Archive for November, 2009
Thanks to the WikiReader, I am the smartest person in the room.
I got a chance to try out the Wikireader that we reported on earlier, and I will have to say that I am now the know-it-all. I’ve become like Cliff Claven from Cheers, who seems to know all the useless facts in the universe, and comes off as amazingly annoying.
The Wikireader by Openmoko is a device with a tiny black-and-white screen that uses 2 AAA batteries that are included. It requires no internet connection as all the 3 million entries are inside.
There are no illustrations, and the touchscreen allows for scrolling. Scrolling up and down creates a blurry effect that makes it easy to lose your place. Find out after the jump how Cyber Monday got its name.
Continue reading » Thanks to the WikiReader, I am the smartest person in the room.
Zigo Leader X2 Carrier Bicycle
If you are a parent who likes to bike, then Zigo has figured out a way that you can take your kids on your trip with the Zigo Leader X2 Carrier Bicycle.
It is “the first mom or dad powered family transportation system”. It can be used as a carrier bike for one or two children, and has many modes that can convert to in just 30 seconds using the patented LeaderLink technology.
As you can see in the picture, it has a kangaroo pouch in front that is good enough for one or two children to ride in a three-wheeled vehicle. It also can convert into a stroller, a jogger, a regular bicycle, as well as a trailer.
Continue reading » Zigo Leader X2 Carrier Bicycle
Dash Cam Dually films the inside and outside of the car
I have seen a lot of cameras that are made to record the action outside the car. I honestly can’t think of any reason to have one of these unless you happen to get in a lot of accidents, and you don’t want your insurance rates to go up any more than they already are.
The major difference between the Dash Cam Dually and regular car cameras is that you get two cameras. Most cameras only show the action outside of the car, but this one has a second camera to show the inside of the car.
In addition to these 1.3 Megapixel cameras, it also has four infrared LEDs to illuminate the inside of the video for proper filming. It also has a G-Shock sensor that displays five level settings that can record the impact points. So if you have an accident, it will record the impact, along with a GPS receiver to log the exact location, speed, and direction.
Continue reading » Dash Cam Dually films the inside and outside of the car
Eko Stoplight gives countdown on red light
No one enjoys sitting at a stoplight. As you sit there you get to contemplate all kinds of things. Like wondering how much of your life has been wasted waiting on stoplights. Then you notice you’ve been sitting there a good long while and begin to wonder if the light will ever change. Then comes the agitation and impatience. Well instead of wondering how long you’ll be at that ridiculous light, you could know exactly how much time you have left if only your city would install these Eko Stoplights.
Continue reading » Eko Stoplight gives countdown on red light
Monster Monster Laptop Stand gives your laptop crab legs
If you enjoyed the scene in Transformers where all of the gadgets come alive, then you’ll probably get a kick out of this laptop stand. It doesn’t actually make your laptop come to life and try to walk away, but it sure looks that way. With this on your desk it’ll make your laptop look as if it’s going to dart out of the room at any given moment.
Continue reading » Monster Monster Laptop Stand gives your laptop crab legs
ESPN Better Batter has automatic reload and baseball sound effects
Teaching your kids to hit a baseball is a bit of a trying task. Of course, that’s partially because you’re handing your child a bat that probably will at some point hit you instead of the ball. Plus normally you’re using a tee to teach them. Once they hit the ball you usually have to pick up the tee and go find the baseball. With this Fisher-Price product it would at least solve the problems you’d normally have with a normal tee. Besides wearing full body armor though, there’s no quick fix to keep your child from injuring you.
Continue reading » ESPN Better Batter has automatic reload and baseball sound effects
Electronic Gift Ideas
You can’t beat an electronic gift for the gadget enthusiast in your life, the following electronic gadgets are some of our favourites.
Universal Memory Card Reader – $29.95
This device recognizes more than 70 memory card formats, eliminating the need for different readers. Its six slots support 23 CompactFlash cards, 23 Memory Stick cards, 24 MMC and SD cards, microSD cards, xD cards, and SIM cards. It can plug into a Mac or PC running Windows 7, Vista, or XP using its built-in USB cable
The Universal Memory Card Reader is available from Hammacher for $29.95.
