I have a terrible memory. Really, both my short-term and long-term memory are seemingly incapable of retaining any knowledge. Most of the time I can get by fine with a Post-it note here and a short list there, but sometimes it’s just not possible to utilize those high tech tools. For instance, it’s a little hard (not to mention unsafe) to write notes and make lists when I’m driving, but how else am I supposed to remember to pick up milk after work?
While the Recording Car Note Pad (Taylor Gifts, $19.98) isn’t really implementing any groundbreaking technology, its simple design has everything a driver needs to take notes on the go. Windshield mounted via suction cup, this notepad has your standard book of notepaper as well as removable pen. I mean, a reminder isn’t very helpful if the only place you can read it is in the car, now is it? The notepad also features a built-in light for when you need to take notes in the dark (driving directions come to mind). But arguably the most important feature is the hands-free recording device. With the touch of a button, you can record important memos, messages, directions, etc. The device allows you to keep your mind on the road while at the same time making it easier than ever to keep track of your honey-do list.
What a fantastic idea, right? So fantastic, in fact, that all those smartphones out there got in on the action. Now you can’t throw a stick without hitting some sort of mobile device that does anything and everything (besides making phone calls, that is). So it’s up to you – spend $200 on some tricked out phone that will become obsolete in a few months or $20 on a little piece of technology that never goes out of style.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 5.5″ x 2″ x 10″
-Includes removable pen, notepad, and built in light
-Mounts to windshield with suction cups
-Record, store, and playback memos
-Requires 3 AA batteries (not included)
-Made of plastic
You know when you move into a new apartment and the whole place just looks so bare and uninviting? Don’t you just hate that? And the thing that sucks about living in an apartment is that you can’t really paint the walls (unless you want to paint them back to white again before you move out). So your best (and most cost effective) bet for sprucing up the joint is to throw up some wall art. A good picture or two on each wall and your place can go from sketchy studio apartment to cozy flat in no time. But not only do you have to be really careful with what you put on the walls so you don’t irreparably damage them, you’ll also have the delightful task of trying to find picture frames that aren’t ridiculously expensive. Good luck with that.
I’m not gonna say that the best part about the Snap Wall Photo Frames (Wrapables, $18.95) is that they’re pretty cheap, but it certainly falls into the plus column. This photo frame set comes with nine molded white plastic frames, shaped just like vintage Polaroid photographs. The bottom section of the frame is a white dry erase surface so you can change your picture captions as often as you change your photos. Each photo frame mounts to the wall with a simple tack, so you won’t have to worry about putting giant holes in your rented wall space. The only downside is that the set doesn’t include a dry erase marker. Not a huge deal as they’re fairly inexpensive, but it’s like really, you couldn’t just throw one in there? What’s up with that?
I am a big fan of fun artwork. The best part about these frames is that they’re totally unexpected and pretty much unlike anything anyone else has at their apartment. Because let’s be honest, decorating your home is really all about competing with your friends to see whose place is the most awesome. This is one giant leap into Awesometown.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3.5″ x 3.5″
-Set of 9
-Dry erase surface (pen not included)
-Mounting hardware included
-Molded white plastic frames
-Made of polyresin
It seems like you never have the tools you need to do even the simplest of tasks. I mean, who wants to go hunting for a screwdriver when all you want to do is tighten one measly little screw on the kitchen cabinet? By the time you finally track down the toolbox and fish out the corresponding tool, you’ve probably forgotten why you needed it in the first place. And then the whole vicious cycle starts all over. Sure, you could carry about a myriad of tools, just in case you might need them, but that could get very cumbersome. Plus, there’s only so many screwdrivers and hammers you can tote around before people start branding you a psycho killer.
In an effort to help you not look like a crazed lunatic, the Screwpop 4-in-1 Tool (Amazon, $4.95) is a fun-sized gadget that fits comfortably on your keychain. With four unique tools, it’s hard to imagine a task that you can’t conquer with the help of this tool! Well, ok, that’s not really true, but you can do a few things with it. The tool includes two kinds of screwdrivers, Phillips and Flathead, that fit into a cylindrical shaft. When the cylindrical shaft is emptied, it serves as a hex driver that can tighten loose bolts. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the top ring sports a notch that serves as a bottle opener. With all these items in one small yet convenient location, you’ll be able to fix things/drink booze with little to no effort.
