Handy Gadgets

SafetyBright.com has introduced the 4in1 Car Emergency Tool and Flashlight which is on offer for $14.95 through 8/17/08.

Features:
• Strong magnet on the bottom that attaches to any metal surface
• 9 flashing LED's on the sides
• 1 white bulb on the top use as flashlight
• Seat belt cutter
• Glass break hammer
• Water proof
• Two AA batteries included

Continue reading "4 in 1 Emergency Tool/Flashlight For $14.95 @ Safety Bright" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 12:33 PM | Permalink

Auto Express have published their review of eight compact safes designed to protect your valuables in your motor vehicle. 'Top priority here is size, as a safe is no use if it can’t take all your kit. Each product had to accommodate at least an iPod, a widescreen sat-nav and a mobile phone. Looking tough alone isn’t enough, so we attacked them using only basic, easy-to-carry tools such as screwdrivers – the kind of gear opportunist thieves wander round with. Price was our final consideration.'

Continue reading "Auto Express Reviews Portable Security Safes" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:21 PM | Permalink

Auto Express have published a review of ten car roof boxes. 'Rocketing fuel prices and the desire to shrink our carbon footprint has led more of us to downsize our cars. It is little hardship – until holiday time, when it's not so easy to shrink your luggage. One solution is to fit a roofbox, as these can turn virtually any car into a large saloon or estate – but only when you need the extra space. Designs have improved in recent times, with boxes being better made and, importantly, easier to fit. The days of stretching across the roof trying to line up U-bolts and wing nuts are limited, as increasing numbers of boxes now open from both sides, allowing easy access all round. So going green and on holiday is possible, but which is the box to keep your carbon footprint in check?'

Continue reading "Roof Boxes Review - Auto Express" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:06 PM | Permalink

Press Release

MINNEAPOLIS—(January 29, 2008)—Tennant Company (NYSE: TNC), a world leader in designing, manufacturing and marketing solutions that create a cleaner, safer world, today introduces its S30 Mid-size Rider Sweeper. Through a number of industry-leading innovations, the S30 delivers unprecedented performance and value in both indoor and outdoor environments.

“The Tennant S30 was designed with direct customer input to ensure it delivers exactly what our customers want and need when it comes to large-area sweeping and dust control,” said Steven Coopersmith, vice president of global marketing for Tennant Company. “A reliable and durable machine, the S30 offers the industrial marketplace an opportunity to improve productivity, performance and safety while reducing operating costs.”

Continue reading "New Tennant S30 Mid-Sized Rider Sweeper Offers Quiet, Productive Indoor/Outdoor Sweeping and Improves Operator Comfort and Safety" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 3:55 PM | Permalink

A review of the Nextar Snap3 GPS Navigation System with MP3 + Bluetooth has been posted over at CNET. 'The Nextar Snap3 has a simple design and compact frame at 3.9 inches wide by 3 inches tall by 0.6 inch deep, so you'll have no problem carting this petite portable navigation system between vehicles. The front features a 3.5-inch touch screen that's bright and readable in various lighting conditions. That said, the display doesn't quite have the sharpness or crispness of some of the other systems we've tested.

Continue reading " Nextar Snap3 GPS Navigation System Review - CNET" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:18 PM | Permalink

Auto Express have published a review of eight double DIN units. 'For years, music enthusiasts have been swapping their car’s standard stereo for one that delivers a better-quality sound. But the current trend for double height systems has left many drivers stuck with their original kit. ICE makers have been quick to respond, and there is a range of alternatives for vehicles boasting the tall double DIN systems. But why change? Well, music technology is moving faster than car makers can respond. Accessory pricing and trim options are fixed a long way in advance, and often linked to extras such as leather, dark glass and air-con. But you can tailor an aftermarket unit to what you need, and save cash on list prices.'

