Gadget Reviews

The iDJ is a compact mixing console with 2 built-in iPod docks. Mixing directly from your iPods gives you the ability to utilize thousands tracks from your iTunes collection at your next party or event. If you need to pull audio from additional sources, you’ll be happy to know that the iDJ has two additional turntables or MP3/CD players inputs. I can see how this would come in handy at an event like a wedding where someone ends up handing the DJ a CD at the last minute.

The iDJ Mixer is both Firewire and USB2.0 compatible, so you can use 3rd Generation iPods (iPod mini, iPod photo) or newer generation models as well.

After reading through the specs, I noticed you can take things a step further and connect via S-Video. Greg from getusb.info thinks this feature “makes the iDJ a good video mixer for schools, churches or corporate applications where you have multiple people presenting and don’t want to fumble around with PC connections and projectors.”

The iDJ Mixer also features headphone pre-cuing, separate channel three-band EQ and an industry-standard Kensington security slot. The security slot enables you to lock down the iDJ to a table in case you need to walk away for a few minutes for a cigarette or quick bathroom break.

Technical Details

• Voltage: 110
• Length: 18.5 inches;Height: 5.75 inches;Width: 14.0 inches
• Weight: 7.0 pounds
• Inputs - 2 iPod, 2 Line (CD/MP3), 2 Phono (Turntable), & 1 Microphone
• Outputs - Master RCA, Record RCA, S-Video, Headphone (1/8 & 1/4)
• Compatible with 3rd & 4th generation iPods, iPod Minis, & iPod Photo
• Compatible with Firewire & USB 2.0 iPod connectors

The iDJ can be purchased either from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

BeSocial: getusb.info | methodshop

1 Comment »

I had a power cut recently and it’s at times like that when you realise how much you rely on light just being there when you need it. You can’t even read a book when it’s pitch black outside and you’re out of candles. So being the geek that I am, I decided to use this an an opportunity to buy a new gadget. When the power came back I did some digging around to find the current state of the art in flashlight technology - see what I ended up with after the jump…
Read the rest of this entry »

1 Comment »

So everyone has one, some call it a purse, some call it a satchel, just just call it, “My darn bag.”

Either way, you’ve got one. You use your bag on the go. Most of all, you’ve got a bag filled with stuff you think is useful enough that if it all went down, you’d be the one swinging from the trees, able to make fire, and live high off the hog while the rest of us can barely remember how to talk.

To add a layer of transparency to this, I’ve started with my own daily dragger. Here is the list of what I keep in there and why. I can’t wait to hear what everyone else is lugging around, it’s always been a mystery to me.

First off, I’ve got a bag I’ve had for years here from Dana Gleason the former owner/creator of Dana Design bags from Bozeman Montana. Now he’s got a new company Mystery Ranch. It’s the best bag you’ll ever own, (I’ve got a Dana Backpack still as well, they’re bulletproof man!) Plus Dana himself is one heck of a guy, irrepressible and will always stand out in a crowd, (he’s about 6′5″ with a flaming red beard) you can’t miss him! They just make the best bags, period.

Now on to the internal goodies!

Read the rest of this entry »

12 Comments »

Sometimes it’s not just about what should you bring, but how in the hell you get there. If you’re like me (a guy) you can proabably make it from Point A to Point B in record time. The problem is, Point B is not actually your destination, but somewhere a mile or two from it. Now, I’ve been wanting a GPS for years but was concerned my wife thought it too expensive of a “toy.” So I did the next best thing… I bought her one for Christmas. (Kind of like Homer buying Marge a bowling ball) And the funny thing is, she has this amazing internal compass. She hardly ever needs the GPS, so it usually resides with me.

The Garmin Garmin Nuvi 360 does everything you want and more. The Bluetooth technology links seamlessly with your cell phone for handsfree conversations. Map and audio directions put you exactly where you want to go. It can also find restaurants by genre and distance, as well as lodging and gas stations. Did I mention it’s also an MP3 player? One of the coolest features is the optional up to date traffic reports. It automatically processes the information on your route, and takes you around the problem. Now, onto the city guide… not in your car, on foot. Once you’ve decided on your restaurant, museum, or Broadway Show, it’ll take you to the front door.

I’ve been using it for a little over a month and it works flawlessly. The touchscreen makes inputting destinations a snap. Due to the small size and many functions, I don’t ever see myself having to buy my wife another one… till next year.

