Gadgets Blog » 2009 » April

You have just 10 days left — count them, TEN — to honor the woman who gave you life, wiped your nose and kissed your boo-boos.  Unless she was anything like my mom who was more likely to tell me to “suck it up!” whenever I skinned my knee or crashed into a car while riding my bike… uh, that’s another story, moving on…

Regardless, she’s mom, we love her, and she deserves a little something on her special day.  Here are some suggestions from the gadget realm:

1. We all want to know mom made it home safely after visiting us for a late dinner in our low-rent apartments on the seedy side of town, right?  Help mom find her way with a GPS system for her car.  Garmin makes the Nuvi 200W Portable GPS navigation system ($166.47) with a wide 4.3-inch touchscreen color display.  It comes with pre-loaded maps, voice guidance, travel tools and is SD card compatible.

2. If she’s a music lover, she might enjoy this Singing Machine ISM370 CD+G Karaoke with iPod Dock ($70) to sing along with her Janis Joplin or Tina Turner faves.  From the leaders in home karaoke, it’s complete with great features like a large LCD display for easy reading and built-in speakers for portability and easy use.  The Digital Key Control feature lets you change the key without greatly affecting the overall sound of the music.  This unit also features a charge function for your iPod and has a dual alarm clock with snooze function so you can wake up to your iPod, radio or buzzer.

3. You can bring mom into the next generation of video entertainment with a Blu-ray player like the SAMSUNG BD-P1500 ($169). This little baby will play both Blu-ray discs and regular DVDs or music CDs with the highest-quality audio. Full 1080p resolution gives you outstanding HD image quality. Advanced audio compatibility, including DD+, and True-HD, offers premium sound for a great HD experience.

4. Why restrict the video enjoyment to the house?  With a portable DVD player like the Audiovox D2017 ($135) with a 10.2-inch screen, mom can enjoy her films on the go, in flight or while waiting for her plane to arrive.  This features a 16:9 aspect ratio and plays DVD, CD, MP3, CDR, CDRW and picture CDs.  The rechargeable battery and car power adapter will give mom hours of enjoyment whether in house or on the road.

5. For moms who are linked in almost as much as we are, a multi-function cell phone would be a great way to keep in touch.  I prefer the text-easy keyboard styles (mostly because one text message saves me about 20 minutes in actual speak time… o_O) but there are plenty to choose from in a range of prices!   With all of its possibilities, something like the iPhone might be a little overwhelming for moms but then again, each mom is different.  If she’s a career-minded multitasker, it could be just the thing.  Check out Smarter’s cell phones here and decide for yourself.

6. A simple way to help mom relax, the Sound Spa AM/FM Atomic Clock Radio ($39.99) allows her to sleep and/or wake to her choice of 6 natural sounds: ocean, waterfall, summer night, rain forest, thunder, or rain. AM/FM radio or alarm wake up are also options. Features atomic time which means it’s always accurate, indoor/outdoor temperature with remote sensor, dual alarms, and snooze. The projection feature allows for time and temp ceiling display.

7. For more home music enjoyment, a mini stereo system is just right for livening up her home office or keeping her motivated through workouts.  Something like the JWIN JXCD2100 Mini Stereo MP3 / CD Player ($45.99) does a little bit of everything with a CD player, AM/FM radio, and 3.5mm auxiliary jack for her iPod or other MP3 unit.

8. The Plantronics Discovery 925 Bluetooth Headset ($54.95) is a great way to keep mom hands-free and compliant with California law.  A simple V-frame design, no ear loop and the leather charging case allows you to recharge the headset from its own battery when you’re not near a power outlet.  Also available in cerise (dark plum color).

9. For keeping the family memories, the Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z77 Digital Camera ($124.69) has 7.2 Megapixels and comes in adorable pink, so you know dad won’t be stealing this one from her.  It has 3x optical zoom, and 2.6-inch LCD display.  It also features a blur reduction function that uses motion analysis technology, an auto-tracking AF system, and face detection technology.  The combination of face detection technology and the auto-tracking AF system ensures that, once the focus locks on to a person’s face, it will stay sharp and maintain the right exposure, even if the person moves.  Which is, of course, great for those grand kids who never seem to sit still for more than 2 seconds.

