About This Gadget Page
Some electronics items are just right for someone but a little off the mark for the masses, others use an emerging technology that hasn't yet hit it's stride or come to the attention of most consumers.
Despite this, these gadgets are deemed noteworthy for their novelty, usefulness, tech forward features, or just their overall cool factor. They are electronics items that we feel might be genuinely useful, at least for some segment of the population.
Check them out below, feel free to enter your own nominations at the bottom of the page, and come back often to see what's new.
Photo Credit: bbaunach
Online Sellers Rejoice
If you sell things online or need to create high quality photos of objects for any other reason, getting the right background and lighting to get a professional look can be tough.Now you can easily create great looking photos of your prized possessions or products in your living room or kitchen without anyone realizing your set up is so simple. A table top photo studio provides all you need. See it below.
Photo Credit: PhotoPediaPhotos.
Portable Mini Studio-in-a-box
Sunpak 620-EBOX Portable Mini Studio in a Box
Amazon Price: $71.31 (as of 07/10/2009)
Using just your typical point and shoot camera you can create near professional quality photos with this mini studio in a box set up. It comes complete with a tripod with a variable height adjustment from 8.75" to 17" giving you the flexibility you need. It also offers 3 different backdrops to give you the look you want and 2- 50 watt lights for the lighting you need.
This collapsing set is highly portable and easy to set up anywhere as it measures only 20" x 20" x 20".
For the Digital Age Mom
Your mother probably had a wallet stuffed full of pictures but now carrying photos of the kids and spouse in your wallet is so yesterday. For today's high-tech mom, keeping digital images in her wallet is the only way to go.Learn all about it below.
Photo Credit: Brymo.
Voclan- Digital Photo Wallet
Digital Photo Wallet-Lady's-Sexy-Hot Pink,Holds 70 photos,> Now you'll always have current photos. Unique Gift.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
This lovely hot pink wallet includes the standard change compartment, cash and credit card pockets but holds a special spot for displaying digital photos. With the ability to store up to 70 photos, a new view can greet mom each time she opens up her wallet.
This gift boxed wallet makes the perfect present and comes with an included USB cable, CD driver, and users manual.
For the Snorkeling Photographer in You
Now there are a number of underwater digital camera's on the market that allow you to snap shots in your swimming pool or while snorkeling. Unfortuantely most of them are a bit inconvenient as you have to hold on to them while you paddle through the water.What if you could have something a bit more convenient, say a digital camera that was incorporated into your swim mask?. Yes, the perfect solution for just such an occasion. Check it out below!
Photo Credit: Jeff Kubina.
Digital Camera Swim Mask
Liquid Image 5.0MP Underwater Digital Camera Mask - Yellow
Amazon Price: $97.49 (as of 07/10/2009)
This normal looking swim mask actually houses an integrated waterproof 5 megapixel digital camera which allows users to snap photos without the need to carry their camera along. It's perfect for use when snorkeling or in a swimming pool as it functions up to a depth of 15 feet. The tempered glass eye pieces have embedded crosshairs that help the swimmer line up shots without any problem.
Whether you want still photos or video clips the integrated camera can do the job with the press of a button and the easy to view LED inside the mask lets you know if you are in picture or video mode.
Ease of use is the name of the game and downloading images is just as simple. Just plug the swim mask into your PCs or Macs USB port (USB cable included). With the included software you will be able edit your images just as you would with other standalone cameras. This swim mask has a built-in 16 MB memory and is able to hold up to 30 high- resolution pictures (2560 x 1920) or up to 52 seconds of video before needing to download. For those needing more, the microSD card slot provides expandable memory.
Fashion or Function?
Some may think that the uber-tiny cell phones of today are fashionable but if everyone has one how can that be? Maybe if you had one that was a bit retro, one that was a step off the beaten path that would be a statement.Well now you can keep your highly functional modern cell phone and give it a retro twist that's sure to make you stand out in a crowd. This potential fashion statement may even be functional for some; giving seniors something better and more familiar to grip and those fearful of exposure to cellular radiation a bit of distance to protect their brains.
Check out the retro handset below.
Photo credit: Paul McGuire.
Retro Cell Phone Handset
Please Hold! Retro Cell Phone Handset in Kit Kat Black
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
This functioning retro handset plugs into the earphone jack of most cell phones. At 8.5" long it's a bit smaller than traditional handsets to make it more portable but large enough to make those looking for a better grip pleased with the feel. This 50's looking handset is available in Kit Kat Black, Ferrari Red and Fabulous Pink and includes a matching coiled cord.