Projection Alarm Clock and Weather Monitor – $79.95
Available only from Hammacher Schlemmer, this alarm clock and weather monitor projects the current time and outdoor temperature onto your ceiling or wall in large, easy-to-read digits. A built-in sensor detects ambient light and activates the large LCD’s backlighting for a clear view. Shows time, alarm, temperature at the three included sensors’ locations, and weather forecast icons. Time is automatically updated via radio signal from the Atomic Clock in Boulder, Colorado. With dual alarm and snooze.
The Projection Alarm Clock and Weather Monitor is available from Hammacher for $79.95.
Kodak Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera – $99
Become an instant celebrity or paparazzo! This sleek pocketable design is built for easy video – there is no lens cap, no dials to turn, or settings to set. Just turn it on and hit record to capture the action, adventure, and all the juicy details in stunning HD! Make your cinematic debut on any HDTV. Or just pop the USB in the nearest PC and you’re ready to share the fun on YouTube. Edit, add music, and personalize your flick and easily share with your adoring fans. There’s no such thing as ”you should’ve been there” with the Zi6.
The Kodak Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera is available from Amazon for $99.
Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator – $229.99 $114.99
Garmin’s nüvi 260W combines the thinprofile and attractive price point of other nüvi 200-series GPS with directions in real street names and a wide screen that lets you see more of what’s around you as you drive. Garmin’s line on the device is that, “the nüvi 260W gives consumers the most sought-after navigation features, while eliminating many of the premium add-ons. The result is a PND that simply gets you from point A to point B – reliably, efficiently, and with style.” As with all nüvis, you get Garmin reliability, the fast satellite lock of a high-sensitivity integrated receiver, a slim, pocket-sized navigator with a gorgeous display, detailed NAVTEQ maps that lets you search by name for more than 6 million points of interest like stores, restaurants or hospitals, and an easy, intuitive interface.
The Garmin nüvi 260W 4.3-Inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator is available from Amazon for $229.99 $114.99.
Mimo Mini USB Monitor – $129.99
Looking for that extra bit of screen real estate to get you through the busy workday? Referring to notes while writing an e-mail, checking info in a spreadsheet while entering data into a web page, keeping an eye on your to-do list while browsing YouTube… it’s handy to have additional monitor space at the ready. Problem is an entire secondary monitor comes with its own needs like requiring a separate power cord or perhaps an additional video card.
The Mimo Mini USB Monitor is available from Think Geek for $129.99.
Star Theater Pro Home Planetarium – $169.99
On a clear night, one has only to look up to realize how much wonder is still waiting for us in the universe. Out there, amongst the stars, are secrets and surprises beyond our wildest dreams. Well why not, while you’re working on your own way of getting up there to the stars, bring the stars down to you? With the Star Theater Pro Home Planetarium it’s as easy as a button press.
The Star Theater Pro Home Planetarium is available from Think Geek for $169.99.
iMo Photo Frame Printer – $199.99
The iMo Photo Frame Printer hopes to recapture some of this lost magic. Not only does it display your digital photos in typical fashion on its LCD screen, it also features a built-in printer that turns your photos into high-quality prints. Simply pull the memory card from your digital camera and insert it into the iMo. Instantly a slideshow of your photos begins to play. See a photo you like on the screen, press a button on the remote, and a few moments later out comes a glossy color print. The print cartridge is easy to replace and includes paper, ink and everything needed to churn out your photos in one unit
The iMo Photo Frame Printer is available from Think Geek for $199.99.
Kindle Wireless Reading Device – $259.00
Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot and is designed for ambidextrous use so both “lefties” and “righties” can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time.
The Kindle Wireless Reading Device is available from Amazon for $259.00.