10. For vacations, family get-togethers, or whatever she desires, the Samsung SC-DX103 DVD Camcorder ($174.08) is user-friendly and compatible with Windows 2000, XP and Vista operating systems. With the convenience of recording straight to DVD, videos can immediately be played back for all to see. Comes with 34x optical zoom, 2.7 inch wide LCD screen, and can be used as a PC cam for communication over the Internet.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop though all of our featured electronics to get more ideas.

Use this coupon code B$89KMG909?2WN at checkout to save 20% on select Inspiron laptop computers over $799 at Dell.com. This coupon is applicable on select Inspiron 15, 13, 1420, 1521 and 1721 laptops.

Customize the details of your Dell Inspiron from its color (Pacific Blue, Jet Black, or Ruby Red) to processor, ops system, warranty, HD display, hard drive size (160GB, 250GB, 320GB or 500GB SATA) and more. The standard 2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 800MHz memory can be upgraded to 3GB or 4GB Dual Channel. The Inspiron comes with an 8X CD / DVD Burner (Dual Layer DVD+/-R Drive), Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD, and Dell Wireless 1397 802.11g Half Mini-Card included in the price. And then, save 20% to boot! Better hurry though, this deal expires tomorrow.

If you’re looking for something more compact, no worries. You can still save on the Inspiron 12 as well.   It’s super thin and ultra-portable with a keyboard 92% the size of a standard keyboard.   It’s available with the Windows XP or Ubuntu Linux Operating System and has options for wireless too.   Don’t forget the optional external optical drive to watch your favorite flicks. Use coupon code 4TZ9XWDLSKXZSM during checkout to save 10% on select Insprion Mini 12 purchases at Dell.com.  This offer expires tomorrow!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop through our selection of laptops.

How’s that go?  You can never be too thin or too rich?

Personal objections to that superficial cliché aside, the guys at Industrial Technology Research Institute are destined for greatness in both areas with their paper thin speaker technology.  Imagine bustling hubs like train stations, cafes, shopping mall and bus stop advertisements draped in the audio capable marketing material.  Kinda cool, right?  Check out the demo:

YouTube - Watch 

Movie posters that play sound clips from the film could help me make better viewing choices and avoid sucker punches like Jumper or Push … man, I thought those were going to be good!  Eh, I’d probably see them anyway — before you start laughing, I am usually very skilled at choosing movies.  I’m just a sucker for anything remotely sci-fi or comics-turned-action-films.  But the Flexpeaker (that’s what it’s called due to the obvious “flexible” quality… it flexes and it’s a speaker = “flexpeaker”) would still be cool as a space saving car stereo installment or ginormous talking billboard, even if just for novelty’s sake.

The Flexpeaker can be rolled just like paper, thus the name.  Reported specs put the stuff with a range of 500 Hz to 200 KHz (warranting the need for a subwoofer) and a target price of $20 for a movie poster sized piece.

Sources: PC World, Engadget, YouTube

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for speakers and subwoofers you can buy now.

Aw… remember this? Does everyone else have one of these yet? I don’t.

If you’ve been thinking, “my bathroom’s quiet… almost too quiet,” or maybe you feel you need a little company during that usually very solitary time, or maybe you simply must have your life’s soundtrack playing at every moment in every room, this charming little item can help.

It wouldn’t take up much room, as the iCarta iPod Stereo Dock and Bath Tissue Holder doubles as your bathroom tissue holder as well as a charging dock for your iPod. It’s compatible with all iPods with dock connectors — iPod 3G, 4G, 5G (Video), iPod Mini, iPod Nano, and iPod Shuffle (plays but will not charge iPhone 3G or iTouch Version 2) — and has an adjustable spacer. The iPod dock also features four high-performance moisture-free speakers and charges the iPod while playing your tunes. An AC adapter is included. The speaker arms fold so it appears to be a normal docking station when not being used to hold the T.P. It’s also easily removable from its wall mounting so it can travel from room to room with you.

