Darn those displays in the middle of store aisles packed with countless inexpensive ‘gadgets’.  I get suckered every time.  Light bulb filament replacement kit; yeah, got one of those.  Nose hair weed-wacker; my brother got suckered into that one.  Tell me you’ve never been in one of those As Seen on TV stores…

Anyway, once in a while you find a diamond in the rough.  I have owned countless flashlights since I have had children and ONE of them presently works.  It’s the one I hide that recharges by plugging in to an outlet.  Any flashlight that used batteries is always dead; not sometimes, always! What kids need a flashlight for in the middle of the day outside is beyond me. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Flashlight

Totes Crank Flashlight Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 27, 2009 at 11:34 am.

Store all your audio CDs on an Olive hi-fi music server. Buy an Olive 4 or Olive 4 HD by Thursday, December 31st and get the remastered Beatles 17-Disc collection! The collection includes every song in the Beatles catalog from every album from Please Please Me to Let it Be remastered to today’s highest standards.  It’s $200 value that is yours FREE with your purchase of an Olive 4. To take advantage of this deal, use this visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: News

Tagged:

Olive is extending their holiday offer for Gadgeteer readers originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 27, 2009 at 10:52 am.

LapDome Inc. makes a line of the most unusual laptop bags I’ve seen.  These bags, when collapsed, look like more regular laptop bags.  Some are padded and used to carry your laptop;  some are not padded and are meant to be carried in your regular laptop bag as an accessory.  All pop open to make a dome-shaped tent for your netbook or laptop.  Why do you need a tent?  LapDome says these pop-up tents provides shade that make your computer screen visible when you’re using it outdoors.  The back of the tent has slots for your power and security cables, and the tent front has a lockable zipper.  They range in sizes from the Junior, which works for netbooks and portable DVD players to the Planet Rambler for notebooks – even a 17″, with a snug fit.  Prices range from about $25 to about $80, from … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Laptop Gear, News, Travel Gear

Tagged: Laptop Bag, Outdoor gear

LapDome Laptop Bags with Popup Shade originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 27, 2009 at 10:48 am.

Just months after launching the I.D. case for the iPhone 3G / 3GS, BlackBerry Curve 8300, 8520, 8900, BlackBerry Tour 9630 and BlackBerry Storm2 9550 owners can now ditch their wallet and use the Case-Mate ID case as a minimalist wallet. The ID Credit Card Case is my favorite wallet case for the iPhone. It’s a semi-flexible hard case with a built-in slot on the back that can hold a few cards. It’s available in several colors and can be purchased for … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Blackberry related, News, Spotlight Gadgets

Tagged: Blackberry, Case, Wallet

Combine Your BlackBerry and Wallet With the Case-Mate ID Case originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 26, 2009 at 4:40 pm.

Don’t know if y’all have seen these, but in case you haven’t, just more cool stuff to attach to your belt buckle, back pack, purse, or ear lobe.  There are a couple of different styles, just do a search for “carabiner water bottle clip”.  I actually lucked out and found these at The Container Store live and in person for about $3. Ok, so I didn’t have a water bottle when I took this … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, Travel Gear

Tagged: holder

Neat Way to Hold Your Maple Syrup, Er, Water Bottle originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 26, 2009 at 3:57 pm.

Looks like a lot of folks that received Sony Readers were faced with issues downloading the latest update of the Reader library on Christmas. I had procrastinated updating mine, so I faced the same issue yesterday. Fortunately it is all working fine today at http://ebookstore.sony.com/download/.

I’m not sure how to take the outage. On the one hand, I am encouraged that there were that many people with a new Reader trying to update their device. On the other hand, I am disappointed that Sony wasn’t prepared for the spike in traffic. I mean, who would have thought there would be a spike on Christmas? (sarcasm intended)

It does also highlight one of the key differentiators between the Sony and the Kindle/Nook. You need the software to load new books as opposed to just doing it wirelessly (the new Daily Edition Sony does have wireless).

It was the perfect storm, however. They created a required update to the Reader Library (You could not access the bookstore without 3.1) after the Readers were all wrapped for Christmas, so you had a lot of folks needing the update on the same day. Not the best planning on someone’s part.