Apple iPod touch 32 GB (3rd Generation – $269.99
iPod touch is a great iPod, a great pocket computer, and a great portable game player. Listen to a mix of songs automatically put together by the new Genius Mixes feature. Watch a movie. Surf the web. View rich HTML email. Find your location and get directions with Google Maps. Discover games and apps you’re sure to love with new Genius recommendations for apps. And since iPod touch now comes with the latest 3.1 software already installed, you can start using fun, convenient features right out of the box.
The Apple iPod touch 32 GB (3rd Generation is available from Amazon for $269.99 .
Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control – $289.95
Logitech’s Harmony 890 remote control uses both radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) wireless signals to deliver powerful complete control of your home-entertainment system that may be hidden behind cabinets. With a wireless range of up to 100 feet, the Harmony 890 remote sends RF commands to a wireless receiver, which then blasts infrared signals to the components. The Harmony 890 remote makes universal control for home entertainment and advanced lighting systems simple. How does it work? Just connect your Harmony remote to your computer and the Web wizard walks you step-by-step through a simple set up. Enter in your model numbers for your components, then answer a few easy questions about how you Watch TV or Watch a DVD. You ll be controlling even the most complex system without any of the hassles of elaborate programming. Easily view and select. Color display icons and 8 on-screen activity buttons make it easy Effortlessly switch between watching HDTV and listening to music, by selecting a single activity button – Just press one of the Activity buttons, such as Watch TV or Listen to Music, and it automatically sets.
The Logitech Harmony 890 Advanced Universal Remote Control is available from Amazon for $289.95.
Book Gift Ideas (mainly for geeky people)
Books are a great and pretty low cost gift idea. Here’s a fine selection that any geek or gadget lover will enjoy.
The Official Ninja Book – $8.99
Written by Ninja expert and enthusiast Robert Hamburger, this book represents a lifetime of collected knowledge. Pouring over all available resources, Mr. Hamburger has pieced together a comprehensive guide to the artist of death we know as “Ninja.” From basic facts to details regarding Ninja history and culture, this book leaves no facet of Ninja lore undisturbed. You will learn all you need to know to embrace the way of the Ninja and eventually become one yourself. Ninjas are cool; and by cool, we mean “totally sweet.”
The The Official Ninja Book is available from Think Geek for $8.99.
I Can Has Cheezburger? – $9.99
The Internet has provided us with many wonders, from skateboarding dogs to Chuck Norris facts. Over the past year, though, one sensation has dominated the Web: LOLcats. Since its founding in January 2007, icanhascheezburger .com (named after the most famous LOLcat of all) has been the center of the LOLcat world. I Can Has Cheezburger? collects 200 LOLcats from the enormously popular site, some classic and some new, in glorious and glossy full color.
The I Can Has Cheezburger? is available from Think Geek for $9.99.
Geek Logik: 50 Foolproof Equations for Everyday Life – $10.36
Here for the geek in all of us are fifty foolproof equations that take the guesswork out of life—and the funniest twist on an idea since Richard Smith’s The Dieter’s Guide to Weight Loss During Sex. Call it the algebra oracle: By plugging in the right variables, GEEK LOGIK answers life’s most persistent questions. It covers Dating and Romance, Career and Finance, and everyday decisions like Should I get a tattoo? Can I still wear tight jeans? Is it time to see a therapist? How many beers should I have at the company picnic?
How does it work? Take a simple issue that comes up once or twice a week: Should I call in sick? Fill in the variables honestly, such as D for doctor’s note (enter 1 for “no,” 10 for “yes,” and 5 for “yes, but it’s a forgery”), R for importance of job (1-10, with 10 being “personally responsible for Earth’s orbit around Sun”), Fj for how much fun you have at work (1-10, with 10 being “personal trainer for underwear models”), N for how much you need the money (1-10, with 10 being “I owe the mob”), then do the math, and voilà—if the product, Hooky, is greater than 1, enjoy your very own Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
The Geek Logik: 50 Foolproof Equations for Everyday Life is available from Amazon for $10.36.
