I never used to be an Apple fan. I used a PC, not a Mac. I had an mp3 player, not an iPod. And, like most people, I had a boring old phone that suited me just fine. I was perfectly happy with all my electronics from their assorted manufacturers and never even thought about switching to the dark side. Then a friend of mine got an iPhone, and my whole world changed. I loved it. I didn’t quite know how to use it, but I loved it. I began to count down the days until my Verizon contract ended and I could get my very own technological boy wonder. Once I had it, I was hooked. But that’s all the upgrade I needed in my life. I mean, the iPhone even has its own iPod built in so between that and my mp3 player, I was satisfied on that front. And then I bought an iPod. Don’t worry, I’m still Mac-free, but who knows how long that’ll last.
Because I need to maintain my new Apple lifestyle, I was ecstatic when I found the Cordless Wall Charger for iPhone (ThinkGeek, $29.99). If you’re like me, you can never find the charger cable for your Apple items when you need it. And if you do manage to find it, the outlet plug is always missing. So then you have to plug your iPhone or iPod into your computer and that takes about a year and a day to charge up. Instead, you can rock this charger that plugs directly into the wall, with a built-in dock connector that pivots for easy connection. That way, you don’t have to clutter up your counter with an annoying wire or worry about spilling things on your beloved electronics because your Apple baby will be propped up against the wall while it charges.
I’m still holding out on trading my PC in for a Mac. Mostly because I’m incredibly stubborn and set in my ways, therefore I can’t imagine relearning another operating system (no matter how easy it allegedly is). Also, I’m afraid that once I cave, I’ll be thisclose to plastering my walls with framed photos of Justin Long.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Charges iPhone or iPod from any wall outlet
-Dock connector pivots for easy connection
-Increased power delivery to charger
-Faster charging than USB port charging
-Compatible with iPhone (all current models), iTouch (original 2nd generation), iPod classic, and iPod nano (1st-5th generation)
I love that it’s starting to get a little warmer, but it’s not for the reason you might think. Sure, it means lazy days hanging by the pool and weekend trips to the beach, and while that’s all very enjoyable, it’s not why I love summer. I don’t want to get all Danny Zuko on you, but if I’m gonna be honest, it’s those summer nights. That’s right, my favorite part of the summer heat is when it’s not hot. Really, it’s more about fact that the whole day could be blistering hot, but at night you need to throw on a hoodie because of the cool summer breeze. What can I say, it’s my fave.
It’s times like those when you need something like the Packin Heat Mini Heating Pad (Plasticland, $7.00) to keep you warm. Operating like your average portable heating packets, these gun-shaped pads look totally badass. I mean, if you’re gonna get called a wuss for being cold in the summer, you might as well try to look cool while doing it, right? This set of two gel-filled hot packs warm up instantly and last for an average of 20 minutes or more. Even more awesome, they’re reusable so you can sport that tough guy look on any cold day of the week.
Summer lovin’ had me a blast
Summer lovin’ happened so fast
I met a girl crazy for me
Met a boy cute as can be
Summer days driftin’ away
to uh-oh those summer nights
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 5″ x 3.5″
-Set of 2 gel filled hot packs
-Warm instantly for 20 minutes or more
-Reusable
I don’t seem like it, but I’m a pretty good handyman. Sure, there are a fair amount of home improvement projects that are clearly out of my skill set, but I’m smart enough to realize that. Well, smart enough after I’ve tried to fix it a few times. I think what works for me is the idea that I’m gonna get it done, no matter how long it takes or if I even know what I’m doing. A rubber band here, some super glue there, and I’ve basically MacGyver’d my broken bookcase together. Of course, there are some jobs out there that require actual tools and the good sense of how to use them.
