Gadgets Blog

This vest is probably not something you would wear if you’re even remotely worried about fashion.  However, if you really just couldn’t possibly care any less, it would be useful.  It is a solar vest, which would be blatantly obvious to anyone around you, purely due to the giant bold white lettering that states “SOLAR VEST”.  That was kind of them to add that, just in case anyone should get confused.

It has a total of four solar panels on the back of it, that are completely weather proof.  So you won’t have to worry about dodging rain drops when you’re out wearing it.  It also has 5V, 6V, 9V and 12-20V ouputs.  It has light indicators to let you know how much of a charge is available, when the light is green it has more than 80% power built up, orange is between 30% and 70%.  Then if it actually lights up red it has less than 30%.  You can purchase the vest for $140 from Chinavasion.

Source: Crunchgear

When you mention Hannspree, what goes through your head? Most people would associate the brand name with relatively expensive LCD TVs and monitors when compared to other counterparts of a similar size/viewing area, but there’s a good reason behind the premium you pay - most, if not all, Hannspree LCD TVs and monitors come in zany designs that will appeal to various people, targeting children mostly with quirky and cute designs. Well, Hannspree is back in their element yet again with their latest release, the 25″ ST251MKB 1080p Full HD LCD TV which will hit the US market, retailing for a surprisingly affordable $399.99. Granted, having a screen size that measures 25″ across diagonally just won’t quite cut the mustard even when you’re watching a full High Definition movie since the display itself doesn’t have enough space to cram in all the pixels, but at least it could qualify as an impulse purchase device to surprise your kid or other half out of the blue.

The 25″ ST251MKB 1080p Full HD LCD TV will be part of the company’s first line of mainstream digital TVs that fall under the ST series. We can definitely look forward to larger models in the near future - sometime later this year to be exact. You won’t find funny or cute animal shapes cut out around the ST series LCD TVs’ bezel, that’s for sure, as it boasts a stunning all-black design with a glossy front bezel alongside a set of key performance features that aim to appeal to today’s value and budget-conscious consumers. Each purchase of a ST series TV will come with a 6 foot long HDMI cable and Universal Remote Control to further whet your appetite, saving you some precious dough from picking up a third party HDMI cable from another store elsewhere.

Some of the features found in the Hannspree ST series 1080p LCD TV include both HD and analog video inputs, allowing users to hook up just about any A/V device including over-the-air digital(HD) antenna, cable/satellite set-top box, Blu-ray disc/DVD player, gaming console, VCR (if you still have any of those that are working, that is), or camcorder. Alternatively, you can also use this TV as a large-format computer monitors, although we’re thinking it won’t be too environmentally friendly due to the amount of juice it consumes.

Press Release

Although normally gadget DIY projects are incredibly complicated and most people couldn’t dream of pulling it off, this is one that just about anyone could pull off.  That is provided you have the proper tools, probably a Dremel would be the best tool for this one.  If you already have an old NES controller and the Dremel this would be an incredibly affordable dock.  Which is nice since most Apple affiliated accessories tend to be a little bit expensive.

Just drill a hole and create a spot to stick the iPhone cable within the NES controller and you’d be done.  This one was created for an iPhone 3GS, but there’s no reason you couldn’t create it for a regular iPod instead.  This particular mod was done by an iPhone.fr forum member, WCR.  As lacking as I am in the crafty area, even I don’t think this one would be a difficult one to try out.  It’d be especially great for someone that wants to start doing mods and just wants a simple project to start out with.

Source: Gearfuse

If you are dealing with having a desk in an area that you have to share the air conditioning, you’ve probably had the fight over the temperature.  Everyone has their ideal point, whether you prefer things really cold, at an average temperature or just can’t handle the cold.  Well if you’re one that is never quite cool enough at your desk, you could probably use something extra to cool things down.  This fan may not be very big, but it could take the edge off enough to make things a little more tolerable.

