Gadgets for Father's Day & Gadgets From The National Hardware Show.
The Hardware Show has thousands of products for house, home, outdoors, workshop, etc. Here are some from the show and from other press events and private showings of new products.
Let there be light! And let it be righton your head!
PantherVision 4 LED Cap. This new version has four LED lights built into the brim. 100% brighter than the former model. The “ultimate hands free flashlight”!! This hat looks just like every other quality ball cap, with one very important difference. When you need light, just click the switch hidden on the underside of the brim and you have instant Ultra Bright Light from the LED's that are built into the brim!! Yes, 4 Ultra Bright LED's are concealed in the front of the brim and lights up a 30 foot area bright enough to do whatever task awaits you. Need light for reading, working on a project or close up work, click the switch once and two Ultra Bright LED's come on to light up your task area. Need a LOT of bright white light? You can turn all 4 LED's on and still have more than 30 hours of battery life even with all 4 LED's on.You can’t see that the LED’s arethere, woven into the brim. But if you need light at night, push a switch and use 2 LEDS, or 4. Very bright, very convenient for any nighttime emergency. $24.95. http://www.panthervision.com/4-led-cap-light---led-4-white-item.html Here’s an easy to use, inexpensive way to be seen outdoors at night. Safe-T-Bug.Just clip this small device onto to a baseball cap, backpack, bag, etc. and you have five flashing ultra bright red LED’s safety light to protect you when walking or jogging at night. Provides 360 degrees visibility from more than ¼ mile awayAttaches to ANYTHING with the magnet, adhesive disk or stick pin. All three are included. And the company says the Safe-T-Bug is even waterproof! This is a brand new item, so it may take a week or two to appear on the company’s website. $14.95. www.panthervision.com. Here’s a way to save a lot of time when drilling and screwing.
It called TheTwist-Lok Drill and Drive System. Anditlets you switch from the drill bit to a fastening bit faster than ever before. Drill a hole, then slide the Twist-Lok driver over the drill bit. You don’t remove it. Twist and the driver is locked in place. Now place your screw on the driver tip and the screw is automatically held in place magnetically. (Most, but not all screws can be held in place with a magnetic.) To go back to drilling mode, simply twist and pull! The Twist-Lok will automatically detach. You never have to remove the drill bit from the drill, saving a lot of time! The newly introduced kit at the Hardware Show is the one with the magnetic screw holding feature. Use the system on any drill that has a 3/8" or 1/2" chuck capacity. The new model is the Model 4000. It’s $34.99. There are other models starting under $30 and more expensive models that include a drill set. If the Model 4000 is not on the company’s website, it will be shortly.
Yes cold water is uncomfortable, but hot water that’s too hot can be really dangerous. The folks at Hot Stop say that hot tap water scalds are the second most common cause of severe burn injuries among people of all ages. HotStop shower head, hand shower, and tub spout you can help prevent these accidents. When hot water reaches an unsafe temperature HotStop quickly reduces the water flow to a trickle to avoid scalding. Once the water in the line cools, the flow re-starts automatically. I tried one and it does cut the hot water off when the water if keep quite hot. Then it takes about a minute or until the cold mixes again with the hot to make it safe. Then the flow starts again. HotStop is very easy to install. Three different models. Shower, Shower with hose, and Tub Version. About $35 to $45
I did a Netcast (Podcast) on this product. Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw576
Here’s another solution of the problem of the huge transformer plug that blocks two outlets.
It’s called The Rotator. Just plug it into any ordinary outlet. Then plug the big clunky transformer plug into the Rotator. The Rotator plug rotates outlets 360 degrees. Simple to operate, just plug it into your existing wall outlets and they are ready to use! Outlets rotate 360° allowing you to plug in those oversized plugs & adaptors. Now you don’t have to give up two outlet for one bulky plug! Perfect for Laptops, Cell phone chargers, cameras, calculators, hairdryers, and any other odd shaped plugs. At their website you can read more about it. Then there’s a link to buy it at Herrington’s.The price is $35 for 4 Rotator Plugs.
I did a Netcast (Podcast) on this product. Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw578
A new solution to plugging in those giant AC transformer plugs!
The Socket Sense surge protector handles those big “outlet killer” power adapters with ease. Simply expand or contract the movable sockets to adjust for the best fit. That’s right you can extend the strip sockets by about 8” inches but pulling on both ends. Compare this to a typical surge strip where power adapters typically block one or more sockets. Socket Sense can do the job of two ordinary surge strips. The fully adjustable sockets are also set on an angle to make sure a transformer plug does not block another socket. About $30.
