gadget.X

gadget.mPower Emergency Illuminator

2010-01-12T16:00:00Z

To say that the mPower Emergency Illuminator is a flashlight is like saying a Rolex is a watch. Granted, it is a true statement, but this mPower Emergency Illuminator is like the flashlight of the gods.

Well, it was designed by the car gods, and, by that, I mean, Porsche. Porsche Design Studio equipped the mPower with two widely available CR 123 3 volt lithium batteries. But what makes this flashlight the tops is it also includes a “groundbreaking reserve lithium battery with a shelf life of at least 20 years”.

That’s right, a shelf life of 20 years. I have no idea how long of an actual shine you would have with this, but dang, that’s 20 years! Gilligan and his friends could have used this. By the way, he could have charged some electronic devices like mobile phones, since the device has an accessory USB connection. Maybe that’s how the castaways of Gilligan’s Island listened to that radio all those years. Am I the only one who ever noticed that the batteries of this portable radio never wore out?

But enough references to old sixties shows, you should be able to get the mPower Emergency Illuminator in Titanium Satin and Black Chrome for about $289.00 in March 2010. You can read more about the mPower Emergency Illuminator here.

Welcome to Gadgets 2010! -- gadget.Palm-Sized DVD Player

2010-01-11T17:00:00Z

Well, Welcome to 2010! Hope this year's gadgets are just as exciting as last years! Here is the first one of the year!

Tiny screens to watch your DVDs on are nothing new. Many cars come with them packed into them to keep the kids in the backseat entertained. Well this one is a palm sized one for you to carry around. It’s definitely smaller than having to carry around your laptop in order to watch a DVD while you’re trying to kill some time somewhere. Whether or not you’d prefer a larger screen and sacrifice lightweight portability is of course a personal preference issue though.

This DVD player has built-in speakers, as well as coming with a pair of earbuds to discreetly listen to the DVD. It also has an anti-skip feature to make it possible to watch your favorite DVDs when your ride isn’t exactly smooth. The TFT LCD screen measures 3 and ½ inches. It also has an integrated stand that adjusts for multiple viewing angles. There’s a USB port and memory card slot so you can view pictures or video from your computer or camera. The rechargeable battery pack will last 2 hours on a 3 hour charge. In order to charge it you’ll have to use the AC adapter. A remote control and an AV cable are also included. You can purchase the DVD player for $149.95 from Hammacher Schlemmer.

gadget.LG Chocolate Touch

2009-12-18T17:00:00Z

The LG Chocolate Touch (Verizon Wireless) is a sleek and stylish piece of kit, especially with its fabulous sound quality for music playback and recording. One fun feature is the ability to ‘join the band’ when playing your favorite tunes! So, if you fancy drumming along or hitting the ivories to show your own musical talents – you can. You can also set the phone up to vibrate rhythmically to whatever’s playing. When recording your own sounds to the phone, it’s a simple three touch operation – go to the media center and choose ‘my sounds’ from the ‘music and tones’ file – then just touch the record button and away you go. Alternatively, you can download music either from signing up to V Cast Music with Rhapsody (free download fromwww.verizonwireless.com/music), giving you the ability to download or purchase music and, by using the USB connection, you can drag and drop from your PC. A minor downside is that V Cast Music with Rhapsody isn’t Mac or Linux compatible – only available for Windows Vista, XP or 2000.

Navigation of the applications is, as you’d expect, pretty neat and simple, with the ability to drag and drop to your home page those you’re always using. It’s touch screen capabilities are pretty good and very responsive – you don’t have to hit the screen several times for it to recognise your prodding. It’s lightweight but feels quite robust and, with it’s choice of covers (black or purple), you can adapt it to your mood – well, if you only have two moods that is!

gadget.VTech two-line phone with DECT 6.0 technology

2009-12-17T17:00:00Z

Do you still deal with a landline back at home, or have you moved on to the wireless lifestyle with nothing but cellphones in your home to receive calls from other people? VTech is certainly an old hand where landline phones are concerned, and they have now announced their first two-line phone with DECT 6.0 technology for homes across America. The DS6151 is touted to be the most affordable system of its kind at just $79.95, where it will be ideal for small and growing businesses as well as busy households. Learn more about the VTech DS6151 in the extended post.