Although the handset is compatible with most Blackberry, LG, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Panasonic, Samsung, Sanyo, Sendo, Sharp, Siemens, and Sony-Ericsson phones, shoppers should call to assure their phone model is included. Returns are accepted if handset is in original (unopened) packaging, resalable condition.
An Early Shower Warning System?
If you're like many of us, you have a strong aversion to cold showers. You can set the water on "hot" and still not get what you're expecting some mornings. What if there was a back up system, a warning of sorts, that indicated not just what temperature water you requested, but what is actually coming from the shower head?There is a shower head that can monitor your water for you, check it out below.
Photo Credit: Krikit in Austin.
Temperature Controlled Shower Light
I Spy, and So Can You
Have you ever wanted to videotape something without anyone being aware of it? You know, you take a job as a private eye or your friends girl or guy behaves badly when they aren't around and you just want them to know. Your mom doesn't like being filmed and won't allow you to catch her roller skating with the grandkids or doing anything that's really fun and memorable.What do you do in such situations? Simple, get a videocamera that you can disguise in a pair of glasses; then no one will have any idea you are filming. Check 'em out below.
Photo Credit: easilydistracted. No derivative work allowed.
Zrad Sunglasses Spy Camera with Video & Audio 2gb, Hidden DVR
Zrad Sunglasses Spy Camera with Video & Audio 2gb, Hidden DVR
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
These Zrad sunglasses offer a great way of capturing video without the subject being aware. They are perfect for survellance and hobby use.
They feature:
Dimensions: 160mmL x 160mmW x 36mmT Weight
Weight: 50g
Transfer rate: Read > 700Kbps, Wire > 500Kbps
USB: USB1.1
Power: Embedded 550mAh Li battery
Recording time: 4~5hours
Memory: Build in 2gb, Support TF/Micro SD card Max 2gb Resolution: 320 x 240
Recording: Format: 3GP Frame Freq: 25fps Temperature: -5 degree~40 degree PC Player Software: Quick Time Alternative, Real Player, Storm Codec
For the Gadget Loving Man Who Always Wants to Be In Control
For those who tend to lose their TV remote or who are away from home and want to control any TV perhaps a digital watch with remote is the perfect idea.This watch is simple to program and assures that the wearer will always have their remote control on hand.
Photo Credit: diiongillard.
Casio Men's Technowear Digital TV Remote Watch
Casio Men's Technowear Digital TV Remote Watch #CMD30B-1T
Amazon Price: $38.79 (as of 07/10/2009)
This digital Casio men's watch offers the convenience of a TV/Cable Box/VCR remote control. Simply select the TV brand and you're ready to take control of any television.
This watch also features:
Establishing Better Communication
If you travel internationally for business or pleasure, it's not uncommon to find yourself in a situtation where you don't communicate well. You may try a crash language course, a few of those audiotapes, you may tote along a dictionary, or even an electronic translator. But truth be told, even once you look it up you aren't able to enunciate the words well enough for native speakers to understand.However, for some time now there have been talking translators. Great little devices that can bridge the communication divide much more easily.
Photo Credit: Steve Webel.
12 Language Talking Translator Foreign Pocket Electronic Speaking Dictionary
12 Language Talking Translator Foreign Pocket Electronic Speaking Dictionary
Amazon Price: $48.00 (as of 07/10/2009)
This handy translator is perfect for international travellers and tourists. It will cross translate 12 international languages and possesses 700 commonly used sentences for each. The user merely chooses the language, topic of conversation, and sentence via the LCD screen and this device displays it in the original language. In addition, the translator will speak the sentence in the desired foreign language. This handheld device is smaller and more versatile that a standard dictionary and eliminates problems with poor pronunciation. It comes with a protective carry pouch and strap. Supported languages include English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Portuguese, Swedish, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin) and Turkish.
This translator also features a world time daily alarm clock and calendar for 24 cities, showing the hour, minutes, day, date and month. It can also store up to 60 sets of phone numbers (with names) with a password security lock.
Pull Up a Chair (or Hammock) and Mow the Lawn
Although mowing the lawn can provide a sense of achievement and can even be exciting the first time out in the spring, it's often a pretty labor intensive and time consuming task we could happily do without.Hiring others to cut your lawn can be a bit pricey over time and in some instances, can result in dissatisfaction with the job. Now there is a more reliable and cost efficient method. The RoboMower, an automatic, more environmentally friendly option.
Photo Credit: patty_mitchell.