It’s a clever idea from Ideative which also makes the LeakFrog, an inexpensive way to warn you on water leaks. We did on a Daily GizWiz Netcast quite some time back, in October, 2006. You can read about Leak Frog here: http://www.gizwizbiz.com/thedailygizwiz/dgwalloct06.html
It’s More Than a Travel Bag – It’s Portable Culture!
Tom Bihn Travel Bags This company makes rugged, carefully crafted travel bags that you customize online. You order a bag, pick the colors and then pick the components for the inside of the bag. The one I have has it’s own internal laptop bag that can also be used on it’s own. They make custom carry straps, etc. Tom Bihn, the proud guy behind these designer bags called his line “Portable Culture”. Here’s what he says about his line: At Tom Bihn we design and manufacture sophisticated laptop bags, laptop cases, laptop backpacks, messenger bags, briefcases, travel bags, and accessories in our Seattle factory. We offer eye-catching designs and unusually attentive customer service. We have 30+ years of design experience to build a better laptop bag. Prices start at about $60 and up.
Travel Almost Anywhere in the World and this Clock Sets the Correct Time!
Seiko Global Atomic Travel Alarm Clock w/Flashlight keeps perfect time and has a built-in, automatic LED flashlight. This new, easy-to-set alarm clock picks up radio signals from atomic time transmitters in the United States, Europe, Japan and the Far East, adjusting automatically to each region where there is a transmitter (it functions as an accurate quartz clock in other countries.) A handy flashlight built into the base shines a bright blue LED light whenever you pick up the clock and turns itself off when you set it down. Has soft backlighting, five-minute snooze, date, calendar and temperature display. Includes four AAA batteries. (4¼ x 2"; 72 dB)$44.85
Another Travel Clock with Different Useful Features.
Eagle Creek Multi-Function Travel Clock is an alarm clock, calculator and currency converter in one! This versatile alarm clock from Eagle Creek is compact and lightweight, yet offers so many travel-friendly features. It tells the time in 16 cities around the world with just the push of a button, and there's a full-function calculator and currency converter built right in! Alarm has a 5-minute snooze function, and the easy-to-read screen (no light) even displays the date and temperature. Takes button batteries (included) and comes with a handy travel pouch. (4½ x 2½ x ½"; 3 oz)$14.85
Here’s a Great Way to Cover Strange Sounds When You Travel.
Marsona Sound Machine helps muffle unfamiliar hotel noises with regular, soothing sounds that help you get a good night's sleep, even if you've got a case of jet lag. You can count on traffic noise, comings-and-goings in the hallway, and noisy neighbors. Add a case of jet lag and you're likely to have big problems getting a good night's sleep. That's why so many experienced travelers depend on their Marsona Sound Machines to mask these sleep-disturbing noises. Just plug it in, select the natural sound you'd like to lull you to sleep (from "rainfall" to "waterfall" to "surf"), adjust the volume, and sink into the peaceful, calming sounds of nature. Includes dual-voltage power pack, nylon travel pouch.
With the travel season upon us, here’s a neat new travel item. MyTags travel bag tags. They’re made of heavy duty polyester webbing with heavy duty steel split key ring (to prevent getting caught in the baggage handling systems). The key ring is stronger and far more catch-free than leather straps with buckles. Inside every MyTag travel bag tag are two clear pockets, the first for name and address, the second for your current trip itinerary. If your bag gets separated from you, the carrier knows how and where to get a hold of you or to forward your bag to you. You can order them with catchy slogans already on them, such as: GRAB THE NEXT ONE, DIRTHY CLOTHES, NOT YOURS, etc.Or you can have them custom embroidered like one that says The Giz Wiz. I think this is another great idea for travel. 3 Tags for $29.95, plus S&H.
