Gadgets Base

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 28th 2008 at 9:24AM
Hope you’re eager to break into that Halloween candy early, because you’ve got some (re)celebrating to do. If you’ll recall, we first heard that laptops accounted for over half of US retail computer sales back in 2003, and in June of 2005, we found that it was somehow worth getting jazzed over once more when it happened again. Here we are in the latter half of 2008 shaking our heads in disappointment, as IDC has amazingly discovered that notebook shipments into the US market have exceeded the 50% threshold for the first time ever. Go ahead and stock up on rave supplies early — we get this weird feeling that we’ll be doing this same song and dance in 2010 or so.

[Image courtesy of DayLife]

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Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

FROM GAMERTELL - He didn’t just hack the game to make it display a special message, but created an entirely new area in the game for his girlfriend to explore, filled with references to their memories together.
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Was a somewhat surprised by last weeks winner, Krups Nescafe Dolce Gusto Single Serve Coffee but then again I don’t know many gadget lovers that don’t also enjoy a caffienne fix, congrats to Single Serve Coffee on their first CGOTW week win.

The Krups Nescafe Dolce Gusto not only makes a perfect cup of single serve coffee, it can also make lattes, cappuccinos, shots of espresso, chococinos (hot chocolate), and even iced cappuccinos. And not only does it make an amazing range of drinks, this is one of the first single serve coffee makers to have a “round water reservoir”, and to also look truly different than any other single serve coffee maker we’ve seen. The unique styling puts it on a path of it’s own, and it’s no wonder the design is so different.

In second place we have the differently cool bedside table medieval weapon set (this one got my vote).

If you live in fear of people breaking and entering your home and you are made of sterner stuff than the guy who needs to sleep with a shotgun under the bed, then this is definitely for you. The safe bedside table breaks into a club and a shield - ready for you to put some serious hurt on whoever is invading your home.

Finally in third place we have junior biologists ideal gadget, the USB Microscope.

This nifty USB gadget allows you zoom in (from 20x to 200x) on any object you happen to have on hand. It also comes with software allowing you to be a real boffin and record your findings as photos and videos onto your PC.

Thanks once again to everybody who took part and spent the time voting and commenting. As usual we have two $50 monetary thank you’s, and the randomly drawn winners are:

Draw for voting and commenting: Justin (big.j), the first person to win twice in a row, lucky so and so.

Draw for telling a friend: Clay(sketchupsbest) who was the fortunate one out of 14 who was good enough to tell a friend about the contest.

Thanks again everybody and good luck with the next CGOTW on Friday.

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If you write for a gadget themed blog and wish to be included in next weeks contest check out the CGOTW instructions page.

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FROM GAMERTELL - he axe-shaped Gene Simmons Axe Guitar is made for both Guitar Hero and Rock Band for the playstation 2 and PS3. It’s being sold for $79.99…
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Some say that our technological sense will overcome our common sense the day the digital Post-it is invented. I guess it is because the Post-it is designed to be thrown away, while technology should be built to last.

It appears that some designers at Sequoia Studios have come up with an idea that they would prefer not be called a Digital Post-it, but it is, for all intents and purposes, the most practical combination of Post-it and digital tech.

The E-notes use electric paper technology that has been under development for a long time now. These tiny pieces of e-paper are powered by a small solar captor that requires only one minute of light per day to work.

You can read more about the concept here, but here is a summary. The E-notes come in a pack of twenty-five, and a user can calibrate the date and time on all of them by writing on the first one with the stylus. As for each individual note, you can write or draw anything you want digitally, and then clear the message when you are done. So you can reuse the E-note when done, and even change its color!

So the E-note is a more practical way of leaving notes, and can be used and used again, until the stickum runs out. Well, these E-notes are still a concept just now, but I see a lot of potential.

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Amazon is hooking you up with a Dash Express today for only $200. This puppy originally was slated for a $600 price tag, but eventually went on sale for $400. Now you can get it for half that price, but today only.

