Handy Gadgets

Have a suspicion something is going on which needs to be monitored? One possible solution would be to install the Swann Micro DVR which would provide continuous video monitoring up to forty four hours. 'The Micro DVR is an all-in-one digital video recording system that is loaded with features which make it an ideal solution for covert surveillance. The Micro DVR features a built-in color camera, 128MB of memory and a LCD screen for viewing and playback. Recording can be programmed into the DVR through easy to use on-screen menus or triggered either through video motion detection or sound detection options. Memory expansion and data backup is made easy through the addition of a USB memory stick, which can capture an additional 20 hours of data. The unit is powered by a Li-Ion rechargeable battery which can last up to 24 hours; for long-term operation, the Micro DVR can run off the AC adaptor. Recordings are easily exported to the users PC in the form of AVI and JPEG files via the software which is included with the Micro DVR. The entire device is concealed in a robust housing, making the Micro DVR covert and durable.'

Read: Digital Video Recorder is suitable for covert surveillance. - Thomas Net

Posted by Admin at 11:08 AM | Permalink

The Ryobi One+ is a mono FM radio which is supposed to run a full eight hours on a single One+ battery charge. This radio therefore joins the lineup of tools and gadgets which Ryobi powers with its ONE+ batteries. 'Digital tuning gives you crisp, clear FM reception – and an auxiliary MP3 input lets you choose the tunes and play your favorites. Time flies when you’re having tunes!'

Features:
• 3.5” speaker delivers quality sound.
• Low battery indicator tells you when to change and recharge batteries.
• Audio player holder lets you mount your MP3 or CD player to the radio using the player’s belt clip.
• 3.5mm auxiliary cable (included) makes player hookup easy.
• Battery and charger sold separately to minimize your total tool costs.

Ryobi Product Page Via: Toolmonger

Posted by Admin at 3:41 PM | Permalink

The Clarity P400 telephone is intended for use by those who "experience a mild to moderate hearing loss or other factors that may limit a person's ability to comfortably use a telephone". "As America ages, it is faced with myriad issues impacting quality of life," said Matt Hutchinson, Director of Marketing for Clarity. "While our main focus has always been on providing solutions to the millions of Americans who experience a hearing loss, there are many people faced with conditions that may affect their ability to remain close to friends and family. With the Clarity P400 telephone, we have an opportunity to positively impact the lives of those who face hearing loss, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other limiting conditions."

Read: Corded Phone facilitates communication for hard-of-hearing. - Thomas Net

Posted by Admin at 4:09 PM | Permalink

With the recent flurry of eight and ten megapixel camera products coming on the scene, there may not be much enthusiasm among camera buffs for any device offering a paltry three megapixels. However, the $70 Keychain Camera from Hammacher Schlemmer will surely find many a ready buyer eager to pick this latest novelty device. 'This three megapixel camera is small enough to fit on a keychain and operates as a still, video, and PC camera, its fixed focus lends providing up to 2560 x 2048 resolution in still mode, 320 x 240 frame rate for up to 100 seconds of footage in video mode, and 640 x 480 resolution for PC mode. The cameras viewfinder slides out of its integral case and includes an easy to read LCD. It has 8 MB of synchronous dynamic random access memory and an SD card slot is included for additional storage. A USB port supports convenient downloads. Requires one AAA battery. 1 1/2" H x 2 1/2" W x 3/4" D. (1/2 oz.)'

Hammacher Schlemmer Keychain Camera Via: Oh Gizmo

Posted by Admin at 2:24 PM | Permalink

Steve Guttenberg writing over at ZDNET has reviewed the Yamaha RX-N600 6.1channel network home theater receiver. 'Over the last past few years, the A/V receiver's role as a home-theater control center has expanded with the times. So while most buyers will hook up only their DVD player, cable box, and possibly a game console, an ever-increasing number of consumers would also like to use the receiver to play music from their ever-increasing digital audio collection--be it in the form of a satellite radio subscription, Internet radio, an MP3 collection on their PC hard drive, portable music player, or--of course--the iPod. That makes a lot of sense to us, since a home theater probably has higher-quality speakers than a computer's, and an A/V receiver's electronics are better and more powerful than a computer's sound card. With the RX-N600 receiver ($600), Yamaha covered those new connectivity requirements and didn't neglect sound quality. There are just two problems. First, serious digital music fans will lament some of the restrictions on the product's MP3-streaming capabilities. Secondly, the otherwise amply endowed Yamaha lacks HDMI switching, a feature that's growing increasingly critical for anyone who's serious about home theater.'

