Gadgets Blog

Sanyo has introduced a couple of new audio systems to the masses, with the DMP-P1 a Cube Alarm Clock Radio with an iPod docking station and the DMP-692 Dual Dock Music System, with two docking stations allowing two iPods or an iPod and iPhone to be played and recharged simultaneously. These stylish systems are sure to sell if the price is right which we’ll reveal at the end of the post, but in the meantime, do take a look at what both devices are able to offer to the consumer.

The Sanyo DMP-692 Dual Dock Music System will come with an AM/FM Digital Stereo Tuner with Dual Programmable Alarms, letting to customize your wake-up experience by choosing a tune from your favorite playlist from an iPod or iPhone, or decide to let the friendly banter of the DJ on a morning radio show to do the job. Nice to know there is the all important sleep and snooze modes for added convenience just in case you’re the type who needs more than a single alarm ring to get you up and running. Familes with multiple devices will also find the DMP-692 to be handy as it makes room for a couple of iPods and/or iPhones to juice up simultaneously, helping you save both time, money and additional desk space. Not only that, the iPod/iPhone can still be used to play back your tunes when recharging.

As for the DMP-P1 Cube Alarm Clock Radio, this device comes with an AM/FM PLL Digital Tuner with Programmable Alarm Clock, offering a similar customized wake-up experience as the DMP-692, although it does not fare as well as its more feature-rich sibling by coming with only one iPod dock. At least this iPod dock will let you play back your tunes while charging it up at the same time for added convenience. Buttons are located at the top for easy access. Both models will be heading towards the online Sanyo store as well as selected retailers in the US from later this month onwards, with the Cube Alarm Clock Radio and Dual Dock Music System going for $39.99 and $89.99, respectively.

Press Release

This is one of those gadgets that just seems to have a slight identity crisis.  It is a phone, it works as a phone, but it looks like an old camera.  For those that have gotten quite used to not being tied down by a cord, I imagine this phone isn’t going to go over well.  Not only is it corded, you have to talk into the base itself, so you can’t go far.  However, if that sort of thing doesn’t phase you and you just enjoy all that is retro, this phone would look great.

It definitely has that vintage appeal, even if it does look like a confused vintage camera.  The phone displays the date and time, which is a fairly modern twist to throw in.  The phone itself measures 18.5 cm by 11 cm by 20.5 cm, which means the phone isn’t very big.  The phone only comes in the bright red shown here.  You can purchase it for $75, which seems like a fairly stiff price.  You can pick it up through Gadget Brando.

Source: Gizmodiva

I was pleased that 3M sent me their latest pocket projector, the MPro 120, and I was more than happy to give it a hands-on review. (By the way, that isn’t my hand in the photo, but an image included in the Press Release.) Since this is my first time with a pocket-projector, you might notice that I am a little excited about it.

The MPro 120 works with surprising ease on my laptop computer. All I had to do was plug it into the wall to recharge the battery, and two hours later, it is good for about two to four hours worth of projection time. Then I plugged it into my laptop, and set it up as a secondary monitor.

From there, I was able to get an image as wide as 50 inches, and it looked very clear on a blank wall in the dark. The MPro120 came with a tripod for theater-like setup, and I was able to watch some shows from Hulu as if they were movies on the big screen. That really helped bring the FlashForward show to life.

The sound wasn’t all that great, even turned up at loud levels. If you are going to use the MPro 120 for audio presentations, then I highly recommend bringing a speaker like that one from Sharper Image.

You are also going to need to get yourself some extra connectors if you want to project files from your iPod or iPhone, because the MPro 120 does not come with attachments for Apple products.

Last time I checked on Amazon, the going rate for a 3M Pro 120 is about $319.50. That is a small price to pay for a cheap home theater setup.

You may have seen the Charge4all Charging Tube over the summer this year.  Well this gadget comes from the same company and helps simplify charging your gadgets just as much as the tube was.  Instead of cleaning up just one tabletop though, this makes gadgets on the go easier to charge.  It’ll make life much easier for those that are constantly having to travel for work and need their gadgets up and running in order to get the job done.

Instead of having to worry about packing five different chargers, you can pack this Charge Folio.  It zips up conveniently so that all the cords stay tidily tucked within.  It’s also possible to toss at least a couple of the gadgets in there just to simplify things more.  The charger has an on/off light to show when the charger is in use.  Like all of the Charge4All products, this comes with 5 smart charging plugs.  The iPhone/iPod, mini USB, micro USB, Samsung SCH and LG Chocolate.  You can purchase it for $49.95.