Based on DECT 6.0 technology, the feature-rich and expandable VTech DS6151 will boast superior sound quality, range and interference-free calls. Despite being a two-line system, it has been strategically priced at nearly half the cost of similarly-featured phones. For folks who sadly are still stuck with a dial up Internet service, at least the DS6151 is able to cater to that while offering a separate line for other family members to use. Receiving and making calls are not the only things that the DS6151 is good at – it also doubles up as a digital answering machine with a dedicated mailbox for each line. With that in mind, you need not fret that you might just miss that all important business call whenever you are not around at home.

The DS6151 is also expandable, where you have the option to expand up to 12 handsets using a single phone jack. Needless to say, the DS6301 accessory handset will be sold separately for $29.95, so unless you own a really big home, we’re guessing you’ll need at most a couple of DS6301s. Other features include a base speakerphone for those important family meetings, while one can also transfer and conference between handsets. A large LCD display with blue backlighting makes it easier to read the caller ID when it kicks in.

gadget.Solar Digital Window Thermometer

2009-12-16T17:00:00Z

Window thermometers are a convenient thing to keep around. They keep you informed of the temperature outside, so that you aren’t stuck going outside to find out just how cold or warm it is outdoors. Well this window thermometer does tell the temperature just like you might have guessed, but it also manages to do it in an eco-friendly manner.

This thermometer sticks to the window and can easily be removed when you want to clean the window. It’ll let you know the current temperature, as well as stating the high and low temperatures for the day. It’s solar powered and stores away the energy so that it’ll continue to work even at night or in low light situations. You can purchase the Solar Digital Window Thermometer for $25 from Amazon.

gadget.iMote Kid Friendly Remote Controll

2009-12-16T15:33:00Z

When you have a preschooler in the house, you’re always having to worry about them stumbling onto a TV channel that they shouldn’t be on. There are various ways of handling that issue, but this is one of the more simple ways I’ve seen. It’s a remote made just for your preschooler. Instead of being filled with numbers, it has five programable buttons. On those buttons you can program in your child’s top 5 favorite channels.

That way when they’re flipping through the channels, they’re only flipping through the ones you have already approved to be on the remote. The remote comes with 100+ colorful sticker that include the logos of popular TV channels to make the remote easy to customize. In addition to those channels, there is also a TV power button and a volume button. The remote is also safe for kids to chew on. It’s meant for ages 3 and up. You can purchase it for $29.99 from Think Geek.

gadget.Super Micro Computer

2009-12-10T17:00:00Z

Super Micro Computer is a well-known name when it comes to application-optimized, high-performance server and storage solutions. The company has recently rolled out what is touted to be the first line of double-sided storage chassis in the world, where it will make room for additional high-density storage. Boasting Platinum Level (94%+ efficiency) redundant power supply support, Supermicro’s new 847 series server chassis will come with three dozen (!) hot-swap 3.5″ hard drive trays with 24 in the front and 12 in the rear. Those who are interested in its JBOD configurations, the chassis is able to support up to 21 hard drives in the rear for a total of 45 hot-swap 3.5″ hard drives to make sure you have more than adequate storage space on your server without compromising on safety and security, while saving on valuable rack space at the same time.

According to Charles Liang, CEO and president, Supermicro, “In addition, these chassis feature Supermicro’s advanced redundant cooling subsystem design to deliver optimal system efficiency, which saves customers hundreds of dollars per system on their yearly energy bills and helps preserve the environment.”

The new Supermicro SC847A series of storage chassis can support 36 hot-swap SAS/SATA drives in 4U. These are believed to be reliable and maintenance-free storage workhorses which can also support up to seven low-profile add-on cards (LP models) or four full-height, full-length plus three low-profile add-on cards (UIO models). The inclusion of iPass connectivity enables mapping of four drives per cable for hassle-free maintenance, and have been optimized for direct-attach storage solutions. Compatibility includes support for 3Gb/s and 6Gb/s SAS interfaces for high-bandwidth storage applications, where you can also use it in tandem with Supermicro’s wide array of networking and storage controller cards to turn these new systems into ideal solutions for SAN or NAS applications, Cloud storage, SaaS, disaster recovery, and iSCSI solutions. When used with the new 42U Supermicro rack, cable obstructions are virtually eliminated for a much easier life for your network administrator (*cough* me *cough*) whenever he/she needs to make changes or troubleshoot the system.

gadget. Zerokill Reflectors to help cut down on roadkill

2009-12-09T17:00:00Z

I’ve had my fair share of close calls when it comes to hitting deer, I’ve actually only hit one rabbit, had a close encounter with a deer this week (he hit me, no dents but he probably has a massive headache). Considering how many animals I’ve managed to dodge, believe me, that’s an accomplishment. Anything that would make the odds of hitting an animal of any size less likely would make driving a lot less hazardous for a great deal of drivers.