The Dash Express is the first two-way Internet-connected GPS navigation system delivering traffic and destination information in wicked new ways. The Dash Express is the next generation of GPS technology and it’s available today.

Pick one up today only.

Posted in GPS, Gizmo of the Day, Portable

Intermec Inc. has announced a couple more commercial mobile receipt printers for businesses who want a low cost, wearable receipt printing solution for DSD/route accounting, retail queue busting and field service applications in the form of the PB2 and PB3. These lightweight printers measure 2″ and 3″ respectively in size, making them suitable for wearing while one is on the job without interference in movement and mobility. Both models seamlessly complement the Intermec CN3 series, and new CK3 mobile computers.

The Intermec PB2 and PB3 printers can also be augmented by purchasing an optional magnetic stripe reader, letting workers be more flexible in their everyday work by accepting payments over their mobile computer or printer. Basically, these payments can then be processed while one is on the move, and receipts can be generated on the spot in order to reduce long queues at the checkout counter, indirectly increasing customer satisfaction, productivity and introducing ew opportunities for sales no matter where the employee is. Sounds great for supermarkets whenever there is a sale going on, as the management can always place an employee or two at each aisle to facilitate a faster check out for folks who want to pick up just a single product from that particular aisle.

Specially designed to support mobility, the PB2 and PB3 printers can be worn comfortably all day long courtesy of its belt loop system which is a standard feature of every printer. Alternatively, you can always go for the optional shoulder strap which some people find to suit their style better. There are also hands-free options available such as a weather-resistant, IP54-rated environmental case for added protection whenever it is used outdoors, catering for industries like electronic citations, postal delivery, and car rental return processing without impairing mobility. There is no word on pricing, but the Intermec PB2 and PB3 printers can now be ordered globally.

Press Release

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Trying to keep all of your gadgets charged when you’re constantly out and about can be difficult.  Especially if you have the tendency to get so wrapped up in things that you forget to charge them all up once you’re finally home for the day.  With this kit, you could charge up your gadgets when they die on you at inopportune moments.  It would also be great for those that travel a lot.  If you don’t have a spare charger and you’re hundreds of miles from home on a tight budget, the kit could save you the money of having to buy another charger.

It features a rechargeable lithium ion battery and a power level indicator.  It also includes adapters for the ipod, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, USB male, mini 5 pins, Motorola, Nokia and so on.  Out of all that it has a total of seven charging adapters. The kit also has an attachment to turn the power bar into a flashlight and a USB charging cable.  To finish things off it has a convenient little pouch to hold all of those item in.  So all you have to do is toss this in your car, purse or luggage and you’ll have it with you.  The whole kit will cost you $32 from USB Geek.

Source: Geeky-Gadgets

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Aliph’s Jawbone 2 has been out since May this year, but just in case you were interested in the technology but did not find the gold, silver and black colored headsets appealing, Aliph is now making Babbling Blue and Rambling Rose as two new choices. Both models will feature similar features on the Jawbone 2, so you can be assured that your Bluetooth headset will not be out of place with the rest of your fashion sense thanks to its sleek design. The Jawbone 2 uses medical grade plastic that ensures there won’t be any blemishes or skin irritation when you wear it, ergonomically fitting your face while boasting NoiseAssassin technology to help you get your vocal message across even when speaking in the noisiest of environments.

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by Darren Murph, posted Oct 27th 2008 at 8:14PM
We already knew RIM’s blackberry Bold would sell for a stiff $299.99 on contract with AT&T, but if you’re one of the many AT&T users who’d rather not sign a new agreement (or renew your current one), you’ve probably been patiently waiting to hear an unsubsidized price. Here is it, but we’re warning you, you might want to sit down. The contract-free Bold is listed at $679.99 at Best Buy, and fittingly enough, the product page offers a convenient link for seeking financing. At any rate, it also tells us that pre-orders will typically ship out within one to two weeks, though we’d be hesitant to bet the farm on that. After waiting for, like, ever, for this handset to finally hit shelves, are you still so anxious to drop nearly seven bills to claim one as your own?

[Thanks, Christen]

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Filed under: cellphones