Technology Gadgets Food Toys Fun and Games

Link: http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20100302/netgear-rolls-powerline-kits/#more-38764

Netgear has a new ethernet over power kit coming out soon and it looks darn skippy. No word on price yet, check the specs.

they are able to offer greater speeds for bandwidth-hungry applications including lag-free Internet gaming, Voice over IP (VoIP), large file transfers to networked devices, and for home theater enthusiasts, even simultaneous 1080p HD video streaming to multiple TVs throughout the entire home.

Link: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/c890/?cpg=wnrss

I know a good many techs out there that would love this ...

* Provides 5 cable types in one connector
* Just rotate the center to the cable you need
* Cable options:
o ROLLED: Connect a host to a Cisco router or switch
o CROSSOVER: Communicate directly between computers without a hub or switch
o STRAIGHT-THROUGH: Use as a standard RJ45 patch cable
o ATM/LOOPBACK: Test if a network card is working by checking for link lights with no need for a hub or switch
o T1: Connect to DDS lines / T1 trunk lines

$30 bucks out the door at Think Geek.

Link: http://www.makeuseof.com/tech-fun/the-cost-of-gadgets-over-the-decades/

I really like this infographic. My first decent computer cost $3500 - the (extra) hard drive that went with it was 20 Megs and sounded like a jet turbine powering up. (I miss that)

Over the years how do the prices of tech compare in today's dollars?

Nicely done.

Link: http://www.redferret.net/?p=18877

I'm kinda into these tiny full keyboard/touchpad HTPC controllers. This one's not only incredibly small - it's alpha geek looking cool as well.

The RedFerret takes it for a spin in review if your curious.

It'll set ya back $120 - but alpha geek never comes cheap does it?

Link: http://www.v3.co.uk/v3/hardware/2258205/review-psixpda-pocket-computer

The PsiXpda is a tiny computer that squeezes a full PC specification into a form factor small enough to fit into a large pocket, enabling buyers to have a Windows PC that can be carried and used almost anywhere, especially with its built-in 3G broadband.

Announced in December 2009 and available now, the PsiXpda is manufactured by a UK firm of the same name, and is perhaps best described as a netbook shrunk down to the size of an old-fashioned PDA, such as those marketed by Psion in the past.

Looks kinda cool - sure, it's limited use - you won't be photoshopping anything on the unit but you could be the alpha geek of the city bus.

Link: http://dvice.com/archives/2010/02/hate-loud-comme.php

Yep, it's a compressor-limiter like us music folks have used for years to keep that annoying guitarist from drowning out everyone else. Theory has been in place for years.

Anyone else notice that HULU commercials are now equally loud and annoying??? It was fun while it lasted HULU.

Link: http://mashable.com/2010/02/13/tweeting-dog-collar/

The collar detects when your dog moves or make a sound, then randomly selects one of 500 pre-written tweets to post to Twitter (Twitter). Your dog has to be within a reasonable distance of the room with your computer in it, though; the tweets are sent wirelessly from the collar to a USB receiver that has to be plugged into a supported Internet-connected device.

Well, its nothing miraculous but it could be fun to have....

Link: http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/motorola-launches-a-brute-for-sprint-nextel-20100126/

This one is what you need -

the new Motorola Brute i680 is no exception. The new rugged clam shell phone is so tough that it meets Military Specification 810F which protects it for dust, shock, vibration, low temperature, high temperature, low pressure, solar radiation, salt, fog, humidity and blowing rain....

Rather cheap at $119.99 - and very rugged. No word on weather dropping it in a toilet will kill it.

Link: http://www.slipperybrick.com/2010/01/garmin-z-mo-220-gps-device-for-motorcycles-debuts/

Apparently so - Those of you with two wheels can get a Garmin now ... um, I guess the two big features of this would be its size/mounting and the little icon showing you as a motorcycle rather than a car.

Link: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/01/five-reasons-you-should-ditch-your-dslr/

EVIL Cameras are all the rage now - here's why.....