Read: Yamaha RX-N600 - ZDNET

Posted by Admin at 1:55 PM | Permalink

The Round Led Lantern available from ThinkGeek would make for a very neat decoration in and around around your home. Unlike the traditional lampion (oil or candle burning lamp) there is the absence of the potential hazard from an exposed flame. 'It's a modern version of the classic paper and wood round lantern, but instead of candle or oil this lamp is illuminated by LED. The LED light can be switched to either slowly cycle through its entire color range or it can be paused on a specific color. A great light for backyard parties or decoration, it can be collapsed for easy storage.'

Features:
• Lantern collapses for easy storage
• LED can be switched to produce either constantly changing colors or be stopped on a single color
• Included Battery/Light source is easily removable
• Battery (4.5V) gives up to 100 hours of LED light
• Indoor or outdoor use
• Made from plastic (not paper or wood)
• Dimensions: about 8" diameter

Source: ThinkGeek

Posted by Admin at 5:21 AM | Permalink

Fed up with all those wires running from one component to the next of your home entertainment center? Maybe you will have to tolerate the "wired" connections for some time as manufacturers come on board with "bluetooth" compliant products. The Parrot Wireless Speakers however represent a useful example of the skilful application of wireless technology to one feature of home audio equipment. 'According to Parrot, Bluetooth is the future. In fact, they're so confident in this that they deal exclusively in Bluetooth enabled devices - everything from picture frames to speakers. Their wireless speakers, or SOUND SPEAKERS as they've rather shoutily dubbed them, incorporate two 60W speakers with integrated amplifier, which use Bluetooth to stream music from your mobile phone, MP3 player or computer, as long as they support the A2DP Bluetooth profile.'

Read: Review: Parrot Wireless Speakers - Tech Digest

Posted by Admin at 3:20 PM | Permalink

Riyad Emeran writing over at Trusted Reviews provides some insights into the much anticipated Nintendo Wii gaming console. ‘Nintendo has always promised that it would be making the Wii affordable, but last week’s unofficial announcement that the console would cost £149 turned out to be inaccurate, with Nintendo announcing a retail price of £179. This compares to pricing of €249 and $249 – once again proving that our friends over the pond get a slightly better deal than us Brits. That said, it’s still an affordable price point, especially when you consider what you’re getting in the box. It’s been a long time since I bought a games console that had a game free in the box. In fact I’d probably have to go as far back as the Sega Master System, if my memory serves me correctly. As everyone had been hoping for months, Nintendo will be bundling Wii Sports with the console, and you couldn’t ask for a better game to demonstrate the true individuality and pure entertainment that the Wii offers.’

Read: Nintendo Wii Preview - Trusted Reviews

Posted by Admin at 8:42 PM | Permalink

The Polycom Communicator removes the hassle of having to "struggle" with headphones when seeking to receive or send calls over the Internet. 'The Polycom Communicator, a cobranded USB speakerphone that makes calls over the Internet using Skype, offers an untethered communication experience that on-the-go users will appreciate. Installation is a breeze; simply load the software, reboot, and plug the unit in using the conveniently integrated USB cord (which also powers the device). The program features a helpful diagnostic utility you can choose to run should hiccups occur.'

Read: Polycom Communicator - Laptop Mag

Posted by Admin at 11:59 PM | Permalink

SpotStop has come upon a pretty unique gadget which in this era of convergence should come as no surprise. The Melitta ME1MSB Smart Brew coffeemaker which becomes available to consumers in November will provide updated weather information among its set of nifty features. 'Not only does the coffeemaker brew great-tasting coffee, it also provides animated weather information on its large, bright-blue backlit LCD display. MSN Direct region-specific up-to-the-minute weather information is transmitted via an FM signal within minutes of plugging in the coffeemaker--there's no set-up, subscription, or Internet connection required. The appliance displays the current temperature and conditions, high and low temperatures, and chance of precipitation, as well as four-day weather forecasts. The coffeemaker also displays scrolling weather information; visibility; sunrise/sunset time; the UV index; and national weather-service warnings and alerts (the display flashes when a warning alert is issued)'

