Gadgets Blog

One wouldn’t think there’s much innovation left for a pair of skis. Sure, there’s innovation in construction, using super strong polymer materials for stronger flexing, yada yada yada. But in the end, they’re just two sticks strapped to your feet, right?. How much of a radical design can you get on that? What is needed is some radical out of the box designing … and there’s only one place to go for that, Yanko.

Designer Charlie Pyott has hit the nail on the designer head with The Twin Parabolic Ski â€" which is more a pair of outriggers strapped onto your feet. But the design is quantum leap and is based on the concept that more edges means better control on the downhill run as one turns. So why not double the number of edges? As Pyott puts it:

“The ski concept was purpose built for racing. Skis and snowboards share a lot of properties with boat hull design; in that longer and thinner proportions give more speed on hard-pack snow. The number of edges also helps maintain downhill speed in a turn. This can be seen when comparing standard skis vs a snowboard when turning at high speeds. The snowboard only has a single edge to turn on and therefore has fewer grips on the hill in a turn then a skier who can use two edges. This means that a snowboarder will have to check their speed to stay on a racecourse before a skier. The concept ski takes both of these ideas a step further, giving two longer and thinner surfaces under each foot and four turning edges. Offset bearings mean that all ski surfaces stay parallel under each foot.”

If Pyott is right, this new design could change the face off skiing competition and make times, and speeds, much faster. And that makes for more exciting Nordic competition.

This isn’t the first steampunk USB drive, the last one was a favorite among steampunk lovers.  Well one seller on Etsy decided to take a crack at it themselves.  I’m not sure if it turned out quite as well as it could have, but it’s still an interesting design.  It’s entirely possible that these are just poor pictures of the drive.  Either way, the clear tip filled with gears is definitely a great touch that gives the drive a different angle.

My biggest problem with it is the main part of the drive, it looks like it was wrapped in a cheap metal that doesn’t quite form to the drive as much as it should.  They did add some gears to the top of that, but I’m fairly sure one time of slipping it into your pocket and those would pop off.  I could be wrong on that, but all around it looks like the craftsmanship is just a bit on the cheap side.  Although this drive is cheaper than a lot of steampunk devices, it is by no means cheap.  You’ll end up paying $50 for a 2GB drive.

Source: TeeChee

I’m not certain that I can really call the Pizza Boss a Cool Gadget per se. It’s not like it has any electronic parts going on inside of it.

However, it solves a problem that all of us have had: cutting up a homemade pizza, or one of those take and bakes you can pick up. I used to have one of those circular blades on a stick, but it didn’t really work all that well. One day, my wife bought home a semicircular plastic blade with a handle on top, which allows the user to cut the pizza by putting pressure on both sides.

That device, which is purple grape, has been working like a charm. However, I like the Pizza Boss 3000. As you can see, it looks just like a circular saw, but without the cord. There’s no battery power either, but do you really need it? Only if you burnt your pizza, or if you want to cut the circular metal pan that it sits on.

If the Pizza Boss 3000 is as appealing to you as it is to me, then feel free to scurry over to the appropriately named Perpetual Kid site. You may also want to check out the Shark Pizza Cutter while you’re at it.

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Considering that everyone has a digital camera these days, it is simply a matter of time before little kids start to want one. I know my children, who are ages six and under, want to play with our digital camera, but would you give a kid that young a digital camera? I don’t think so.

Fortunately, Digital Blue has one way of satisfying the curiosity of a little child with the U-Turn Digital Camera made for the little hands. The U-Turn has a 2.4 inch LCD screen that swivels so that the kids can take pictures of themselves. Hopefully, it is durable enough for the little ones’ rough lifestyle.

There is enough built-in memory on the U-Turn for about eighty digital photos, but it doesn’t look like they can be downloaded to a PC or laptop. Digital Blue’s press release on this product does not say whether it comes with a USB to mini-USB cord and appropriate ports for linking up.