This solar powered animal warning system charges all day long. It gives off a subtle blinking LED light that flips on when it detects an animal nearby. It alerts the motorist so that they can slow down. It also reflects the oncoming car’s headlights. It makes it so the light bounces sideways in order to warn the animals and hopefully get them to run the other direction. Right now these Zerokill reflectors are just a concept by Sungi Kim and Hozin Song.

gadget. Crappiest Gift Ideas

2009-12-08T17:00:00Z

Last week we posted a ton of great gift ideas. Here’s a few gift ideas for those with a sense of humor, really bad wind or just a crap friend.

Pull My Finger Fart Finger Pen – $1.99

This pen is a real beauty. This is a real working pen and also delivers one of 5 fart sounds if someone pulls the end.

The Pull My Finger Fart Finger Pen is available from Hepkat Provisioners for $1.99.

$5 Box of Crap – $54.99

Do you miss that feeling of opening gift boxes during your childhood? Always excited about what it could possibly be. Now you can relive those feelings with PrankPlace’s Box Of Crap! Inside each box is at least $50 worth of merchandise for you and your family or friends to enjoy. And, best of all, it’s only 5 BUCKS!

The $5 Box of Crap is available from Prank Place for $54.99.

Singing Toilet Paper – $5.98

Plays a medley of Christmas tunes, including Jingle Bells, Santa is Comin’ to Town, and We Wish you a Merry Christmas, as the paper pulls from the roll. Miniature device installs undetected, serenades the unsuspecting. Batteries incuded.S!

The Singing Toilet Paper is available from Taylor Gifts for $5.98.

Crap Jokes Toilet Paper Roll – $7.98

The ultimate toilet paper for those who enjoy sit-down humor as much as stand-up comedy! Collection of jokes printed on a roll of toilet paper guaranteed to bring laughs to the smallest room in the house.

The Crap Jokes Toilet Paper Roll is available from CloseoutZone for $7.98.

Bullsh*t Button – $9.97

This straight-talking Bullshit Button allows you to call bullshit whenever you see it! Simply press the red buzzer to make it light up, buzz loudly and announce, That was bullshit! or shout, Bullshit detected, take precautions! over a wailing siren. No friend, relative, teacher, or colleague will dare to bullshit you again after setting off the bullshit alarm.

The Bullsh*t Button is available from Amazon for $9.97.

Remote Fart Machine – $11.16

As seen on Howard Stern. You can now FART wherever and whenever you’d like. This is your chance to impress or gross out your friends and family. This is the new and improved fart machine! The fart machine makes 15 new different fart sounds (SOUNDS SO REAL!!). Fart Machine has boom box technology…what is this?? Well let’s just say these fart noises can’t sound any more real! It has 2 pieces – the remote transmitter (battery included) and the speaker which requires one 9 volt battery (not included) Remote works through walls and can range up to 100 feet!!! Use it anywhere… at parties, school, movies, office, in a baby’s diaper or in the Thanksgiving Turkey! Hide the sound box, then press the remote control at the appropriate time to “let it rip”!

The Remote Fart Machine is available from Amazon for $11.16.

Frank the Farter – $12.98

Oh how cute – a little plush dog in his underpants! He’s adorable until you press on his paw, that is. Frank Farter is a gross little pup who apparently ate too many beans last night because he can’t stop making farting noises and apologizing for his ultra gassy-ness

The Frank the Farter is available from Prank Place for $12.98.

Toilet Mug – $12.98

Why should dogs be the only ones allowed to drink out of the toilet? This silly toilet-shaped mug holds up to 12oz of your favorite hot beverage and will make your co-workers do a double take. The hand painted Toilet Mug makes a great gag gift for any coffee or tea lover, and will gross out anyone who has a weak stomach.

The Toilet Mug is available from Prank Place for $12.98.

Flushing Sound Toilet Clock – $24.98

Flushing sound toilet clock adds a little humor to your day. Toilet seat shaped clock will make you laugh when you hear its flushing sound… on the hour

The Flushing Sound Toilet Clock is available from Taylor Gifts for $24.98.

