Gadgets Blog » Tricks & Tips

Green Gadgets: Bicycle Lights

colleen — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 01:31:25 +0000

In Spring 2008, Puma released a glow in the dark bicycle model that was meant to inspire “greener” travel–bike riding at night is dangerous because it’s hard for drivers to see the bike, or the bicyclist. But with the glow-in-the-dark bicycle, you don’t have to worry about that at all!

Beyond glow in the dark bikes, some of us want a little headlights on our bike, maybe back lights too. There are plenty of options, some of them battery-powered and some powered by pedaling your bike. Sounds awesome! I love riding my friends bike where I power the lights–I feel like I’m being so clean and green! Get in on the trend this Christmas and buy yourself a nice green treat before the tough weather kicks in and there’s no clear streets for biking until April.

Schwinn Xenon Head and Tail Light from Target.com: $12.99

The lights require AA (for the front light) and AAA (for the back light), which is a bit of a downfall. But Xenon is the element used in lighthouses, so you know that light is going to be BRIGHT!

Planet Bike Blinky Light : $29.95

7 Fantastic Tools For Remote Printing

gadgets — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:48:17 +0000

Image: Thomas Hawk

Remote printing makes it possible to use different computers to share printers. It also allows you to print directly from an application, such as Word, Outlook, or Photo Editor, to any printer in the world that is connected to a computer. Basically, you’re printing isn’t limited to the local printer.

Another useful feature of remote printing is to use it for faxing documents to just about any printer that you wish. This would make fax machines obsolete, which can help save money on having to buy them in the first place. It’s also possible to send a fax over the Internet to any fax machine using the same process – it’s as easy as printing a document.

There are a variety of different ways to configure a local computer to print to a remote location. Possibly the easiest way to setup remote printing from a computer to a remote printer is to use software that allows you to configure a local computer with just about any printer. When it comes to remote printing software, there are many good choices out there – some are free, some are not. Here’s a short list of easy to use applications for configuring your computer to print remotely to any printer.

1. Remote Print Manager (RPM)

RPM is a cross-platform print application that can receive documents from any type of client (Mac, Linux, PC, AS/400 etc…) and print them out to any printer. RPM will only install on a Windows-based PC, which is one of its only drawbacks. This software can also convert documents to PDF, HTML, and PCL. In all, The RPM application will allow you to print to as many as 24 printers at once.

2. Net2Printer

Net2Printer is an alternative to faxing and e-mailing documents – it can basically eliminate the need for a fax machine. The software works by turning your computer into a virtual fax machine that can send an unlimited number of faxes to any printer that that is configured to accept these transmissions. The process is very easy to do, and it makes remote printing as easy as sending an email. The software itself is free to download, but anyone who sends documents to a remote printer will have to pay an annual fee for doing so – the person receiving the faxes are not charged a fee. Overall, Net2Printer is a much more cost-effective way of sending faxes than having a dedicated fax line from the phone company.

3. PrinterShare

This remote printing software package is one of the best, and easiest, on the market right now. PrinterShare is compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac operating systems, although at this point it’s not fully-compatible with Windows Vista. The best part about this software is that it’s completely free to use, although it does include some banner advertising on prints (as most free applications do). There’s also a paid subscription option that will eliminate the banner ads, but it’s a bit more expensive than the other remote printing software alternatives.

4. The Phone Company’s Remote Printing Service (TPC)

This isn’t actually software, but it’s a way to send a fax to just about any fax machine around the world through either email or a web browser. TPC is a very useful site for sending faxes, and the process to do so is as easy as sending an email (see screenshot). The best part about this service from TPC is that it’s completely free to use. There are limitations to this service though, the main one being, only certain areas of the world are within the coverage of this service. Check TPC’s Remote Printing Coverage List to find out if they service the area you wish to fax.

5. I’m InTouch

This useful software package is perfect for someone that’s always on-the-go and needs access to their computer’s desktop from remote locations. I’m InTouch not only provides a good remote printing feature, but it also provides full access to the desktop of any computer that is configured with the software. You can gain access to the desktop of any computer via laptop, desktop computer, or other portable devices such as a Blackberry. This software is only compatible with Windows operating systems.