Imagine all the times you’ll save the day with your magical device! Somebody need a beer opened? I’m there! Got a screw loose? Phillips or Flathead, I’m on it! Need a loose bolt tightened? Move over! Um, that’s about it.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: .4375″ x 1.375″ x 3″
-Includes Flathead #2, Phillips #2, 1/4″ hex driver, and bottle opener
-Easy to use
-Reliable
-Keychain friendly
-Lifetime warranty
Attention all lazy people out there! Would you like be somewhat active, yet still continue to exhibit sloth-like behavior? I can tell by your lack of response that you would. Sure, laying around and letting your muscle tone deteriorate can sound like boatloads of fun, but maybe you should get up every now and then. I’m not suggesting you go out and run a marathon or anything (terrible!), but a little movement here and there couldn’t hurt. Tell you what, how about we start with something simple? I’ll even try to make it a little fun for you.
The Magic Wand Remote Control (Firebox, $69.95) will give you just a dash of physical movement while still allowing you to retain your lazy roots. And it’s freaking awesome! Sorry, but it had to be said. I mean, it’s a remote control shaped like a magic wand – how cool is that?! And not only is it shaped like a magic wand, but you actually have to perform spell-like movements in order for the remote control to work. This is where your heart-pumping exercise comes into play. With 13 predefined gestures, this wand can learn up to 13 infrared codes from your existing remote. All you have to do is match the gesture to the desired command. So say you want to turn the volume down, you might roll the wand between your thumb and forefinger in a counterclockwise direction. You can control basically any infrared device, like your TV or stereo, just by letting the wand learn the commands. Pretty simple, right?
Now, I don’t want you overdoing it. Take your time learning those commands and if you feel yourself getting weak, let someone else change the channel for awhile.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 35.5cm x 2cm
-Remote control shaped wand
-Able to control television, stereo, or any other infrared device
-3 modes: practice, sleep, and learning
-13 predefined gestures
-Can learn up to 13 infrared codes from an existing remote
-Requires 2 AA batteries (included)
-Packaged in presentation box
-Instruction manual available for download
Everybody these days keeps going on and on about how we should start taking care of the environment, how the polar ice caps are melting, and blah blah blah. I get it, we’re not taking care of the planet and eventually we’re going to be totally screwed. Right now, we’re only kinda screwed, so it’s hard to get people to care about saving the environment. Sure, gas prices are on the rise and there’s no clear cut alternative source of power, but what’s there to worry about? I think a lot more people would do their part if it required as little effort as possible.
For all the lazy environmental activists out there, the Eco Button (Latest Buy, $19.95) can help you do your part. Basically, this gadget works with your computer to save energy by shutting down all functions that draw power from your computer except for the very minimum amount of memory it needs to run. Think your hibernation mode is saving enough energy? Think again. This button allows your computer to run on just 1.8 watts of power, keeping energy costs down and, most importantly, saving you some cash. All you have to do is plug the button into your computer via the USB port, download the software from the official website, and you’re ready to start saving energy with the push of a button. And unlike shutting down your computer or putting it into hibernation, you can easily take your computer out of “ecomode” by pressing any button on the keyboard. Your computer will immediately resume functioning and it’ll even tell you just how much energy and money you’ve saved during the latest “ecomode” process.
Come on, how simple does this sound? One push of a button, and you’re helping save the world. It’s a whole lot easier than that stupid recycling nonsense, right? Might as well just stop that all together. Then again, it probably couldn’t hurt to double your efforts.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 0.6″ x 2.2″ x 2.2″
-Connects to computer via USB cable
-Download software from official website
-Puts computer into “ecomode” when button is pressed
-Computer returns to current state by pressing any button on keyboard
-Only compatible with Windows based PC’s