Help for the AC outlet challenged hotel room. The Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger. Hotel rooms and airport terminals never seem to have enough power outlets to plug in andcharge all the devices us geeky types bring along when we travel. Belkin knows that too because those folks are on the road a lot. Thanks to their new gizmo you can now you can add 3 AC outlets, two USB charging ports, and peace of mind on business trips and vacations with the Belkin Mini Surge Protector. It has a rotating plug so you can face the device in the direction that is most convenient. And there’s a green LED to let you know the surge protection is on. It even comes with a full size to mini USB charging cable. And I’m sure you know this, but Belkin has this important warning on their website: Important: This product’s USB outlets cannot be used as a USB hub and does not transmit data. The powered USB outlets on this unit are intended solely for charging devices that can be charged via a USB interface$24.99. www.belkin.com
Here’s Something Very Inexpensive That Will Be Worth It’s Weight in Gold if You Need It! The TT Pack. (Toiletry Travel Package).This little plastic pack is great for those unknown restrooms when you travel. Throw one in your pocket, even for a day trip. Perfect for luggage, the glove compartment, backpack, etc. Then when you open that door and find the restroom from hell, you're set. Inside each packet you’ll find • Toilet seat cover • Toilet seat wipe • Germicidal Hand wipe • Tissue • Paper towel • and Disposable glove! When I first found them the manufacturer was selling them wholesale for a buck a pack, plus shipping. But I'm afraid we drove so much traffic to their website that other websites selling the TT Pack got annoyed. So now they're only available at retail. Best price I found was 10 for $25, or $2.50 each. But trust me, if you go into a filthy restroom and really need to use it, you'll find it was a great investment! www.ttpacks.com Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw558www.ttpacks.com
Fun Gadgets from Toy Fair I Showed on ABC’s World News Now. There are plenty of toys at Toy Fair and I found some fun ones, but it’s also about other neat gadgets. On ABC News I showed a mix of both!Be aware that most of these are not available now. Some aren’t due out until the fall. So bookmark the manufacturer’s website so you can check back later.Here’s what I showed: So what does your pet do when you’re not home? Here’s a way to find out! Pet’s Eye View Camera. Ever wonder what life is like for your pet? Uncle Milton’s Pet’s Eye View Camera gives you a dog’s-eye (or cat’s eye) view of their world with this lightweight digital camera that attaches easily around the neck of your dog or cat. Set the self-timer to take a picture every 1, 5 or 15 minutes. When you come home you can download the photos directly to your computer with the included USB cord. Then you’ll be able to take a sneak peek into the secret world of your pet!Ages 6 and up. SRP: $49.99. FALL www.unclemilton.com Here’s a device that lets kids play electronic games – AFTER they exercise to earn point! The ME2, or “My Electronic Double,” features a character or avatar, which becomes the virtual representation of the gamer. It helps motivate the child to be as active in real life as their avatar is in the games. I asked and was assured there no subscription fees or micro payments. A kid just runs or walks around the block to generate points and they're are good to go! ME2 features a Tri-Axis Sensor that records vertical, horizontal and diagonal movements as they happen and awards points for the activity. Kids simply clip the ME2 to their clothes, or put it in their pocket to rack up points for every move they make. They can play games right on the ME2 Device or go to the ME2 Universe on their computer and play games with other ME2 people around the world! Good for age 8+. Available for an SRP of $34.99. But not until May! www.me2universe.com Somethingnew is added to the Wild Planet Spy Gear Line! Spy Fire – is one the latest additions to the Spy Gear Line from Wild Planet.It lets you launch soft headed darts by remote control from up to 25’ away! It even lets your enemy move out of the way if they’re fast enough by sounding an alarm before it launches each dart.Spy Fire holds four darts which can be shot one at a time. An adjustable tripod base lets you arm at your target. Under $20.Age 6+Coming in the fall for under $20. www.spygear.com
A great safety device for under $10!
SparxLine Safety LED Helmet Strobe. This is a helmet light that auto activates when it senses the movement of the helmet. Auto shut-off -- after the helmet stops moving for 22 seconds, the light will turn off. Attach with super adhesive tape (included) that’s weather and water resistant. Batteries last up to 80 hrs and are replaceable. A set of free replacement batteries included. LED's rated for 100,000 hrs (about 11 yrs) Hi-visibility up to 1/2 mile away. Available starting this spring in motorcycle and bicycle shops. Wal-Mart by late summer. Under $10. 1-800-878-3413 or go to
Teach Me Time Talking Alarm Clock. There are interactive games on this analog and digital alarm clock. The games can be tailored to a child’s age.It also serves as a night light. And there’s a special “Okay to wake” light parents can set. It tells the child it okay to get out of bed if they wake up early. Coming soon. Under $40. It will first be available at the company’s own website where you can pre-order it now:
The Megatech Mantis The R/C Mantis is one of the wildest R/C flying machines ever offered. It's also very sophisticated incorporating Spectra-Link Optic-Control for guidance. On-board rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery (You supply 6 AA batteries for the controller/charger. Hovers up to 50-feet high. (They recommend indoor use only.) The two stick dual-function transmitter features built-in charging circuitry. Flight Duration:5-6 minutes / Charge Time: 20 minutes /Ages 10 and up.Not till Holiday 08 and under $40! You cannot believe the interest in this “toy” at the studio. Stagehands, producers, tech guys, everybody loved it.It should be a big seller this holiday season!
The new, improved, still a ton of fun, Eye-Clops Bionic Eye!
The EyeClopsBionic Eye evolves with a new, powerful feature to expand kids’ worlds: an adjustable multi-zoom lens with100x, 200x and 400x magnification. Jakk’s Pacific told me they came with the multi-zoom version based on my WNN spot from last year. I said “I love this gizmo, but I wish it had a variable zoom.” So they said – “You asked, we did it!”.Fall, Under $50.