But it is all fixed now, and it saved me some money. Instead of buying a couple of books to read, I visited Feedbooks and downloaded some Sherlock Holmes to … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: eBook Readers and Gear

Tagged: Reader, Sony

Sony Reader Site Buckles Under Load originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 26, 2009 at 9:06 am.

I don’t have an iPhone, just an iPod Touch, so having a battery die at an inconvenient time isn’t devastating for me.  I still have my phone if I need to make a call, so I can feel free to listen to music, use apps, connect to the internet if I’m near WiFi, even play Bejeweled2 as long as I like.  However, I still don’t want my battery to die when I’m out, because I LIKE to play Bejeweled2.  Enter  the DLO Jumpstart, an attachable battery pack  that is designed to ensure I have enough power to play any game I want until I get back to a power cable.  When Julie offered it to me for review, I was happy to give it a try. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Reviews, iPhone related

Tagged: battery pack, iPhone, iPhone power

DLO Jumpstart Attachable Battery Pack for iPhone and iPod Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 25, 2009 at 1:07 pm.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all got just what you wanted from Santa! We haven’t exchanged presents yet at my house, but I doubt I’ll get anything even remotely gadget related. I never do What all did you get? If by some miracle I do get something gadget worthy, I’ll let you all know later tonight.

Have a wonderful day today with your family and … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: News

Tagged:

Happy Holidays From The Gadgeteer originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 25, 2009 at 11:15 am.

I don’t know what it will look like. I don’t know how big the screen will be. I don’t know how long the battery will last and I don’t even know how much it will cost. But, despite not knowing any of those things, I do know that I’ll be buying one. It’s not a question of if, it’s a question of when. The moment it’s officially announced, I’ll be slapping down my Visa to order one. I don’t even have to think about it. Am I too much of an Apple fan girl to know any better? No. I just know that when it comes to Apple products, that they are game changers and I want to get in on the game as soon as possible.

The buzz the last few months has been all bout the Barnes & Noble nook eBook reader. But in my opinion, as soon as the iTablet or whatever it will end up being called comes on the market, my favorite eBook reader will change from my iPhone to the Apple tablet. The same goes for my favorite handheld game system (which also happens to be an iPhone) and maybe even my favorite couch surfing device which is a Macbook Pro. I’m not so sure about the last one as I prefer a real keyboard. But we’ll see…

I’ve been We’ve all been waiting for this device for years and if we believe all the rumors about a special event to be held next month, that wait is almost over. Will you buy … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Handheld PCs / Ultra Portables, News, Spotlight Gadgets

Tagged: Apple, Tablet

Apple Tablet – Will you buy one? originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 24, 2009 at 5:20 pm.

This one has potential

My guess is that a lot of folks do not actually use the useless touchpads on their laptops (even when traveling or when working in front of the TV) and instead rely on an external mouse, which necessitates either a larger desk (e.g. see the Levenger Lap Desk) or a non-existent slide-out mouse pad.  And 99.9% of the mobile lap top desks I’ve looked at have all kinds of features except one:  a slide-out mouse pad.  But I finally bumbled onto this Rocketfish model sold exclusively at BestBuy for $39.99.  It not only has a slide-out mouse pad, but also accommodates a cup of  Joe (Kahlua not included).  Unfortunately in my area they are all sold out, so I can’t actually give it a … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Laptop Gear, News, Spotlight Gadgets

Tagged: Laptop

A LapTop Desk With Potential originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 24, 2009 at 12:52 pm.

Listen up, true believers!  Do you (like me) find yourself at the nexus of interests in gadgetry, collecting, and the artistic medium of comic books?  Intrigued?  If so, the IntelliScanner Comic Edition by Apparent may be your perfect storm. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Miscellaneous, Reviews

Tagged: Scanner

IntelliScanner Comic Edition Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 24, 2009 at 9:40 am.

The Desk Genie from MobileFun combines a flash card reader, a desk stand and a charging base for your favorite device. What makes this desktop accessory unique is the special grippy surface that holds the device (iPhone, Zune, etc.) at just the right angle so that you can easily view the display. It’s £14.99 directly from … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Desktop Computer Gear, News, Spotlight Gadgets

Tagged: charging

Desk Genie Non-Slip Charging Desk Stand originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 23, 2009 at 5:37 pm.