There’s a new camera category in town. It’s EVIL, and it’s going to kick your DSLR’s ass. EVIL stands for Electronic Viewfinder Interchangeable Lens, and is our favorite acronym for cameras like the Olympus Pen, the Lumix GF1 and the Samsung NX10. These small, mirrorless, finderless cameras can fit in a pocket and outperform bulky DSLRs. Here’s why your next camera will probably be EVIL.

Link: http://www.webpronews.com/topnews/2010/01/13/a-close-up-with-sonys-new-personal-internet-viewer

At the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Sony introduced a new "personal Internet Viewer", called the Dash. This is a device that you can put on your nightstand or your kitchen counter, and access web content via Flash-based applications.

I dunno if this will really go big, I do see it's possibilities... But is having a net connected widget worth $200 ?

Link: http://www.random-good-stuff.com/2010/01/14/digital-peephole/

I can think of many people who might find this useful. - There's the elderly who might no be able to see well, um - that's about it aside for the geeks who can do it just because they can.

The PeepHole Viewer turns a hard to see peep hole image into a big bright image. Simply push the button to see a large image of the person outside your door. The image is easy to see for people of any height and is similar to that on the display of a digital camera. The viewer compensates for low-light images and eliminates "fish eye" distortion.

Link: http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=21782

Look at this beauty - high powered and slick, a NAS with bragging rights.

The new 4-bay device is powered by Intel's Atom D510, a dual-core 1.66GHz part, which Thecus says is capable of "blistering transfer speeds and increased system response". Assuming the rest of the system architecture provides no greater bottleneck, it might be on to something.

It's hard to differentiate a NAS product with software features because the majority of NAS boxes are Linux-based and so come with features that are largely the same (although executed to varying degrees of success). On the hardware front, though, Thecus makes the N4200 stand out with its 2.8" OLED display.

Link: http://www.betanews.com/article/CES-2010-Haier-demos-completely-wireless-HD-video/1262820747

The new De-Facto standard in HDTV - even the power is wireless. No cables at freakin all. Very Cool, now you can hang that HDTV on the wall and forget about worrying how to deal with hiding the cables.

Haier America Digital Products Group demonstrated what it said was the first completely wireless television: a 32-inch LCD powered wirelessly from up to six or seven feet (according to the NBC Today Show's Al Roker, who got a demo of the device on this morning's program), and which received content via a wireless link from a Haier prototype Blu-ray player.

Link: http://www.i4u.com/article29940.html

Bob Evans from I4U gets a new Nexus One and gives us all the lowdown on what he thinks of it. ( no doubt the review is massively positive).

The Nexus One is a stylish, zippy phone with a fantastic user experience and a ton of cool features. It isn't an iPhone killer though, and it has its rough edges. I noticed a few cases of random, seemingly cause-less lag and, as per usual, the App Market let me down. About a third of the apps I tried to download just didn't work for some reason.

If you are trying to decide between an iPhone 3GS or a Nexus One, I'd choose the Nexus One. It has a prettier screen, faster processor, more RAM, and a better camera...

Link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8450385.stm

How do ya react to that? oops, my bad.

Reporter Dan Simmons from the BBC's technology show Click managed to break a mobile phone marketed as "unbreakable", during a demonstration at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/JBuds-Premium-Hi-FI-Isolating-Earbuds/dp/B001GS8G0G?SubscriptionId=17ZNWQMWNAY2K2SFHV82&tag=deaoftheday02-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B001GS8G0G

I've just stumbled across these - I was looking for some new earbuds as both my pairs are trashed. I'm pretty hard on 'em and like to go to sleep listening to audiobooks. This causes no end of damages.

So I was pretty surprised to see these on quite the big discount - (originally $79.95 - now $13.99)

They get great reviews and look pretty sweet, so if you're in the market for a new pair give 'em a shot.

* Premium sound quality, Compact size, Sleek design, and ultra rugged durability
* 3 sizes of soft silicone ear buds provide a super comfortable, noise reducing fit
* Rich, dynamic soundstage with crisp, tight clarity and booming digital bass.
* Works with every iPod, iTouch, iPhone, mp3 player, CD, portable DVD, PSP, Nintendo DS, MD, and Laptop
* Goldplated 3.5 mm audio jack for premium, no-loss sound connection to your audio device.