Not only does this small white USB gadget have a fan, but it includes a clock and a thermometer.  Which also lets you be more specific when you’re complaining that things are getting way too hot.  The fan itself has a speed control switch.  Unfortunately for those in the US, it actually displays things in Celsius.  The clock can be set to either 12 or 24 hour mode.  You can purchase the fan for $15 from GizGeek.

Source: GeekyGadgets

This vest is probably not something you would wear if you’re even remotely worried about fashion.  However, if you really just couldn’t possibly care any less, it would be useful.  It is a solar vest, which would be blatantly obvious to anyone around you, purely due to the giant bold white lettering that states “SOLAR VEST”.  That was kind of them to add that, just in case anyone should get confused.

It has a total of four solar panels on the back of it, that are completely weather proof.  So you won’t have to worry about dodging rain drops when you’re out wearing it.  It also has 5V, 6V, 9V and 12-20V ouputs.  It has light indicators to let you know how much of a charge is available, when the light is green it has more than 80% power built up, orange is between 30% and 70%.  Then if it actually lights up red it has less than 30%.  You can purchase the vest for $140 from Chinavasion.

Source: Crunchgear

When I first saw the Warn PullzAll, I thought that it was another version of the Rescue Reel. It would appear that the PullzAll doesn’t look like it was made for rappelling down buildings, but it could be used that way. In fact, it could be used for climbing up things.

As it is, the PullzAll can lift or pull 450 kg (1000 pounds) with a variable speed motor. According to the PullzAll web site, this is the ideal tool for anyone who needs something heavy moved such as “construction, pipe fitting, iron work, equipment and plant maintenance, farm and ranch use, auto shops, garages, machine shops, home improvement, hunting, camping, and more”.

The PullzAll comes in AC or DC powered styles, and it has 4.5 meters (15 feet) of 7/32 inch steel cable with an integrated swiveling anchor hook. The DC version runs on a 24 volt NiCad battery, and the AC versions are in 110V and 230V.

So if you’re tired of hauling heavy weight around, then this might be the product for you. I have been seeing a lot of discrepancies as far as price is concerned on this product. The $479.99 from the Warn website, and $279.00 for the AC model. Other offers from Amazon.com include $300 for the DC, and $220 for the AC.

Source

AverMedia has rolled out its latest device, the AVerTVHD Duet dual TV tuner which is forward looking since it works with the yet unreleased Windows 7 operating system. The AVerTVHD Duet is able to receive over-the-air HD Digital TV signals (ATSC) or unencrypted digital cable (ClearQAM), letting you choose between recording two programs simultaneously or recording just one while watching another when you have more time than usual to spare. The PCI Express interface is used since it will be faster than a traditional PCI connection, while a Picture-in-Picture feature allows you to watch TV while working simultaneously. Depending on your budget, the $70 version comes with just the Tuner itself while $90 will net you the Tuner alongside AVer’s MediaCenter application that enables access to PVR-like features including pausing, rewinding and recording live TV as well as a program schedule and time shift capabilities.

Source: iPodNN

Everyone looks back on their college days with fondness, as we tend to be involved in some really crazy antics back in the days. Well, students who go to MIT are different not just because of their intellect, but for their enterprising spirit that has consistently placed the institution’s name at the very top of universities to attend worldwide. This time round, a bunch of MIT students decided to take an unwanted shopping cart and throw on new, more durable wheels and a chunk of NiCd aircraft batteries to power 15hp brushless motor, helping this shopping cart move at speeds of up to 45MPH. They have dubbed this shopping cart the LOLrioKart â€" in honor of Mario Kart.

Source: Gizmodo

Gateway has released its latest range of entertainment notebooks that are known as the NV series, targeting power users who want the latest technologies in notebooks without breaking the bank. While summer’s just kicked in and nobody’s about to head off to school just yet, picking up the Gateway NV series notebook right now isn’t exactly a bad thing at all - after all, just how obsolete can a notebook get within a couple of months? Gateway touts that their new NV Series is more than ready to deliver multitasking performance which will handle popular everyday tasks with aplomb, offering a choice between Intel or AMD processors, depending on which side of the camp you’re on. In addition, prices start from netbook levels at just $499.99, helping those on a tight budget maximize their buck.