One can never underestimate the usefulness of a good flashlight. It seems like whatever you’re trying to work on or fix, there’s never enough light. It’s always located in some dark crawlspace or right behind a large immovable object. The problem with a traditional flashlight is that you waste half your workforce, aka your hand, by holding one in place. Someone finally decided that enough was enough and brought us the Behind the Ear Flashlight (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $14.95). Yes, you could waste a boatload of time trying to prop up a light so that it shines perfectly where you’re working. Or, you could take the easy (and more efficient) way out and wear this flashlight instead. All you have to do is pop this baby on your ear and you’ve got yourself the perfect hands-free light. Using an ultra bright LED, you can get over 100,000 hours of glare-free white light. Both lightweight and comfortable, this light never gets hot and pretty much “looks” in whatever direction you do. The on/off switch is easily located and the flexible light stem allows you to adjust the light direction as needed.
There was one time where I fixed a broken windshield wiper during a torrential downpour on the side of the highway with a bobby pin and some tape. I’m not saying it was freaking amazing, but everyone else is.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Hands free flashlight
-Fully reversible earpiece for either ear
-Ultra bright LED lasts over 100,000 hours
-LED never gets hot
-Glare free
-Uses two CR2032 lithium batteries (included)
-Lightweight and comfortable
You know when your mom would make brownies and she’d make you her little helper? Wasn’t the best part of that whole task not the chocolaty result, but licking the bowl while the brownies baked? I mean, back in the day before anyone cared about raw eggs and the threat of salmonella, your mom would hand you a wooden spoon and let you go to town on that mixing bowl. I never used the spoon though. Sure, you might be able to start out that way, but when it gets down to the last little bits, it’s your trusty index finger all the way.
What if you could lick the bowl without actually licking the bowl, thereby appeasing the fears of all those germaphobics out there? The Finger Food Spoons (Perpetual Kid, $7.99) act as a go-between, allowing you to relive one of your favorite your childhood pleasures while at the same time clearly defining your sophisticated hygienic boundaries. Made of food-safe plastic, these little spoons fit onto the tip of your finger and give you the illusion of dipping your finger into the bowl to have a taste. Packaged as a set of four in varying colors, each member of the family can claim their very own.
I know, I know, this does nothing to alleviate your feeds about raw eggs, but if I were you I’d just suck it up and eat the brownie mix. I mean, people have been doing it for years and they’re fine. I’m not saying you should forgo the baking entirely (although that could be pretty awesome), maybe just live a little dangerously by enjoying a finger spoonful or two.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3.25″ x 1.25″
-Designed with soft curves
-Set of 4 in varying colors
-Made of food safe plastic
-Hand wash only
I love my electronics as much as the next person, perhaps even more so, but I’m not too keen on this little obsession. It gets to the point where if I can’t get online, use my cell phone, or listen to some music, I just freak out. I literally don’t know what to do with myself if I can’t use my favorite gadgets. So the problem becomes, what do you do when you’re out and about or on vacation, and you don’t have access to an electrical source? Or maybe you simply forgot to charge your technology of choice and you left the charger at home. What if your cell phone dies and you have no conceivable way of charging it? What are you supposed to do for the next couple of days when everyone is trying to reach you? Pop quiz hotshot: you’re backpacking through Europe and your iPod is about to die. What do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO?!
If you’re smart, you go out and get the HYmini Turbine Charger (NerdSeven, $49.95). Using a turbine, this gadget captures the energy produced by wind gusts at speeds from 9 to 40 mph and then uses this energy to power your electronics. You can use that energy immediately or access it later because it gets stored within the device’s built-in Lithium ion battery. All you have to do is connect your cell phone, camera, etc. to the charger using the included USB cable and you’re good to go. The set includes five device connectors as well as an AC/DC power adapter, so you can use it pretty much anywhere with virtually any portable electronic device.
I would love to use more green technology, but it’s so freaking expensive. I mean, at least this one is comparable to the cost of an actual camera or cell phone charger. Although, those are crazy overpriced too, so I’m not really sure what that means in respect to this one. But hey, at least this one will help you save on your electric bill, right?
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 5.4″ x 3.4″ x 1.3″
-Includes HYmini, AC/DC power adapter, USB transfer cable, 5 device connectors, and operating instructions
-Eco friendly wind turbine generates electricity
-Powers up iPod, cell phone, and more
-Stores power using built in 1200mAh Lithium ion battery
-LED charging indicator lights
-Completely portable charging
-Lightweight
-Available in white, green, or black
