Handy Gadgets

The Programmable Plug-N-Heat Thermal Auto Mug may not find favor among those persons who prefer a simple thermos to serve up a "cuppa" whenever the desire arises, without a second thought to built-in tech features. Younger teetotalers should however relish the addiional choice in high-tech hot/cold beverage containers. 'Keep your hot drinks hot and cool ones cool with this fully programmable thermal auto mug. Sleek, stainless steel mug with integrated heating element and insulated interior construction is powered by your car's lighter adapter, making it safe and convenient. The 16-ounce mug features four preset temperatures, an automatic shut-off function and an easy-to-read digital LCD display, right on the handle. The sure-grip handle, safety sip lid and non-skid bottom make it ideal for those on the go. Includes a 12-volt lighter adapter with a 60" cable.'

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Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Micro R/C Helicopter available from Think Geek for $39.99 has been sold out. A note on the company's website informs potential buyers to check back in August when a fresh stock of the mini copters should be ready to fly. 'ThinkGeek's Micro R/C Helicopter is fully assembled and ready to fly in less than 5 minutes. Piloting this mini copter is a snap and it can survive virtually any type of crash unscathed. With full flight control in any direction you can make the helicopter take off from your desk then land on your hand. It can hover in place almost motionless like some futuristic robotic insect. We had 3-year old children fly this helicopter without damaging it. It is like some kind of R/C space time continuum paradox.

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The Garmin Quest 2 GPS Navigator comes pre-loaded with City Select North America NT, which features full coverage of the entire United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico—including nearly six million points of interest like gas stations, ATMs, hotels, restaurants, and attractions. ' A number of portable navigation systems, such as the Magellan RoadMate 800, claim they can be used in the car and on foot, but while they may be compact enough, their odd shapes don't make them ideal walking buddies. The Garmin Quest 2, however, is a different story. Its PDA-like form factor makes it a perfect travel companion, whether you're behind the wheel or hoofing it. Maps are now preloaded on the device, one of several nice upgrades over its predecessor. Of course, there are some trade-offs for its diminutive size. The display is rather small and isn't a touch screen. Voice-guided directions are only available when the unit is used with the included vehicle mount. And, it's a bit pricey at $750. Still, thanks to its portability and accurate directions, the Garmin Quest 2 is a solid choice if you're looking for a versatile GPS device.'

Continue reading "CNET: Garmin Quest 2 GPS Navigator Review" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

There are some quality audio, video, and photo (hard drive) players on the market which certainly rival, and in some cases surpass the popular Ipod especially in terms of features offered. 'The $250 iAudio 6, Cowon's first microdrive player, rivals most flash players in compactness, thanks in part to a 4GB, 0.85-inch hard drive. This feature-packed and excellent-sounding player/recorder supports all sorts of music, video, and photo files (but no album art), and it boasts a slick, high-resolution 1.3-inch OLED screen. While the iAudio 6's interface is an improvement upon that of past Cowon players, it can still be tricky to use. We also believe that Cowon, despite utilizing cutting-edge HDD technology, should have opted for more reliable flash memory, or at least produced a 6GB or 8GB version. Yet, we can't question this player's deft looks and high-octane performance.'

Continue reading "Cowon iAudio 6 4 GB MP3 Player [Black]" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My dependable Sony short wave radio which provided very useful information from several far-off places over the last decade now needs to be replaced. It was not one of these feature-packed models but it did the job for which it was purchased. In perusing the net for a replacement I came across the Sangean PT633 which I have to admit is just about the radio I desire. 'This ProTravel radio is the perfect blend of beauty and features for the traveler. It only weighs 10 ounces and can easily fit into your pocket or tuck into your carrying case. Enjoy the world of listening with this compact size, yet big in performance, traveler's radio. Built in alarm clock with digital display so you can view the time at home as well as the cities throughout the world wherever you go. The shortwave bands cover all the major bands from 4.75 to 21.85 MHz to keep you informed of all domestic and foreign news.'

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Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 04:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Neofree NF-4400 Portable Battery Pack is but one of such devices likely to surface as time progresses. With so many wireless gadgets now being lugged around by one and all, not to mention the relative short lifespan of the average battery charge, I can see where the portable power supply would definitely come in handy. Needless to say the additional luggage may not be too welcomed by the mobile individual.

Continue reading "Red Ferret Journal: Neofree NF-4400 Portable Battery Pack" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 05:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tech Digest highlights the The WMF espresso machine which is apparently engineered to fit into the car and deliver your latte right there in the middle of the downtown traffic. I am not altogether sure you would not be infringing some traffic regulation while sipping away but for sure you would not want to arrive for your driving test with this device ready to use. Of course, when you have stopped your engine and parked the vehicle, I can see just how the coffee machine would come in handy. 'The WMF espresso machine features in Audi's latest concept car (the Roadjet) and sits neatly in the central arm rest between the passenger. WMF claim their machine is "fully functional" and "provides fresh coffee at the touch of a button". Now presuming you'll have to top this up before you set off on a journey, I would be very worried about a spillage occurring during a traffic slowdown.'

Continue reading "Coffee On The Go! Drink And Drive?" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 11:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Ian Grayson has penned an informative article on the use of 'consumer' GPS [Global Positioning System] navigation devices on Australian IT News.com.au. 'Global Positioning System technology, originally designed for the US military, is coming to the aid of directionally challenged people everywhere. No longer the exclusive domain of well-heeled gadget lovers, GPS devices are appearing in pockets and on car dashboards around the country. GPS relies on a constellation of 24 satellites orbiting Earth constantly.The orbits have been designed so that at any given time, at least four of the satellites are visible from almost any point on the globe. GPS receivers listen for these satellites that continuously transmit accurate time information.'