Don’t forget – most of these items won’t be available for months.Mantis isn’t due out until the Holidays. Keep checking with the manufacturer’s website. The helmet light will be available very soon. And the Tell Me Time Clock can be pre-ordered.
While everyone at CES 08 was looking for the mega-hits, Dick DeBartolo, the Giz Wiz searched for some of the best overlooked gadget and gizmo goodies!
A Tiny MP3 with a Lot of Features! Sansa Clip 4 GB – Under $80. The Sansa Clip from SanDisk is about the size of a matchbook. Yet, it’s not only an MP3 player, but it has a bright color OLED screen so you can see each song title. It also has a built-in FM radio and a built in mic so you can record directly into the Clip!And as its name implies, there is a big clip on the back so you can easily wear this gizmo pretty much anywhere. At CES they introduced the new 4GB version which should be out in sometime in February. It can play for up to 15 hours on its rechargeable battery! www.sandisk.com
Magic Jack is “magic” in it’s own way!
Magic Jack lets you make phone call over the Internet, just like many other VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) services, but it does more. Magic Jack gives you your own personal phone number and even lets you pick from several different area codes -- most of time. I live in NY and couldn’t get a 212 number, but they’ve been unavailable for years. And you get voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, etc. Magic Jack is easy to use. Just plug the device a USB port on your computer. The instructions say not to use a USB Hub. Once it’s plugged you’re your computer, you plug a standard hard-wired phone into the other end of the Magic Jack. There is no software to install. The software stays on the Magic Jack. Now you're ready to make and receive calls for free with the US and Canada. Free, isn't exactly right, but it's pretty close. All you have to do is buy the phone jack for $39.00. That includes the hardware (The Magic Jack) and phone service for a year. There aren't any other costs. The second year the cost is only $19.95 because you already own the Magic Jack hardware. This is pretty neat. I used mine to make several phone calls and the call quality was great! www.magicjack.com I did a Podcast on this product. Hear it here: www.twit.tv/dgw
Garmin Joins with MSN Direct & Avis! Garminnuvi 780 About $850 Buy one in a couple of months, or starting mid-March when you rent from Avis you can get the Where2 GPS version of the nüvi 780. ($11.95 a day or $49.95 a week.) With built-in speakers and Bluetooth, you can use it to makecalls via your own Bluetooth enabled cell phone. It’s small enough to take with you when you leave the car (the power switches over to the internal battery) and ifyou can’t remember where you left your car the unit will tell you! The nuvi 780 unit also features MSN Direct for up-to-date traffic, weather, news, stocks, even airport information! Another great feature, you can have it find the cheapest gas in the area. It's also an MP3 Player and you can load your favorite JPEG's onto an SD card and view them on this unit too. www.garmin.com www.avis.com
Your pill caps just got a lot smarter – with the Vitality Glow Caps!
This pill bottle cap from Meriden Health is flashing to remind the patient it's time for them to take their medication. If this cap was glowing red, it's a warning that they already took their pills. There are sensors built into the cap that can actually tell the caregiver or the doctor if the patient took their pills at the correct times. In the elderly, this is especially important in preventing unnecessary complications. This pill bottle cap is targeted to be available in the next 60-90 days. Three caps for different medications will cost about $99. And there will be a monthly service charge of about $25. The system will come with a modem to send info to caregivers and/or doctors. It will also include a nightlight that repeats what the medicine cap does - in case the medication is kept in a place where it is not easily seen.
A Digital Photo Frame that Does a Lot More Than Show Photos!
It’s the Coby DP-5588 - Deluxe 5.6" Digital Photo Frame with Clock. Normally I don’t like digital picture frames because they’re often expensive and very limited in what they can do. But this Coby digital frame is different. It’s also an MP3 Player, it can play video files and it even has built in speakers. And it’s an alarm clock too. Here are the details: 5.6" TFT LCD color display / Handsome wooden frame with analog clock. Displays JPEG image files /Plays MP3 and WMA audio files. Plays MPEG -1, -2, -4 (AVI, XviD) video files/ Photo slideshow mode with music. Calendar and clock with alarm timer / SD, MMC, MS, xD, and CF card slots/ Full-size USB port for use with flash memory drives /AV output for use with home theater systems / Integrated stereo speakers.And the price $100, but I found it at about $80 atJ&R Music. www.cobyusa.com I did a Podcast on this Product. Hear it here: www.twit.tv/dgw489
Okay, now you can control your PC/TV wireless from the couch!