BeSocial: amazon reviews | whatshouldibring

6 Comments »

The MoGo Wireless Mouse is a business-card sized, Bluetooth-enabled mouse that stores and recharges neatly inside (yes, inside…) your laptop’s PC card slot. To recharge your MoGo Mouse, just slide it into the empty PC card slot in your laptop. It will fully recharge in less than an hour and provide you with enough power for about 8 or 9 hours of use.

As you can imagine, the MoGo Mouse is specifically designed for people who spend a lot of time traveling like writers, reporters and sales reps. Other mice, even those meant for travelers, usually don’t cut it. Mini-mice (aka “walnut shells”) get lost in your hand and are difficult to maneuver, and the idea of carrying a full-sized mouse defeats the entire purpose of mobility on the go.

The MoGo Mouse is a natural fit for road warriors. Storing it inside you PC Card (PCMCIA) slot is pure genius and the fact that it charges there is just the icing on the cake. The only thing I’d like to see in future models is a scroll wheel. I know that the size of it makes it hard to have a wheel but maybe a touch wheel, like one some laptops, could have been possible.

“an excellent tool for the road warrior or… minimalist.” ~ GetUSB.info

If you spend a lot of time on the road with your laptop, then the MoGo Wireless Mouse will just make your life easier.

digg story | methodshop

No Comments »

Who is the best-known hip-hop artist in the fictional land of Chub City? Chub C of course. At least that’s what it says on the box. Just don’t tell Hype. He’s the white version of Chub C (a la Eminem). What the hell am I talking about? That’s a good question.

Both Chub C (black) and Hype (white) are interactive toy characters called i-Playaz from a company called Jada Toys. i-Playaz connect to any music source including your iPod, CD player, computer or even an old school Sony Walkman. Just plug in an i-Playaz character and play some music. The i-Playaz characters will then dance to the beat and even play your music through a built-in speaker in their heads. There’s also an audio output if you want to connect better speakers to your i-Playaz character.

When I first got Hype in the mail, I was already on my way out and brought the box along with me to a bar down the street. I figured I’d just test him out for this review when I got home. But while I was waiting for some friends to show up, the people at the bar kept asking me what was in the box. I was curious to see what my i-Playaz could do anyway so I took Hype out of his box and set him up on the bar. With his sideways hat and flashy bling, it’s no wonder that everyone at the bar started calling him K-Fed, after Britney Spears wannabe hip-hop ex-husband. If you know someone who is trying to pull off the K-Fed white hip-hop thing, Hype will bring you and your friends hours of entertainment.

Full Review: i-Playaz Interactive Hip-Hop Toy

No Comments »

Know someone who needs to spend a little more time outside and away from their computer? Maybe a techie gift for the outdoors might do the trick. The Arbordale Solar Birdfeeder is just your average run-of-the-mill birdfeeder by day. But at night, this birdfeeder provides a soft, warm amber glow to its surroundings.

Thanks to several solar panels that capture energy during daylight hours, three amber LED lights illuminate your outdoor space while not adding a single cent to your power bill.

Constructed of durable aluminum with clear glass panels, the feeder holds a generous 3-1/2 pounds of seed. A removable top ensures easy filling and the Arbordale Solar Birdfeeder hangs easily on the nearest tree branch or shepherd’s hook from a steel chain.

This birdfeeder is a fun way to add a touch of tech to your outdoor space and give the birds something to ponder during their next free meal.

digg story | methodshop

No Comments »

It’s what you’ve been waiting for! A Tiny Helicopter that’s awesome! (and affordable). Big hint here, Read the full review!
Pro’s:
1. It is fun! It is a real kick to fly something inside the house, it’s just what your mom told you never to do, and there you are doing it, and not destroying anything! Wheee!!

2. It is affordable (if you go to the right place). Apparently, the right place is HobbyTron and it’s for the right price 39.00$ and shipping,, really! Everything you need is right there out of the box!! (other places are charging 99$ and more, why?! Go to Hobbytron!)
3. Most of all, IT REALLY WORKS!!! nuff said.

Cons:
1. You will not soon be referred to as T.C.
2. It is easy to “play with” but difficult to “control well”. I HIGHLY advise downloading the Advanced tuning

guide from Hobbytron (they’ve done some work for you!) and applying the metal “weights” right away (they’re REALLY Light but do help a bit). Additionally,, PRACTICE!
3. You will still need real helicopter lessons if you want to fly the Pope around.
Seriously though (ok, when am I ever serious) this thing is fun. Setup is as easy as can be.

Read the rest of this entry »

6 Comments »