The iLuv iHD171 brings HD radio to the clock radio with iPod dock.  The  iLuv iHD171 works with the iPhone and iPods with the docking connector, and it has a 3.5 mm audio input for use with other sources.  In addition to allowing you to charge and play your iPod, this iLuv unit receives HD radio signals and displays the HD station, song title, artist, and other data.  It comes with a remote control and with antennas for clear reception of AM, FM, and HD stations.   You can also tag songs for later purchase in iTunes.  The iLuv has two alarms and allows you to wake to iPod, radio, or a buzzer.  It even will output video from video-capable iPods to your TV.  It’s $199.99 direct from visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Audio / Video Gear, News, iPhone related

Tagged: HD Radio, iPhone accessory, iPod accessory

iLuv iHD171 HD Clock Radio with iPod Dock originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 23, 2009 at 12:32 pm.

JAVOedge of Seattle, WA has just announced several Barnes & Noble nook eBook reader cases that are available for sale. The sleeve case that you see in the image above is their Croc sleeve which is made of leather and embossed to resemble crocodile skin. They are also offering oak and ash hardwood style sleeves that are made of synthetic materials.  These cases are priced from $9.99 – $19.95 and are currently selling on visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: News, Spotlight Gadgets, eBook Readers and Gear

Tagged: eBook reader, nook

Third Party Barnes & Noble nook eBook Reader Accessories Start Appearing originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 23, 2009 at 10:50 am.

Last year I reviewed Phosphor’s E-Ink Ana-Digi Watch.  It was a nice and simplistic functioning watch with an integrated E-Ink based display face similar to many eBook readers, qualifying it as a semi-techie gadget and worthy of a review. At the time, I thought Phosphor was just scratching the surface of what this kind of technology could bring to a watch. This year Phosphor has produced another wristwatch using the same E-Ink technology as their first. Unlike the more classical style of the Ana-Digi watch, the Digital Hour Clock watch has a much more modern design to it. I wanted to see if Phosphor took my wish list of potential capabilities to heart and added any additional features to their latest release. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Reviews, Watches and Clocks

Tagged: Watch

Phosphor E-Ink Digital Hour Clock Watch Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 23, 2009 at 9:49 am.

The LogicBUY deal of the day is for Dell Adamo ultra-portable laptops $1,999, $1,499 – 20% instant savings (ends 1/16) = $1,124.25 plus FREE shipping. The 13.4in Ultra-slim .65in thick laptop is available in Silver aluminum with unique etching and Pearl finish or Onyx aluminum with brushed finish. All units feature machined, torsion-tested aluminum chassis, full-size backlit keyboard, ultra-compact power adapter, Windows 7 64-bit, Wireless-N, Bluetooth 2.1, Ethernet port and nearly 5 hours battery … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Deal of the Day

Deal of the Day – 20% off Dell Adamo 13.4in Ultra-portable Laptop + Windows 7 originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 23, 2009 at 8:03 am.

Do you need a latter, er ladder to get to the top shelf?

With a nod to The Book Of Joe, check out the titles from “The 10 Best Years That Are Books” by Laurence Hughes.  So I guess the question (for me, anyway) would be, can you download these while sitting in a doctor’s office or do you have to go to an internet-connected computer and connect your reader via a cable and then download them?  I’m lazy so the former is preferred over the latter.  But then again I can’t ever remember which is the “former” versus the “latter”.  Anyway, just check out the … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: News, eBook Readers and Gear

Tagged: ebook

Some Titles for Your E-Book Reader originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 22, 2009 at 4:48 pm.

If you like unusual accessories or if you want to disguise your laptop from thieves, a company in Spain may have your answer.  MiteMite Unnecessary Objects Lab produces vinyl laptop sleeves that look like folded newspapers.  You can choose from four different European newspapers.  The bags are designed for the MacBook Pro, but they can accommodate other laptops in their 15 X 11 inch interior.  They cost about 60 Euros (that’s about 85 American dollars), directly from … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Laptop Gear, News, Spotlight Gadgets

Tagged: Laptop Sleeve

MiteMite Newspaper Laptop Sleeve for MacBook Pro originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 22, 2009 at 2:27 pm.

Like many gadget lovers, I personally own many gadgets, mp3 players, cell phones, etc.  One thing that all gadget lovers can agree on is that it is a nuisance to constantly charge all of these gadgets.  What’s worse is that all of these gadgets use different cables to charge.  Don’t you just wish you had one power cable that could charge everything and anything?  Powermat brings us a step closer to that reality. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Home Tech, Reviews, iPhone related

Tagged: charging, iPhone power

Powermat Wireless Charging Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 22, 2009 at 11:54 am.