RoboMower 21-Inch Automatic Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
Friendly Robotics RoboMower 21-Inch Automatic Cordless Electric Lawn Mower #RL850
Amazon Price: $1,589.49 (as of 07/10/2009)
The world fell in love with the roomba, robotic vacuum cleaner some years ago. Now Friendly Robotics has the RoboMower which will mow your lawn by itself. Using a crisscross pattern the RoboMower can cut a 10,800 square feet (3/4 of an acre) lawn on a single charge.
It completes it's task by mowing within a selected boundary outlined by a small wire (included) and it can handle any lawn regardless of shape, slope, or obstacles. This rechargeable mower requires no gas or oil, and emits no pollution and little noise. With the power of a 5 1/2 HP gas mower it uses a battery-powered 3-blade, 21-inch cutting system with great mulching ability and a 5,800 rpm blade speed (double that of a typical gas unit).
The RoboMower even has a triple chamber mulching system to compact grass into small clippings that decompose naturally on the lawn. It even comes with a host of safety features, such as a child lock and a detection system that automatically turns off the blade if the mower is lifted. It also includes a user-controlled theft protection and disabling system using a personal password. A 2-year warranty is included and comes complete with 2007 generation software.
A Shopping Assistant
Busy lives often result in poor memories. Too much to do, too much to remember. How often do we take the time to run errands or go shopping only to find important items forgotten? Of course, for those who live in a house with more than one or two people this problem can be accentuated and tempers can flare if someone feels neglected or forgotten.The SmartShopper seems to be a device that can put an end to all of that. Whether you are responsible for a family of five with a long list of needs or single older person who has trouble writing up a list, this device has the answer.
Photo Credit: darinhercules.
SmartShopper Grocery List Organizer
SmartShopper Grocery List Organizer with Embedded Thermal Printer (SS-101)
Amazon Price: $32.50 (as of 07/10/2009)
The SmartShopper is an automated grocery or to-do list. Users merely press the button, and speak into the device to add items to their list over the course of the evening, or the week. It can be mounted directly on the refrigerator with it's magnet or stored out of the way in a drawer. Then, when it's time to go on your shopping trip, pull the SmartShopper out and view your list on the LCD screen or print it out to take along. SmartShopper even organizes your list into categories.
Arrow buttons allow users to scroll through their list, delete an item as needed, or add a customized item to the pre-loaded list.
The SmartShopper comes loaded with voice recognition software and a thermal printer that doesn't require ink.
Purchase also includes three rolls of thermal paper. The SmartShopper runs on four AA batteries.
Up Close and Personal
Binoculars are a great way of studying wildlife in their natural setting, a way of viewing detail on things far off, or perhaps, a way of spying on people if you're that kind of person. Now, there are binoculars that add on the convenience of a camera to allow you to preserve what it is you see through their lenses.These camera equipped binoculars are not truly "unusual" but certainly they are very cool for nature lovers, bird watchers, star gazers, and others.
Photo Credit: Arash Benshadpoor.
Meade CaptureView 8X42 2MP Digital Camera Binocular with LCD Screen
Meade CaptureView 8X42 2MP Digital Camera Binocular with LCD Screen
Amazon Price: $279.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
These Mead binoculars are full-sized roof prism binoculars with a built-in 2.0 megapixel digital camera. They allow users to capture digital images or video up close. Images can be downloaded to your PC, printed, and emailed just as with any digital photo.
These CaputureView binoculars possess large, 42mm multi-coated objective lenses which provide super bright images even in low light situations and capture detail magnificiently. Like any digital camera, these binoculars provide a 1.5" diagonal color LCD screen which flips up for easy viewing; allowing the user to compose or review images and video.
Purchase includes a carrying case, USB cable, neck strap, cleaning cloth, and image editing and archiving software. A full one-year limited warranty is included.
Details:
No More Excuses
For some people shutting out noise is no problem. They sleep through any alarm and end up missing in action for important early morning classes, meetings, and other appointments. Without a dutiful spouse or parent, punctuality is reserved for others.Not anymore. An alarm clock complete with a rousing bed shaker will give heavy sleepers the jolt they need to get going on time.
Photo Credit: Simon Grossi.
Alarm Clock with Bed Shaker
Sonic Alert SBT425ss Sonic Boom Loud Vibrating Alarm Clock with Telephone Signaler
Amazon Price: $36.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
This Sonic Boom alarm clock with bed shaker will rouse even the deepest sleeper. It's perfect for for the hard of hearing and elderly as well as hard sleeping teens. It's small and portable making it perfect even when traveling. It features adjustable tone and volume, snooze, an automatic dimmer, a powerful bed shaker, and a loud (113 db adjustable), pulsating audio alarm. This alarm clock offers battery back-up (9V battery not included) and has a large 1" bright green LED display.
