February 27, 2008

[THE GET IT]
Backups, backups, backups. Come on people, you know it’s a disaster just waiting to happen. Your little computer hard drives are spinning tirelessly all day and all night, all the while deteriorating. It’s just a matter of time. Protect yourself and pick up a Western Digital 1TB My Book World Edition network external hard drive. Yes, that’s right, I said network drive. That means you can plug this little baby right into your router or hub without the need for a computer and because it features WD Anywhere Access™ and Data OnHand™, you can access your data from anywhere in the world. You can pick it up over at Buy.com for the bargain price of $254.99 with free shipping!
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=205599887
 
[THE GIZMO]
Being German and a Virgo, it’s safe to say I know a little bit about the desire to keep the clutter down. It’s good to see a company like Bluelounge lending a hand with a product like the SpaceStation. The SpaceStation is a sleek new desk organizer that consists of a long hollow rectangular block with a rubberized top to keep your gadgets in place and a coil system underneath to keep all your cords organized. The block itself floats just above the surface to allow the cords to poke out where they are needed. In addition, the SpaceStation can act as a prop for your portable computer, providing a more ergonomic angle and better airflow. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, Bluelounge went ahead and added an internal 4-port USB hub and a rail system on the back that can keep your papers standing upright for easy reference. To me, the SpaceStation is a bargain at $79.95.
http://www.bluelounge.com/spacestation.php
 
[THE GORGEOUS]
Man, it’s like the love child of Ray Eames and “Fast” Eddie Felson. On the surface, the Fusion tables by Aramith feature a beautifully clean, modern design, but underneath they each conceal a secret that would make Andy Capp green with envy. Convertible in just seconds, the Fusion table transforms a highly designed dining table into a high quality billiard or gaming table. It comes in a variety of surface and fabric options and features a real slate bed. The tables also feature an optional spring assisted Easy-Lift system that allows you to raise the Fusion table from the standard 30” dining height to the optimal 33” playing height. In addition, it has a unique system to store the racks, cues and balls right under the table top so this way you don’t have to tell your spouse about the gaming side until after you purchased it. Check out the video.
http://www.fusiontables.com/en/
 
[THE GREEN]
It looks as though Volkswagen is about to make a big splash next week at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show by announcing a new diesel-electric hybrid flavor of the already popular Rabbit. This new version is promising an astounding 69.9 MPG and will emit just 89g/km of carbon dioxide, besting the already stingy Prius which puts out a mere 104g/km. In addition, this new engine meets all Euro 5 emissions criteria and also passes the Tier 2 Bin 5 emissions standards here in the US. This standard is considered to be the world’s strictest, and limits emissions of oxides of Nitrogen to 70 mg per mile. So what does that mean? The lower the bin number, the cleaner the vehicle. As an example, the Hummer H2 is a whopping Bin 11.
http://www.dailytech.com/VW+Prepares+69+MPG+Diesel…
 
[THE GOSSIP]
I don’t know if it’s just the computer nerd in me, but I laughed my ass off when I saw this prank. The New York City based group, Improv Everywhere, had three of their members enter a Starbucks and set up full-blown desktop systems, complete with giant CRT monitors right along side laptop users and began to work. One of the desktops even had a wireless card that allowed them to surf the web. Before you judge me you should watch the video, the reactions are pretty funny. My favorites have to be the girl who actually places the CRT and keyboard on her lap and the use of Windows 95 on one of the computers.
http://improveverywhere.com/2008/02/25/mobile-desktop/

posted by wayne on 02.27.08 @ 9:53 am | 0 Comments

February 20, 2008

[THE GET IT]
With the integration of video into VOIP and some of the instant messenger programs, if you don’t have a video cam, you’re really losing out on a lot of functionality. So if you’re ready to make the leap, look no further. The highly reviewed QuickCam Pro 9000 Webcam is a winner. This webcam features a Carl Zeiss lens, a true two-megapixel sensor (gives you up to 8 megapixel photos), and an integrated microphone with RightSound technology for crystal clear conversations free from echo and annoying background noise. PC Connection is offering the QuickCam Pro 9000 for just $59.99 after a $30 rebate. Check around, you won’t find it for less than $80 anywhere. In fact I just ordered one for myself. I’ve listed just some of the reviews here, here and here.
http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail…
 
[THE GIZMO]
Do you often find yourself in the middle of nowhere while asking yourself, “I could really use an espresso right now”? Well, fret no more; I’ve got something that’ll ease that caffeine jones. It’s called the Handpresso. This new portable espresso maker will give you 16 Bar of pressure in your back pocket. Give it a few pumps, add hot water from a kettle or a thermo insulated bottle, add any old E.S.E. pod (Easy Serving Espresso) and with a push of the button, you’re ready to serve. In addition, you can pick up all sorts of accessories for the Handpresso like a thermo insulated flask with integrated thermometer, portafilters, outdoor cups or a nifty carrying case. Click here for a video of a very handsome European couple enjoying the Handpresso out in the wild.
http://www.handpresso.fr/index.html
 
