Archive for Gadgets
November 24, 2008 at 4:40 pm · Filed under Gadgets
As a fan of using in-ear monitors for my mobile music, I’m disheartened by the quality of fit you can get with many units. I’ve pretty much relegated the condition to the lack of suitable materials that can capably conform into every ear that’s affordable enough to be used. So every time I hear people claim perfect-fitting IEMs, I raise an eyebrow.
In Comes Westone
I’ve heard of Westone’s name come up during discussions of good canal phones but I never really took the time to know more. I know they make good headphones but their claim of “True Fit Ear Tips” simply beg for further inquiry. As it turns out, their UM series of IEMs include two ear tips, at least one of which should provide a good fit for most everyone. If you try them out before purchase, you can even ask for the ear tips to be pre-compressed according to how it best suits your ears. Additionally, you can order custom ear molds using the same high-quality materials for a truly perfect fit.
Out Comes The Credit Card
Not yet for me but it might be for you. Rarely do you get the chance to enjoy truly fitted ear tips. If you’re an audiophile who enjoy sound isolation on a portable machine, these might as well be the best units available. A visit to the Westone website will show you an impressive list of celebrities who recommend their headphones. Assuming it’s real and with prominent names like Madonna, Max Weinberg and Christina Aguilera on there, it might prove a good buy.
November 23, 2008 at 4:33 pm · Filed under Gadgets, Music
You know how things suddenly become cool when they’re obsolete? “Since no one’s using them anymore, let’s put them to use and it will be freaking awesome!”
While the logic behind such thinking can leave much to be desired, there’s no denying that this audio component is at least a little cool. Dubbed the Nostalgic Wooden Music Center, it allows you to play music in forms that are slowly being relegated to the dinosaur era.
The elegant-looking, wooden music box houses a turntable, CD player, cassette deck and an AM/FM radio. It features two built-in full-range speakers and can be connected to an external output unit via regular audio cables.
If you continue to hold on to your grandparents’ vinyl collection and your parents’ mix tapes featuring 80s pop hits, here’s your chance to get it out of the attic and make them a functional part of your entertainment center. Enjoy the soothing voice of Billy Ocean on an 11.8” vinyl and rock out to Cyndi Lauper’s maniacal shriek from authentic memorabilia that defined your ancestors’ culture! This player is a guaranteed hit at any party and can give your entertainment center the kitsch it deserves.
The capable turntable can play up to three standard speeds (33, 45 and 78 rpm) and is compatible with 7.1, 9.8 and 11.8 inch records. It features a front-loading CD drawer and comes equipped with two digital LED screens. The AM/FM radio is fitted old-school style and can be controlled via a rotary, analog tuner. Price is $166 at CNK Promos.
November 22, 2008 at 4:31 pm · Filed under Gadgets
I used to collect lighters and had some pretty funky Zippos - including a few factory rejects that actually look cool. I gave up smoking last year and figured I might as well let go of all remnants of the habit, including my lighter collection. I sold off the more valuable items from the set and gave the cheaper ones away as Christmas gifts.
I was googling for some cool new lighters (just for fun) and came across this 8 GB USB Flash drive / cigarette lighter from Think Geek. I initially thought it was a Zippo but couldn’t find the label anywhere on the pictures. The gadget works like a standard Zippo - just flip the top and light up. The USB port, meanwhile, can slide out from the bottom and should work the way regular flash drives do.
While I’m sure there’s a novelty market ready to pay for a “lighter cum flash drive” combo, I actually find this one a bad implementation. The lighter is a standard-sized Zippo and is way too bulky to be a functionally-sound flash disk. Given how heavy Zippo lighters weigh, I imagine this one hefty enough to be dangling quite uncomfortably out of my USB port as well.
Have I not kicked the habit, I will probably be trawling the novelty gadget shops for a similarly-working but more sensible version. A pen-shaped unit should work better and prove less cumbersome to handle. It’s just too much of a lighter and too little of a portable consumer technology - a crime of fashion. It’s undeniably cool, but I think I’ll pass.
Available from Think Geek.
November 19, 2008 at 4:22 pm · Filed under Gadgets
You will end up touching dozens, if not hundreds, of germ-filled surfaces per day. “There’s very few surfaces that are truly clean,” said Dr. Aaron Glatt, speaking for the Infectious Disease Society of America. According to him and other experts, everyday items are filled with germs and quite a few of them can prove infectious.
Astonishingly enough, a whole lot of everyday objects including purses, ATM machines, door knobs, cell phones and plenty more are veritable breeding grounds for germs. You are likely touching them without even realizing that doing so puts you in contact with a world of unseen living organisms. Remote control units for hotel room TVs, for one, are probably one of the nastiest surfaces you can find. Virtually everyone who stays in the room uses it while none of the people who clean up after probably bother to disinfect them.
A handy tool to have during such a time is the Sterilize UV Scanner Germ Disinfector. Portable and handy, this ultra-violet powered gizmo is capable of destroying 99% of all surface bacteria and viruses in a matter of seconds. Common infectants such as the flu virus, hepatitis and E-coli should be easily dispensed of with a single pass of the UV scanner, which uses the same disinfecting technology employed in many hospitals and medical facilities.
Great for home, work and travel use, the lightweight unit dispenses UVC light as soon as the lid is flipped open and does it work immediately on any surface it touches. Costing only $19.98, it runs on 4 AAA batteries.
November 16, 2008 at 4:16 pm · Filed under Gadgets
The audiophiles can skip this post, but those who like to see their work areas donned in more imaginative gear might want to stick around. These two novelty speakers might not pack the same flavor as your top-end Bose units but can certainly get the job done while actually bringing a smile to your face.
500XL Desktop Ear Bud Speakers
The traditional ear bud headphones get the upsize treatment in this speaker which is approximately 500 times the size of the popular portable headset. The giant ear bud speakers measure in at 7 inches in length and 4 inches in diameter - more appropriately fitting your face than your ears.
You wouldn’t want them resting on your earlobes anyway because they can be loud, equipped with a built-in amplifier. They can be powered either by batteries, USB or a standard wall outlet. Cost is $39.99 from Perpetual Kid.
I reckon this should work nice with a beer belt and six beers in tow.
On-The-Air Desktop Speakers
If you’re outfitting your desk with some retro designs, this 6-inch tall 50’s-style microphone can prove a good accessory. It’s a two-function unit, serving as both a speaker and VoIP telephone. While the audio leaves much to ask for, it’s cute and includes a built-in volume control. Think of it as a functionally-deficient toy - not much to offer but good enough to keep, especially when costing less than $1. Get it from CNK Promos.
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