Not only can it provide musical entertainment during showers or your regular morning routine, it can also provide just a bit more privacy in close quarters by turning up the volume a little. It just might be a great gift for a music lover who has everything or a charmingly cheezy gift exchange item. I can’t decide where I am on this one… brilliant or kitschy? Maybe a little of both.

Find it here on Smarter.com.

This week in gadget blogs and news from around the Net:

•  The World’s Largest Cheetoh Eaten Over the Most Expensive Keyboard - Gizmodo
• Speakers that look like trash cans - Engadget
• Wooden iPhone cases - OhGizmo!
• Self-propelled suitcase drives itself - Technabob
• Blue Space submarine - Machines that Go Bing
  

And this week in the Smarter Gadgets Blog we talked about:

• SkyMall Deal: Save $25 off $150 at SkyMall 
• Xbox Stimulus Package; Hero Hawking Hospitalized
• Logitech Deal: Save 10% on Logitech Security Camera
• Banned Apple App: Apple Takes Down Baby Shaker
• Top 8 Helpful Gadgets for the Unemployed
• How to Buy an LCD: Tips on Buying an LCD TV
  

My friends and I can go back and forth for a good while on the subject of plasma vs. LCD, with the majority of us siding with the LCD for gaming purposes and the lower amount of energy used to power them (typically), however, the prices are comparable and there are advantages to both. If you’ve done your research and decided, like I did, that an LCD with is what you want, here are a couple tips to help you along your way.

Budget
First, figure out how much you want to spend. It can be overwhelming when you walk in to a major retailer and are immersed in rows upon rows of liquid crystal heaven, but keep your wits about you. Especially in these times, if your budget is $1,000, you don’t want to kick yourself after blowing twice that and then having to squeeze your huge 50-inch into a 10×10 studio apartment.

Size
Speaking of size… *queue audience groan*… it does matter. Look at the space you have available, which room it’s going in, how far away the couch or viewing area is, etc. The recommended distances for proper viewing are 3-5 feet away for 20-27 inches, 6-8 feet for 32-37 inches, 10-14 feet for 42-46 inches, and 50-inchers should be about 12-16 away. Again, think about the space you have. If you’re still living in a small room at mom’s & dad’s, you might wanna stay with the 32-37 range.

Mounting/Installation
To save space and maximize the room’s distance, wall mounting is the way to go. There are different methods and this is often an “extra” service with an extra charge, about $200 depeding on who your installer is. Make sure to ask about installation charges and factor that charge into your budget. Also, don’t forget about those HDMI cables. You’ll need a couple to install the LCD and they run about $80 each, again, depending on where you go. I had done a little research beforehand and was fortunate enough to get a price match plus another discount when I said I would go to the competitor down the street and save money on them. What? I have no shame.

Compare
Compare the retailers and the specialty stores. Most of the specialty stores have in-depth knowledge and are really quite helpful, but their prices are usually a bit higher than the retailer as well. You can find deals online and typically save a few hundred bones, but don’t forget to factor in your delivery charges. Personally, I didn’t want to risk opening my brand new TV and seeing a shattered screen and then bursting into tears — not that that would happen, it’s just my own paranoia. Compare the names LG, Samsung, Sony, and such. As with everything else, you can save some money by going with a lesser known brand name that has the same capabilities and comparable quality. This is a personal choice, and everyone has a different opinion on it. For myself, I saved a few hundred on my 47-incher and bought a 32-inch for the bedroom (…that’s what she said? um, nevermind…).

Shop
Ask your friends and see how you like their set-ups. Look through newspaper ads, online, TV commmercials, holiday sales, whatever, and be patient. Nothing worse than a rushed purchase and seeing your TV for $300 less somewhere else. Whatever you choose, make sure you enjoy it. This should be a source of entertainment and relaxation, unless you’re playing Halo 3 in which case it’s a center for ritual butt-kicking… hehehehe. Happy hunting!

