Gadgets Blog » 2009 » July

Water Soluble Bikinis could quite possibly be the cruelest practical joke ever. It only takes three minutes of water contact for this seemingly cute bikini to disintegrate–leaving the poor girl exposed and humiliated.

It’s really sad because if you look at bathing suit bottoms, they’re not even the typical shape of a normal bikini–they’re those G-string-looking bikinis you see in R. Kelly videos.

The bottom line is that this bikini’s really sexy. If I received this as a present from a guy, I’d think that he’s really into me. So you see, the humiliation and shock value is actually much higher than the makers of this practical joke probably assumed. Since it’s obviously designed for a girl, they really should have talked to a girl before putting it on the market. Most girls are sensitive and insecure so unless she’s got an out-of-this-world sense of humor, you’re looking at some hard times ahead in your relationship.

With all that being set, if you still think it’ll be hilarious, the most optimum way to carry out the prank would  be to give it to her before she travels abroad–then expect an angry email!

Zii LABS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Creative Technology Ltd. announced the launch of Zii Egg, a handheld stem cell computer that runs on a platform called Plaszma. Of course the fact that Plaszma is open source lets the ever growing community of developers worldwide to get their creative juices churning providing them a new medium to build applications on.
Positioned to take on Apple’s iPod touch, this portable audio video handheld device, can also run on Android and comes with a price tag of $199. Its hardware has no doubt been built to impress with front and rear facing cameras, HD playback, 1080p video output, OpenGL ES support, X-Fi audio processing, 32GB of built-in memory and a full SD slot.

Full features and specifications include:

•  Capacitive 10-point multi-gesture touch display
• 3.5” 320 x 480 true-color display
• X-Fi audio processing
• Up to 32GB Internal Flash Storage
• 32MB NOR Flash (Linux kernel Boot ROM)
• 256MB Mobile DDR RAM
• Supports 720p and 1080p HDTVs via HD cable
• Composite video-out
• Dual cameras for High Definition photos and movie capture
• Forward facing VGA camera
• Rear facing HD camera
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
• Hardware GPS receiver
• Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
• Accelerometer
• Ambient light sensor
• SDHC slot (supports up to 32GB of external SDHC Card)
• USB 2.0 Mini-B (MTP and Charging)
• Universal Docking connector (USB, Audio)
• Headphone socket, built-in speaker and microphone
• Supports Plaszma OS and Zii Optimized Android
• Light weight: 108g

Yay for Barnes & Noble!  Whether it’s a marketing stunt to promote its new eBookstore or just the simple realization that Wi-Fi should be free for the masses, B&N has announced its stores have now made Wi-Fi access complimentary.

This is precisely why I prefer The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to Starbucks, though I do love me some Starbucks.  While Starbucks coffee is delicious, I just can’t digest the demand for more money for Wi-Fi access. Though if you have an iPhone, some hotspots are free through At&T.

More often than not, I’m using a laptop with all my necessary files and such.  Coffee Bean’s drinks are just as delicious, but then I get the added bonus of free Wi-Fi too, so I can enjoy my coffee at my leisure and maybe get some work done while I’m at it. No subscriptions or accounts required.

Of course, recently Coffee Bean has imposed a time limit that kicks you off after 2 hours for a 10 minute break, “so you can join us in the real world.”  You can sign back on after your imposed break is over but it’s caught me in the middle of sending important emails more than once, so boo to that.

Seeing as how most Barnes & Noble locations also house a cafe, I shall be very happy to switch my Wi-Fi loyalties and coffee specialty drink patronage for a few test runs.  Even if B&N’s access includes inconveniently scheduled interruptions, which I don’t know if it does at this point, it’s still another pleasant option for those of us who like to multitask while we’re taking a break or just stay connected if we’re working out of the office. Thanks, B&N.

Sources: Macworld, Barnes & Noble

Nintendo Wii Remote: From: $35.99

One of the best things about the Wii is its wide appeal across age groups.  Adding a whole new level to family game night, the wireless, motion-sensitive remote has fast become a household standard enjoyed by kids and their parents alike.

One of the most versatile designs for interactive game play on the recent market with its many applications, it can be used as a bat, sword, steering wheel, drumstick, tennis racket, etc.  Equipped with Bluetooth technology, it puts you right in the middle of the action where you belong from as far as 30 feet from the Wii console.

