Gadgets Blog » This Week in Gadgets

Logitech Keyboards: Company Goes Eco-Friendly

Dan Evans — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:27:38 +0000

Logitech is a technology company that has seen several changes in the industry over the last decade. It was Logitech, after all, that was on the forefront of the wireless periphery market, bringing computer pointing devices and keyboards to consumers without the need to be plugged directly into their computer.

Today’s gadget from the company comes boasting a brand-new feature, one that’s come on calculators for some time, but never on a computer device. The new Logitech keyboard, K750, is wireless, yes, but it doesn’t require batteries or charges from the computer; instead, it runs entirely on solar energy.

From an engineering standpoint, the K750 is remarkable. Solar panels installed in the top portion of the device provide the electric charge for its internal lithium-ion battery. Unlike the batteries powering the aforementioned solar calculators, the K750 boasts an impressive battery life that doesn’t require direct sunlight on a regular basis. Simply charging the unit to its maximum allows the device to operate in darkness for up to three months.

It’s a great idea, one that combines solar energy with a healthy dose of connivance. Although users will be able to charge the device quickly, my experiences with other battery-operated devices indicate that it will begin losing power as soon as I have to do something important.

The K750 features a sleek design that has become a staple of modern peripherals. At just over a quarter-inch thick, its footprint on your desk is small and attractive. The keys themselves are of the “chicklet” design, each contoured in a unique way to help guide your hands and assist with typing.

Logitech really went all out with its environmentally friendly idea, as well, even incorporating it into the construction of the keyboard. PVC-free and 100-percent recyclable, it is revolutionary, and I’m quite impressed to see a tech company back up their environmentally friendly claims with an excellent product.

The keyboard was designed with Windows users in mind, but Mac addicts will be able to use it for their computing needs, as well. At 2.4 GHz, the wireless connection runs smoothly, with minimal delay in typing or drop-outs. The Logitech K750 hits the North American market later this month, with a European release slated for later this year. List price stands at $80, which is a little steep, but given the quality of the product, it is understandable. Keep an eye out for similar devices from Logitech in the future.

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/iwantanimac/2182419147

A Power Outlet for All Seasons

Dan Evans — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:13:31 +0000

Today’s remarkable gadget offers up a solution to a problem so recurring, it’s shocking that no one has invented such a device before. In areas with a high concentration of electronics, especially center such as the living room and office, power outlets become a valuable commodity. Traditional power strips offer up a means to increase the efficiency of limited outlets, but an entirely different challenge then emerges. Depending on the voltage of the device, electronics boast cords in numerous shapes and sizes. Ranging from traditional and small to large and space-consuming, plugging in a variety of items becomes a game akin to Tetris, with each piece needing to find a specific place in the puzzle.

Thankfully, this is the 21st century now, and the days of monolithic power strips are now over. The folks over at Quirky have offered us an alternative that solves every conceivable error with traditional power strips, making for a space-saving product that can handle the maximum number of electronics, regardless of the size and shape of their plugs. Taking on a flexible form, the Pivot Power can be shifted into a number of different shapes, from a straight-line to a zig-zag and a full circle. Have a plug that’s taking up too much room? Shift the shape of the device so that the oversize troublemaker can fit.

While the gadget itself is a unique idea, it also offers an opportunity to put in a plug for the website offering it, Quirky. Devised as a means by which inventors can share their ideas and gain important feedback, the website offers a unique approach to this type of discussion. For $99, users submit their idea for a product, which is then reviewed by the strong community of similarly-minded inventors. Quirky states that submitting an idea might not result in millions of dollars, but it at the very least will provide feedback for the idea, a vital part of the inventing process.

Pivot Power looks to be a lock for going into production, reaching the pre-sale limits of Quirky’s model in just a few days. Slated to cost only $25, the device will be slightly more expensive than a typical power strip, but the extra functionality should be worth the cost. If you’re interested in Quirky, or in supporting this particular gadget, check out the website. You might find something else equally exciting on the website as well!

Image Source: flickr.com/photos/pe5pe/68056517

Mixed Feelings over Google Nexus

Dan Evans — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:37:09 +0000

I have mixed feelings about Google’s upcoming release of the Nexus, the company’s debut in the realm of smartphones. On the one hand, just about everything Google has touched up to this point has turned into pure gold. Everything from search engines to cloud computing to Internet surfing (I’m a devout Chrome user) has seemingly been reinvented by Google, with features streamlined and optimized to create some of the most innovative and user-friendly products on the market. Conversely, it’s getting harder and harder to defend the company from accusations of attempted world domination.

Google is holding a press conference today to detail some of the specifics of the Nexus, and hopefully they will address the biggest question mark surrounding the phone: its price. There has been lots of speculation on this front, with estimates ranging from $199 to a staggering $530. Even at that price, Google aficionados and early adopters will likely pounce upon available phones, and given early reports of available features, they won’t be disappointed.

Central to the success of the Nexus will be the Linux-based Android operating system. We’ve already seen this program in action, thanks to the Motorola Droid, but the Nexus will feature an upgraded version of the program. This likely means little more beyond decreased load times between screens and perhaps a few streamlined aspects of the system, but again, Google has kept most of the information under wraps thus far. Much like Apple’s iPhone and Research in Motion’s Blackberry phones, there are numerous apps which can be used to customize the unit, a feature that other Android-based smartphones have demonstrated.

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Expectations are, of course, astronomically high for a device that comes bearing the Google logo. The phone was developed in close partnership with HTC, whose other smartphones on the market have demonstrated both efficiency of design and some intuitive features. At the base the device are four buttons, much like the Droid Eris with a trackball in the same vein as numerous Blackberry units. According to Wired Magazine, the Nexus will ship with an impressive 1 Ghz Snapdragon CPU, as well as 512 mb of RAM. With these types of specifications, there could be some serious computing power in the little unit.

Again, by the end of the day we’ll likely have a better picture of both availability and features, which will likely determine what sort of release the Nexus has. Perhaps Google will have some surprises up their sleeve, features that differentiate the Nexus from other smartphones on the market. At any rate, its worth keeping an eye on this gadget, if for no other reason than the Google pedigree it comes from.

Image Source: mobilecomputermag.co.uk

Beatles on iTunes: About Time

gadgets — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:20:52 +0000

Yoko, you finally did one right.

Whether it’s tomorrow or next week, avid iTunes listeners seem to finally have a real chance at getting their Beatles fixes and hopefully completing their collections at least in digital format.

I mean, really, what’s with the stonewalling anyway? So many fans are yearning for downloads and ringtones and legally acquired MySpace profile music, I’m surprised this wasn’t available sooner. Rumors, teases, all really very unkind to the music-appreciating populous. It just seemed ridiculous that I couldn’t find songs, pay for them, and complete my catalog. Yes, I was willing to PAY instead of rip.

Maybe you’re not a Beatles fan; technically, I really wasn’t until just a few years ago either. Do I need Beatles Rock Band? Probably not. But trust me, this is a good thing. Er, if it happens.

Sources: Engadget, News.com.au, scrapetv.com

Handerpants: Why?

gadgets — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:33:52 +0000

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

Blog Round-Up: This Week in Gadgets Blogs

nick — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:19:34 +0000

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