Source:  Gearlog

I’m not one of those bluetools that has a Bluetooth headset in my ear 24/7, but I have used a Bluetooth headsets every once in a while. I had a chance to try out the iTech i.VoicePRO 901, and I can see myself keeping it in my ear from morning to night.

Fortunately, it has 100 hours of standby time for that purpose, and I’m pretty certain that I won’t be on the phone for more than 4.5 hours a day, which happens to be the limit of its talk-time.

Have you ever had a mobile device that took six to eight hours to charge for the first time? Well, the i.VoicePro took only two to three hours the first time, which is the amount of time it takes every time.

What makes the i.VoicePro different from other headsets is that it has dual microphone performance. It also has voice separation technology, so you can use this headset in a crowded room.

It also has Secure Simple Pairing technology (Bluetooth v2.1 and EDR) as well as multipoint connectivity that allows more than one cellular phone to be attached to the same i.VoicePRO 901.

If you like it, then you should be able to purchase it as a price of about $79.99 on sites like Amazon.com.

One of the problems with firefighting is that firefighters often run into burning buildings, without any idea if anyone is in trouble. I’m sure there are times in which firefighters have ran into empty burning buildings, only to have the structures collapse on top of them. It is always terrible when someone dies for nothing, but the Hoya Robot from South Korea could help cut down on needless deaths.

The Hoya is a rolling robot that resembles the Sony Rolly, and travels at one foot per second. It has a range of 54 yards, and can transmit images of what is inside. It also has onboard lights to illuminate its path, and it can check a burning building for temperature, smoke, and gas.

The Hoya can withstand temperatures of up to 320 degrees Fahrenheit, is water resistant, and can withstand drops of six feet. It can operate up to 30 minutes without charging.

The Hoya robot took two years to develop with help from the Ministry of Knowledge Economy, and 50 fire stations in Korea are planned to receive 100 units for testing.

If this works, I would like to know how many lives this robot saves per year. I would also like to know how to get the Hoya up a flight of stairs.

Too bad we can’t just make Hoyas with arms and hoses, right? Then no firefighter would ever have to run into a burning building ever again. Something tells me they are working on that.

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Here’s a solar lamp that almost appears to disguise itself as a candle.  If someone were to walk past this lamp without paying attention or see it at night, they’d very likely write it off as a candle without giving it a second thought.  Well this glazed ceramic sphere will keep on giving you eco-friendly light, without you having the same concerns as you would a candle.  Things like looking for a lighter and then attempting to remember to turn it off again.  You get all the soft glow you want and no risk of burning down your front porch.

There’s no need to flip the light on or off either, it will always automatically come on once it’s dark outside.  After the light has a full charge stored up from during the day, it’ll be able to shine for up to 8 hours.  The batteries themselves are the replaceable kind, it uses rechargeable NiMh batteries.  On the up side of things, it seems that buyers have nothing but good things to say about these after they’ve purchased them.  Knowing that ahead of time always makes it easier to purchase things such as this, online.  You can pick them up for £11.99 or about $19.

Source: Envirogadget

Epson has just introduced its latest all-in-one device – the PowerLite Presenter that will target the education market as well as entrepreneurs and businesses who are in need of a multimedia, widescreen presentation solution. The PowerLite Presenter won’t disappoint, that’s for sure, since it boasts an integrated projector, DVD player as well as speakers for the complete works. You will find the WXGA resolution (16:10 aspect ratio) useful for widescreen presentations while it boasts 2,500 lumens color and white light output for vivid and superior images. Coming in a portable form factor, the PowerLite Presenter is an easy-to-use solution for businesses who have integrated more audio and video into presentations to keep up with the times.