Automatic Deodorizing Toilet Seat – $129.95

This is the toilet seat that immediately suppresses bathroom odors by deodorizing the ambient air. As you sit on the seat, a whisper-quiet fan passes air through a replaceable carbon filter that absorbs odors, and is then freshened with one of two included fragrance modules, infused with pleasing, natural extracts, including Jasmine/Lavender and Citrus/Eucalyptus. The carbon filter deodorizes for six months and the fragrance module freshens for one month.

The Automatic Deodorizing Toilet Seat is available from Hammacher for $129.95.

gadget. TruePower UCS Power Outlet has built-in USB ports

2009-12-07T17:00:00Z

One of the first gadget.X posts was about a futuristic outlet that was also an inlet, you could plug your treadmill or stationary bike into it and take money off your bill... This concept is entirely different but much more plausible! There are a great deal of things that charge or need to be powered through a USB port. Sometimes you’d rather not be stuck next to your computer when that item needs charged. Well now there’s an outlet that allows for you to charge your USB gadgets away from your computer. Thankfully, it’s not just a silly concept design and it’s a pretty affordable fix.

The TruePower power outlet solution has two USB ports as well as two standard three prong power outlets. The USB port won’t draw any power unless something is actually connected to the port in order to make it so that the port doesn’t become a vampire port. Right now there isn’t anything on how to install it, but they’re working on getting an installation video posted. The device won’t be out until early in 2010, right now it’s still waiting on the final UL Approval. You can pre-order one now for $9.95.

gadget.Harry Potter Magic Clock!

2009-12-06T21:00:00Z

I don’t remember if this Magic Clock was in the Harry Potter books, but I remember it from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets movie.

The scene was Harry waking up in the Weasley’s tree house, and Harry sees this odd clock with Ron and two of his brothers’ faces on the hands. They are pointing at the place where they are.

It would appear that someone has designed a Weasley Whereabouts clock that actually works. It works with the magic of Twitter. All you need to do is tweet your location, and the supposed magical arrow will point to where you are. Assuming that you have put it on the face of the magic clock, of course.

It reminds me of this sign I used to have on my dorm room door in my college years. It said: “Mark is”, and then an arrow would point to places like the cafeteria, class, or home. A lot of people had something like this. But it was not controlled by magic or Twitter, it was just someone adjusting it on their way out, assuming they remembered to do so.

This is just some guy’s DIY project, but you would think that someone would actually invent this thing. Perhaps it will capitalize on the money made with the last two-part Harry Potter movie.

If you plan on buying a certain blogger of gadgets a gift, this would be AWESOME! lol

gadget. Onda VC520 portable media player

2009-12-06T17:04:00Z

Another day, another portable media player comes along that tries to unseat the iPod range (iPod classic and iPod touch) as the portable media player of choice, but this time round the Onda VX520 fails to do just that. Not that it isn’t of any good for that matter – no sir, after all, it supports 720p videos albeit coming with a rather tiny 3″ LCD display. On the other hand, you can always hook it up to your HDTV via its HDMI out port for a high definition experience wherever you go. No idea on pricing, but it does support a wide range of video files including RMVB, AVI, DAT, FLV, MOV and MKV.

gadget.EKO Stoplight

2009-12-05T16:00:00Z

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.

It shows you just how much time you have left by counting down. This design by Damjan Stanković was actually created for its eco-friendly benefits. With this timer you’d be able to casually sit at the light and know just how long you have. Which means you could shut off your engine to reduce the amount of gas you’re burning up while you’re sitting still. Personally I’m just excited at the idea of getting a visual reminder of how much time I have left.

gadget. Gift Ideas!

2009-12-04T17:00:00Z

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.

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.

Whether you’re looking to buy for a budding chef or simply because they have a kitchen in the house, here’s a selection of gadget gift ideas for focal point of the house, the kitchen.

Wookiee Cookies: A Star Wars Cookbook – $9.93

“Consider, young Jedi: Why bake a plain old cookie when you can bake a super-Chewie Wookiee Cookie?” So begins the delightful Star Wars Cookbook. Aimed at young cooks, but fun for all ages, the cookbook provides recipes for treats such as Princess Leia Danish Dos, Twin Sun Toast, Tusken Raider Taters, Sandtrooper Sandies, and the Amazon.com house favorite, Boba Fett-uccine. (What better way to get young Jedi knights to eat their broccoli?) Author Robin Davis’s directions are extremely thorough and safety oriented (as she notes, “the calm and perceptive mind of a Jedi warrior will enable you to prevent most mishaps in the kitchen”), and perfect for kids who are new to cooking.