Continue reading "Australian IT News: GPS Navigation For Drivers Explained" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 01:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Driving along large stretches of highway and unfamiliar territory without any form of navigational aide can be pretty challenging but with the "affordable" GPS devices such as the TomTom GO 510 you can have access to the required map of any location. 'Make no mistake, the TomTom GO 510 is not to be overshadowed by its full-featured brother, the TomTom GO 910. The plug-and-play TomTom GO 510's merits include a new design with a larger 4-inch touch screen; an automatic light sensor; integrated Bluetooth for hands-free calling; and the inclusion of the company's new TomTom Home software, which lets you manage, download, and store additional content from your computer. The GO 510 also supports TomTom Plus services so that you can get real-time traffic and weather information, though this requires an additional subscription fee. The TomTom GO 510 is a good fit for those drivers who don't need all the sophisticated features of the GO 910 but could still use help in the navigation department; all the detailed maps of the United States and Canada come pre-installed on a 1GB SD card rather than on its hard drive. The TomTom GO 510 will be available in mid-April for around $699'

Continue reading "TomTom GO 510 Automotive GPS Traffic Navigation System" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 05:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The travel bag has certainly evolved from the big heavy metal and wooden contraptions of days of yore to the attractive and more manageable luggage pieces of present time. Melanie Stevens writing in the Union-Tribune takes a look at the Eagle Creek company which has been manufacturing travel luggage for the last three decades. 'For the past 30 years, the maker of luggage, backpacks and travel accessories has been encouraging wayward wanderers – whether business travelers or adventurers – to go light on the packing and heavy on the experience. By the early 1980s, company founders Steve Barker and his wife, Nona, realized that designing gear for various kinds of travel, whether vacationing at an island resort or rafting on the Nile, was a segment of the market that at the time was largely untapped.'

Continue reading "Eagle Creek's High Tech Travel Gear" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 03:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

'GPS is coming on fast and furious not only in car tech but also in the handheld market. PDAs with navigation features are sprouting up across the board, from the Garmin iQue M5 to the Mio 168RS to the Navman PiN, and now the Mobile Crossing WayPoint 200. Unlike with other PDAs, the WayPoint's GPS antenna isn't built into the device; instead, a Bluetooth GPS receiver and a CompactFlash Bluetooth card are included. It makes for a bit of a cumbersome setup, especially with the myriad accessories and wires that come with the PDA. That said, we were impressed by the WayPoint 200's solid performance and accuracy as a navigation device--it's a pretty respectable PDA. We just wish it weren't so expensive ($750). Plus, if you want to travel beyond your home region, you have to pony up even more cash to download additional maps.'

Continue reading "Mobile Crossing WayPoint 200 GPS Navigation PDA" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lori Grunin takes a "snapshot" preview of Panasonic's first digital SLR camera - the Lumix DMC-L1 . 'The fruit of a technology alliance between Panasonic and Olympus, the L1 is based on the same 7.5-megapixel nMOS sensor as the Olympus Evolt E-330--unsurprising, since Panasonic makes the chip--which enables the live-view LCD technology in both cameras. (This gives photographers the option to frame their shots with the L1's LCD instead of the optical viewfinder, just like a point-and-shoot model.) Olympus contributes the Supersonic Wave Filter technology, which repels dust from the sensor.'

Continue reading "(Alpha) CNET Blog: Panasonic's Lumix DMC-L1" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

On the lookut for a trendy, soft-travel-bag to sling over your shoulder when on that busiess or pleasure trip? Priced at $49.00 this Carryall Briefcase from LL Bean would be just fine. My only concern would be just how long those zippers could withstand the constant tugging.

Continue reading "Try a Carryall Briefcase for all your business and personal items" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 09:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The gent’s umbrella need not be the uncomfortable piece of luggage as has been the case with the traditional meter length “black brella”. This classy looking umbrella fits into any reasonably sized carrying bag and would therefore not be left behind should you have to depart in a hurry.

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The specs on this Acer notebook are definitely worth the $799.00 investment over at Ubid.com. This computer satisfies the demands of the the student or small business owner on the move. Bearing in mind the the upcoming launch of Windows Vista, the pre-installed 512 MB memory should provide adequate capacity.

Description

"The Acer TravelMate TM4652LMI 1.73 GHz Pentium M 740 laptop combines performance with mobility. The Acer TravelMate TM4652LMI 1.73 GHz features: 512MB DDR2 533 SDRAM, 80 GB hard drive, 15” XGA display, Windows XP Professional operating system, Intel Pentium M Processor 740, DVD+/-RW dual drive, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900, up to 5 hours of battery life, and optional ezDock docking station. Take the show on the road with the Acer TravelMate TM4652LMI 1.73 GHz Pentium M 740 laptop."

Source: Ubid

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Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 12:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Whatever your needs are, a duffle bag should be an essential piece in your travel luggage. I have a soft spot for duffle bags simply because you can throw them around without having to worry about their appearance or wellbeing. While they are the favorites of sportsmen and women, duffle bags have become increasingly popular as bags for light travel.

Continue reading "Traveling light? Pack your stuff in a Burton Boothaus Bag" »

Posted by Handy Gadgets Admin at 01:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)