Link: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/04/nexus-one-review/

The almighty Google has released it's beast - and if you're thinking of getting one you'll want to know all the skinny...

Something else to note is that Verizon won't carry it until Spring 2010 , T-Mobile has it for $179 - but that's pretty much it.

Link: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2355861,00.asp

I've been seeing a lot of ads for this on TV lately and I was wondering if it lived up to the hype. Turns out it's not exactly like carrying your cable TV around with you. However, it does have some pretty cool features. If you were wondering too, give the review a peek.

Have you ever wanted to see the CNBC ticker fly by while waiting to pick up your dry cleaning, or to watch the game on TV as you sit in the stadium? The FLO TV Personal Television, from the company that powers AT&T Mobile TV and V CAST Mobile TV on Verizon, will allow you to do just that, with a $249 (list) pocketable device.

Link: http://www.amazon.com/The-Original-Snoopy-Sno-Cone-Machine/dp/B0021VIDOQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1262207725&sr=8-2

Didn't get one for Christmas 20 years ago - and STILL didn't get one this year ?

No Problem - Amazon has 'em! $25 bucks !

Just place an ice cube in the Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine and watch it transform into a delicious dessert with a few turns of the handle. Kids can even flavor their creations with the include Flavor-Aid or with their favorite juice or soda.Ages 4 and up.

Link: http://www.nuffy.net/articles/the-15-most-stupid-products-of-the-decade.html

Every decade has it's dumb ideas that actually make it into production and this one was no exception to the rule. Luckily I didn't end up buying any of these.

Link: http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20091208/electric-windshield-deicer/

It's that time of year again, and this little gadget might just make those miserable icy mornings before work a little bit easier.

just plug it into your car’s cigarette outlet and glide it across the windshield. It comes with a retractable handle and a 14″ cord for extra reach, while an integrated light and squeegee offers a streak-free view.

$24.95 - not too steep for an easier morning.

Link: http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/musical-instruments/c4e1/

Don't have enough bleeping and blooping items yet for Christmas? Check out this from Thinkgeek....

in the world of the Bliptronic, creating a song revolves around an ever evolving 4-beat pattern. Each row of vertical buttons represents the notes in one octave. Push a button to turn on a note, push the button again to turn off a note. Push multiple buttons in one vertical row to make a chord. The Bliptronic plays whatever you have selected in sequence horizontally across the display. When it reaches the end of the pattern, it repeats. The genius comes as you modify the pattern by turning notes on and off while the pattern is still looping to create evolving electronic melodies.

Link: http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/rocketfish-brings-wireless-hdmi-to-your-living-room-for-600-20091130/

Want to connect that HDTV but don't want all the unsightly cables hanging down the wall?

Rocketfish’s new device
: a wireless HD adapter that will pipe wireless HDMI 1080p content up to 33 feet across the room from screen to screen, even through walls.

It's a chunk of change at $600 - but it will cure the wire problem.

Link: http://www.wired.com/reviews/package/wishlist2009

If you're needing any info on technology or gadgets this season Wireds wishlist is the perfect place to start.

Link: http://www.redferret.net/?p=17250

Some of you might travel from time to time - and you might not like my method of locating luggage on the belt ( covering it in duct tape ). So this little gadget plays a voice message when you press the remote. - This might be fun in itself as you could record something like "let me out of here! " and scare everyone near your bag.

Easily locate your bag from the sea of look-alike luggage. Simply press the button on your remote and the locator on your bag will light up (6 flashing LEDs!) and your prerecorded message will play for 30 seconds continuously. You’ll be able to hear it up to 45 feet away!

Course if you really wanted to get in trouble you could record - bomb detected ! or something - just don't tell anyone where you got the idea.

Link: http://gadgetynews.com/3-in-1-ghostbusting-paranormal-tracking-instrument/

Just in case you feel like going hunting for ghosts this holiday season -

You get an EMF Meter, Ambient Temperature Gauge and a……. errrrrrrr…….. flashlight.

“Designed exclusively for paranormal investigators, this incredible tool has everything you need to track and detect the presence of ghosts.”