[THE GORGEOUS]
I know it’s hard to believe that a camera claiming to be “the toughest point-and-shoot camera in the world,” could also be called gorgeous, but to me, the new Olympus Stylus 1030 SW is a thing of beauty. Packing 10.1 megapixels, the 1030 SW is also shockproof (6.6-ft drop), waterproof (33ft), freeze proof (14°F), crushproof (200LBF) and dustproof (air-tight seal impervious to dust). Clad in a rugged, but stunning, all-metal body, the front plate is secured with four large chrome hex bolts, giving it a great armored look. It also features revolutionary shock-absorbing construction and has waterproof seals and gaskets. In addition, the 1030 SW sports a 3.6x wide-angle zoom lens, 2.7” HyperCrystal™ II LCD and comes in black, silver and green. Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product…
 
[THE GREEN]
Talk about your renewable energy. A student at Virginia Tech has developed an LED lamp, dubbed Gravia, which uses that all too available energy source, gravity. Clay Moulton, who received his Master of Science in Architecture with a concentration in industrial design, won second place in the Greener Gadgets Design Competition as part of the Greener Gadgets Conference in New York City. The lamp consists of an acrylic tower roughly four feet tall which generates energy by the ultra slow freefall of a mass that in turn spins a rotor. The lamp powers 10 high-output LEDs that generate 600-800 lumens, roughly equal to a 40-watt incandescent bulb. When the mass reaches the bottom, you simply turn it over, much like an hourglass and the process starts all over again. Operation is silent and Mr. Moulton estimates that the mechanism is nearly indestructible. Here are some detailed images of the patented design.
http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/story.php?relyear=2008…
 
[THE GOSSIP]
Ripped straight from the pages of a James Bond script, the US military is planning to shoot down a malfunctioning spy satellite. They plan to accomplish this with an interceptor missile relying on a ship-based weapon developed to defend against ballistic missile attacks. Apparently the satellite contains a half ton of Hydrazene, a nice little rocket fuel that can burn the lungs and even be deadly in extended doses. So that sort of thing falling in our backyard would not be a good thing. According to the New York Times, this “makes it a real-world test both of the nation’s antiballistic missile systems and its antisatellite capabilities” and these systems “have not been used except in carefully controlled tests.” Yikes! A real-world test? Are you kidding me? My question is who is going to shoot down the missile when this little bit of technology malfunctions while attempting to shoot down the original little bit of malfunctioning technology.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/14/science/…

posted by wayne on 02.20.08 @ 9:41 am | 0 Comments

February 13, 2008

[THE GET IT]
Looking forward to all the new features of Office 2007 but don’t want to shell out the $500 or so for the full version? Well if you don’t need Outlook, pick yourself up the Office 2007 Home and Student Edition and save yourself some dough. This version includes Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Word. Computer’s Worth is offering this version for the low price of $102 with free shipping.
http://www.computersworth.com/item.cfm?id=1013
 
[THE GIZMO]
It seems that there is a new docking station/speaker system for the iPhone or iPod every time you turn around. However, there are a few out there that have distinguished themselves from the others in either their features or design. DLO has done a bit of both with their new amplified portable speaker system. The new system has a great design, looking a bit like a retro phone handset but also packs in some great new features. The system utilizes a removable rotating stand that holds the iPhone vertically when you want to listen to music, or horizontally if you want to watch video. In addition, you don’t have to disconnect your phone when you get a call; the speakers automatically turn it into a speaker phone. More importantly, they are shielded from the usual TDMA interference that plagues many traditional speaker systems. And when you are ready to take them on the go, each speaker snaps neatly into the base to create a 6 inch “ball” which also features a recessed area for keeping cords securely wrapped and out of the way. Although they are designed for the iPhone, they will also work with any audio device that has a 3.5mm headphone jack and will run you only $49.99. Click here to see it in action.
http://dlo.com/products/portspeakers_iPHone_prod.tpl
 
[THE GORGEOUS]
Since its introduction in 1932 the Zippo lighter has stood the test of time as a true American classic, whether it’s Donna Reed lighting Montgomery Clift’s cigarette in From Here to Eternity or used by Bruce Willis in Die Hard. From its recognizable click when snapped open to its flint-wheel ignition, the design has stood the test of time. Now after 75 years, the Zippo is finally getting an upgrade. Morphing the past with the present, the new ZippoBlu is the world’s first blue flame butane to incorporate a flint-wheel ignition. In addition, its patented two-stage burner “delivers an easy starting, consistent, clean burning hot blue flame.” It has a whole new profile and comes in a whole new line of skins — from the classic brushed chrome to 18-karat gold plated. They’re made in the USA and have a lifetime guarantee.
http://www.zippoblu.com/
 