The Wookiee Cookies: A Star Wars Cookbook is available from Amazon for $9.93.

Digital Hourglass Kitchen Timer – $14.65

This Polder Digital Hourglass Kitchen Timer has a wonderful shape and design so that any cook can put it on the kitchen counter when not in use. The timer can be flipped over to change between clock and timer functions. It has a 100 minute timer and stopwatch. A great gift idea!

The Digital Hourglass Kitchen Timer is available from Amazon for $14.65.

Rubik’s Cube Salt & Pepper Mills – $14.99

Back when the Rubik’s Cube was in its hey day, the kitchen was probably mostly foreign territory for you. Sure, you could toast a mean Pop Tart or pour yourself a giant bowl of Cap’n Crunch, but anything beyond that was likely outside the realm of your culinary ability. Boy, how things have changed – now you’re a microwave ninja and can follow perfectly the 4 steps on the back of any box. Your mac-and-cheese is legendary. A hot dog from your kitchen is even better than the ones you can get from the gas station stop shop. What better way to pay some homage to the days of your culinary roots then with these puzzling retro style grinders.

The Rubik’s Cube Salt & Pepper Mills is available from Think Geek for $14.99.

Automatic Pepper Mills/Salt Grinders – $19.99

You are getting 2 sets of the iTouchless Automatic Stainless Steel Electric Pepper Mill/Salt Grinder. Each of the Pepper Mill/Salt Grinder is ideal for dinner parties featuring salads and steaks that taste better with fresh-ground pepper and sea salt. Just press the button on top and let the mill go to work. The stainless steel grinding mechanism can be adjusted from fine to coarse, and a light will turn on automatically at the bottom when you activate the mill to help with accurate portion control at night. The nut underneath the mill controls the texture: turn clockwise for a finer grind, counterclockwise for coarser.

The Automatic Pepper Mills/Salt Grinders is available from Amazon for $19.99.

Spoon Scale – $24.99

With baking, precision is absolutely vital. Measuring your wet ingredients and your dry ingredients with our new ultra-precise spoon scale. With two spoons included, you can scoop out just the right amount of sugar, or even 10-1 grams of salt! To get this level of precision, you’d normally need a separate scale, but we’ve combined two immensely useful kitchen gadgets into one, and we love dual-use devices in the kitchen!

The Spoon Scale is available from Think Geek for $24.99.

Digital Scale Measuring Cup – $39.95

This is the only measuring cup with an integrated digital scale. Unlike typical measuring cups that only determine volume, this model also measures wet or dry ingredients by weight, a more precise technique favored by pastry chefs and artisanal bakers. A 1 1/4″ LCD on the handle displays digital measurements in ounces, pounds, or grams. The scale automatically converts weight (ounces, fluid ounces, grams, or milliliters) into volume (cups) for water, milk, oil, sugar, and flour, providing superior accuracy when making recipes.

The Digital Scale Measuring Cup is available from Hammacher for $39.95.

Homo Sapiens Caveman Kitchen Tool – $39.99

It wasn’t until many thousands of years later that we took that ancient knowledge and created the ultimate kitchen tool. It can grind herbs into a lovely paste for flavoring meats, it can grate ginger and garlic for your stir fry, and you can even use a flattened stone edge to hone your blades to razor sharpness.

The Homo Sapiens Caveman Kitchen Tool is available from Think Geek for $39.99.

Chef’s Remote Thermometer Monitor – $49.95

This is the meat thermometer and timer that allows cooks to monitor food’s progress from up to 100′ away using a wireless transmitter probe which sends temperature updates to a handheld receiver. Audible voice alerts tell you when your food has reached the pre-set level (from rare to well-done), and the transmitter is suitable for both kitchen and outdoor grill use, leaving cooks free to attend to other tasks and not having to constantly wait at the ready for cooking to finish. The unit’s database has pre-set temperature settings for six types of poultry and meat, and additional custom settings can be programmed and stored. The backlit display is easy to read, and the transmitter’s weather-resistant case protects it during outdoor use.

The Chef’s Remote Thermometer Monitor is available from Hammacher for $49.95.