Avid movie buffs will definitely find the Gateway NV to be an ideal machine for watching their favorite shows on the go thanks to a 15.6″ High Definition LED-backlit TFT Widescreen display which offers a true cinematic viewing experience, courtesy of a resolution at 1,366 x 768 and a 16:9 aspect ratio. In addition, you also get to enjoy the notebook’s Dolby Sound Room that offers spectacular surround sound from the two integrated stereo speakers. For folks who prefer to output their content to the living room monstrous TV, the inclusion of an HDMI port helps deliver crisp high-quality visuals and high-fidelity audio through a convenient, single cable connection.

You will also benefit from Wi-Fi b/g Draft-N Certified connectivity that keeps you up to speed, especially on Draft-N networks. Not only that, each Gateway NV Series notebooks comes with a convenient MyBackup Button, helping you stash away all your important files at the touch of a button to another location for safekeeping, be it a USB flash drive (better make sure it is large enough), an external hard drive, or even to another hard drive partition. You can opt for a regular time to back-up data automatically or just press the button for an immediate back-up.

Press Release

This next product is for those who had those Stephen J. Channel TV-action dreams in the early eighties. I’m talking about The A-Team, The Greatest American Hero, even 21 Jump Street. The Silverlit Heli-Mission SWAT truck is a fully functioning RC car with a bonus inside.

Not only is this SWAT truck feature bells and whistles of sirens, but the roof opens up to reveal a helicopter inside. There is a launch platform that rises, and the chopper takes to the air!

One can only assume that the helicopter is as remote controlled as the truck itself. However, if you notice the YouTube clip after the jump, there doesn’t appear to be any footage of the helicopter landing back in the SWAT truck. You should definitely watch the clip anyway, for the music alone. You got to love those 80s action flick music.

Yeah, I wouldn’t mind having this, back when I was in grade school. Have you ever noticed all the cool toys that they have out now that you are an adult? Ah, you’re only young once, and when you’re there, you better appreciate all the toys you have then, because they just get cooler when you grow up.

According to my source, the truck/helicopter combo will cost about $100, and should be available in the Fall.

Source

When you mention Hannspree, what goes through your head? Most people would associate the brand name with relatively expensive LCD TVs and monitors when compared to other counterparts of a similar size/viewing area, but there’s a good reason behind the premium you pay - most, if not all, Hannspree LCD TVs and monitors come in zany designs that will appeal to various people, targeting children mostly with quirky and cute designs. Well, Hannspree is back in their element yet again with their latest release, the 25″ ST251MKB 1080p Full HD LCD TV which will hit the US market, retailing for a surprisingly affordable $399.99. Granted, having a screen size that measures 25″ across diagonally just won’t quite cut the mustard even when you’re watching a full High Definition movie since the display itself doesn’t have enough space to cram in all the pixels, but at least it could qualify as an impulse purchase device to surprise your kid or other half out of the blue.

The 25″ ST251MKB 1080p Full HD LCD TV will be part of the company’s first line of mainstream digital TVs that fall under the ST series. We can definitely look forward to larger models in the near future - sometime later this year to be exact. You won’t find funny or cute animal shapes cut out around the ST series LCD TVs’ bezel, that’s for sure, as it boasts a stunning all-black design with a glossy front bezel alongside a set of key performance features that aim to appeal to today’s value and budget-conscious consumers. Each purchase of a ST series TV will come with a 6 foot long HDMI cable and Universal Remote Control to further whet your appetite, saving you some precious dough from picking up a third party HDMI cable from another store elsewhere.