Features of the Epson PowerLite Presenter include :-

• PC-Free Presentations: Offers convenient connectivity with USB memory devices such as a thumb drive or USB hard drive for easily viewing and sharing jpeg images without a computer
• Advanced Connectivity: Offers inputs for connecting to multiple devices including an all-digital HDMI connection for high-definition quality video and digital audio, a USB Type A port for use with USB memory devices such as a thumb drive or USB hard drive for easily viewing and sharing jpeg images without a computer, and direct connectivity for a camcorder, digital camera or gaming console
• Powerful Communications: Microphone input allows for voice amplification when narrating a presentation using the built-in, dual 10-watt speakers and closed captioning decoder
• Auto Color and Image Adjustments: Automatically adjusts color mode according to the ambient light and corrects keystone for easy set-up and optimal performance
• Travel Friendly: The PowerLite Presenter weighs 9.5 pounds and includes a built-in carrying handle, soft carrying case and remote control for easy portability and operation on the road
• A/V Mute Slide/Sleep Mode: Instantly turns off the sound and images to create a quick pause in the presentation, conserving lamp life and energy; the projector enters A/V Mute mode when the lens cover is closed and returns to normal mode automatically and immediately upon reopening the lens cover
• Extended Lamp Life: Using Epson’s exclusive E-TORL lamp technology, lamp life can last up to 5,000 hours in economy mode, and replacement E-TORL lamps can cost up to $100 less than competing replacement lamps

Expect to fork out around $899 for the Epson PowerLite Presenter, where it will be accompanied by a couple of 10-watt virtual surround sound speakers, a microphone input and closed captioning. You will also find USB plug and play functionality, letting you view images as well as listen to audio on both the projector and computer screen as long as it is connected via a USB cable. The PowerLite Presenter will also utilize the latest 3LCD, 3-chip technology from Epson to offer vibrant color and detail.

H2O Audio is an old name when it comes to waterproof headphones as well as accessories that keep your favorite MP3 player nice and dry while you rack up the number of laps in the local pool. Their latest releases would be the Surge Pro, Surge Sportwrap, and Interval Waterproof Headphone System that was specially designed to work with Apple’s 3rd Generation iPod shuffle, featuring built-in Surge Waterproof Headphones and convenient “Made for iPod” controls. All of them will retail between $59.99 to $99.99 a pop, and can work up to 12 feet in depth.

Press Release

I’ve always looked in amazement at people in the kitchen who are able to pour out liquids from one container to another without spilling even a single drop, but with the g-Spout, you can be just like the professionals – as long as you’re willing to fork out the $12.99 asking price for it.

The g-Spout is a simple device to help you pour accurately and easily from skillets, pans, bowls and cans. It is easily attached to a skillet, double boiler, bowl or can. Made of high temperature food grade silicone, the g-Spout is microwave and dishwasher safe. The g-Spout was originally developed to encourage the environmentally responsible disposal of cooking grease and oil, and to help eliminate clogged drains and sewers. But, the g-Spout has become so much more! Customers are suggesting new uses almost every day! It’s great for making cupcakes, muffins, and pancakes without drips or baked on batter; drizzling chocolate, and caramel from a double boiler; pouring paint back into bottles; straining fruit salad, vegetables or rice; pouring sugar, salt or coffee; and of course, straining hot bacon or hamburger grease into disposable containers.

Of course, this handy gizmo need not only see action in the kitchen, it can be used in the garage, shop, RV and even the craft room. Guess the more clumsy ones among us now have a useful gadget to aid them around the house!

Netgear is back with yet another exciting (as exciting as networking devices can get anyways) model – the RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Routerwith USB, also known as the WNR3500L. This puppy is a full-featured Wireless-N router that is capable of offering high-performance wireless range and speed alongside the option to hook up other devices via Gigabit Ethernet ports and ReadyShare USB storage access. It isn’t any ordinary router though, as it was also specially designed to function as a reliable, high-performance open source Linux platform that is capable of supporting a wide range of applications developed by multipledevelopment partners and the open source community. Several partners will include BigFoot Networks who are famous for boosting network speeds for online gaming, Leaf Networks who provide a convenient method for remote access, Paragon Software for high-speed USB file reads and writes, and Sputnik for hotspot solutions.

The RangeMax Wireless-N Gigabit Router with USB is no slouch when it comes to performance, powered by a 480MHz MIPS 74K processor core that features embedded hardware acceleration, accompanied by 8MB of flash memory and 64MB of RAM, which ought to be more than enough to run even business-class applications. You will be able to enjoy five 10/100/1000 (one WAN port and four LAN) Ethernet ports with auto-sensing technology with high WAN to LAN speeds that go above 350Mbps. In addition, the latest RangeMax addition will include an 802.11n access point with a wireless repeater mode to further extend its range within a building. A trio of internal Metamaterial antennas offer enhanced wireless range and reliable connections.