Nutritional Facts Scale – $59.95

This is the scale that displays the nutritional facts about food items in the same, simple format found on all food product packaging as mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Ten key elements of weighed foods are displayed, including calories, calories from fat, carbohydrates, protein, cholesterol, sodium, and more. An internal database stores the nutritional value of 999 foods and has the capacity to memorize an additional 99 foods you can program with the key pad on the scale. Foods can be stored to determine nutritional value of an entire meal or an entire day’s consumption.

The Nutritional Facts Scale is available from Hammacher for $59.95.

Space Invaders Cutting Boards – $129.99

WHUMP-WHUMP-whump-whump, they marched, downwards – ever downwards, towards your mobile artillery cannon. You fired and fired, and blasted them from the sky, but the more you shot down, the faster they came! This was the golden age of videogames. Back then, a meal was a cola slushy and a hotpocket. Now, you’re all grown up. You’ve traded in your pocketfull of quarters for a console, but you never forgot your roots. Pay homage to those days of yore when Italian plumbers battled giant apes and pie-chart-graphs ate ghosts. It’s time to decorate in video-game style.

The Space Invaders Cutting Boards is available from Think Geek for $129.99.

With the ever rising popularity of the Apple iPhone and multitude of accessories they make for an ideal gift for the iPhone owner.

iPhone 3G Stylus – $2.49

Excellent accessory for your iPhone 3G or Ipod Touch. Lightweight stylus allows for smooth damage-free navigation across touchscreen! Same technology as other sytlus that retail for $20! Rubber angled tip provides enough contact with screen to allow proper electrocurrent flow to replicate the use of your finger on the touchscreen. Best for typing and selecting rather than “dragging”. To use properly, place entire flat edge of angled side, not just the tip of the angle, on the trouchscreen. Item wll not function proplerly if entire angled edge is not making full contact with the screen. Item comes with “pen clip” so that you do not lose it. Great accessory for your Iphone 3G or Ipod touch.

The iPhone 3G Stylus is available from Amazon for $2.49.

HiJack Headphone Splitter Keychain – $9.99

The HiJack is a very simple little device. It plugs into your headphone jack and splits it into two jacks. What makes the HiJack so sweet is it’s tiny size and keychain clip, so you can keep it with you wherever you go. On the bus, on the train – who knows where you’ll meet that special someone you’d like to share your tunes with? But when you do, you both can rock out to “The Imperial March” from Star Wars. Oh, yeah . . . .

The HiJack Headphone Splitter Keychain is available from Think Geek for $9.99.

iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Charger – $13.41

The Griffin 9501-TRIPCB iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Auto Charger for iPod combines Griffin’s renowned FM transmitter technology with an integrated charger. Designed specifically for use in the car, the iTrip Auto powerfully transmits clear music from your iPod through your car stereo, while the large, easy-to-read backlit LCD screen affords quick, precise station selection and status at a glance.

The iTrip Auto FM Transmitter and Charger is available from Amazon for $13.41.

Grassy Lawn Charging Station – $24.99

The Grassy Lawn Charging Station provides you with realistic artificial grass to cushion your gadgets while they charge. A compartment underneath hides all of the power adapters and cables. Simply run a standard extension cable into the bottom of the base, plug in all your power adapters, then snake the charging cables up through the grass. Voila! Your gadgets will think they’re on a charging vacation.

The Grassy Lawn Charging Station is available from Think Geek for $24.99.

Beginning iPhone Development – $26.39

The Grassy Lawn Charging Station provides you with realistic artificial grass to cushion your gadgets while they charge. A compartment underneath hides all of the power adapters and cables. Simply run a standard extension cable into the bottom of the base, plug in all your power adapters, then snake the charging cables up through the grass. Voila! Your gadgets will think they’re on a charging vacation.

The Beginning iPhone Development is available from Amazon for $26.39.

FreeLoader Portable Solar Charger – $49.99

Freeloader Portable Solar Charger is an advanced portable charging system that can power any hand held device anywhere, anytime. The Freeloader gets power from its solar panels or via a supplied charging cable that plugs into your computers USB port. Once charged, the internal Li-Ion battery can power an iPod for 18hours, a mobile phone for 44 hours, PSP for 2.5 hours a PDA for 22 hours and much more. Supplied in a tough but stylish aluminium body, Freeloader can take the knocks of every day life whether on a business trip in New York, back packing in the Andes or chilling on a Caribbean beach.

