Office Gadget Inspector

Constrained Ball

2011-01-28T05:14:00.000-08:00

The Constrained Ball is a drawing device created by Korean product designer Giha Woo.

This device is meant to help people draw straight line without using a ruler by applying a controlling wheel to the ball-pen that makes it roll in only one direction.

It also comes with a measurement gadget, that tells you in every moment how long is the line you have drawn, so you can draw it to the exact length you wish.

The mounting area is made with a flexible rubber material to provide the best tightness. In addition to horizontal and vertical lines you can also easily draw 45 angled lines.

More Info:

http://www.gihawoo.com/

StudioDesk

2009-12-05T00:02:00.000-08:00

Bluelounge, the groundbreaking design studio known for such award-winning products as the SpaceStation, CableBox and The Sanctuary, introduces StudioDesk: their most advanced cable management solution to date. A traditional workspace with a modern twist, the StudioDesk is specifically designed to offer laptop users a clutter-free working environment. Its sliding top surface uncovers a large easily accessed storage compartment that completely conceals all one’s peripheral hardware and their accompanying cables.

Bluelounge’s StudioDesk is immediately available for $599.95 US Dollars through www.bluelounge.com.

"After the success of The Sanctuary and CableBox, I was committed to creating a new product that would bring cable management full circle," said Bluelounge Principal and Designer, Dominic Symons. “The StudioDesk brings harmony to one's workspace. It is perfectly suited for the studio, home, office, conference & classroom environments, in fact wherever laptops are frequently used."

StudioDesk’s ingenious sliding lid allows all ancillary equipment and excess cables to be safely stowed away under the desktop in the concealed, but easily accessed, storage compartment. An elongated slot across the width of the desktop lets the user easily inter-connect all the hidden power strips, AC adapters, hubs, external hard drives, routers etc, thereby keeping the desktop always completely clutter-free. An opening discretely located below the StudioDesk’s rear corners means that only a single cable is needed to connect everything to a power socket. So less floor level clutter too!

The StudioDesk’s timeless design features solid mahogany legs and details. For durability, white laminate is used for the desktop surfaces and storage spaces. In addition, StudioDesk comes with a removable faux leather mat to cover and protect the sliding portion of the desktop. StudioDesk measures 47” x 27.5” X 29.5”. Shipping by UPS ground, knocked down into one package. Assembly tools & instructions are included.

About Bluelounge

Bluelounge, founded in 1999 by designers Dominic Symons and Melissa Sunjaya, is a multidisciplinary design studio that creates a synergy of product, graphic, interactive design and original illustration. Bluelounge products are distributed through over 100 U.S. locations and 17 international distributors, promotional agents and licensees. Bluelounge’s design studios and administrative offices are in both Los Angeles and Jakarta, Indonesia. In addition to their own branded products, Bluelounge has undertaken design commissions for major corporations such as Airwalk, Microsoft, Panasonic, and Trina Turk.

http://www.bluelounge.com/

2008-02-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

Ford Motor Company has unveiled a a collection of technologies named Ford Work Solutions that will allow Ford Truck owners to have all tools needed to run a small office at the Chicago Auto Show 2008.

Ford Work Solutions features:

An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network and navigation by Garmin. This system allows customers to print invoices, check inventories and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site.
Tool Link, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed in partnership with DEWALT and ThingMagic that will enable customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.
Crew Chief, a fleet telematics and diagnostics system, to allow small fleet owners to manage their vehicles, dispatch workers to job sites and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.
Cable Lock security system developed in partnership with Master Lock® to provide security.

The F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 31 years. Two out of every five commercial trucks sold in the U.S. wears a Ford oval.

All four Ford Work Solutions will be available this fall on the new 2009 Ford F-150 XL, STX, XLT and FX4 trucks; F-Series Super Duty XL, XLT and FX4 trucks; and all 2009 E-Series vans. Transit Connect vans join the lineup in mid-2009.

Several of the features will be also made available for dealer installation to upgrade Ford Trucks already in service.

An in-dash computer, developed with Magneti Marelli, transforms the new 2009 F-150 or F-Series Super Duty into true mobile offices, capable of linking into the business owner’s main office computer network or a home computer via a cellular broadband connection.

Users can access existing files on an office computer miles from the job site, open a word processing document, a spread sheet or their business accounting program, make updates and print them in the truck on an available Ford-certified, on-board, Bluetooth-enabled, battery-powered inkjet printer.

Powered by Microsoft Auto, the system provides high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network. It works with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, offering hands-free calling with push-to-talk voice recognition, access to user phonebooks and the ability to receive text messages.

The in-dash computer also includes navigation by Garmin, which comes standard with features like re-routing due to construction or traffic congestion and points of interest including local gas stations and their fuel prices, restaurants, Ford dealerships and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers.