Read: Melitta ME1MSB Smart Brew Coffeemaker With MSN Direct - SpotStop Via: Engadget

Posted by Admin at 2:45 PM | Permalink

If you are on the lookout for a "relatively cheap" digital picture album to show-off your digital pics to your friends, check out this CNET review of the Royal PF56 which, while not possessing any internal memory, offers some basic features to allow the manipulation of photos. 'Like a lot digital photo frames, the Royal PF56's frame itself, made of basic black plastic, is significantly bigger than the display itself. Technically, this model measures 7.5 by 5.9 by 1.4 inches (WHD), but the display's real dimensions are approximately 4.5 inches long by 3.45 inches tall. A support arm around back swivels to allow you to orient the stand vertically as well as horizontally. And on the bottom of the frame, you'll find a threaded hole for a tripodlike stand (not included). A 12-volt AC adapter plugs into the back of the unit and powers it. The promo copy on the box says the frame is wall-mountable, but we weren't sure how you'd go about doing that without the key-hole slot we've seen on some digital photo frames.'

Read: Royal PF56 Digital Picture Album - CNET

Posted by Admin at 5:41 AM | Permalink

A review of the TiVo Series3 DVR has been posted over at Engadget 'The TiVo interface is exactly what you'd expect: after all these years, the competition still hasn't been able to match the intuitiveness, ease, and power of the original DVR. Familiar features such as Wishlists, Suggestions, and Season Passes are present. Music and photo streaming from Mac or PC also work as expected. Toggling between tuners can be performed via the programming info menu or by pressing the LiveTV button on the remote. Any two incoming signals can be recorded simultaneously with the option of watching a third signal of recorded content.'

Read: Hands-on with the TiVo Series3! - Engadget

Posted by Admin at 4:56 AM | Permalink

When was the last time you came across a good "old-fashioned" radio [AM/FM analog potable receiver]? They are still around and lets hope for a long time to come. 'A simple, needle and dial tuner design everyone enjoys. The 6-inch speaker and 2-inch tweeter provide very good music audio quality when compared to other AM/FM portable radios. The eight-inch ferrite and specially tuned AM circuits offer excellent AM performance. Features separate bass and treble controls, 1/8" (3.5 mm) headphone jack, and a wide/narrow band reception setting. Runs on included AC power cord or (6) "D" size batteries (not included.) Weight: 5 lbs. Size: 12.5" W x 8" H x 3" D.' The GE Super Radio III available from C. Crane for $39.95 should provide adequate access to programming provided by traditional media.

Source: C. Crane

Posted by Admin at 4:09 AM | Permalink

The Hands-Fee Umbrella is a useful concept, however, I trust the umbrella is a quality item since, with or without the "holder", you would expect the brolly to do the job for which it has been purchased and not turn "inside out" at the first puff of wind. Since there is seldom rain without wind, the umbrella should probably be carried in the traditional manner until you are confident of having it strapped to your person and then with both hands free just in case there is an emergency. 'This unique umbrella has a special holder that fits comfortably over your shoulder and under your arm so you can keep both hands free in the rain to easily carry groceries, packages, suitcases, etc. Also great to use for sporting events when you don't want to hold an umbrella for hours. Full-sized 40" umbrella has a push button for easy opening.'

Product Page Via: Coolest Gadgets

Posted by Admin at 4:36 PM | Permalink

Electrolux seems to be making a serious bid for a presence in your kitchen with their new Infinite Cooking System which uses induction technology to heat your pot of food while allowing the "stove" to remain cool. 'The pot becomes the heating element while the cooktop remains cool. Induction cooking is precise. Temperature changes are instantaneous and, for the purposes of keeping foods warm, can remain constant indefinitely without over-cooking. As the cook surface remains cool, foods do not burn or stick, making cleanup easy. And, compared to either gas or electric cooktops, energy consumption is significantly less.' The cooktop which is available in two sizes, 30-inch and 36-inch is set for release in the latter part of the year.

