Archive for February, 2008 Although Samsung’s billing these plasmas as being “3D ready”, what they mean to say is that they apparently did some tweaking with game mega-developer EA to ensure their two latest 1080p plasmas — in 42 and 50-inch sizes — play games well. The HDMI 1.3, USB, and supposed 1m:1 contrast ratio don’t exactly hurt, either. [Via Akihabara News]
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The Kiddo Kidkeeper from Smart Target is like a 21st century version of those ‘kid leashes’ you see some parents using with their toddler. Except it doesn’t look as stupid. The system consists of a transmitter which you attach to the kid and a receiver which is carried by an adult. The transmitter continually emits a signal which is picked up by the receiver and is used to determine how far away the kid has wandered. When they go farther than a preset distance a warning sound and visual alarm on the receiver will go off allowing the adult to retrieve the child. In terms of range settings the Kiddo receiver actually only has 2 options. The short range setting will alert the adult if the child has gone more than 4 meters (about 13 feet) away while the long range setting will sound the alert when a distance of 8 meters (or 26 feet) has been reached. The transmitter is also waterproof which means it’s pool and beach-friendly and can even be used at airports and on airplanes without disturbing the avionics. [ Kiddo Kidkeeper ] VIA [ Gizmag ] Popularity: 1% [?]
A laptop with a built-in webcam is definitely convenient, particularly since it means that’s one less accessory you have to carry. But at the same time the lens is usually embedded in the top of the screen, which makes it difficult to aim the camera at anything but yourself. So this mini webcam from Brando uses a flexible neck that can be positioned and aimed in any direction depending on what you want the person on the other end of the conversation to see. The webcam is 100% plug and play and doesn’t require any drivers to be installed when used under Windows XP or Vista. The lens can be rotated for adjusting the focus and it’s compatible with ICQ, MSN, Skype and other chat and VOIP applications. You can get it directly from Brando for just $19. [ USB Mini Web Cam ] VIA [ DVICE ] Popularity: 1% [?]
Feb
28
2008
 
Crane Operator Playset - What’s Happened To Children’s Toys?Posted by: in Gadgets & Gizmos
I definitely feel that developing a healthy imagination is important for kids, and what better way to do so than by playing make-believe? When I was a kid we ran around pretending we were spies, ninjas, astronauts and even transforming robots. You know, things that were fun. But it seems today’s kids are being forced to pretend they’re stuck in a crappy 9 to 5 job. First there was this ludicrous X-Ray Machine Playset which has kids spending their days looking for dangerous items that might make it onto a plane, and now there’s this crane operator playset that comes with a fake remote control you wear around your waist and a hard hat. Now I’ll agree it takes a whole lot of imagination to pretend you’re controlling a crane that isn’t there, but I don’t think any kind can ever muster enough imagination to pretend that playing crane operator is actually fun. I mean look at that kid’s face, he’s not enjoying this, he looks worried that he’ll be written up by the union for being late for work again. (His cartoons ran long.) You can find it at Baudin Maukilo for $21.59. [ Haba - Shovelling Set ] VIA [ YoKiddo! ] Popularity: 1% [?]
I’m fortunate to work in an environment where I don’t have anyone looking over my shoulder, making sure that I’m staying on-task. I’ve had those jobs in the past, and I’ve discovered that I am less productive when my work is constantly monitored. In those days I would have loved for a mouse such as this one, which will bring up a specific program with the click of a button. This of course would be useful in a situation when one is surfing the net or brushing up on their solitaire skills. Just click the side button and it’ll pull up Excel or whatever important-looking program you choose. You can pick one up for just $19.99. [ USBFever ] VIA [ RedFerret ] Popularity: 1% [?]
Feb
28
2008
Beanie features built-in headphones for rocking out in the coldPosted by: in Gadgets & Gizmos
By Luke Anderson Are you one of those people that must always be listening to your iPod? I’m horrible about using mine, I always think that I’ll use it, but I rarely find the need. I’m usually in my car or at my desk, both of which have an ample supply of music. However, for those that are outdoors a lot, possibly walking or jogging, you’ll love this Tooks Beanie which features a built-in headset. The beanie looks rather normal, except for the two circles for the speakers, and the cord running down the back. I probably wouldn’t wear this if I were just going out somewhere, but those that like to exercise in the cold might get some use out of it. The Took Beanie comes in six different colors and will set you back $25. [ EpicOutfit ] VIA [ ChipChick ] Popularity: 1% [?]
By Evan Ackerman This, right here, is the solution to all violent conflicts everywhere. When real weapons eventually, inevitably, are replaced by glitter guns, peace will reign and 70s pop icons will once again roam the earth. Each cartridge contains 6 shots of glitter; $8 gets you the gun and 3 cartridges. So far all that seems to be available is this small revolver version… I’m going to hold out for a glitter sniper rifle, myself. [ Glitter Gun ] VIA [ Nerd Approved ] Popularity: 1% [?]
By Evan Ackerman Have you ever noticed that there are surveillance cameras everywhere nowadays? Doesn’t it make you feel all warm and fuzzy and safe in the knowledge that our little sisterish government is looking out for us 24/7/365.25? If you’re still not quite feeling safe enough, now you can get your own surveillance camera light fixture to remind you that someone is always watching. Always. Even you. Yes, you. Right now. Put your pants back on, geez. If you think I’m kidding, check out this screensaver, which shows live images from over 400 network surveillance cameras worldwide whenever your computer goes idle. Buy this lamp, and your bedroom could be image #401. $75 not including security cameras; those will be installed separately by some guy in black sunglasses claiming to be an electrical inspector. And as for what’s up with the ducks (or is it geese?) in the bottom of that pic… I think if I knew the answer to that, it might somehow make me feel more at home in the universe. [ Surveillance Light ] VIA [ Dezeen ] Popularity: 1% [?]
In an effort to improve the nerdy image of the accordion Roland has added a few high-tech upgrades and improvements to their FR-2b model. Unfortunately though the only thing I know about accordions is what I’ve seen in Weird Al videos, so here’s a list of some of the improvements as taken from the Roland website:
The FR-2b runs on 8 AA batteries, but even with them installed it still weighs almost half as much as a traditional accordion model. So if you spend your weekends rocking out at polka concerts or Polish weddings it might be able to improve both your image and your sore back. But if you’re looking to buy the Roland FR-2b you might want to book paying gigs all week long since it has a list price of $3,999. [ Roland FR-2b Accordion ] VIA [ PaulTech Network ] Popularity: 1% [?] Filed under: Wireless, Storage, Networking  According to AppleInsider, it sounds like Time Capsule customers’ orders are in the crucial “preparing to ship” phase about now, meaning credit cards are being charged and units will be loaded onto trucks for distribution as early as tomorrow for some. Apple still hasn’t said anything officially about shipping though; just don’t be too surprised units start showing up shortly at your doorstep or in your local Apple store. Update: Yep, we’ve got confirmation from Apple that it’s shipping this week (although some users apparently already manage to snag theirs offline — good for you). The only question now is: will it really last 10,000 years if buried in your back yard?
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