The computer is integrated into the vehicle’s center stack, filling the same space normally occupied by the standard radio. It is equipped with a 6.5-inch, high-resolution touch screen, two gigabytes of memory, a secure digital slot for additional memory, a USB port and includes a wireless keyboard and mouse. A stylus, stored next to the CD slot, is included for use on the touch screen.

Developed with DEWALT and ThingMagic, Tool Link offers owners the capability to mark and scan high-value tools, safety equipment, material inventories and other important assets using RFID tags. When the vehicle is running, a pair of RFID antennas, mounted in corrosion- and impact-resistant housings on the inside of the pickup box, scan the box for the items on a pre-programmed inventory list.

The data is transmitted to a reader mounted inside the cab and displayed on the in-dash computer screen, alerting the driver if any inventoried tools are not loaded on the truck.

Tool Link comes pre-loaded with several standard tool lists that are easily edited to reflect specific types of jobs. The system uses industry standard second-generation RFID tags that can be fastened to tools or other items and can read and catalogue hundreds of tools or assets in just seconds.

Think Chair

2008-02-08T07:54:00.000-08:00

The Self-adjusting ergonomic office chair Think™ from Steelcase is advertised in their websiteas having "intelligence":

"Think is the chair with a brain and a conscience.
It's intelligent enough to understand how you sit and adjust itself intuitively.
It's thoughtful enough to measure and minimize its lifelong impact on the environment."

With prices ranging from $669 to $919 it has to be some kind of a Einstein, really ...

Designed by German designer Glen Oliver Löw, the chair uses recyclable materials and is as ergonomically comfortable as it could have been.
According to Löw,

"Design isn't just about style. It's about integrity of materials, functional integrity and intent. Think is a truthful chair - the result of open dialogue between engineers, environmentalists, and the designer."

Ergonomics Features:

Seat and Back
Back flexors track with the individual movement of your spine and pelvis. The back flexors are individually shaped to the human form to provide optimum support for each area of the back. Seat flexors conform to your shape, providing a dynamic comfort pocket.

Power™ Mechanism
The Your Power Mechanism moves as fluidly as the human body does. It provides recline support in proportion to your own body weight, while keeping you oriented to your work.

Adjustable Arms
The Think chair's arms retract up to three inches upon contact with your worksurface, allowing you to get closer to your work. They also pivot and move up and down to provide natural support.

Flexible Seat Edge
When you recline or lean forward, the seat edge flexes to relieve pressure on the back of the legs.

Your Preference™ Control
The Your Preference Control combines four comfort settings into one simple dial. Select your favorite setting : weight activated, weight activated with at 20% boost, mid-stop recline, and upright back lock.

On a greener note, the chair can be easily dissembled in about 5 minutes, using ordinary hand tools. Parts weighing more than 50g are clearly labeled for recycling.
All together it contains up to 44% recycled materials, and absolutely no PVCs, CFCs, solvents, benzene, chrome, lead or mercury has been used during its manufacturing.
Think was designed to be made with minimal waste, energy consumption and environmental impact using powder-coat painting heavy metals and VOC-free. No gluing processes are used in assembly.

Available from:
Steelcase

Office Gadget Inspector's AdSense Player

2008-02-01T02:04:00.000-08:00

YouTube has launched a new service called AdSense Players.

With AdSense Players you create customized video players for publishing to Websites or Blogs, using keywords or pre-selected premium content, like you see below:

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

This Post is just a test to see what AdSense Player picks up from the content of the Office Gadget Inspector's Blog.
Comments are welcome.

ZINK Mobile Printer

2008-01-14T08:02:00.000-08:00

Printing on the go has never been easier.
The ZINK Mobile Printer is the perfect companion to your camera phone or digital camera, the pocket-sized mobile printer connects either wirelessly or with a USB cable directly to any camera phone or digital camera and prints full-color 2" x 3" digital photos (size of regular business card).

The printer uses thermal printing technology from Zink Imaging Inc. What this really means is that no ink is required, that's right NO ink.

The technology behind Zink was first developed at Polaroid, and they are now also plannig to update the Polaroid camera concept by selling another portable printer.
"Polaroid's new printer is a little bigger than a deck of cards and connects to phones by USB or Bluetooth."
And they will use Zink's thermal printing technology.

In case you're wondering Zink was founded in 2005 and purchased technologies from Polaroid as it was coming out of bankruptcy. And now both Zink and Polaroid are based in the same complex in Waltham, Massachusetts.