[THE GREEN]
You’ve heard and seen plenty of eco-conscious alternatives for grocery bags, but how about those little plastic bags we use in the fruit and produce section? Think about it, they have a shorter life than a first round contestant on American Idol. We literally use them from the fruit and produce aisle to the kitchen counter where they are usually discarded. Well, Shelly Orr of Re-Market at Etsy had the same idea. She has developed a produce bag that is both lightweight and reusable but also has the distinct advantage of being see-through. This allows the clerk to easily see what goodies you have. The new bags are constructed of feather-weight recycled nylon tulle (fine mesh) so they don’t add any weight on the produce scale and are machine washable. They come in sets of three (M, L, XL) and will run you $7.50.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9528281
 
[THE GOSSIP]
As we hurdle ever closer to the end of civilization as we know it, I’ve come to realize that apparently it isn’t fast enough for some folks. In a recent survey of some 2,000 Brits it was revealed that 47% of men would give up sex for six months in return for a free 50-inch plasma TV. Yes, you read that right, a television set. And before you start on the men, the survey also revealed that about a third of women felt the same way. Folks, what are we doing here?
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews…

posted by wayne on 02.13.08 @ 9:37 am | 0 Comments

February 6, 2008

[THE GET IT]
Time to upgrade that monitor. Why not pick yourself up a nice 19″ widescreen? They’re cheaper than you think. The Samsung SyncMaster 920NW is a nice, narrow bezeled 19″ widescreen TFT-LCD. It features 1400 x 900 resolution, 700:1 contrast ratio, 5ms response time, and a 160 degree viewing angle. Right now Buy.com has the 920NW for a low $159.99 with free shipping.
http://www.buy.com/prod/samsung-920nw-19-wide-lcd…
 
[THE GIZMO]
I wanted to feature this so bad. Come on, a mechanical Venus Fly Trap that traps insects using motion activated sensors then sentences them to a Lucite Magneto-esque prison. Is someone trying to test me here? No such luck, Garmin had to go ahead and announced their new super fantastic nüvifone. Garmin, best known for their solid GPS-ness, sent a bit of a ripple out into the cell phone industry by crow barring some sweet mobile phoning into one of their GPS devices. Surprisingly, if it delivers what the press release promises, it looks to be a doozy. Besides all of the standard Garmin GPS goodness, the nüvifone features HSDPA (3.5G), full-blown messaging (email, text and IM), web browser, Google local search capability, and MP3 and MPEG4/AAC support. In addition, it sports a built-in camera that embeds each photo with the exact latitude and longitude reference of where the image was taken. On top of all of that, it also looks great. Click here for all the juicy details and the official press release. Here are some nice screenshots of the UI. The nüvifone will be available in Q3 2008. No pricing info yet.
http://www8.garmin.com/nuvifone/
 
[THE GORGEOUS]
In just about 180 days or so the 2008 Olympics will be up and running with all eyes on China, and boy, have they ever gone over the top. One of the many buildings getting quite a bit of attention is the Olympics’ Aquatic Center, also called the Water Cube. It is the world’s largest membrane structure building and will host swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming competitions. Its facilities were tested this past week during the China Open swimming championships and all the world got a look. Here are some great nighttime exterior shots . If you want to get a look inside, click here and then click the first photo in the second row titled “Photos: A look inside the ‘Water Cube’”. It’s quite amazing and definitely worth the look. It took over four years and is the only Olympic venue funded by $110 million in donations from ethnic Chinese living outside mainland China (Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan).
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/02/beijing-olympic…
 
[THE GREEN]
When it comes to children’s toys these days, it’s tough to find anything eco-friendly about them. Whether they are further filling the world’s landfills with their plastic, going through batteries like mad or being recalled, they don’t exactly get a gold star. So it was a nice surprise to hear someone doing something a little different. It all started a few years ago when fifteen Israeli design students from Tel Aviv’s Shenkar College of Engineering and Design were asked by the Chinese-based company HaPe, to design toys with bamboo. Once in China, the students trained with local craftsmen and conducted focus groups with children to flesh out the designs. This relationship has blossomed into the “Eco-Play With Bamboo” conference and exhibition, which occurred this week in Israel and featured guest lecturers from Germany, France and China to discuss why using bamboo is a good material for your kids’ toys.
http://designistdream.com/2008/01/28/bamboo-toys…
 
[THE GOSSIP]
Ah, the Google phone rumor mill is cranking up again. Can you hear it? This time they’ve got Google partnering up with Dell to spawn the first Android phone, hoping to bring all of Google’s online services to mobile users. Android is a complete, open, and free mobile platform, developed by the Open Handset Alliance, a group of more than 30 technology and mobile companies. According to the rumor, this Dell/Google alliance will be announced next week at the GSMA’s Mobile World Congress 2008 in Barcelona. The GSM Association (GSMA) is a global trade association representing more than 700 GSM mobile phone operators across 217 territories and countries of the world. Honestly, I’ve heard so many Gphone rumors; I’m not holding my breath.
http://blogs.pcworld.com/staffblog/archives/006416.html

posted by wayne on 02.06.08 @ 9:32 am | 0 Comments