The FreeLoader Portable Solar Charger is available from Think Geek for $49.99.

iPhone Charging Leather Case – $69.95

This leather case protects and recharges an iPhone or iPod Touch, providing up to 3 1/2 hours of additional talk time. Simply connect an iPhone 3G or 3GS or a second generation iPod Touch to the dock inside the case and its integrated Li-ion battery immediately begins to recharge the phone. The durable leather case is slim enough to stow comfortably in a pocket, and you can turn off the charger at the touch of a button for use as a traditional protective cover. The case can recharge an iPhone and iPod Touch up to 1 1/2 times before the case itself needs to be recharged.

The iPhone Charging Leather Case is available from Hammacher for $69.95.

iBreath Breathalyzer & FM Transmitter – $89

Introducing the iBreath Alcohol Breathalyzer. It’s the ultimate iPod and iPhone (orig. and 3G) accessory that lets you take your own alcohol breath test so you can get home safely.

Hollywood’s A-listers have been among the first to purchase the newly available gadget to insure that their mug shot is not the next one to grace the tabloids and news reports.

The iBreath Breathalyzer & FM Transmitter is available from David Steele for $89.

iPod Video Projector – 379.95

This is the pocket-sized device that projects a 60″ image from an iPod, iPhone, or any video source with composite outputs. About the size of a candy bar, the unit projects bright, clear images and pivots up to 90º to display content on a wall or ceiling. The projector’s LED uses Digital Light Processing Technology–the same as digital cinema projectors–to produce sharp 480×320 resolution with a 1000:1 contrast ratio and a 3:2 aspect ratio. It has a manual focus dial, adjustable volume control for its 1/2-watt internal speaker, and a headphone jack for private listening.

The iPod Video Projector is available from Hammacher for 379.95.

Crosley iJuke Jukebox With iPod Dock – $399.99

Crosley has married the legendary classic jukebox with modern-day technology of today to create the iJuke. The iJuke is a real treat for the eyes and ears and is sure to become an instant household favorite. The iJuke allows you to connect your iPod and add hours of listening pleasure to your jukebox experience in any environment.

The Crosley iJuke Jukebox With iPod Dock is available from Amazon for $399.99.

There’s nothing like a remote control vehicle to bring out the kid big in anyone, here we present some of our favourite R/C toys and vehicles.

Flytech Bladestar – $34.99

Soar through the house with this revolutionary flying machine – dodge lamps, walls, furniture and more.
- Rechargeable indoor flying machine
- Uses its sensor to avoid obstacles and ceilings in Autopilot Mode
- Use the directional pad to navigate or hands to guide
- Use RC mode to take complete control
- Control height and power with the throttle
- Go head-to-head with a friend in an aerial dogfight with the included dogfight accessory (requires second Bladestar, sold separately)

The Flytech Bladestar is available from Discovery for $34.99 .

iRC Mini R/C Motor Bike – $49.99

With a built-in gyro that is always spinning, these diminutive motor bikes can move slowly enough to be maneuverable without falling over. The included remote looks like a motorcycle accelerator grip. Charge your mini-bike from the remote then go on a cross country tour of the accounting department.

The iRC Mini R/C Motor Bike is available from Think Geek for $49.99 .

Radio Control Drift Attack Stunt Vehicle – $49.99

Twist, spin, drift and slide – this radio control attack vehicle performs more stunts than ever.
- Wheels rotate, slide and drift for terrain-defying maneuvers
- Performs wheelies, power slides, spins, drifts and twists
- Executes upside down stunts and 360-degree spins
- Digital proportional control
- Glowing LED lights
- Four-wheel chassis with dual tread for improved high-torque movement

The Radio Control Drift Attack Stunt Vehicle is available from Discovery for $49.99 .

Remote Controlled Gyromobile – $59.95

This remote controlled, dual-wheeled gyromobile’s positively cambered, dual-wheeled design enables beginners to command it into dizzying spins and nimble turns. You can control it from up to 25′ away with the remote, moving it forward, backward, left and right because both 8 1/2″ diam. wheels can operate independently, allowing it to make hairpin turns and spin in place. It can jump over piles of laundry or flip over a stack of books because it is weighted such that it will always end up on its wheels.

The Remote Controlled Gyromobile is available from Hammacher for $59.95.