ZINK Mobile Printer Features:

Compatible with all Pictbridge enabled digital cameras and camera phones with wireless connectivity.
Prints 2" X 3" borderless, high quality photos
Uses ZINK™ Paper. Available in sticky-back.
Integrated, rechargeable battery

Available from:
http://www.zink.com

Nissan NV200 Concept

2007-10-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

The NV200 concept from Nissan looks like a rather basic and not very stylish van from the outside, but it betrays an "interior created to combine efficiency and a human touch, mentally refreshing its occupants when traveling to or from a job site.”
Truly StarWars-like.

As said, the NV200 doesn't look that impressive from the outside, that is, until its back rear slides out to display all of its storing compartments and electronic guts wonders.

Designed jointly by Nissan Design Center (NDC) in Japan and Nissan Design Europe in the UK, it takes the concept of Office mobility to the extreme.

PRESS RELEASE FROM NISSAN

NV200
A Smart Business Tool of New Generation - for Active Professionals
A substantial, rugged-looking exterior, combining a dramatic front cab with a traditional box-like storage space, creates an emotional looking body form never before seen in the LCV class.
An interior created to combine efficiency and a human touch, mentally refreshing its occupants when traveling to or from a job site. The customizable cargo area houses a unique pod that can smartly accommodate a variety of business needs. The pod is divided into customizable trays and boxes for efficient storage of profession-specific equipment, materials, work gear and apparel.
The displayed NV200 has been outfitted specifically for use by a professional ocean photographer. The work area is equipped with a remote control panel for a spider camera, as well as equipment for organizing and editing photographs and images while on assignment.

PC Security Cable Lock

2007-10-07T05:26:00.000-07:00

California-based Vantec is offering its PC & Notebook Security Combination Cable Lock, which is literally bolted-into your computer’s VGA or Serial port.

It protects your computer with 2 steel bolts that cannot be accessed, together with a 6’6” steel cable sheathed in black PVC and a included security plate, that gives you the option of securing the cable to an area without a convenient attachment point.

Its 4 position keyless combination lock gives you up to 10,000 different user-defined combination possibilities, meaning you will never have to worry about lost keys.

Features:

The PC & Notebooke Security Combination Cable Lock is literally bolted-into your computer's VGA or Serial port.
6'6" steel cable sheathed in black PVC.
Set your own password up to 10,000 possible combinations that can be set or changed at any time.
Included Velcro® strap for easy cable management and portability.

Specifications:

Zinc alloy Combination lock housing and base plate
Lock Body: 38.5 x 28 x 25mm (1.5 x 1.10 x 0.98in)
Cable Length: 200cm (78in)
Cable Diameter: 4.4mm(0.17in)
Dark smoke PVC coated cable
Package Includes:
NBL-S450 Security PC Lock (4 Digits Combination)
Security Plate
Velcro® Strap
Alcohol Swipe

Available from:
Vantec

Tool Logic Office Assistant

2007-09-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

Short of office space?
Then you just might need the Office Companion.
This credit card sized multi-tool is just 5/8” thick, yet if offers all the accessories you need to wrangle paperwork at the office or on the road.

It comes with:
• Stapler
• Hole Punch
• One Meter Rule
• Precision Scissor
• Cavity for paper clips/ staples
• Ball Point Pen
• Screwdrivers (+/-)
• Screwdriver Socket
• Staple Remover
Includes 50 mini staples and an assortment of paper clips.

This is the ultimate survival tool for today's busy on-the-road executive.
Available from Toollogic.

Top 10 Strangest Office Gadgets from TechEBlog

2007-07-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

TechEBlog editors have compiled a list of the strangest (or coolest) gadgets for the office, including weird "gadgets" such as USB Air Darts, the bacteria-killing LCD monitor, and many more.

See below to believe:

10. USB Aroma Therapy

Aroma therapy is one of the latest fads which makes this USB air freshner a must have. This gadget plugs right into your PC's USB port and can generate three different aromas. Now here's the cool part, you actually get to choose what scent you want using your computer. [Source]

9. USB Air Darts

You'll have "hours of fun" annoying the person next to you with these USB air darts. It's powered through any USB port and compatible with PC/Mac systems. You control the aim and firing mechanisms using your mouse. Available now from MarkandSpencer for $33.80.

8. Programmable Soda Cans

Now you don't have to waste your change at the vending machines. Take a soda bottle, add customizable flavor buttons, and what do you get? Ipfini's "Programmable Liquid Container". Each bottle is filled with carbonated sugar water and feature additive buttons on its side (aroma, flavor, color), which allow for up to 32 combinations of soda on the fly.

"Providing choice at the point of consumption creates tremendous advantages for the consumers as well as the manufacturer," noted co-inventor Glenn Wachler.

[Source]

7. Bacteria Killing LCD Monitor

PC Bank Korea introduces the PBM-978PS "Negative Ionization" LCD Monitor. It features a 5ms response time, 1200:1 contrast ratio, and a wide-viewing angle.