Electrolux Product Page Via: Oh Gizmo; Born Rich

Posted by Admin at 1:45 PM | Permalink

The review of the Safe Lites BeaconWear vest over at Web Bike World should be of particular interest to bicycle and motorcycle riders since the issue of visibility could have a direct impact on the avoidance of collisions. 'The Safe Lites BeaconWear vest features a new type of patented electroluminescent lighted safety strip technology called "GlowSkin". These are sewn into the vest on top of the reflective stripes and they are covered with clear vinyl. The GlowSkin strips are not LED lights; GlowSkin is a very interesting product that is very lightweight and not much thicker than a piece of paper, yet the entire fabric glows when the vest is powered on.'

Read: Safe Lites BeaconWear Lighted Safety Vest - Web Bike World

Posted by Admin at 5:43 AM | Permalink

A review of the Creative Zen Vision W (30GB) media player hs been posted over at CNET. 'Look around. There're plenty of people who seem to be perfectly content with watching videos on their too-tiny screens. Mobile phones and miniature flash-based MP3 players are the general causes of squinty eyes. But take a look at dedicated video players like the monstrous Archos AV700 with the 7-inch screen and things assume a new perspective. Yet, with large screens, size would naturally weigh in. When the Zen Vision first burst onto the scene, there were several rave reviews with some thinking it was a good compromise between screen real estate and weight.'

Read: Creative Zen Vision W (30GB) - CNET

Posted by Admin at 4:14 PM | Permalink

The popular BlackBerry email device has been upgraded with the addition of a slew of multimedia features including a 1.3-megapixel camera, music and video playback, expandable memory, and a mapping application. ‘The RIM BlackBerry Pearl wasn't exactly a hidden gem. Specs and images of the Pearl (a.k.a. the 8100, a.k.a. the Stealth) leaked onto the Web about a month ago, and Research in Motion certainly made no secret that it planned to release devices with integrated multimedia capabilities, though it never named a specific product or release date. However, today RIM along with T-Mobile officially introduced the BlackBerry Pearl to the world, the first BlackBerry to offer a built-in camera, video and music playback, and expandable media. While we certainly welcome these additions, the Pearl isn't offering anything revolutionary; most smart phones today have the same capabilities and offer more functionality, such as video recording. That said, we think the Pearl's sleek form factor and new features, coupled with the BlackBerry's heralded e-mail capabilities, will be a draw for business users and consumers alike. Plus, for T-Mobile customers, it offers a nice compromise between the youth-friendly T-Mobile Sidekick 3 and the more corporate-oriented RIM BlackBerry 8700g. The price is also right at $199.99 with a two-year contract ($249.99 with a one-year contract). The RIM BlackBerry Pearl will be available for purchase starting September 12.’

Read: RIM BlackBerry Pearl Review - CNET

Posted by Admin at 4:08 AM | Permalink

This is one flexible piece of furniture which I am sure would take some getting used to. We have been accustomed to a sofa being a sofa and a bunk bed for the kids being nothing else but at what point and in which location does the transformation occur from sofa to bunk bed. Of course this item would be a "God-send' in situations where space is limited. 'Doc, A sofa that can be used as a bed isn't exactly something new, but a sofa that can be transformed into a bunk bed - now that is cool. The sofa covers are removable and after some "simple movements" you'll have a bunk bed with a ladder and a protection guard.'

Source: BonBon Trading Via: The Gadgets Weblog

Posted by Admin at 6:47 PM | Permalink

If you are disposed to the idea of decorating your home with lighting images you maybe more than interested in the light display projector from Hammacher Schlemmer which does the job without the hassles involved with manual installation. 'Instead of spending hours up a ladder attaching lights to your house, take a few minutes to set this weatherproof light projector on your front lawn and transform your homes entire facade into an illuminated snowscape. The projector creates gently falling snow flurries or other images across a 60'-wide expanse by directing a bright white beam onto a rotating mirror ball. Turn the mirror ball housing and you can adjust direction (up, down, side to side, diagonal) of the flakes, while a simple switch adjusts rate of fall.'

Hammacher Product Page Via: Coolest Gadgets

Posted by Admin at 1:31 AM | Permalink

If you are truly dedicated to receiving satellite radio programming while of the go, you maybe more than interested in viewing the sleek looking Sirius Stiletto 100 portable over at Crutchfield. The Stiletto is available presently for $349.99 on pre-order. 'The next step in the evolution of SIRIUS radios has arrived — the Stiletto 100, the first portable player to offer reception of live SIRIUS signal on the go, plus up to an amazing 100 hours of SIRIUS programming storage. It offers a beautiful full-color display and easy-to-use controls, comes with a slew of useful accessories, and works with optional accessories that expand the number of places and ways you can listen to SIRIUS.'