Security-wise, you will find that the WNR3500L offers protection to the network in the form of a double firewall and Denial-of-service attack prevention. It will ensure that the wireless connection remains secure with support for Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), WPA2-PSK, while Push ‘N’ Connect using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) allows users to include computers that they want on the network, leaving everyone else out in the cold. You can pick this bad boy up for $139.99 when it hits retail stores later this fall.

Press Release

QNAP Systems recently updated their Turbo NAS range by introducing the TS-410 desktop NAS server which was specially developed to target the SOHO and Prosumer market segments. Having said that, you won’t find top-of-the-line features in this, since it isn’t going to blaze through performance charts in any way, but the TS-410 does come with a decent enough feature set to get you up and running right out of the box without worrying about it becoming obsolete a few months down the road. The TS-410 will come with a quartet of hot-swappable SATA hard drives that are capable of holding up to 8TB of storage with its 2TB maximum, supporting 2.5″ or 3.5″ hard drives for added flexibility when it comes to drive installation. Apart from that, you won’t find any Intel Atom processor within, since it will be powered by a Marvell 800MHz processor and 256MB DDR2 memory for sustained high performance with low power consumption. Users will be able to configure the TS-410 for RAID 0/1/5/6/5+ spare, and JBOD with online RAID capacity expansion and online RAID level migration for high data redundancy.

As mentioned above, the TS-410 is comfortable in SOHO environments, which is why it is fully compatible with Windows, Macintosh, Linux, and UNIX networks while boasting a built-in UPnP/DLNA media server (with TwonkyMedia enabled) that is able to support a wide range of DLNA media players including the Sony PS3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 gaming consoles. Apart from that, you can also opt to install the DLNA/UPnP application on your iPhone or iPod touch, giving you access to the TS-410 over the home network any time of the day, letting you play videos, music, and photos from the server directly over a network connection. With the high-speed PC-less Download Station working in tandem with the unique QGet utility, you can also manage your BT/FTP/HTTP download tasks remotely over the local network or the Internet.

Expect to pick up the QNAP TS-410 sometime later this month for $449 sans hard drives.

Press Release

The Gioteck Stage Light is totally different from disco lights of yore, doing away with the mirrorball image as well as white flared pants. This device takes a totally different route, catering to those who want something different in their home while they rock out to their favorite music-based video game or are just chilling to a rave tune of choice.

Specifically created to inject a bit of high-tech oomph into the whole lights-to-music genre, this powerful little projector uses superbright LEDs and sound-activation technology to beam colourful circles of light on to walls and ceilings. And unlike old-school contraptions it’s battery operated and supremely portable, so you can take it anywhere you fancy. Ideal for all you Guitar Hero/Rock Band obsessives, karaoke loons, Strictly fans and psychedelic inhabitants of the Planet Hendrix, the Gioteck features a glowing touch sensitive on/off button and fully adjustable flash sensitivity dial. This means you can crank up the response speed when you’re thrashing out the Ace of Spades and mellow things out when your chillin’ to I’m a Little Teapot.

Expect to fork out £19.95 for the Gioteck Stage Light.

Are you the cerebral type who have a love for popular pop culture? Then you might want to consider the Super Mario Chess Set – this game won’t come with changed rules in any way, and no, you aren’t allowed to stomp on opposing pawns but will have to stick to traditional chess rules instead. One shocking thing is this – Luigi acts as the queen, talk about weird! This is despite the fact that Princess Peach is still hanging around on the board. Ah well, guess strange days are ahead of us – no wonder Mario can’t really seem to start a relationship with Princess Peach in all the games we’ve played so far. The Super Mario Chess Set is going for $39.99.

There are a lot of USB hubs out there that come in every shape and form.  This one I can’t help but appreciate.  It’s straight forward and nice and simple.  It’s not some silly pink bunny rabbit with multiple ports jammed into it or anything equally silly.  Nor does it feature R2D2’s body, which admittedly is awesome, but plain is nice for a change.

The hub will allow for up to 4 of your favorite USB gadgets to be plugged into it.  Not only does it come with the simple little port, it also has an extension cord to plug into your computer.  Although the cord doesn’t exactly look long.  This is one gadget that won’t draw any attention to itself while it’s sitting out.  You can purchase the Power Extension USB 4 Port Hub for $15 from USB Geek.

