions in any and all categories, however, each submission MUST be unique. All submissions are non-returnable and become the property of ZATZ Publishing and/or Tapwave. Future use of any submission in any media campaign is solely at the discretion of ZATZ Publishing and/or Tapwave. No guarantee of use is intended or implied.
Employees of ZATZ Publishing, Tapwave, Zodiac Gamer, and their family members are not eligible to participate in Hype-a-palooza.
I personally, and the rest of the staff at Computing Unplugged Magazine, would like to thank all of the companies that were kind enough to contribute prizes to our very first Hype-a-palooza. [Also, special thanks goes to James Booth for putting this whole thing together. It’s an amazing program and we’re all very impressed. Kudos to James. — DG]
.BEGIN_KEEP
.H1 The fine print
Judging will take place from Nov. 1, 2004 thru Nov. 30, 2004 with the results being published in the Dec. 7, 2004 issue of Computing Unplugged Magazine. Prizes will be shipped within one month of the results being posted. Any and all taxes or duty fees are the sole responsibility of the winner.
Submissions will be judged on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest, 10 the highest. The scores from all judges will be compiled and averaged to achieve each submission’s final score. The submission with the highest overall score, regardless of category, will be awarded the Grand Prize.
Of the remaining submissions, the three with the highest scores in each category will be awarded the prizes for those categories. In the event of a tie, the judges will vote on those submissions again to break the tie. In the event that a category doesn’t have enough submissions to support the available prizes for that category, the remaining prize(s) will be distributed to the other categories.
We also reserve the right to award honorable mentions and make awards for categories that we decide to make up on the spot. All judging results are final.
So, go forth. Be creative. Win stuff. And get your submissions in on time. If you have questions, you’re welcome to email me as well. Just send your questions to jbooth@zatz.com with the Subject line: HYPE QUESTION.
.BEGIN_SIDEBAR
.H1 Product availability and resources
For more information on the Tapwave Zodiac 2, visit http://store.tapwave.com/product.asp?sku=2541228.
For more information on the Zodiac Gamer Web site, visit http://www.zodiacgamer.com.
For more information on the Brando Leather Zodiac Case, visit http://shop.brando.com.hk/bwzodiaccase.php.
For more information on the Brando Ultra Clear Screen Protector for the Zodiac, visit http://shop.brando.com.hk/ultraclearscreenprotector.php.
For more information on the Brando Enhanced Screen Protector for the Zodiac, visit http://shop.brando.com.hk/screenprotector.php.
For more information on NorthGlide’s Neat Phreak, visit http://www.northglide.com/products.html.
For more information on Blue Nomad’s BackupBuddyVFS, visit http://www.bluenomad.com/bbvfs/prod_bbvfs_details.html.
For more information on Handmark’s Warefare, Incorporated, visit http://www.handmark.com/products/detail.php?id=182.
For more information on Astraware’s Hellfire: Apache vs. Hind, visit http://www.astraware.com/palm/featured/hellfire/?skucode=0205-111-0111.
For more information on GTS Racing: Turbo Edition, visit http://www.astraware.com/palm/featured/gts/?skucode=0202-030-0030.
For more information on Tapwave’s Deluxe Leather Zodiac, visit http://store.tapwave.com/product.asp?sku=2545109.
For more information on Ulead VideoStudio 8, visit http://www.ulead.com/vs/runme.htm.
For more information on the demo of VideoStudio, visit http://www.ulead.com/vs/trial.htm.
.END_SIDEBAR
.BIO
.END_KEEP