17” Skidoo RC Snowmobile – $79.95

With authentic details like a working taillight and headlight, this 17″ scale replica snowmobile offers the complete Ski-Doo experience. Interchangeable skis let you run the unit on indoor surfaces or outdoors on the snow, and working suspension, a full-track design and signature aesthetics help the snowmobile look and handle just like the real thing.

The 17” Skidoo RC Snowmobile is available from Amazon for $79.95.

Cobra R/C 2 Channel Mini Helicopte – $89.99

With Our Cobra Toys Radio Controlled (RC) helicopters you can benefit from greater aerobatic capabilities and longer flying time. Carefully developed and tested, Cobra Toys use better batteries – often Li-Poly (Lithium Polymer) for quicker charge time and longer play time, better components and superior construction. The result is a premium quality designed and built product. Cobra Toys are produces at the best factories in China: Syma and Double Horse. Now includes the DOG FIGHT feature. Play against your friend with this new cool APACHI helicopter.

The Cobra R/C 2 Channel Mini Helicopte is available from Amazon for $89.99.

H2Go Fuel Cell Car – $109.99

Any toy that teaches kids about alternative energy in a way that makes it fun for them is definitely okay in my book. I’ve seen some that are kits and a bit more complicated. Honestly, I think that this car is one of the best approaches I’ve seen. It goes for the subtle angle, it’s a fun remote control car and doesn’t need a single battery to run.

The H2Go Fuel Cell Car is available from Amazon for $109.99.

Swim Along Manta Ray – $119.95

This is the remote controlled manta ray that glides underwater while you swim or snorkel nearby. Its hydrodynamic body has small holes in its upper body that allow water to displace air as it submerges down to its maximum depth of 8′. You can control it from 6′ away with the remote (which is waterproof down to 3′). Forefinger triggers on the underside of the remote enable independent pitch for each thruster, providing control for steep, powered dives to the bottom of pools and rapid ascents. Thumb toggles on the topside of the remote allow for independent thrust operation of each shrouded propeller, providing the ability to move forward, backward, make left and right turns, barrel rolls, or complete underwater loops–even intricate submerged Immelmann turns.

The Swim Along Manta Ray is available from Hammacher for $119.95.

Remote Control Authentic WWII Battling Tanks – $249.95

With authentic period details, realistic sounds, and infrared “projectiles,” these remote controlled tanks re-enact the famous armored clashes of World War II. At 1:24 scale, each tank’s weathering, battle damage, and authentic period details are clearly identifiable including the zimmerit coating on the German Tiger I, meant to thwart magnetic anti-tank mines, and the shell mark on the U.S. Army M4A3 Sherman. Both tanks generate realistic sounds while they move on realistic treads with suspension. Each is fitted with a cannon that fires an infrared beam 25′ away at a sensor on each tank. The tanks generate an explosion sound and vibrate to indicate they have been hit; five hits results in victory, which shuts the tank down.

The Remote Control Authentic WWII Battling Tanks is available from Hammacher for $249.95.

SRV-1 Blackfin Mobile Surveillance Robot – $495.99

Explore the dangerous terrain of your home or office with the SRV-1 Mobile Robot. This palm sized bot packs tank-like treads a 1000MIPS 500MHz Blackfin BF537 processor and a mini video camera. Using 802.11b/g wi-fi the SRV-1 interfaces wirelessly with a remote PC. The Java-based console software includes a built-in web server to monitor and control the SRV-1 via a web browser from anywhere in the world, as well as archive video feeds on demand or on a scheduled basis. Get programming with fully open-source software for robot and host computer.

The SRV-1 Blackfin Mobile Surveillance Robot is available from Think Geek for $495.99.

gadget. iPod Touch/iPhone App Coasters

2009-12-03T17:00:00Z

Have money to spend? Know someone who is addicted to their iPhone/iPod Touch? Itching for just one more hit of iPhone in your life? iPhone Coasters has a buy now button for you. Cashing in at £12.99 per 6-iPhone app-themed coaster pack, you have your choice of Core (SMS, Calendar, Phone, Email, Safari, and iPod), Home (Notes, Settings, Camera, Clock, and Contacts), and Media (Maps, YouTube, Stocks, Movies, Weather, and Photos). And no, there’s no discount for getting them all. Unfortunately, there is no price in USD...

But if you’ve always dreamed of parking the tasty beverage or spicy drink of your choice on an Apple-designed iPhone app (or getting a nifty set of iPhone-themed safety-ninja stars), iPhone App Coasters is there for you.

Let me know if you order them, and how they turn out!!