Another feature is the “morphing” button feature that allows the user to morph an image with fun effects like the sketchy head, swirls, and squatty view.

The Digital Blue U-Turn digital camera is expected to be out in the Spring, for a price of about $49.99.

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I believe the last time I reported on what iRiver was doing, it was the WAVE-HOME, which they had prominently on display at CES. I’m surprised they didn’t have this new product out on display at Las Vegas last January.

This product is an e-book reader. I suppose we’ve been hearing a lot about e-book readers since the unveiling of the Kindle 2. The iRiver e-reader, which I believe is called the Libre, kind of looks like the e-reader sequel from Amazon.

Then again, iRiver’s aesthetic seems to be very minimalist, with white as the most prominent color. Check out their product line and CES booth if you don’t believe me. There is no QWERTY keyboard on the Libre, just a funky button that looks like a joystick interface.

The iRiver e-book reader can handle PDF files, and is also capable of audio file playback. It also comes with an SD memory card slot so you can get your text or audio files where you need them.

The Libre, which my source does not site as its official name, is to be released by iRiver Japan. I’m not certain if this product is going to make its way into other countries, and I’m also not certain if there is a huge market for e-book readers. So what is the state of the e-book market? Drop me a comment if you know.

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Most lamps that cause heads to turn will cost you a hefty price for that eye catching effect.  Typically it’s hundreds of dollars, if not more than that.  Well with this cool Right Hand Lamp, you won’t end up paying any more than you’d pay for a nice lamp at your local hardware store.  The pretty bright white hands hold light in the palm of their hands, keeping your living area well lit.

The lamp is made out of ceramic and are meant to protrude from your wall.  The hands not only hold the light, but they will shade it as well, keeping it from being too severe.  It doesn’t appear that much installation is involved, besides mounting the hands themselves.  It looks like this pretty sconce just plugs directly into a wall socket.  You can pick up this light for $65 on The Afternoon’s website.  Although $65 is by no means pocket change, the light is contemporary enough that it looks quite a bit more expensive than that.

Source: NerdApproved

Here’s an odd combination of gadgets to keep for your desk.  It’s not that combining a hub and clock is all that appalling, it’s more the washing machine style shape.  It doesn’t look bad, and it does get the job done at least.  It doesn’t overly look like a washing machine either, but once you make the comparison, it’s not hard to see.  It’s also thankfully conveniently compact to make travel with it a lot more convenient.

It’s not only a USB hub and a clock, but a card reader as well.  It will read Mni SD, T-Flash and M2.  No external power is needed, although I am concerned that once you unplug the USB you would have to reset the small clock every single time.  It will of course work with both OSX and Windows, as well as Linux (as long as it’s 2.4 or later).  It also supports SD, MMC, RS-MMC, Mini SD, T-Flash, MicroSD, MS, MS PRO, MS DUO and MS PRO Duo.  You can pick this up for $13.99 on GizFever.

Source: GeekAlerts

Fitness freaks as well as those who want to keep close tabs on their weight, water and body fat levels will be able to do so in the comfort of their own home thanks to the Ultra Slim Body Fat and Water Monitor for instant accurate results.

With the Tanita Body Fat Scales you can measure your weight and find out your water and body fat percentage for a fuller picture of your overall health and fitness in seconds. Just enter your details and hop on the Tanita scales! Store personal data for up to four people and then hop on the Tanita scales as you would with any weight scales. The body fat scales are easy to use and the results accurate â€" your weight, water and body fat percentage will be calculated in seconds and there’s even a recall setting allowing you to compare your results with your previous reading!

You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to bring one of these puppies home for £29.95. Be quick, as there are just a couple left in stock at press time.

Who can forget about the 1980s Airwolf series? That show made many people fall in love with combat helicopters, and this time round you will be able to live out your childhood fantasies with the Airwolf R/C Helicopter that will retail for £39.95 a pop. Just make sure you have the theme tune playing in the background via your iPod speaker dock and you’re good to go. Too bad you will still need to concoct your very own storyline about wayward terrorists who love nothing better than to blow up the world with their latest devious plot. You might not be able to travel at supersonic speeds or shoot air-to-surface missiles, but this R/C helicopter does come with super-wide infra-red control and tri-band technology in addition to counter-rotating rotors.