Continue reading "Auto Express Reviews Eight Double DIN Units" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:12 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of the Venturi Mini car tech device which streams stereo audio through the in-car sound system for music playback and hands-free calling. 'The Venturi Mini has a compact design and a flexible and adjustable profile, enabling it to be plugged into even the most awkwardly placed 12-volt adapters. Its hinged design makes it easy to adjust the orientation of the bright, white-on-black OLED display and push-button controls. Programming of the Venturi Mini's phone and music playback functions and access to its menus is straightforward, thanks to a number of intelligently designed and positioned controls. The front of the device comprises two sets of clearly labeled buttons: two Mode keys (one for music, one for phone); and two colored keys that serve as multifunction buttons for playing and stopping music, answering or rejecting calls, and confirming or rejecting set-up menu options.'

Continue reading "Venturi Mini Review - CNET" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:44 PM | Permalink

Auto Express have published the results of their annual review of several automotive headlight bulbs. 'For this year’s test, we concentrated on the single-filament H7 – the most popular halogen bulb in Europe. Performance versions have been around for some time, offering 30, 50 and 60 per cent more light 75 metres in front of the car. But the past 12 months have seen the arrival of 80 and 90 per cent versions. Do they work? We test the leading standard, plus 30, plus 50 and higher (we list them as 50 plus) and blue bulbs, as well as one designed for off-road use, to deliver our verdict.'

Continue reading "Automotive Headlight Bulb Review - Auto Express" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:28 PM | Permalink

A review of the Magellan CrossoverGPS device has been posted over at PC Authority. 'GPS specialist, Magellan, enters the consumer driver space with its CrossoverGPS, which is unique in that it caters for road, hiking/off-road and nautical navigation.A transflective screen makes it easy to view it outdoors and battery life is quoted at a whopping 8hrs (more than double that of most units). In fact, after three hours hiking with the backlight turned down, the battery dropped less than 20%. It also comes with a ruggedised sleeve to protect from drops and the map data comes from Navteq.'

Continue reading "Magellan CrossoverGPS Review - PC Authority" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 3:43 PM | Permalink

A review of the Alpine IVA-W205 In-dash DVD/CD receiver has been posted over at CNET. 'In its physical appearance, the IVA-W205 uses a similar design to that of its predecessor in the Alpine lineup, the IVA-W200. A number of hard buttons across the bottom of the bezel can be used to switch between sources and different screens, as well as for controlling volume and power. Most other controls are available on the system's 6.5-inch LCD touch screen, which, like that of the IVA-W200, features Alpine's "Pulsetouch" tactile feedback--a physical vibration designed to let users know when they have made a selection. In general, we like the size of the touch screen and the large, well-labeled soft buttons, which make it easy to make selections while driving along or when stopped in traffic. The Pulsetouch feature can take a while to get used to: We found that it works fine if you push a button quickly, but, if you hold it down, the screen throbs with a disconcerting machine-gun-like noise.'

Continue reading "Review: Alpine IVA-W205 In-Dash DVD/CD Receiver - CNET" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:29 PM | Permalink

A review of the Mio Digiwalker C320 satellite navigation device has been posted over at Computeractive. 'The Mio C320 is a sleek-looking, black unit that houses a clear and bright 4.3in touch-sensitive widescreen. The screen can be split into two, giving users the option to have the route displayed on one side while viewing speed, time, points of interest or route information on the other. It's something that may come in handy for those who don’t want to have to navigate out of the journey planner to view those details. The C320 uses a fast and accurate GPS receiver, which can pick up satellite signals at a decent rate, but since this chip is common among navigation units nowadays, we didn’t notice much of a difference when we turned the device on.'

Continue reading " Review: Mio Digiwalker C320 Satellite Navigation - Computeractive" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 12:12 PM | Permalink

Pocket-Lint have published a review of the iStuff iCast FM transmitter which allows you to wirelessly play your tunes through any FM radio. ‘On the surface the iCast looks like any other FM transmitter, its small, connects to your iPod or MP3 player via the headphone jack and then transmits your signal (and therefore tunes) to a nearby radio that you've happened to have turned on. With car manufacturers only now just adding AUX in sockets to the car stereo and the FM transmitter becoming legal in the UK it's a good chance to get your tunes shared, but one of the biggest problems is fining a spare frequency to broadcast to.’