Some of the features found in the Hannspree ST series 1080p LCD TV include both HD and analog video inputs, allowing users to hook up just about any A/V device including over-the-air digital(HD) antenna, cable/satellite set-top box, Blu-ray disc/DVD player, gaming console, VCR (if you still have any of those that are working, that is), or camcorder. Alternatively, you can also use this TV as a large-format computer monitors, although we’re thinking it won’t be too environmentally friendly due to the amount of juice it consumes.

Press Release

Just when I thought I was finished covering space tourism for the day, along comes a device that can simulate space tourism. I guess the $200,000 price for a ticket is just too much for some people, like me.

The Soyuz Chair is able to take the experience of a Soyuz rocket, and put it in the user’s living room. When the user sits in the chair, it can recline and I would imagine there would be some shaking and rumbling for blastoff. I believe the headphones are there for added realism.

I can’t help but be reminded of a ride at Disneyland called Flight to Mars. I went on it when I visited Tomorrowland in 1989, and I’m pretty sure that it has been removed by now. The ride had vibrating seats and a screen on the floor and ceiling to simulate the historic flight to Mars.

It was quite lame, and there wasn’t much of a line on this ride. In fact, I’m certain that this ride has been far overshadowed by Star Tours and other cooler rides.

The Soyuz chair was created by Nelly Ben Hayoun for the Royal College of Art’s Design Interactions Thesis show. As far as I know, there doesn’t seem to be any plans to mass-market this product, but I’d like to see who would buy this.

Source

Sometimes I forget what an age of science fiction that we live in. Virgin Galactic has just recently broke ground on Spaceport America, the very first commercial space sport.

Spaceport America is going to be built in New Mexico, and this 110,000 square foot facility is designed by Foster and Partners. The runway is 10,000 feet long and 200 feet wide. It will cost about $200 million to complete, and should be done by 2011.

So it should be two years before the average person will be able to fly into space as a tourist. By “average person”, I mean anyone who has $200,000 to spare. Yeah, I didn’t think this whole tourist space travel thing would be cheap, either.

You might notice that in this artist concept drawing, you can see some ships that look a lot like Spaceship 2. The whole airport was designed by a team that has created some innovative Beijing and Hong Kong airports. Not only is it unique in its look, but it is environmental. It has solar energy for power and a wastewater recycling plant.

I am excited about this spaceport! Even if I can never afford a flight, I heard that there is a 4,000 square feet public viewing gallery. If nothing else, Spaceport America could be quite a tourist trap on Earth, if not in space.

Source

I don’t believe that it has taken me this long to mention the death of a certain king of pop on this site. I guess I am still coping. All child-molesting charges aside, Michael Jackson was a musical icon and had a lot of talent.

I suppose the height of his popularity was the 1982 Thriller album. Every song on that album was in the top ten, and the album itself sold more than any of its time.

You might think this deal is some sort of sick marketing ploy to make some money after the death of a huge pop icon. I don’t think this was ever the reason why this 2GB USB drive was made, as it celebrates the 25th anniversary of Thriller, which would have been in 2007, not this year.

However, the timing feels a little weird, as the demand for MJ’s work is clearly going to spike. Yet who wouldn’t want Michael Jackson’s 25th anniversary edition of Thriller, which has the nine original hit songs, eight bonus tracks, and some video clips. Hopefully the video clips include the videos for Beat It, Billie Jean, and the long version of Thriller.

If you want to get down on this album/flash drive, feel free to head over to the Sony Style website and pay $19.99 for it. It is available in black or green.

Source

We have covered a lot of clocks in the past. Some of them are solar powered, some run on water, but this is the first time that I have ever seen bug power.

That’s right, someone has actually invented a carnivorous alarm clock that works like a Venus Fly Trap. It works with a conveyor belt of flypaper that takes a captured fly and drops them into a microbial fuel cell. This dead bug is digested by bacteria, then there is a chemical change that can somehow power the clock.

I’m surprised that I haven’t heard about bug power before, as roach motels could be turned into batteries and hanging flypaper could be turned into chandeliers. Right now, I am living in a place that is full of flies, and I could use a device like this.