The only drawback, if it can be called one, is the need to exchange back and shoulder rubs after a night of highly competitive play.  With this remote, there’s no sitting on the couch as you must perform the motions to play.  And, don’t forget the wrist straps!  You definitely don’t want to get carried away during an intense competition and send your remote flying across the room.

But, if something should happen to your remote or you’re just looking to get another one, you can find them for affordable prices at Smarter.com.  Get four for a complete set and connect for maximum multi-player enjoyment.

*Get it at Newegg and get free shipping on select items and a free gift with select purchases.

Find Nintendo Wii controllers and more deals on gaming accessories at Smarter.com.

Um… ?

Just saw these and I have to ask, do they come in a boxer brief as well?

For “support where you never knew you needed it,” the breathable cotton, form-fitting, tighty whitey-style sensation in fingerless gloves fits most hands and can be acquired for only $11.95 plus shipping.

There’s a video… and ringtones.

Really?

Yes, really. Ringtones.

Sources: Gizmodo, Handerpants

HP 92/93 Inkjet Print Cartridge Combo Pack: From $36.10

For deals on discount printer ink, online is where to shop.  The HP 92/93 Inkjet Print Cartridge Combo Pack with Vivera ink is just one example.

HP’s Vivera ink is known for its true-to-life image print quality color.  With superior fade resistance and efficient ink usage, this combo pack comes with one compatible recycled HP 92 (black) and one compatible recycled HP 93 (color).  Estimated yield from the manufacturer is 220 pages black and 220 pages color, depending on specific printer and usage.

Easy to install and compact for convenient storage, these cartridges can hang tight on your shelf for a while (usually about a year); check the expiration date on the box) so you can stock up and have some replacements on hand for those late-night print crises that like to come up right around finals or before the big 7:30 a.m. presentation.

And while you’re stocking up on refills, don’t forget the printer paper!  If you decide to purchase from CameraWorld.com, get Free shipping w/ $100 purchase plus no sales tax - no coupon code required.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more discount printer ink.

Dell XPS One: From $1,317

From Dell and (PRODUCT) RED, the XPS One desktop comes with a 20-inch widescreen display, an Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 processor, and super sassy red color.

This affordable desktop computer comes with wireless keyboard and mouse, MS Office Home and Student 2007, 2GB dual channel DDR2 SDRAM (667MHz - 2 DIMMs), 250GB serial ATA 3gb/s hard drive, 8x DVD/CD burner, and integrated speakers.  Take a break from work and enjoy the hybrid analog/digital TV tuner with remote control.

The system also includes Adobe Elements Studio, one year of Dell’s DataSafe Online Backup that makes restoration easy by backing up your system to a remote data storage site, and six months of free dail-up Internet access included in the price.  It can be further customized by you when you order with add-ons like wireless, webcams, warranties and environmental options like planting a tree to support reforestation.

The Windows Vista system is an Ultimate (PRODUCT) RED OS version, with the power, security and mobility of Vista enhanced with (PRODUCT) RED features like wallpapers, gadgets and unique screen savers you won’t find anywhere else.

And the karmic bonus, $80 from this sale goes to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS in Africa.  You can feel a little better about your workday while you click away on your XPS One knowing that the $80 pays for more than six months of antiretroviral treatment for one person.

With free shipping from Dell and a $40 rebate, this desktop makes everyone smile.  No code required but the rebate expires September 26, 2009.

Find more affordable desktop computers at Smarter.com.

Check out these coupons codes from top online electronic stores that will help you save some much needed cash: 

:   5% off Plus Free Shipping - ORDER0302008 (Exp: 07/31/09)
$10 off orders of $40 and over - Geeks1010 (Exp: 07/31/09)

:  Free Shipping on orders over $100 - FREESHIP (Exp: 07/25/09)
Take $25 off orders $375 or more - AF5JULY (Exp: 07/31/09)

: Take $20 off orders of $100 or more - 3A848 (Exp: 07/31/09)
$25 gift card with purchase of $150 or more - 3A865 (Exp: 07/31/09)

: $5 off orders $25 and over - EML2009 (Exp: 07/31/09)

:  Save up to 15% on select TVs and Blu-Ray players - HVD15 (Exp: 07/25/09)

Click here for more coupons and deals for top electronic stores.