You know, cus when you find the ghost you can then light it up with the flashlight.

Link: http://www.bloomframe.nl/

This is pretty nifty,

Bloomframe® in production
Bloomframe®, the innovative window that morphs magically into a balcony at the touch of a button, is no longer a prototype. The Bloomframe® balcony is now available on the market in The Netherlands.

Check out the Flash video ......

Thanks Bill !

Link: http://www.random-good-stuff.com/2009/11/19/solar-powered-christmas-lights/

It's cool to use LED lights to safe 75% on your electrical bill. What's cooler? Saving 100% on your bill.

Unlike standard outdoor holiday lights that must be tethered to an electric source, these solar powered lights can be strung anywhere in your yard. A small solar panel stakes into the ground up to 7′ away from the light strand and powers 102 bright LEDs for up to nine hours after an eight-hour charge. Seven different light patterns dance along the strand in succession, or you can select your favorite sequence to flash continuously or have the lights provide steady illumination with the touch of a button.

Link: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/cae2/?cpg=cj

Cats love chasing the little red dot around but you're maybe way too busy surfing GeeG to attend to it?

Your problems are solved!

This little device a sophisticated piece of feline-laser technology that your cat will love. It dances a laser beam dot around the floor for your cat to chase but never catch. We suppose you could call it the lazy solution to playing with your cat, but we happen to think it's just more advanced than manually shining a laser around the room.

a cool $20 nabs you one of these technological marvels.

Link: http://www.gearlive.com/news/article/q409-motorola-droid-review/

A good look at the phone Motorola needs to save the ship. Since the Razr they haven't had a winning phone. With the help of Googles Android operating system - it looks like they've got a winner.

Read on if you're considering.

Link: http://mashable.com/2009/11/10/google-latitude-features/

A much needed feature if you ask me. I've been using Latitude for a while - and when I elect to share my GPS location from my phone -it only shows my avatar where I am at that moment.

Now it'll show a trail - so folks at home can see where you are on that hiking trip - or um, call for help if you happened to never move from that resort

Course I'm still pretty tinfoil hat about sharing that much info - so you won't find me sharing my location services with more than one or two people. Something to think about - luckily Latitude lets you turn off sharing anytime you want right from the phone.

Link: http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/09/11/09/068255/Verizon-Droid-Tethering-Comes-At-a-Hefty-Price?from=rss

This won't be huge news to those of you (us) that have Blackberries with Verizon... You're gonna pay an additional 30 a month to use that new phone as a modem... also there's a 5 gig cap - go over that and you might as well just sign your first born over. That's Blackberries - it seems the Android platform is far worse.

the new Motorola Droid smartphone will cost users $199.99 with a 2-year contract, with an additional $30 per month for the mandatory 'unlimited' data plan that has a monthly cap of 5Gb. Verizon will charge $50 for each additional gigabyte over the 5Gb limit on the unlimited data plan. Verizon has confirmed that tethering will cost another $30 per month for an additional unlimited data plan that is also limited to 5Gb. If you want tethering you will pay $60 above and beyond the monthly contract for service for an 'unlimited' 10Gb of data per month, and if you plan on connecting with an Microsoft Exchange email account you have to pay another $15 a month.

Ouch! - that's excessive by anyone's standards - though it makes me feel better for the 130 a month I shell out for my full tilt connected Storm.

This is cool, but I wouldn't want to fly it in front of anyone - or really near anyone. Or heck, well just don't try this at home.

Link: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/LG+-+42%22+Class+/+1080p+/+60Hz+/+LCD+HDTV/9246808.p?skuId=9246808&id=1218067379444&AID=10597222&PID=227502&SID=A11A0C184417C0A00184417A0&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2FLG%2B-%2B42%22%2BClass%2B%2F%2B1080p%2B%2F%2B60

It's about time to start thinking about Christmas eh? What geek wouldn't want a 42" HDTV under the tree this year? Here's one that's brand new and does not break the bank.

This HDTV features a 5 ms response time for smooth transitions between fast action scenes, so you can enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows or sports. The wide 178° viewing angles help ensure that every seat in the room is a good one.