The new Logitech diNovo Mini is a palm-sized keyboard with media remote and ClickPad. Designed for people who have connected their PC to their TV, the highly compact, stylish diNovo Mini keyboard makes it easy to control PC entertainment from the sofa. Both my Viewsonic monitors have the ability to hook a computer or a cable box to the display. For easy navigation, the diNovo Mini keyboard features backlighting and an innovative ClickPad, which can be used as a touch pad to point, scroll and click - or as a directional pad to navigate menus and make selections. The mini-keyboard uses Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology for use from the sofa or anywhere in the living room, bedroom, dorm, etc. $150 includes a Bluetooth dongle for the computer. Yes, it’s PC only, not for the Mac.
Open even the most indestructible plastic blister packs that almost all new small electronics are packaged in! My guess is you hate those anti-theft heavy duty plastic packages as much as I do! Well OpenIt says the nightmare of trying to get the contents out is over. OpenIt looks so much like pruning shears when I got a product sample in the mail,I put them aside. I thought I'd look at them in the Spring when people started thinking about gardening. But then at CES I heard someone talking about OpenIt and how quickly they could cut through heavy duty plastic shell packages. So I got home I took them out and tried them. The first you see is that the OpenIt is packaged in --- a plastic shell!But they were clever and there's a way to take them easily through the back of the package. Squeezing on the orange plier handles allowis you to cut your way through those thick shells. But wait, there's more! Built into the handles there's also a retractable box-cutter that's spring loaded so you won't accidentally cut in your excitement to open your latest gadget. And guess what -- that's still more! Built into the other handle is a mini screw driver so you can open the battery compartment of your new gadget. Pretty neat, especially the price. $10.95 and it comes in three other colors if you don't like orange. I like it because it makes it easy to spot under all the clutter on my workspace! http://www.enjoyzibra.com/openit/features.html
Another new and unique garment from Scott E Vest!
It’s the new Travel Vest. I ran into Scott Jordan, the creator of Scott E Vest at CES and he was wearing one of his travel vests. I thought it looked great and told Scott the same time. Surprise. Ten days later my very own Travel Vest arrived via UPS. As Scott writes: Forget everything you think you know about travel vests. Our travel vest has more pockets, more style and more features than any other travel vest on the market. We’ve eliminated the traditional, clunky exterior pockets—not only do they look dorky, they reveal that you are carrying valuables. Our stealthy, streamlined Travel Vest is great looking and incredibly comfortable without drawing unwanted attention. With 22 hidden pockets and compartments, you won’t believe how lightweight our Classic Travel Vest is. Airport security becomes a breeze: just take off the vest and send it through the x-ray with all your gear safely stored inside. It holds so much, you’ll feel like you got an exception to the one carry-on rule. Recently I received an email from a Daily Giz Wiz listener saying that in all the cities known for pickpockets he feels safe having all his electronics on the inside in zippered or Velcroed pockets.$100.But there’s a 20% discount if you use the code: TWIT.
It’s the battery operated T-Shirt with it’s own built in Graphic Equalizer!
It’s the battery operated T-Shirt with it’s own built in Graphic Equalizer! The T-Qualizer is a t-shirt that will get plenty of attention. The built in graphic equalizer responds to voices, music, or any sound!The microphone is built into the battery pack. There's a sensitivity control so you can adjust the mic to suit the sound. This would be amazing to wear at a dance club. You can disconnect the battery pack and hand wash the shirt. The T-Qualizer shirts cost $39.99 (CAD) CAD is the Canadian dollar, but these days I think the US dollar exchange rate is exactly the same. Their store accepts Visa and MasterCard, and there is also a PayPal option.Michael, who runs the places said they ship all over the world, and generally turn around orders within 12 hours. Shipping to most places in North America costs about $6.90. If you’re in a big hurry they have UPS and Canada Post Xpresspost options too for quicker delivery.And Michael added: I’ve set up a special 10% discount coupon in the store that users can redeem during their checkout process. They just need to type in ‘gizwiz’ during the check out process and your readers and listeners can redeem this discount instantly. These shirts are neat! I think you'll love them. Check their website because they offer quite a few choices. www.tqualizer.bizHear a Podcast I did on this gizmo:www.twit.tv/dgw439
One of the Hottest New Phones to hit the Marketplace!
LG Voyager.This is one of the hottest, most sort after cell phones of the year. It was just released in November. Touch Screen on the front, full keyboard on the inside. Hidden, built in antenna lets you watch video clips on the run, like ABC News Now. This is the first handset with both interactive touch screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. And it also features full HTML Internet browsing. The VOYAGER will take you where you want to go with a music player, dual speakers for stereo sound, Bluetooth, and a 2.0 mega pixel camera & camcorder. I like this phone a lot! With a two year plan, $299.99. Available only at Verizon. http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=3299 This can do a lot more than find your keys!
