[tstactplsignore]

I don't think this is true, actually. I've been to two major hackathons and had many friends at HackMIT this fall, and this really doesn't occur- in fact, the culture was the exact opposite, people were strongly discouraged from bringing in already existing projects and almost nobody did.

[yeukhon]

I think what he was saying is people already started researching on what ideas to implement prior to the event. Many people brought in their own Pi and hardware hacks so it isn't like they didn't figure out 1/3 of the hard work. But I wouldn't undermine their ability to piece things together in 18, 20 hours.

[001sky]

when are the topics announced, tho? any ideas on that...

[morgante]

There aren't really topics for a lot of the hackathons (including HackMIT). For the "themed" hackathons you'll know the topics at registration (ie. weeks/months beforehand).

[001sky]

Multiple awards seemed to be sponsored or product unique, that is why I wonder on this point. Certain items I would imaging having a hands on beforehand would be quite leg up. Excuse my mixed metaphors ;).