Product Page Crutchfield

Posted by Admin at 9:24 AM | Permalink

The Softspeaker pillow speaker available from C. Crane for $14.95 allows you to listen to your radio while lying in your bed without the worry of the sound being a bother to others. ‘The first of its kind, the SoftSpeaker Pillow Speaker is the perfect combination of comfort, privacy and quality. Plug it into the earphone jack of any radio, put the speaker on your pillow, and listen in. The speaker is padded in soft foam, with a cover so teddy-bear soft, that you can rest your ear right on it. That means you can set the volume low and still enjoy the highest music and voice fidelity ever available in a pillow speaker. The quality construction of the speaker and the fine craftsmanship of the soft, removable cover ensure that you’ll enjoy reliable, crystal clear sound.’

Product Page C.Crane

Posted by Admin at 4:32 AM | Permalink

The Jetboil PCS (Personal Cooking System) with its ease of use “push button” operation in the preparation of coffee, tea and “hot food” would definitely appeal to persons on leisure activities such as camping or kayaking but this item seems also to be a serious candidate for inclusion among the other necessities of your family's emergency kit. ‘The PCS integrates a 1 liter insulated hard-anodized aluminum cooking cup, high-performance burner base with built-in piezoelectric igniter, drink-through plastic lid, and protective bottom cover that doubles as a measuring cup. With all components, including fuel, packed comfortably within the cooking cup, the entire PCS is smaller than a Nalgene bottle.’

Jetboil Product Page Via: Popgadget

Posted by Admin at 1:06 AM | Permalink

CNET has reviewed the stylish Sony NW-E000 flash MP3 player.‘The Sony NW-E000 comes in three capacities, each with a different model number: there's the 512MB NW-E002 (available in blue), the 1GB NW-E003 (pink or silver), and the 2GB NW-E005 (green, violet, or black). For this review, I got my hands on the green NW-E005 and it's quite a stunner. The NW-E000 takes its design cues from the NW-E500 series and the larger NW-A1200 with a metallic (and colorful) plastic casing that wraps around the front and sides of the player, protecting a single-line OLED display (which is unfortunately next to impossible to read in bright sunlight). Brushed-silver buttons for Play/Pause/Power and Folder/Home reside to the right of the screen and complement the brightly colored device. Left of the screen is the built-in USB adapter, which is covered by a matching brushed-silver cap. I expected this silver accenting to extend to the rear of the device, but instead, when you flip it over, you discover that it's enshrouded in bright, matte plastic in the same color as the device--not unattractive at all, but I'd have preferred the brushed silver.’

Read: Sony NW-E005 (2GB, green) - CNET

Posted by Admin at 12:19 PM | Permalink

Tech Republic previews the “Internet Edition” of the N80 multimedia phone which was announced on Thursday.‘The N80 Internet Edition can be used as both a cell phone and a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone. Users can download and use software for any VoIP service, according to Nokia. In addition to handling work-related functions such as e-mail and text-messaging, the Wi-Fi-capable multimedia phone allows users to find and map locations, take pictures, share photos, browse a book, and record and send instant voice messages.’

Read: Nokia unveils N80 multimedia phone – Tech Republic

Posted by Admin at 10:25 AM | Permalink

The cute looking Sony WALKMAN NW-S200 Series Sports MP3 Player which was launched yesterday will no doubt have its work cut out commanding a decent share of the market coming up against the plethora of digital audio/video players presently available. 'The Walkman NW-S200 Series Sports MP3 Players are compact and lightweight, yet packed with unique features. These include a durable, water-resistant body; various playback options including "Music Pacer" and "Shuffle Shake" functions, FM tuner and integral sports counters. In sleek and seamless aluminium, the NW-E200 Series can withstand water splashes from wet hands, perspiration or outdoor use, even in wet or snowy weather conditions. At the same time its stylish "stick & ring" design in silver, pink or black will appeal to those who just want their MP3 player to look good.'

Read: Press Release Sony

Posted by Admin at 2:41 PM | Permalink