Loc8tor Plus – under $100.Find your keys, etc. But it does a lot more. There’s a panic tag so a child can alert you in a crowded shopping mall, and you can set it so it beeps if something you “tagged” gets out of range. Range is under to an incredible 600 feet, no 30 feet like some “finders”. www.loc8tor.com
photo via cambridgetechs.net
What is the Giz Wiz doing with a dual Cassette Deck??
ION USB Cassette Archiver
When I got to the studio, everyone on the crew was asking: "What a cassette deck from the Giz Wiz?" How old is that technology? But when they heard what it does, they were all impressed. This cassette deck plugs into your computer. Then as you play your old cassettes, you can digitize them so you can play them on your computer and download them to your MP3 devices! How many cassettes of old music do you have that you would like to save in digital form! Under $150. Brookstone.
An easy way to get kid’s to brush their teeth. TOOTHTUNES features a patented technology that transmits songs and music vibrations through the teeth, which are then heard in the inner ear. Users will hear two full minutes of some the hottest music from today’s biggest stars which will keep them brushing.Some brushes will feature a congratulatory message upon completion. The revolutionary toothbrush uses a micro-chip that provides music from artists, including Black Eyed Peas, Hilary Duff, Destiny’s Child, KISS, Kelly Clarkson and The Cheetah Girls. Each toothbrush plays one song and stops after the minimum dentist recommended brushing time of 2 minutes. TOOTHTUNES is more innovative – it is also very practical. Kids will enjoy brushing their teeth and parents will be thrilled that their child is developing good dental hygiene habits. A spokesperson told me the brush and batteries will last about 3 months before needing replacement. And that is the recommended time to get a new toothbrush! www.toothtunes.com Hear a Podcast I did on this gizmo:www.twit.tv/dgw429
Forget the Talking Picture Frame ---
Here’s The Talking Photo Album! You can personalize each photo by recording up to 10 seconds of audio for each of the 24 photos in the Talking Photo Album. Everything you need is included in the album itself: Two AAA batteries, a built-in microphone, and a speaker for playback. Each photo has it’s own play arrow. To record, hold down the play arrow and record button and you get up to 10 seconds for each of the 24 images. Imagine the surprise of friends and family as they open a gift filled with photos and audio messages created especially for them by you. Holds 24 - 4" x 6" photos. Flash memory saves messages if batteries expire Batteries included (2 x AAA). And if you make a mistake, you can re-record as many times as you'd like. Very reasonable at $19.95.
Turbo Charge TC2 – The newest version of the Turbo Charge
TC2 Turbo Charget has some new features that make it a nice improvement over the original unit. This one uses two batteries, and surprise, both are included! (The original version and a lot of other units use one.) According to the company, two batteries should give you three full charges. Well not you, but your cell phone! And you know me and lights! The TC2 has a built in battery indicator to tell you how much power is left in the AA batteries. This is a great feature, unless you happen to keep a battery tester handy! But wait, there's more! The TC 2 has a built in, two LED flashlight! In the package are nine adapter plugs. You can find the list at their website. I tried it out with my LG 9800. As soon as I plugged the adapter in, the phone came to life and went into the charging mode. Also new from Turbo Charge is a unit to charge the iPhone and another for portable game devices. TC 2 costs $24.95 with a single adapter, or if you have multiple devices (and you're not a gadget freak unless you do) for $29.95 you can get a TC2 with 9 adapters. If your phone isn’t listed on the package, there's info on their website about how to get the correct adapter free.
Turbo Charge for Gaming includes 1 TC2 Gaming Turbo Charge Unit 2 "AA" Batteries Adapters for: PSP, Gameboy Advance SP, Micro, DS, and DS Lite. $24.95
The Eye-Fi Card comes with everything needed to set up and connect to your home WiFi network. I wasn’t sure why a wireless card came with a card reader, but it’s so you can easy install the necessary software. But doing that and setting it up took under five minutes. After that, pop the card into your digital camera and start shooting those pictures. It stores pictures like a regular SD card no matter where you are, and uploads your photos automatically as soon as you return to your home network. All you have to do is turn the camera on. But if you’re shooting them at home and your wifi is up and running, they go wireless to your computer. You can freak out your friends like I did. I had they take my picture and when they turned around, the picture was on my computer screen! Impressive? Very! It can uploads photos automatically to sharing and printing websites, like KODAK Gallery, Shutterfly, Wal-Mart, Snapfish, etc. Right now there is only one card with 2 GB of memory. The kit Includes USB memory card reader to make set-up easy. Range: 90+ feet outdoors and 45+ feet indoors. The Eye-Fi Card requires Internet connection to set-up and WiFi network for wireless transfers. Works with virtually all digital cameras accepting SD memory cards. 802.11g, 802.11b and backwards-compatible 802.11n wireless networks. Mac & PC. 2 GB Card Kit with card reader to install software, under $100.