Continue reading "Review: iStuff iCast FM Transmitter – Pocket-Lint" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:43 AM | Permalink

A review of the Pioneer inno Portable XM Radio/MP3 Player has been posted over at The Gadgeteer. ‘The Inno is roughly the same size as other portable music players. It feels quite solid and has a nice heft to it without feeling unusually overweight. The only flaw in the Inno’s construction is that the edges of the brushed metal bezel on the front are sharp, not smoothed down to the level of the surrounding case. At first I thought this only affected my Inno, but I’ve seen it mentioned in other reviews too. All in all, it’s quite portable and I have no qualms about dropping it into a pocket without a case. The back of the Inno is featureless except for the battery cover and a small bump near the antenna, and a corresponding bump on the other corner which allows the Inno to not be lopsided if you lay it on its back.’

Continue reading "Review: Pioneer inno Portable XM Radio – The Gadgeteer" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:46 AM | Permalink

Dave Moore writing over at the Stuff.co.nz provides some insights on the new compact Renault Twingo. 'Renault sold more than 2.4 million of its original Twingo, which was launched in April 1993. The company could have sold an awful lot more than that, however, as the car was never made available in countries that drive on the left-hand side of the road. Despite this, hundreds of Twingos were privately imported to Britain, and even now used examples often commend a higher resale price there than their correctly-configured competitors from other brands.'

Continue reading "Renault Twingo Preview at Stuff.co.nz" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:07 PM | Permalink

CNET have published a review of JVC's KD-HDR1 CD player which includes a built-in HD Radio tuner. 'Like other products from JVC's KD range we've seen, the single-DIN-size KD HDR1 features a well-designed control interface with a good combination of buttons and dials for selecting and .tweaking audio sources. On the left of the KD HDR1's faceplate, a backlit D pad provides the means of skipping tracks and folders (for disc-based audio) and radio channels (including multicast programs on HD radio); it also acts as a proxy control interface for iPods, which are connected via an optional module. A volume dial and a standard row of hard buttons along the bottom of the system's single-line monochrome display rounds out the picture. While we are not crazy about the size of the display and the fact that it is limited to showing eight characters at a time, it is bright enough to be visible from the driver's seat, even in direct sunlight.'

Continue reading "Review: JVC KD HDR1 CD Receiver with built-in HD Radio Tuner - CNET" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:13 PM | Permalink

CNET have reviewed the Eclipse AVN2210p CD receiver which features a built-in a docking station for its included TomTom portable navigation device. 'Apart from the hard button used to switch between map and audio view, all of the navigation functions on the Eclipse AVN2210p are controlled using the TomTom Duo's touch screen. Due to its dual functionality, the navigation screen on the Eclipse AVN2210p is far smaller than those on other double-DIN-size in-dash units. However, this size restriction does not impede functionality as much as it might, and maps and menus remain legible thanks to the TomTom's bright and colorful graphics. For digital audio playback, the Eclipse AVN2210p makes use of the same rotary volume knob/four-way push-button selector as that in the Eclipse CD3100. Curiously, disc-based audio cannot be controlled via the LCD touch screen, but media played via the USB port can.'

Continue reading "Eclipse AVN2210p - CNET" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:43 AM | Permalink

The new ZAP Xebra PK electric truck is powered by lead acid battery, weighs 1,820 lb and seats up to 2 people. 'The unique, quiet and affordable little truck promises to tote a payload of up to 300 lbs at a speed up to 40 miles per hour and over a range of 25 miles per charge (estimated 40 miles per day with opportunity charging). An onboard 110V AC charger is included with the vehicle so charging of the lead acid battery may take place at any available 110volt outlet. Zap has added accessories to help extend battery life, like an optional solar panel, a longer range battery pack, and even a fast-charger that can recharge the XEBRA in under an hour.'

Continue reading "The ZAP Electric Truck" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 12:07 PM | Permalink

A review of the Eclipse CD3100 car stereo has been posted over at CNET. 'The single-DIN-size faceplate of the Eclipse CD3100 features a unique layout. To maximize space for controls and display space, the system's single disc slot is hidden behind the motorized faceplate, which drops away in a smooth, downward motion at a touch of the Eject button. Rather than using separate controls for volume and track selection (as in the setup that we just saw on the Kenwood DPX 302), the rotary volume knob doubles as a four-way push-button selector. This is a very economical design, and enables users to perform a range of selection and navigation controls using the same interface.