When I reviewed the nook eBook reader last week,  I concluded the review by saying that I couldn’t make up my mind if I liked or disliked the device and that I couldn’t recommend it until the performance issues were resolved. Last night Janet asked me if my nook had received the firmware update. I had seen murmurings all day that it was happening but I totally forgot about it till she asked me. Sure enough, when I took a look at the device information summary page, I saw that the firmware had been updated to version 1.1.1 – yay! I’m happy to say that overall performance feels much snappier with this update. Touch area navigation, button page turning and and even swipe page turning are all much faster now. Initial book loading times still feel slow, but  I can live with that as font changing time and load times when going back and forth between multiple books have been fixed. I’m happy to say that I now have no qualms recommending the Barnes & Noble nook ebook … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: News, eBook Readers and Gear

Tagged: ebook, nook

Nook Gets a Firmware Update and Now I Can Recommend It originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 22, 2009 at 9:02 am.

The LogicBUY deal of the day is for ooma Telo Free Home Phone Service (100-0201-100) cut from $249.99 – $51 off = $199 with free $50 Amazon Gift Card. This system now features free calls within U.S. and low rates international calls with no monthly charges or contracts – works with any corded or cordless phone. Includes call-ID, call-waiting, 911. Offer ends Dec 26 or while supplies … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: Deal of the Day

Deal of the Day – 20% off ooma Telo Free Home Phone Service + FREE $50 Amazon Gift Card originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 22, 2009 at 6:46 am.

As many of you know from my reviews, I have been on the quest for the perfect gear bag for years now. I have used the Citywalker bag, the Victorinox Horizontal Tote, Ellington Europa Field Bag and even a prototype ballistic nylon bag from Infusion Threads (which I still own and will never sell). I have owned far more than I have ever reviewed, and while most bags had some great things to recommend them, there were always too many compromises to stop my search.

My search, at least for now, has ended. … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Gear, Reviews

Tagged: Bag, gear bag

Duluth Trading Company Fire Hose Field Bag Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 21, 2009 at 4:57 pm.

If you like to sit in your comfy chair and surf  the internet with your laptop (watching TV is optional), the Logitech Comfort Lapdesk may make it even more enjoyable.  The Comfort Lapdesk has a soft “air mesh” fabric that is comfortable on your legs, and its heat-shielding design protects your lap – and your laptop – from overheating.  It has an angled design that serves two purposes:  it puts the laptop at a comfortable angle for screen viewing and for typing, and the design allows the lapdesk to stand beside a chair for easy storage when not in use.  Both Logitech and Amazon.com offer the Logitech Comfort Lapdesk for … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Laptop Gear, News

Tagged: Laptop Accessory

Logitech Comfort Lapdesk originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 21, 2009 at 3:00 pm.

Does your Mac’s WiFi need a little extra power? The BearExtender n3 802.11n WiFi adapter has a maximum output of 700 mW compared to 32 mW output from an Airport Extreme card. Combined with an external 2 dBi gain antenna the BearExtender n3 offers up to 2-4 times the range of your current wireless card (approximately 2X for AirPort Extreme and 4X for the original AirPort 11 mbps card). It looks pretty bulky add-on for your laptop, but the price isn’t bad at … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Laptop Gear, News, Spotlight Gadgets, Wireless

Tagged: WiFi

BearExtender n3 Boosts Your Mac’s WiFi Range By 4x originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 21, 2009 at 12:07 pm.

Since I first heard about how germs spray all around your bathroom when you flush, I’ve been a little icked out by the thought that my toothbrush is stored in there.  A couple of years ago, I got a countertop UV sanitizer that stores and sanitizes my family’s toothbrushes. When Julie offered the Zapi UV toothbrush sanitizer from Violight for review, I asked if I could try it.  I thought it would make a great little unit for traveling.  (I really don’t like leaving my toothbrush in a hotel bathroom.) … [visit site to read more]

Filed in categories: Home Tech, Reviews

Tagged: Home Tech, UV sanitizer

Violight Zapi UV Toothbrush Sanitizer Review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 21, 2009 at 9:06 am.