Photo Source.

Just about everyone knows someone who recently got the dreaded “pink slip” or is that unfortunate person himself.

Hopefully, these items can aid in a speedy recovery.

1. Laptop – For your remote job searching and resume storage, something like the HP Business Notebook 2133 is small but mighty. With a 120GB 5400-rpm hard drive, 8.9″ widescreen display, and Wi-Fi capability, this notebook can help you find your next job and then at 2.6 lbs. it slips easily back into your bag for mobility. Save $30 on your first purchase at Buy.com (until April 30 no code required) off the $479.99 price, and you can save $40 with a manufacturer’s rebate.

2. All-In-One Printer/Scanner/Fax/Copy – If you haven’t already, there’s no better time to set up that home office. Gone are the days of exploiting the office printers for your CD covers and Borders coupons. You’re going to be printing and faxing applications and resumes so you need a machine that does it all. Like the LexMark X3470 All-In-One or HP Officejet J4580 All-in-One Printer Fax Scanner Copier at about $70, it’s a good investment in yourself. Think of all the money you’re saving by not having to go to Kinko’s every time.

3. Nova Development Winway Resume Deluxe – Affordable at $34.99 and because you want to stand out from the crowd, it’s time to revise and renew the old resume. Features enhanced Resume Auditor to catch mistakes before employers do and a Merriam-Webster English Language Resource disc with a 70,000+ word dictionary, a 157,000+ word thesaurus and other reference tools.

4. Nova Development Berlitz Spanish Premier- Learn a new and valuable skill while waiting for employers to call you in. Imagine the opportunities adding “bilingual” to your list of abilities can bring. Italian, French and German are also available. Starts at $35 and up.

5. Total Training Educational Software – For Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, any of these educational training softwares can aid you in becoming adept in these popular programs and can build your resume skill set, helping you gain an extra edge over the competition. From $32-$190.

6. Stamina InMotion E-1000 Elliptical Trainer - At $70, or about 2 month’s gym membership, bring the gym to your house. Stay fit and motivated, hey, you’ve got the time now so no more excuses! Replicates the elliptical machine, but without the bulky arms and front console resulting in lightweight and easy closet storage.

7. Apple iPod shuffle 2GB – Affordable musical entertainment. At $60, it can store up to 500 songs and be worn on your arm, sleeve, belt, bag, etc. Upload some motivational tunes to keep you going through those workouts and prep before interviews. Maybe something like Joe Esposito’s “You’re the Best”, ala Karate Kid soundtrack. Classic.

8. Solo Business Cases Leather BiFold Padfolio-At $28, appearances count, whether for the interview you’re going to score or even at the coffee shop, you gotta look professional. Great for keeping resumes and calling cards on hand — you never know who you might run into, and how embarrassing to be unprepared. Also available with a zip around feature, to keep those important docs from falling out, for about $35.

Apparently Apple, for a very brief moment in time, did not like crying babies.

Apple approved a controversial iPhone application, “Baby Shaker,” then immediately had to take it down, due to outrage and protest from child protection groups.

The app does just what it says. It puts a baby on the screen. It begins to cry. And then you see how long you can take the annoyance before you shake the crap out of your phone.

“On a plane, on the bus, in a theater. Babies are everywhere you don’t want them to be! They’re always distracting you from preparing for that big presentation at work with their incessant crying. Before Baby Shaker there was nothing you could do about it.

“Now, Baby Shaker gives you a charming drawing of a baby sure to make those with a less than iron will fawn. True to life, it begins to annoy you immediately. See how long you can endure his or her adorable cries before you just have to find a way to quiet the baby down!”

Very interesting, and yes, a cruel attempt at fun and humor.

I’m sure Michael Vick for a brief moment in time was thinking of how to create an app for fighting pitbulls to help him earn his millions back.

Source.

Curiosity at it’s finest.