Case Logic is a household name by now when it comes to protective cases for your gadgets and gizmos, never mind that they’re digital cameras or portable media players. This time round, Case Logic has taken advantage of the PMA convention by unveiling a new range of portable accessory solutions that aims to fulfill the needs and desires of today’s busy, globe-trotting consumer.

XNSLR Collection
The new XNSLR line offers sleek designs and secure construction to ensure valuable SLR camera equipment stays safe while looking stylish. Case designs vary from a rugged backpack, compact holster and convenient messenger bag. Each bag provides full-featured functionality, including molded EVA Camera Cradlesand customizable interior configurations and compartments to store a variety of gear, while a stealth exterior conceals the professional-grade equipment stored inside. This collection is perfect for the photography enthusiast or professional photographer seeking stylish yet discreet cases that provide quick access and protection.

TBC Collection
Also new at PMA 2009 is the TBC line, with cases that will appeal to both the seasoned photographer on assignment and the dad on the sidelines capturing his daughter’s soccer game. The TBC line makes it possible to store those large camcorders or small digital cameras without breaking the bank. Thick padding and smartly-designed zippers for fast access to gear are additional highlights.

SL Collection
The expanded SL line offers superior hardware protection with an impact- and moisture-resistant base, an adjustable neoprene Hammock Suspension System cradles an SLR camera and lens to minimize impact while in the case. This collection offers professional photographers and enthusiasts alike an assortment of solutions that provide unsurpassed protection and full-featured functionality, all within rugged exteriors that are designed to survive the elements and tests of travel.

Do you currently use any form of protective casing for your digital camera, regardless of whether it is a point-and-shoot model or a DSLR? I don’t, and still haven’t after dropping my one-week old camera on the floor. The camera didn’t break, but my heart did. Perhaps I too should check out what Case Logic has for my Canon…

Press ReleaseCase Logic introduces new line of camera and camcorder cases

The netbook market is certainly one of the fastest growing markets in the world - just take a look at how things have changed since the Asus Eee PC 701 was released a couple of years back or so. It hasn’t even been two years that passed us by, and we have already seen the tiny netbook grow from a simple 7″ display to one that sports 10.2″ (or larger as other manufacturers try to circumvent the gentleman’s agreement with Microsoft) of viewing real estate, and the humble 4GB SSD has grown to 160GB hard drives, and one no longer needs to rely on Linux alone as there is always Microsoft Windows XP as the operating system of choice. Netbooks have even affected notebook sales to a certain extent, so it makes perfect sense for Always Innovating to come up with their extremely versatile netbook known as the Touch Book.

What sounds like an Apple product is actually a versatile netbook that not only functions as a netbook, but also doubles up as a tablet. How is this possible? No, it won’t employ the standard method of a swiveling display that covers the keyboard. Instead, the Touch Book’s keyboard itself is detachable, where you’ll then be treated to a 3D touchscreen user interface. Currently on preview at DEMO ‘09, the Touch Book will not weigh more than two pounds despite carrying a battery that offers a pretty hefty battery life of 10 to 15 hours, which is pretty much three times the amount of time an average netbook is able to run before crying out for more juice.

Other features include internal USB plugs, an ARM processor from Texas Instruments, as well as the ability for you to stick it onto a fridge (it is magnetic), allowing it to function as a digital photo frame or a computer for mom to use while she searches for recipes online. You can place pre-orders for the $299 Touch Book here as Always Innovating targets a late spring release date.