In all honesty, why stop with bugs? Apparently it is the protein that the bug-powered clock wants, and so I guess all animals could be used for electric power. Imagine eating a KFC bucket and throwing the bones in the protein power generator.

I can’t help but think that this is reminiscent of a Star Trek episode where the Enterprise lands on a planet that feeds off everything living aboard the ship. Yeah, I’m often disturbed at the thought that human beings could be the next fossil fuels.

Source

Pocket projectors are all the rage now, the ability to use a projector the size of an iPod to display information on a wall is a godsend for the business set, who look to expand the ability to make presentations without having to travel with expensive projectors or having to customize their presentations to what equipment is available. But while getting more popular, projectors like the PICO and the Mili Pro - which can connect to an iPhone or iPod Touch - are still in their infancy.

At it’s current state of technology, the MiLi Pro can project a 640×480 resolution image up to about 30 inches away before the lumens simply dissipate from distance. So, while it won’t project in very large meeting places, it can work for small, intimate gatherings where the presentation can be seen on a 40″ screen area.

The Pro, which has a dock for the iPod Touch/iPhone also comes with VGA and RCA connectors which enable it to work with larger LCD screens directly. And it’s own adjustable stand makes for easy tweaking to get the image just right on screen. Charges in about three hours and comes with integrated speakers as well.

But don’t forget you’re only talking about a resolution just about VHS quality, so don’t expect to be watching HD video with it.

Hat Tip - The Giz

Taking a decent camera around water is always a nerve wrecking idea.  Unfortunately, if you don’t take a camera, you might miss out on a lot of pictures you wish you had captured.  Be it of cool underwater shots, the kids playing in the sand or various other activities while you’re near or in the water.  With this AgfaPhoto camera you could get all of those pictures and not have to worry about ruining your camera.

The 6MP camera is shock and drop proof, plus can handle a bit of dirt.  Making it also a great camera to have around for just general outdoor activities.  It can work up to 10 meters underwater, so you could get a few fun underwater photos.  It also has 32MB of internal memory and then an SDHC memory card slot so you can add more memory to that.  Along with a 2.4” LCD display, face recognition and digital zoom.  To keep it up and running it requires only 2 AA batteries.  You’ll be able to purchase it for 149 Euros or about $209 this coming July.

Source: Ubergizmo

Those with iPods prefer for the iPods to stay in functioning order.  However, warm summer months mean a lot of people are going places where music would be nice, but it’s not the safest place to bring your iPod.  Well this portable speaker will not only handle a day at the beach, but protects your iPod so that it can as well.  A lot of the portable speakers that are waterproof or resistant leave your iPod someplace else and unprotected.  This one would probably be a little more convenient for a day at the beach.

Not only is it water and dust resistant, but it has a durable rubber exterior, which makes it shockproof and can handle knocks and bumps.  The iPod itself goes behind a clear watertight door.  While it’s behind that door, you can control your iPod through the exterior buttons.  It has the option to run on either 4 C batteries, an AC adapter or a car adapter.  It will fit the iPod Classic, Nano, Mini and Shuffle.  You can purchase it for $99.50 from Frontgate.

Source: TechFresh

Most have pulled out a laser pointer and have seen their cat be driven literally up the walls.  So you probably know what kind of endless fun that can be had with one around.  Well Bolt is an official toy just for cats that takes that fun and makes it possible for you to put even less effort into it.  Instead of having to wave around your arm, you can set it to automatic mode and just sit back and enjoy the mayhem.

Bolt can be set down on the table, floor or you can hold it in your hand.  When it’s in automatic mode, it’ll run for 15 minutes and then automatically shut off.  You can also set it to manual mode and control the laser yourself.  Something about the bright white look on the white background makes this look like some design that will never make it to actual product mode.  However, thankfully, it is an actual product that you can purchase and even at an affordable price.  It can be purchased online for only $19.95.

Source: Gizmodiva