I came home once and my newspaper had been shredded, pillows were pulled off the couch, and not one but TWO Netflix DVDs had been chewed and scratched beyond recognition. My wascaly terrier, Jack, however, was calmly napping in the kitchen on the safe side of the puppy gate just as he had been when I left for work. I knew he did it –duh– I just didn’t know how. Had I installed something like the Logitech Spy Video Security Master System, I would have seen that my wonder pup was leaping over the puppy gate each day and wreaking havoc to his little furry heart’s content, thus explaining the random chewed shoes and assorted other destroyed objects.

Ever wonder what your dogs are doing at home while you’re away for the day? Or maybe what your friends are doing when you leave the room? Or maybe just for security purposes, this little gadget can put those curiosities to rest, and with free live remote viewing from your WiLife account, you can have instant information.

The Logitech Spy Video Security Master System looks like a regular digital clock, but in reality, it’s a window to information. With a convenient plug-and-play system, it touts an easy 15-minute installation with no network configuration required. It’s a smart camera, in that it detects motion and then records to your PC’s hard drive for later viewing, or as we mentioned above, live viewing from your free WiLife account. This could also work well for small offices. More cameras are available as add-ons for monitoring other rooms, and, bonus, the digital clock actually works, too.

The Logitech Spy Video Security Master System is $329.99.

Use this Logitech coupon code checkout on this and other WiLife Video Security Systems at Logitech.: logiwilife_41609

The discount deal EXPIRES in 8 days (04/30/2009).

Here are the specs for the :

System Requirements

• Recommended CPU speed (GHz): 1.4 (1 camera)
• Recommended PC memory (MB): 384 (1 camera)
• PC Video card memory (MB): 32 (1-2 cameras)
• Recommended DirectX 9 compatible
• Display resolution: 1024 x 768 pixels or higher, 32-bit color
• Hard drive (MB): 100 MB for program and a minimum of 500+ MB for video storage
• Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows XP
• Internet access required

Technical Specifications

• Processing Power: 400 MHz DSP
• Image Encoding: Windows Media Video 9
• Image Processing: Motion detection up to 16 zones, Auto brightness
• Resolution: Selectable: 640 x 480 pixels or 320 x 240 pixels
• Frame Rate: Selectable: 15, 10, or 5 frames/second

If this is something you’d like, click here to go to Logitech.

To check out more deals and discounts for Logitech, click here.

I’m thinking about a couple things right now.

Let’s go with the lighter stuff first:

Could it be true?

Gizmodo and ars technica sources seem to agree.

For those of us who couldn’t shell out the $400 for the Xbox 360 Elite system, Microsoft is easing up on consumers in these hard times and including two pretty awesome games…get this… for the same price as the system itself. Nice guys, them Gates boys.

So while at one time $400 would have gotten you only the Elite system, that same $400 can soon acquire the Elite system, Halo 3 and Fable II. For those of us who were holding out and mooching off our friends for Xbox playtime (sorry, guys… um, sort of), it looks like it’s going to be a little easier on our wallets in the coming months. Seeing as these are games a buyer would most likely want to get anyway, and at about $40 each, that’s a nice little stimulus package.

You know my thought — what’s the catch? Well, we haven’t found one yet. You still get the 120 gigs, the wireless controller, and the HD video. Sounds pretty good. No date had been given for the arrival of this bodacious bundle, but it’s currently available on Xbox.com and even Amazon.com shows a preorder status for the item with a release date of May 1, 2009. Nice. You might wanna get on that.

And secondly, I have to mention a few words about Stephen Hawking.

According to reports, he was rushed to the hospital on Monday and hasn’t been feeling well for a few weeks now. I’m really hoping he comes out alright. This man amazes me; I mean, he’s just brilliant. You all know the story, despite his ALS, he completed his doctorate, gave us “A Brief History of Time”, put “The Universe in a Nutshell”, continued to teach physics, not to mention all the fodder he provided for sci-fi enthusiasts… who does that? A greater mind than mine, for certain. Anyway, here’s to Professor Hawking, all our best. We’re pulling for you.

Image Sources:Xbox, Wikipedia