Press Release

Swim suits are supposed to be wet, right? Logically speaking, if you’re going to dive right into a body of water, whatever you’re wearing is going to get drenched to the core. Not if you’re putting on the Sun Dry Swim water repellent swimsuit - this new range is made out of active wear fabric that actually repels wetness and takes mere moments to dry. It attempts to bring unparalleled comfort regardless of whether you’re just in the pool for water recreation or are a serious swimmer who times your laps each time you have a go, hoping to improve on your previous record. Sun Dry Swim boasts quick dry nanotechnology enhanced active wear fabric which is able to shed water as naturally as skin. Once you step out of the pool, wetness surfaces and beads off Sun Dry Swim fabric, requiring but a simple shake for it to dry.

Sun Dry Swim fabrics have been treated using a range of proprietary methods with a nanotechnology process that is inert, UV stable, and completely harmless to skin. This guarantees that you won’t end up with rashes or be allergic to it, as the non-toxic nanotechnology treatment is water based and environmentally friendly. With an invisible nanotechnology mesh around each fabric fiber, you will find yourself wearing a permanent water repelling material without interfering with the fabric weave. This also makes it a whole lot easier to clean, while the breathable material itself is protected surface with water resistant properties.

According to Amy Hardin, Sales Manager at Sun Dry Technologies, “Optimal technical performance paired with ultimate comfort. Sun Dry Swim fabrics are treated using our proprietary methods with a nanotechnology process that is inert, UV stable, and completely harmless to skin. The non-toxic nanotechnology treatment is water based and environmentally friendly. Sports wear fabrics that repel water seems like an unusual concept at first, but it really makes sense - why would you want a bathing suit that absorbs water, holds it next to your skin, and stays wet for a period of time? Our textiles are created using proven and safe materials nanotechnology, similar to technology used to make fabrics for splash and stain proof apparel. Sun Dry Swim water resistant performance fabrics are ideal for swimming and other active water sports. Sun Dry Swim Sport line is made from a premium sports wear fabric and offers a high level of chlorine resistance and color fastness. Our Children’s swimsuits offer an additional feature of SPF 50 rating and are ideal for children who are in and out of water at the beach or pool all day. The bathing suits dry within moments so prevent little ones being in a wet bathing suit for long as soon as they are out of the water. As a mom I’ve found these bathing suits an essential time saver especially when we go to the cottage and the kids are swimming every day. My kids aren’t in wet bathing suits all day at the beach, and at the end of the day their suits are dry! I don’t end up with a bag of damp bathing suits to rush to wash and get hung up as soon as we get home. I just wait until the next morning to give the suits a quick rinse, shake to dry and their suits are ready for the day.”

Press Release

Home Delivery Medical will be offering their brand new Arkray Glucocard X-Meter, also known as the iPod of Glucose Monitoring Systems. Diabetics all over the world will definitely look forward to its release, as this device is sports sleek, bold and a simple look that might actually add even more credit to your overall geekiness. After all, it has already been years where the diabetic community has called for a glucose monitoring system that is not only functional but attractive. While companies have responded to this clarion call with smaller glucose monitoring systems, those required large blood samples while looking like a child’s plaything. Not so with the Glucocard X-METER, and you’ll know more about it right after the jump.

It is not hard to see why the X-METER is appealing to the senses (especially visually), as more often than not folks will mistake it for some sort of new MP3 player that’s in the market. The X-METER was specially designed with functionality, simplicity, and style in mind, requiring a mere blood sample size of only 0.3 microliters. In addition, it boasts the ability for alternate site testing, taking only 5 seconds to churn out a result, helping you save both time and your fingers as well. As for the Glucocard X-SENSOR, this is an auto-coded test strip which will immediately turn on the meter, doing away with the need for coding and buttons. All these are crammed into a sleek white body that measures no more than 10mm thin.

According to Michael Laico, VP of Operations for Home Delivery Medical states, “It is easy to see why people like this product. It is innovative, functional, and most people think it is an MP3 player.” Each X-METER Kit consists of the Meter, 60 Test Strips, Logbook, Control Solution, Lancing Device, 10 Lancets, and a carrying case. Folks who are Medicare eligible will be able to snag the X-METER for free.

Press Release