Continue reading "Eclipse CD3100 - CNET" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:15 PM | Permalink

The Jensen In-Dash DVD/CD Receiver plays DVDs and CDs in your vehicle with the movies being displayed on a 7" screen. Touch screen navigation makes it easier than ever to browse the multimedia functions. ‘With the faceplate stowed away, the Jensen VM9312 looks like any garden-variety single-DIN-size stereo head unit. Two rotary knobs at either end of the faceplate control volume (left) and skip/search (right), although for any sources other then AM/FM radio, the screen is essential for selecting and controlling the media. Two prominent, backlit blue buttons give drivers the ability to change source and mute the current audio on the fly. Dedicated hard buttons for opening and closing the screen, as well as for adjusting display settings, are a nice addition to the very simple faceplate design.’

Continue reading "Review: Jensen In-Dash DVD/CD Receiver - CNET" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 10:24 PM | Permalink

A "Hands-on" review of the Lancetta C-Car smart keychain which would "help you find your car when you misplace it in a parking lot", has been posted over at The Gadgeteer. 'How can this simple plastic keychain fob with a split ring for all of your car and house keys help you find your car in a sea of other cars, when it doesn't use batteries, doesn't have a cellular radio built in to it, doesn't have GPS functionality or require line of sight to various satellites in space? Well keep reading and you'll find out! One end of the keychain has a liquid filled window with two halves of a car picture in it. The bottom half rotates as you turn the keychain in various directions. The top half of the car picture remains stationary but can be turned manually using the wheels on the side.'

Continue reading "Lancetta C-Car Smart Keychain - The Gadgeteer" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 12:19 PM | Permalink

BusinessWeek.com have published a review of the 2007 BMW Z4 Roadster. 'One thing I like about the Z4 Roadster is what many reviewers revile it for: its looks. Perish the thought, but the Z4 actually looks different from all the other cars on the road. The Z3, the model the Z4 replaced, had a classic, almost retro, look to it, while the Z4 is perhaps the most unabashed example of BMW designer Chris Bangle's "flame surface" styling, in which the car's sheet metal is sculpted to have multiple surfaces reminiscent of a flickering flame. Adding to its distinctiveness, the Z4 has an extra-long front end and a stubby, humped rear end with an odd little ducktail on the rear deck.'

Continue reading "2007 BMW Z4 Roadster - BusinessWeek" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:15 PM | Permalink

CNET have published their “test-driven” review of the 2007 Volkswagen GTI hatchback. ‘The two best hot hatchbacks, the Volkswagen GTI and the Honda Civic Si, showed up with new designs last year, keeping them firmly at the top of their class. But Volkswagen, not content to hold even with Honda, threw a curveball this year by adding a couple of extra doors to its car, ending up with the four-door 2007 Volkswagen GTI. Even with four doors, the GTI is a good-looking car. But we have to question Volkswagen's decision to alter a particularly fun car with the practical note of making access to the back seats easy. The rear doors might actually tempt people to use the back seat, which will add weight to the car and lessen its fun factor. Or even worse, imagine a baby seat back there, forcing the driver to temper her or his driving passion.’

Continue reading "2007 Volkswagen GTI – CNET" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 9:00 AM | Permalink

Cars.com posts some highlights of the 2008 BMW M5 Touring. ‘"Touring" is BMW's global descriptor for its wagons. The same formula BMW used to create the M5 sedan is duplicated on the Touring, only a 5 Series wagon is used in place of the sedan. Unfortunately, U.S. buyers won't get a chance to experience the M5 Touring because BMW will not likely import its superwagon to U.S. dealers.’

Continue reading "Preview: 2008 BMW M5 Touring – Cars.com" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:52 PM | Permalink

Auto Express took the Jaguar C-XF for a trial run and posted their impressions in a review of the new concept. 'The sensational new Jaguar C-XF has been unleashed by Auto Express in an exclusive test drive. We took the wheel of the S-Type replacement to see if the executive has what it takes to leap to the top of the class. While it's officially a concept, Jaguar is making no secret of the fact that the C-XF is only a thinly veiled version of the production-ready XF, scooped last week (Issue 947). With the wraps expected to be pulled off the final model at September's Frankfurt Motor Show, it's clear that Jaguar fans have something very special to look forward to.'