Gizmos & Gadgets: Creating Science Contraptions That Work – $10.36
Using simple household items to create toys that spin, fling, collide, and whiz, kids will grasp the basics of concepts of gravity, inertia, balance, and energy. Projects are very hands-on. Most activities can be completed with minimal assistance. Every page is jam-packed (in age-appropriate vocabulary) with factoids, fun facts about famous inventors, and inspiration for science lovers of all ages.
The Gizmos & Gadgets: Creating Science Contraptions That Work is available from Amazon for $10.36.
The Geeks’ Guide to World Domination – $11.99
Sorry, beautiful people. These days, from government to business to technology to Hollywood, geeks rule the world. Finally, here’s the book no self-respecting geek can live without: The Geeks’ Guide to World Domination. A guide jam-packed with 314.1516 short entries both useful and fun.
The The Geeks’ Guide to World Domination is available from Think Geek for $11.99.
A Girl’s Guide to Dating a Geek – $13.45
Are you dating a geek? Find out just how geeky he is in The Geek Test. Learn how to cope with his geekiness in sections such as: “Getting What You Want” and “How to Exercise Your Geek.” Also, discover how to plot revenge, diagnose common geek ailments, and find the perfect gift for your geek. Take a deeper look into the world of geeks with My Life Among the überGeeks and My Life Among the Gamers. Read case studies, examine graphs, peruse the Geek Dictionary, and more in: A Girl’s Guide to Dating a Geek.
The A Girl’s Guide to Dating a Geek is available from Amazon for $13.45.
Electronic Gadgets for the Evil Genius : 28 Build-It-Yourself – $16.47
Electronics fans have waited a long time for this book. Not since 1983 has author Bob Iannini published a collection of his amazing projects — all of them fun, easy, and inexpensive to make at home and, best of all, seriously exciting and impressive!
Iannini takes the stuff of science fiction and science future and brings it down to size for the home hobbyist. Full of easy-to-follow plans and clear diagrams and schematics, and respectful of your wallet, Electronic Gadgets for the Evil Genius gives you:
* Illustrated instructions and plans for amazing pretested projects advanced enough for sophisticated electronics enthusiasts but described in sufficient detail to be built easily by newcomers
* Explanations of the science and math behind each project (i.e., you can explore different methods of achieving acceleration)
* Frustration-free plans — needed parts are listed, along with sources — and most of these projects can be built for $100 or less
The Electronic Gadgets for the Evil Genius : 28 Build-It-Yourself is available from Amazon for $16.47.
Dilbert 2.0: 20 Years of Dilbert – $26.67
In the tradition of The Complete Far Side and The Complete Calvin and Hobbes, Dilbert 2.0 celebrates the 20th anniversary of Scott Adams’s Dilbert, the touchstone of office humor.
This special slipcased collection–weighing in at more than ten pounds with 600 pages and featuring almost 4,000 strips–takes readers behind the scenes and into the early days of Scott Adams’s life pre-Dilbert and on to the success that followed when Dilbert became an internationally syndicated sensation.
Divided into five different epochs, Dilbert 2.0 gives readers a glance at some of Adams’s earliest strips, like those created for Playboy, and a peek at an abundance of special content ranging from numerous rejection letters to Adams’s first cartooning check, and more.
Adams personally selected the material for this collection and offers original comments and humorous asides throughout. Also included is a disc that contains every Dilbert comic strip to April 2008.
The Dilbert 2.0: 20 Years of Dilbert is available from Amazon for $26.67.
Illuminating Book Cover – $39.95
This is the patented book cover that illuminates your reading materials anywhere without requiring a separate book light. A light built into the cover’s spine turns on automatically when it is pulled out and turns off when it is retracted. Its dual LEDs cast bright light across both pages and its head can be precisely adjusted so as not to disturb airplane seatmates or a dozing spouse. The cover is durable yet pliable .8 mm black leatherette that won’t split or crack and protects against dirt and spills.
The Illuminating Book Cover is available from Hammacher for $39.95.
Kindle Wireless Reading Device – $259.00
Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot and is designed for ambidextrous use so both “lefties” and “righties” can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time.
The Kindle Wireless Reading Device is available from Amazon for $259.00.