A long time ago (thirty years) in a galaxy far, far away (California) . . .
It is a period steeped in cinematic lore. Rebel filmmaker George Lucas, striking from a base in Northern California, won a tremendous box office victory against all odds with Star Wars, his sci-fi spectacular. During the ensuing craze, MAD’s “Usual Gang of Idiots” managed to steal a few laughs at the movie’s expense, soon discovering that Star Wars was the ultimate pop culture punching bag. Pursuing each Star Wars film’s release with more mockery, the MAD men spent the next three decades making a farce of the Force and spreading mirth across the galaxy. In this special edition volume, you’ll chuckle as the Star Wars saga’s greatest moments are mocked by such MAD greats as Dick DeBartolo, Mort Drucker, Don Martin, and Sergio Aragonés; smirk as the striking similarities between the space battles created by Industrial Light & Magic and by the “Usual Gang of Idiots” are revealed; hum along to the unforgettable Star Wars musical, as penned by MAD’s master lyricist, Frank Jacobs; gasp at the startling insights into R2-D2’s love life; and marvel at the real reason why Lucas’s lawyers never sued MAD. If you do a web search you can find it for about $15!There are a lot of my satires in the book, even my letter from George Lucas. Pick up this book and see why, when Star Wars gets the MAD treatment . . . Sith happens! Available at most bookstores or on the web.
HERE ARE ALL THE CLOCKS I SHOWED ON WORLD NEWS NOW!
This is the smartest clock I ever saw!
As soon as you plug in the Emerson Cks3088 Smartset Clock Radio With Lamp Control Function, it instantly sets the time and the date. It seems the clock is given the exact date and time when it leaves the factory. The clock keeps track of it and when it’s plugged now it know the exact time and date. Even if you unplug it again it still knows the right time the next you plug it in. Also on the top of the clock is a large Touch-sensor Lamp Control Button. Plug a lamp in the outlet on the back of the clock (must be a normal incandescent or 3-way bulb, no halogen bulbs) and then touching the bar on the clock provides a 4-step brightness control, both brighter and dimmer. There’s anam/fm radio and a jumbo 1.3" red Led clock display. If you want to sleep in total darkness, set the clock to the “wave” position. The clock face goes out, but if you just wave your hand, it will come back on for about ten seconds.There a lot of features for under $35! .I did a web search and found it at buy.com for $34.00 and free shipping.I haven’t bought anything at this place, but I got there through Yahoo Stores. www.buy.com I did a Netcast/Podcast on this producer. Hear it heret: www.twit.tv/dgw453
Want To Wake Up to the "Sunrise"?
One of their newest clocks is the Digital SunRise Clock - Advanced Model with/White Noise. This new sun alarm clock offers a number of useful programmable features, including the ability to set different dawn and dusk cycles ranging from 15 to 90 minutes, display brightness controls, an automatic night light, "snooze" feature and more. This model has a "white noise" option that can mask distracting sounds and lull you to sleep faster. It can cover up the sound of street traffic or a snoring roommate. The white noise can be programmed to fade out as the sunset light goes out, or stay on all night. And notice the price. Even with inflation the new clock with all its features is still about 40% cheaper than the 1995 model! $124.95
Set it and forget it – and wake at a different time every day of the week! From our friends at Think Geek comes the Neverlate 7-day Alarm clock is perfect for those of us who have to wake at different times on different days. That’s because this clock has seven alarms, one for each day of the week. The independent daily alarms make this clock a must for the dorm, or for people who do shift work where the hours keep changing. You’ll be able to get the maximum sleep based on your class or work schedule. And the snooze button can give you anywhere from 1 to 30 minutes of extra sleep – you set it once and the Neverlate will remember it. Also, there is a “nap” button, which is great for both dorm and office. One push and you can set a nap duration from 1 to 120 minutes. It doesn’t change any of the other alarms. Setting each daily alarm is easy. Just turn the top inner knob to the day, and rotate the top outer wheel until the proper time is displayed. Advance the knob to the next day and repeat. Once all the alarms are set, you’re good to go. Get the notice that tomorrow’s class or early meeting has been cancelled? Not a problem. Just turn off tomorrow’s alarm, and leave the rest of the week active. Each alarm is really that independent! This clock is also an FM/AM radio (which, of course, you can set the alarm to turn on). Best of all, it’s a reasonable price - $34.99 www.thinkgeek.com I did a Netcast/Podcast on this product. Hear it here: www.twit.tv/dgw421
I Don’t Think You’ll Sleep Through the Alarm on this Clock! The Sensory Assault Alarm Clock. So you never sleep through an alarm again, this clock uses a strobe light, a vibration pad and high decibel sound to awake even the soundest of sleepers. The large wired vibrating pad can be placed under the mattress or pillow to provide an insistent buzz that works in tandem with your choice of several loud alarm tones (up to 95 dB) and a small strobe light. An invaluable aid for those with hearing loss, the clock can be used in vibrate-only mode and placed on one side of the bed, allowing one person to sleep while the other is gently awakened at the pre-selected time. The unit can also be attached to a phone jack to alert you to calls when the telephones ring may be hard to hear. The clock includes an easy-to-read oversized LC D display, and volume, tone, and vibration controls.$60.00
The Flying Alarm Clock wakes you up with a loud shrieking alarm. Then a little propeller-driven key leaps off your nightstand. To turn off the noise, you have to get out of bed and retrieve the key. By then you will be awake! I tested this clock at 2 AM and it worked fine, but I forgot to switch it off. The next night at 2 AM off it went! The propeller landed who knows where and the noise was driving me – and the neighbor’s nuts. I finally had to take the batteries out after removing a Philips head screw! This clock will get you up! $39.99