Promoting Household Peace
Millions of people love and live with someone with a hearing impairment. Or maybe that person is you.Either way, you are no doubt familiar with the dilemma of setting an acceptable volume on the TV. Person A boosts the volume just to the point that they can comfortably hear the dialogue. This same ideal setting causes Person B to become increasingly agitated and unable to function.
It appears that family harmony can be restored quite simply now with the handy little earphones below. No more boosting TV volume for the household, the listener can set their own personal listening level while sparing everyone else.
Photo Credit: srboisvert.
TV Ears
TV Ears Original Wireless Headset System - Headphones ( under-chin ) - wireless
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 07/10/2009)
TV ears are recommended by hearing practitioners. These headphones make use of voice enhancement technology which emphasizes the sounds people need to hear to understand speech. They allow the TV viewer to hear dialogue while leaving others in the house undistrubed.
These handy earphones have automatic commercial control and powerful 120dB amplification as well as volume, tone, and balance controls. They operate via wireless 95KHz infrared and are highly portable allowing users to tote along for use in many public places such as churches, theaters, courtrooms, auditoriums, and more.
TV Ears come with rechargeable battery, headset, and transmitter base
How Can a Traditional Phone Be Cool?
Perhaps it's just me, but way back, I mean way back, in the 1960's these nifty little video phones (similar to the one below) were the futuristic things you saw in sci-fi movies. Kind of scary, but when you see these sleek little phones you see that maybe they are kind of cool. I can imagine far removed friends and loved ones really enjoying the opportunity to interact face-to-face so to speak.Now sure, they aren't as portable and handy as a cell phone when you're on the road but high resolution real-time video with synced audio on a 7" screen will never happen with your cute little cell phone either. The Motorola Ojo Video Phones have been around for a little while without causing a sensation, but they might be really cool for the right people.
Photo Credit: mrthomas.
Motorola Ojo Personal Video Phone
Is It Retro or Futuristic?
Motorola Ojo PVP1000
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
The Motorola Ojo personal video phone provides superior real-time video, 30fps with a high resolution 7" digital LCD screen. It is a 2.4GHz digital cordless phone which uses an existing telephone number for traditional calls. It features:
- Picture-based caller ID
- 100# Phonebook
- Full duplex speakerphone
- Eye-level screen and camera
- Video messaging
- 3-Line LCD on handset
- Mute
- Volume controls
This phone requires high-speed internet service (DSL or cable), router and service activation (No PC or VoIP service is required.)
24/7 online and toll-free tech support through Motorola
Ah, Enjoying Old Music on a New Device!
As mentioned above, stuff comes and goes, but it shouldn't mean you have to start from scratch.For those with old vinyl records who really love listening to them but would rather enjoy that music on their iPod, there is a simple converter. After all even older people have iPods. Check out this turntable with iPod dock.
Photo Credit: maerzbow.
Numark TTi Turntable with iPod Dock
Returning old music to your ears
Numark TTi USB Turntable with Pitch Control & Universal iPod Dock
Amazon Price: $229.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
You can do so much with this Numark TTi turntable. You can of course play your old vinyl records but you can also transter them to digital form using your PC or Mac, make them into MP3 or iPod files, or create uncompressed CD discs.
It has a builit-in universal dock for your iPod and USB for making the task quick and easy. The included software works to reduce any vinyl noise and pops to recreate your music with improved clarity. It includes an EZ Vinyl Converter 2 (PC) and EZ Audio Converter (MAC). You can even enter track information and archive your collection
No special drivers are needed and the turntable works with Windows XP/Vista or Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later.
Speak to Me 007
There is a fine line between cool and odd. It took us some time to adjust to seeing "normal" people walking around, talking to themselves with a small gadget attached to their head; otherwise known as Bluetooth. So, I have to assume we could adjust to the "007" look of holding our wristwatch up to our face to talk to others unseen.These handy little cell phone watches have been around for a while but may pick up steam. Afterall, there is much less concern with cell phone theft if you are literally wearing it all day. (and who in their right mind doesn't want to look like James Bond; any one of them?)
Photo Credit: Nicole Blommers
Unlocked Tri Band Wrist Watch GSM Cellphone with 1.3 Mpx Camera
Unlocked Tri Band Wrist Watch GSM Cellphone with 1.3 Mpx Camera/Video/MP3/MP4 player/Sound recorder with Bluetooth Headset and Touch Screen
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
This device is an unlocked, tri-band GSM cell phone and a sports watch in one. As a cell phone it is compatible with USA GSM cell phone providers that use a SIM card such as T-mobile, AT&T etc. Users merely need to install a SIM Card and they are ready to make and receive calls.