Source:  CraziestGadgets

More and more it seems that you can find audio devices that have a subtle retro spin.  You could of course also find something that’s blatantly retro, but not everyone wants something like that.  Instead you can get a mixture of the new and sleek while still getting a little bit of a vintage feel.  Thankfully unlike the retro radios, this does more than pick up the local FM radio stations.

The radio comes in both satin black and pearl white.  This radio comes with all of your favorite bells and whistles.  It will charge and play both iPod and iPhones, as well as having multi-standard digital and internet radio.  It also has an OLED display and a joystick-controlled user interface.  As well as having all of that, it also of course has your standard FM radio capabilities.  Right now this isn’t out just yet, you can expect to see these shipping out as of November 4th though.  At that point you can pick up the Domino D3 for £169.95 or about $270.

Source: Ubergizmo

There are some that prefer to go to bed at night with a glass of water, for those that do, this cup would be the best to have by your side.  You won’t have to worry as much about knocking it over in your sleep or while you’re attempting to get the alarm clock to stop beeping at you first thing in the morning.  It also will give a soft glow for those that don’t like their bedroom completely dark.  All around, it’s a great bedside cup to have.

When I was much younger I preferred to sleep with a cup next to me, but when I moved to an area that seemed to have mutant sized spiders I stopped.  I never wanted to end up somehow drinking a drowned spider while I was half asleep.  Well had I owned this cup, I never would have had to worry about that.  In order to drink from the cup, you just start to sip on the cup, which will open the valve.  After you’ve removed your lips from the cup, it will close back up again.  The cup is dishwasher safe and the light will last up to three months from normal use.  You can purchase the cup for £5.99 or about $9.50.

Source: SwitchedonSet

I had a clock radio that was beside my bed all throughout the eighties, and this new Sharper Image Clock Radio dock for the iPod and iPhone reminds me of it.

I believe that part of Sharper Image’s re-launch is to make electronic products that are not only neat looking, but practical. And what could be more practical for life in the new millennium than an dock for the iPod or iPhone? Especially one that can double as an alarm clock.

With this Sharper Image Clock Radio, the user can wake up to the radio or some custom playlist, or just the usual beep tone. It also features a dual alarm and an auto off timer and nap feature that you can set 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes.

It is powered by two AA batteries (not included) or AC power, and the sound is to be expected from 2 inch speakers with 6 watts each. Of course, it does come with a handy remote control, that does include the battery. By the way, the remote has a snooze/nap button, which will make it easy to sleep through the alarm, doesn’t it?

You can get The Sharper Image Clock Radio Dock for the iPhone or iPod for about $99.99 on The Sharper Image site.

I’ve been wanting to get me one of these Air Hogs remote control vehicles for quite a while. For some reason, the kid in me just loves the idea of an RC vehicle that can literally drive up the wall.

This spider car is able to accomplish this amazing feat with some sort of vacuum suction, and it can even drive on the ceiling, so I’m told.

The company has taken another step in remote control vehicles by enabling them to follow a laser pointer. Have you ever had fun with your cat by making him or her chase the glowing dot from the laser pointer? It looks like this Air Hog follows the same principle.

I’m not certain which is more fun. The Air Hogs Zero Gravity Laser will follow the laser beam without any emotion, simply because it is programmed to. The cat will go after that laser dot with personality and friskiness, and may or may not go after the laser pointer at all. Of course, your cat can’t climb walls or walk on the ceiling without damaging your house.

If you want to try this out for yourself, the Air Hogs Zero Gravity Laser is available on sites like Toys “R” Us for about $49.95.

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I once heard that if you keep your feet warm, your body will eventually be warm as well. Actually, it was my mother who said that, and I have no idea if it’s true.

Still, for all those who don’t want to have cold feet (literally), then you might want to invest in Columbia Bugathermo boots. These boots have built-in rechargeable batteries that can heat them up for four to eight hours.

So I suppose you could call this an electric blanket for your foot, or the only true leg warmer. It has three settings that are located conveniently at the ankle.

As for the charging, you just plug them in and forget about them. I don’t know why they call them Bugathermo, that just sounds like a bug with thermite in it.

You should be able to get these Bugathermo heated boots on the Columbia Sportswear website in Black and Cedar for about $250 in varying sizes.

As a side note, I have seen the Bugathermo boot on many other gadget sites. Most of them are very negative to the idea of a heated boot, but I think it’s the price that scares them away.

Now, if they could put this tech on a ski boot, you might attract a whole different audience.

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