6. GoToMyPC

This popular software package is a lot like the I’m InTouch application in that it allows the user to access their entire desktop from their home or work computer via any computer in the world. GoToMyPC will automatically sync files and folders between computers, and it will also print to any configured computer remotely. This software is loaded with features and government-standard encryption for the highest security possible.

7. TeleDesktop

TeleDesktop is again a way to access your home or office desktop from any computer in the world. This is a Windows-based program, which is it’s main drawback, because Mac user’s are out of luck. This application will print remotely over the Internet, LAN, WAN, dial-up. Maybe the best feature of this software is the fact that it’s entirely free to download and use.

If Your Girlfriend Says No to Edible, Try Soluble!

gadgets — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:06:12 +0000

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!

Cool Green Gadget: Save Water with the ECO Showerdrop

nick — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:49:38 +0000

If you’re all about doing your part to save the planet, then you’ll love this gadget.

The ECO Showerdrop is a little device that will beep, time you and measure how much water you use during every shower. So when the next water bill comes around and it’s time to divide the water bill up between and your roommates, now you have a nice little measuring device.

“Johnny, you used 12 more gallons than me this month, that will be $20.”

Of course, if you still want to take your hour long showers, just turn the ECO Showerdrop off and resume cleaning. There’s always some way to beat this system. In this case, just remove the batteries.

Source.

Disposable Soles Stick to Feet, Keep them Clean

nick — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 16:42:53 +0000

Are you the type of person who likes to march around barefoot, but hate getting your feet dirty.

Well, even if you’re too lazy to put some slippers on or clean your floors, these new little disposable soles are just for you.

These Disposable Shoes by Jun-Soo Choi are made with premade stickies and come in a ready to step on container. So all you do is step on one and away you go. These things are not only good for hygiene, but they also protect your feet from whatever danger might be on your kitchen floor.

Here’s another idea. If you’re worried about keeping your feet clean, how about taping some Swiffers to your feet and popping on a little Footloose by Kenny Loggins and make like Kevin Bacon and scrub them floors!

I’m just throwing that out there.

To check out disposable slippers on Smarter.com, click here.

Source: Yanko Design

Make an iPhone/iPod Touch Stand from a Dollar

nick — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:38:57 +0000

If you’ve bought an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch lately, then I know you have a dollar to spare. Or maybe a $100 dollar bill if you’re really a high roller.

Either way, get one of and in this video I found on Gizmodo, Swiss photographer and graphic designer Enrique Pardo will show you how to make a stand for your little device.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Source: Gizmodo

Fun Gift for Everyone: TwistTogether Lamp

nick — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 21:53:25 +0000

Looking for a gift that is good for anyone?

The TwistTogether Lamp is a perfect gift for everyone of all ages. They look fun and you can build your own design to personalize your room. You just attach them together like building blocks and change it up a bit with all the different colors.

I can see myself trying to see how many I could attach together, circling them around my room until it starting raining blocks on my head when I’m passed out.

But at $109 for a set of four, this hobby might become a bit expensive.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

Source: OhGizmo! via Glide

Rumor: iPhone Purchases up to Five a Person

nick — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 21:16:13 +0000

If you’re willing to fork out some cash, a rumor floating around has said that the number of iPhones available to for purchase per person has gone up from three to five.

There hasn’t been any formal announcement, but according to an anonymous tip sent to Gizmodo, Apple will allow you to purchase up to five iPhones without giving you any hassle.

Source: Gizmodo

How To Become “Batman” with an Umbrella

nick — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:45:33 +0000

If you’re like most of us who like to wait until the last minute to piece together a cool costume, here’s a little tutorial to help you grow some batwings with an umbrella.

You won’t exactly look like the Cape Crusader, but hey, what do you expect? At least it’ll be a conversation started.

Click here to build your own costume.

Source: Craft

Edward Scissorhands Gets an “A” in Art Class

nick — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:38:42 +0000

Actually, the character brought to life by Tim Burton didn’t really make this silly, rather it was molded together by Christopher Locke, who makes spider-sculptures from scissors that are confiscated at airports. Apparently you can buy the hardware at TSA auctions.

Want to build your own? Chris shows you how on his website and while you’re there, check out his portfolio of his other works.

Click here to go to The Heartless Machine to build your own today.

Source: BoingBoing, The Heartless Machine