The well-being aspect of the monitor supplies the environment you are in with negative ions, killing bacteria and protecting your eyes from the monitor.

[Source]

6. iPod Nano Tie

Here's something for a boring day at the office: a tie with an integrated pocket for your iPod Nano. Pink's Commuter Tie is made from 100% silk and features an extra fabric loop to hide those unsightly wires. It's available in navy/red/pink colors and priced at $85.

It’s the latest solution for today’s busy man who needs to carry more than one gadget at any one time

[Source]

5. Wearable Sleeping Bag

Camping out at the office? Then check out the Selk’Bag by Musuchouse -- can be used anywhere - at home, at work, during class, and just about everywhere in between.
[Source]

4. DIY AOL Disc Thrower

Make good use of those AOL discs laying around on your desk by building a high-speed LEGO disc thrower. It consists of "two main parts, the head that throws discs, and the tail which feeds the head with compact discs."
[Source ]

3. Head Spa Massager

Whip out the "Head Spa Massager" and feel the stress of getting laid off melt away. This device combines Japanese engineering with Italian design. It uses acupressure technology to stimulate blood circulation for a truly zen-like experience on the go. Powered by rechargeable battery, it can be used just about anywhere. Available now for $49.95 from GadgetUniverse.

"Alleviate stress, tension and help soothe that migraine with our Brain Spa Head Massager. It’s like having your very own Masseuse."

[Source]

2. Blowfly Alarm Clock

Have trouble staying awake at work? When the alarm goes off, the little "bowfly" takes off from its launch pad and starts flying around making noises until you catch it. I'll take two please...
[YankoDesign]

1. The Mental Typewriter

This brain-to-computer device converts your thoughts into cursor movements on screen. 128 electrodes are placed on your scalp and software than decodes EEG-like signals into usable information. Since this technology is still in its early stages, it takes 5 - 10 minutes to type out a simple sentence, with electrodes taking about an hour to apply.
[Source]

Honorable Mention - Desktop Bag

Ideal for easy transportation to and from the office. The "Desktop Bag" has a maximum carrying capacity of 77 lb., padded nylon shoulder belt, snap attachment system, and fits most mid/large desktop towers.

Source:
TechEBlog

Animatronic Boobs

2007-03-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

Liven up your workspace with Jingle Jugs, the animatronic singing and dancing boobs.

The Jingle Jugs™ make a perfect gag gift. They're a must have in the game room or in the bar. Put 'em in your home office or garage and liven up your workspace. Put a new top on 'em to match the season. Mount 'em next to your trophies in the game room - after all, it's the Trophy Rack He's Always Wanted! Leave 'em on "Motion Detect Mode" and startle visitors when they jiggle and dance to "Titties & Beer." The opportunities for laughter and fun are endless with Jingle Jugs!

The Jugs are manufactured with high quality components. You can either install batteries in them or use the included AC Adapter. Jingle Jugs are easily mountable on the wall or you can use the included stand to put them on a flat surface, like the Thanksgiving table centerpiece. The motion sensor, if activated, will respond to any changes in light - someone walking by, for example!

Jingle jugs are available from Baron Bob.com.

CD Library II

2006-12-13T15:01:00.000-08:00

At Fox 7's "Inspector Gadget", Brian West shows Sean McHose how to take charge of his CD/DVD collection with the CD Library II from Dacal.

Connect this USB library to your Windows compatible computer, load the software, enter the names of the CD/DVDS, insert them into the carousel and you now have an automated system that can quickly find any CD/DVD in your collection.

Film Scanners

2005-11-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

This web page is a very useful resource for photographers, designers and anyone interested in buying and using film scanners:

http://www.halftone.co.uk/tech/filmscan/menu.htm

It shows some comparisons scans from different makes.

Unfortunately outdated.

Whatever happened to all the webmasters of all the websites not updated since 2000-2002?

Amazon.com: Nikon Super CoolScan 5000 ED Film Scanner: Camera & Photo

(Description copyright Amazon.com) - 9238 - Digital ICE4 Advanced suite of image correction technologies. USB interface, PC and Mac compatible. 4,000 dpi optical resolution, 4.8 density. 16-bit A/D conversion, 8 or 16-bit output. Preview scans in 11 seconds, full scans as fast as 20 seconds

Technorati : scanner

All-in-One Printer, Copier, Scanner, Fax

2005-11-12T19:24:00.000-08:00

HP Officejet 5610 All-in-One Printer, Copier, Scanner, Fax

Epson Expression

2005-11-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

Epson Expression 10000XL Large-Format Flatbed Photo Scanner.
2,400 dpi scanning resolution
48-bit internal color depth
3.8 optical density
6-line alternated color CCD
auto focus optics system