Continue reading "Jaguar C-XF - Auto Express" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 2:05 PM | Permalink

The Car Scoop reports on the details of the 2008 Pontiac G8 sedan. 'The G8 has a progressive styling package highlighted by strong Pontiac design cues, such as a dual-port grille, fog lamps, bold wheels and a confident, wheels-at-the-corners stance. The design accents the car’s performance lineage, with fenders that flare over the wheels, seemingly hugging the wide tires and enhancing the sporting stance.

Continue reading "2008 Pontiac G8 - Car Scoop" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 2:37 AM | Permalink

The Ford Edge SUV with HySeries Drive powertrain is the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with plug-in capability. 'Ford Motor Company unveiled the world's first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric plug-in that combines an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator with lithium-ion batteries to deliver more than 41 mpg with zero emissions. The vehicle is built on a flexible powertrain architecture that will enable Ford to use new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop without redesigning the vehicle.

Continue reading "Ford Edge with HySeries Drive - Automotive Intelligence News" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 2:34 PM | Permalink

A review of the Plantronics Discovery 665 Bluetooth headset which comes with three soft gel ear tips and an optional ear stabilizer loop has been posted over at ZDNet. 'The Discovery 665 is slimmer and more tapered than its predecessor at 0.4x0.5x2.0 inches (the 655 measures 0.6x0.5x2.0 inches), and it weighs less than 0.3 ounce. Even though it also comes in a silver and black finish, the color scheme is reversed when compared to the Discovery 655. Everything else about the Discovery 665 headset remains the same: three different rubberized ear gel pieces for your comfort, an optional flexible ear hook for more security, a simple square multifunction button on the front, as well as two tiny rubberized buttons for the volume controls underneath. As with the 655, we weren't too fond of the tiny buttons. Though they are raised from the surface of the headset, they still proved a bit tricky to press when the headset was worn on our ear.'

Continue reading "Plantronics Discovery 665 Bluetooth Headset - ZDNet" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 12:36 PM | Permalink

The Car Buyer's Notebook records approval its review of the 2007 Volvo XC9 SUV. 'For 2007, the XC90 gets an all-new 3.2-liter in-line six-cylinder engine that replaces the previous five cylinder, resulting in 235 horsepower, an increase of 27 hp, and an identical 236 lb.-ft. of torque. Volvo is still offering the V8 option that develops 311 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. The new 6-cylinder and the V8 both meet the stringent ULEV II emissions standards. The new six-cylinder, which we drove, indeed produces enough power so that potential buyers don't have to automatically default to the V8 if they're looking to ensure they have enough power -- the six delivers.'

Continue reading "2007 Volvo XC90 - Car Buyer's Notebook" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 4:07 PM | Permalink

Even if you do not like convertibles you would have to make an exception for the new Rolls-Royce Corniche which, though not yet available for test drives, would certainly do wonders for your profile were you to be spotted in the driver's seat at some point in time 'Under the hood, it will probably sport a 6.8-Liter V12 engine which is also found in the current Phantom line-up. With seating for 4 passengers, the Corniche Convertible will use many elements from the EX concepts, including the teak roof cover and a stainless steel hood. It will officially debut at the Detroit auto show in January.'

Continue reading "The New Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible - Car News Site" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 2:28 AM | Permalink

If you ride a motorcycle (and even if you don't) the review of the Hyper Lite Motorcycle LED Lights on Web Bike World should be of interest since the information is geared to enhance the safety of the rider on the road. 'Hyper-Lites use LEDs exclusively in their products and they have several styles and configurations available, and some are specific to particular motorcycle makes and models. You can choose from two modules with 8 super bright LEDs in each, one 16 LED module or even two 16 LED modules. Now that’s some serious light with only a mere 280 milliamp draw! Some of their kits can also operate as additional running lights and turn signal lights in addition to functioning as brake lights. They can even customize a set for you.'

Continue reading "Review: Hyper Lite Motorcycle LED Lights - Web Bike World" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 3:38 PM | Permalink