The Radeon 4870 X2 has 2 GB, 750 MHz, GDDR5:  From $369.99

Graphics cards, also called video cards, can be an awesome PC accessory, especially for serious gamers, but aren’t a necessary component to operate a system for simple daily use.  If you want to see more than just 2-D, graphics cards enhance the visual experience and can handle 3-D displays better than the standard system options.

With tons to choose from, the basic requirements are simple.  Though the graphics cards are sold by different manufacturers, like ASUS and EVGA, they will generally have chipsets from either NVIDIA or AMD/ATI.  These graphics giants are constantly one-upping each other in terms of mods and pricing, keeping the market competitive and consumers on the lookout for the latest equipment developments.

Cost:

They can cost from around $50 for a simple upgrade to $500 for the latest and greatest, but unless you’re an animator, designer or even a hardcore gamer, something in the cheaper category will probably suffice.

The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285 has 1GB, 648 MHz, and GDDR3. From: $339.99.

System Requirements:

When buying a graphics card, take a look at your system requirements and choose one that fits with them.  You might find that you need to boost your power supply as graphics cards can consume a lot, possibly taking the majority of your system’s supply.  If you’re truly a dedicated gaming fan, after boosting the power you’ll most likely want to link two cards together with an SLI bridge for even better performance.

Ports: PCIEG/AGP/PCI

Most systems will have an AGP (accelerated graphics port) which allows for better performance. However, if for some reason your computer is dated from the 1990s, the graphics card will use the PCI slot on your motherboard instead of a dedicated port.  The AGP is currently being replaced with the PCI Express x16 or PCIEG, which transfers twice as fast.  You’ll find the PCI Express format to be standard on the latest graphics cards coming to market as of 2009.

Memory:

Always a factor, the more memory a graphics card has, the better it should work.  The NVIDIA or AMD/ATI chipset is partnered with DDR — high-speed memory known as double-data rate memory — and rated in MB, with GB likely becoming more common very soon.  Advances in memory have given us DDR2, GDDR4 and soon GDDR5 on newer cards.  You’ll want at least 128MB for standard use.  Higher end cards will have 512MB for those complex 3-D images.

Speed:

Another vital spec, the faster the graphics card’s memory, the better the performance will be.  Sounds familiar, right?  It makes no sense to get a card with tons of memory and no speed to apply it properly.  Clock rates are effectively between 400 MHz and 3.8 GHz.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more graphics cards.

Sources: Anandtech, HowStuffWorks , EzineArticles

It sounds really friggin cool, but I wonder if privatizing spaceflight isn’t one of the riskiest travel options to be considered?  Awesomeness aside, commercial airplanes have enough problems, though touted to be safer than driving in a car, and yet my tummy gets butterflies of excitement at the very thought of seeing the Earth in a way that only a handful of people ever will.  Here’s my quick list of pros and cons on the subject:

Pro:
AWESOME! I may have already said that.  Looking out the window and realizing you’re nowhere near solid ground would be unforgettable, mind-blowing and life-changing.  Seeing something that we normally regard as huge reduced to a beach ball sized orb would really put things in perspective.

Con:
Listening to endless renditions from other passengers of “It’s A Small World” or “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” once you hit orbit.

Pro:
Experiencing something only a limited number of people ever have or ever will, and in a sense, being a part of history.  I wonder what the new name for the “Mile-High Club” will be?

Con:
Airsickness in zero or low gravity.  Having it happen to someone next to you on a regular flight is bad enough.  Having to ask someone to “keep that to yourself” is a whole other level of gross.  Does Dramamine work in suborbit?

Pro:
Because only a few people have accomplished this feat, there’s got to be some sort of merit badge or ceremonial certificate deal you can display with pride on the wall after your successful return.  And like skydiving, I’m sure there will be packages to purchase photos and video of the journey.

Con:
Which also bring me to the biggest con — price.  At $35 million, I for one would have to save every dollar I’ve ever made, ever will make plus rob a few banks to make that deposit.  However, Virgin Galactic (yep, Galactic) has a plan to take tourists on suborbital flights as early as 2011 for the bargain price of $200,000.

Source: CNN, valleywag.gawker.com