Posts from — August 2008

Feeling a little adventurous? Here’s a waterproof digital camera that appears to be designed for even the most extreme lifestyles. The Olympus Stylus 1030 SW Silver is a 10.1 mega pixel digital camera that is waterproof, freezeproof, dustproof, crushproof and shockproof. According to Olympus, it’s ok to take the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW in the pool or even in the ocean up to 33 feet. As far as other measures of durability, the Stylus digital camera is shockproof up to 6.6 feet, freezeproof to 14 degrees, and can withstand up to 220 pounds of pressure before it gives up the ghost.

This underwater digital camera also features a 3.6X wide angle lens, 5X zoom, and a 2.7 inch LCD screen. It retails for around $349. Might be a good way to get started in underwater digital photography without a gigantic investment in equipment. See an interactive video of the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW.

Want to monitor your business or your home via your cell phone or Blackberry? The ConnectVu-Cam is a USB security camera that streams a live video feed to your cell phone, Blackberry or PDA via your computer.

The ConnectVu-Cam features a built-in microphone and low-light sensor which will activate attached LED lighting. With the included software, up to 5 users can view the same video feed using their cell phones. The software also allows users to program the web cam with email security alerts when motion is detected.

In addition to traditional security applications, the mobile component of this web cam might make it a good option for parents who want to keep an eye on the kids, or even the babysitter.  Find out more about the ConnectVu-Cam at CCTV Mobile.

Anyone who’s ever used a mobile printer with their notebook computer probably understands just how much abuse one of these things endures while bouncing around in the backseat of your car. That’s why I like the rugged look of the HP Office Jet H470 mobile printer-looks like it might be able to take a moderate amount of mistreatment.

The H470 portable printer weighs 5 pounds and it’s compatible with all your portable devices, including digital cameras, memory sticks, and PDAs. It holds up to 50 sheets of paper, and can print up to 22 pages a minute depending on the print quality you select.

Oh- and in case you like to work or study while sipping a latte at Starbucks, there’s an anti-vibration feature to prevent annoying the people around you. Optional features on the HP Office Jet H470 include a wireless printer adapter, a 12v adapter for using it in your car, and a travel holder for HP ink cartridges.

Remember the days when you begged your mom for a quarter just to play Pac-Man at the grocery store, and spent hours playing Atari games at home? Here’s something that will make you want to turn off your Ninendo Wii and Playstation to take a walk down memory lane. Assuming you have a few of your own quarters these days, you can buy a full-size Pac-Man video game just like the retro video games you remember.

The arcade size Pac-Man game includes Gallaga and Ms. Pac-Man, and all the authentic “Wocka-Wocka” sounds and graphics. And, the video game controllers on this unit are just like the originals- so maybe you can still sneak around those ghosts.

This very cool and giant gadget will set you back about $2,995 at Brookstone. The good news is it works without quarters.

GPS systems are springing up just about everywhere, so why not get one for your bicycle? This GPS device attaches to any standard (1-inch) bicycle handle bar, and comes off easily if you want to use it as a handheld GPS. The bicycle GPS system allows you to program more than 100 waypoints and up to 20 of your favorite bicycling routes. This GPS gadget also has a speedometer, trip meter, and keeps track of your average speed.

The bicycle GPS system, made by Atech is accurate to 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) in pinpointing your location, and it’s made to withstand the elements with a waterproof cover. In case the GPS isn’t enough to keep you headed in the right direction on your mountain bike excursions, there’s also a compass for good old-fashioned navigation. You’ll find this bicycle GPS system at Hammacher Schlemmer.

Bet you thought you’d never have another use for those stacks of vinyl record albums collecting dust in your attic. Turns out you might just want to drag them out again thanks to this new gadget. The USB turntable above allows you to convert your vinyl into MP3 files for playing on your iPod, your computer, or other MP3 player.

The USB output turntable includes an integrated stereo phono cartridge, and the necessary software- Cakewalk Pyro 5, which includes options for sound restoration. This USB record player is made by Audio-Technica, and it works with 33 and 45 RPM records.

I found the Audio-Technica USB Output Turntable at Amazon for $93.00 plus shipping.

Who needs an old-fashioned telescope when you’ve got this new gadget? The Celestron SkyScout is a personal planetarium that uses GPS technology to identify stars and constellations. To identify a specific star, users point the device at the star and click. To find a star, planet or constellation, users select the name of the star from the SkyScout menu, and the personal planetarium uses GPS to generate arrows pointing the user in the right direction.

The SkyScout has an SD slot for inserting the optional guided sky tours, and the GPS planetarium can tell users the best stars for viewing based on the date and their exact location. More info on the Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium.

Keep your drinks cool or hot with this fun USB gadget. It’s a USB refrigerator big enough to hold one can of your favorite soda. I love the retro shape of this thing- just like bringing Grandma’s old refrigerator to your computer desk. This USB refrigerator has a hot and cold button, and will heat up or cool down within just a few seconds.

Just for added giggles, the USB fridge has an interior light which comes on when you open the door. Imagine the envy of your friends and coworkers when they see this cool gadget on your desk. It’s compatible with all operating systems, and I found it at Sourcing Map for $28.99 plus shipping.

Need more USB ports for plugging in your favorite new gadgets? Try a USB hub or USB bar for quickly adding more spots for hooking up.

Here’s a new gadget designed just for Skype. It’s the latest IPEVO Skype Phone. This one includes an LCD display for caller ID and displaying your Skype contact list. It also has a built-in recording feature so you can easily record your Skype calls.

The IPEVO Skype phone is said to have nice call quality- 16K for Skype to Skype calls and 8K for Skype to land line calls. It includes a USB cord for plugging into your computer, a type A connector, and necessary software. Check out Skype here.

I found this IPEVO Skype Phone on Amazon for $39.99. It’s available in black and white.

I just love iPod accessories, and it seems there is simply no end in sight to the number of new gadgets that are available for iPods and other MP3 players.

Check out these CTA Sportpod Digital Headphones with built-in iPod holders. One side of the iPod headphones is a holder for 1st generation iPods, and the other side works with the iPod Nano. What a great idea for getting those cords out of the way. I think this would be ideal for any fitness walker, or running enthusiast.

The iPod holder headphones feature padded ear pieces, an adjustable headband, and a cord in case you ever want to plug into your iPod or other MP3 player the old-fashioned way. Happy (cordless) listening!