********************************************** Okay, so the Flying Alarm Clock is a little too jangling for you?
Then you might like The Wind Chime Alarm Clock. It combines punctuality with the sound of metal pipes clinking against each other. Well they are tiny, but they are metal pipes! The Wind Chime Alarm Clock features 12-hour and 24-hour clocks, the date, a stopwatch function, and two different alarm modes. You can wake up to the sound of electronic beeping or to the gentle sounds of wind chimes. You can also set the wind chimes to chime continuously, although this will drain the batteries fairly quickly. And most likely drain your senses after too long!Also had Date and Stopwatch function. $19.95. http://www.vat19.com/dvds/wind-chime-alarm-clock.cfm I did a Netcast/Podcast on this product.
Pinnacle PCTV HD Ultimate Stick $129.99 This brand new version doesn’t require software installed on your computer, the software remains on the USB Hub. Watch TV, even HDTV on a laptop computer via the USB port. Hook it up to cable, roof antenna, or the included indoor antenna. Hub can also record 2 hours of video.
GE 2 in1 Phone – Now you can use the same phone to make free calls via Skype (you didn’t even need a computer, the software is on the phone) or you can use your standard landline. But of course, you still have a router for the base unit to get on the Internet. But you can use the phone throughout the house.
W580i Walkman Cell Phone It features a 2.0" TFT screen, dedicated Walkman player, Memory Stick Micro support, integrated FM radio, 2.0 mega pixel camera, pedometer with calorie counter, stopwatch, and shake control. Flick your wrist to change tunes. Quad-band Edge for global roaming. Slide down keypad. Sexy backlighting. About $300, but price will depend on carrier and contract. It’s available through ATT.I found this link on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Ericsson-W810i-Phone-AT/dp/B000J2FOF0/ref=pd_bbs_4/105-4341130-0169250?ie=UTF8&s=wireless&qid=1192250427&sr=8-4
ClipHanger – A Neat, New Way to Carry Your Cell Phone.
ClipHanger is low tech, but an easy way to carry a phone and then store when it take it off at home. This neat device lets you hang your phone on a belt loop, backpack, purse, etc. It comes with an adhesive pad that attaches it to your phone. It's removable if you like. No more bending over and having your cell phone jab you in stomach or the ribs! Under $13.00
Zipit lets kids IM without typing up the parent's computer.
Zipit lets kids IM on the go via WiFi hot spots. At home they can IM without tying up the parent’s computer. However, parents can sets the hours of use and see the screen names of people their kids are IMing. The Z2 has been designed specifically to strike a nice balance between parental peace of mind and control versus the desire by teens for easy, private communications with their friends. $150, Coming to stores soon, available on line now.
www.zipitwireless.com A great iPod case plus a great cause! Belkin “Hope” iPod Cases $25.00. For each case sold, Belkin will donate $2.50 to support Komen for the Cure (minimum guaranteed donation of $225,000. These new cases are the Sport Armband and the Remix Metal for iPod nano. Both carry an iPod nano safely and in style. www.belkin.com
Squawkers McCaw wants a cracker – and wants to entertain you! SQUAWKERS McCAW (Under $70) Offers interactive with voice recognition and programmable features. A remote control triggers pre-programmed voice commands. He has a dance mode where he can dance to your music, or his own built in music. And if you pet him, you can make him "coo". There's a "repeat what I say mode" and I taught him to say World News Now and GizWiz.Biz in no time at all.