It features an attractive 1.3" TFT-LCD color Touch-Screen and supports SMS, MMS, WAP, MP3, MP4, and much more. Additionally, it boasts long battery life for extended talking capabilities and comes with ear phones for hands-free calls.
Note: This phone works with GSM networks 900/1800/1900 MHz. It should work with any GSM carrier as long as you have the proper SIM card. The phone automatically recognizes your network, phone book, and all of your personal settings. Please consult your cellular provider before making a purchase. Returns will not be granted due to carrier incompatibility.
Soakin' Up the Sun
Wow, now you can travel with all of your gadgets and forget the multitude of chargers and cords. They can all peacefully co-exist and re-energize with this solar charger.You'll travel lighter and know that no matter what country you're in, this device will provide the energy that your iPod, digital camera, or other mobile devices need.
Photo Credit: Blue Diego.
Solio S323-B36T Hybrid 1000 Universal Charger
Solio H1000 Universal Hybrid Charger (Orange)
Amazon Price: $64.00 (as of 07/10/2009)
With a powerful solar panel and battery this Solio Hybrid 1000 gives users the environmentally responsible and free power they want for their portable devices. It's highly compact and a breeze to pack up and take along with it's built-in rugged carabiner and cable.
Using it is super simple too. Use the sun or just plug in the included tip to charge from the USB port of any computer. The internal rechargeable battery stores power for up to a year. Just change the adaptor tip and the Solio Hybrid 1000 Charger works right out of the box with most mobile phones, MP3 players, and GPS units. 0.6-Watts solar panel output Dimensions - 198 x 68 x 18mm Weight - 1.1 pounds
Charge your devices anytime, day or night. A full Solio H1000 will charge a typical mobile phone once or give 10 hours of MP3 music--just 1 hour of sunshine = 15 minutes talk time or 40 minutes of MP3 music.*
So What Are You Looking At?
Do you ever stare up at the sky at night and wonder what it is you're seeing? Neither do I, well, at least not often, but knowing certainly could add interest to the awe.Far less of a committment than a college level astronomy course, the Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium is a great learning tool. It is simple to use, appropriate for any age, and easy to tote along. It may not be the next iPod or iPhone, but it certainly offers both entertainment and education.
Photo Credit: salendron.
Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium
Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium
Amazon Price: $169.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
The SkyScout is a handheld device that identifies thousands of stars, planets, constellations and more with a simple click using GPS technology.
Just aim the SkyScout at any star and click the button. SkyScout will tell you what you are looking at and can provide other entertaining and educational information via audio and text. Users will learn interesting facts, trivia, history and mythology abouth the heavenly bodies they view.
Its features include:
Introduction to astronomy: a six part audio lesson on the origin and history of astronomy
What Electronics Gadgets Have You Seen That Are Cool or Unusual?
Add your greatest finds here!
Sony Cybershot DSC-T70 and DSC-T200
Cameras won't take a pic until subject smiles!1 point
<a href="http://best.mp3player.ever.com">Wind-Up Media Player</a>
never need to worry about chargers or batteries ag more...1 point
Cool and Unusual Gadgets: Give Us a Holler
dc64 wrote...
The alarm clock with bed shaker? Wow, so there you are, sleeping peacefully, and then your alarm goes off and your bed starts to shake. That would take awhile for me to get used to. Oh, it would definitely get me out of bed, but I'd be thinking about the exorcist instead of getting ready for work!
Posted March 21, 2009
jaktraks wrote...
Great selection. Fun to browse. I'm going to lensroll this my Gifts for The Soul lens.
Posted July 27, 2008
WhippetTalk wrote...
Oh I just love the showerhead sensor! What a great invention. Nothing worse than stepping in to a cold shower. Brrrrrrr. It does wake you up though!
Posted July 08, 2008
The_Book_Garden wrote...
some great gadgets here! Have rolled this to my Clockwork Gadgets lens ;)
Posted June 03, 2008
Winter52 wrote...
Now that lawn mower looks pretty cool and the electronic speaking dictionary is getting high marks too. Relying on your own brain is hard work lol... been there and done that. Just love gadgets whether I ever use them or not. ;)
Posted June 03, 2008
flowergardener wrote...
That vinyl converter is really cool! Too *$#& bad my daughter copped all my great vinyls! Beatles, Led Z, Creedence, on and on and on. Well, at least she isn't going to be using them, they are scheduled to go on the wall as a display (the jackets).
Posted April 27, 2008
