Sometimes I wish we could all go back to using those first cell phones. You know, the ones you used to actually make phone calls instead of check your email, play games, and watch videos. It was so much simpler then; if you wanted to make a call, you made a call. People weren’t ignoring the person sitting next to them whilst playing that every same person in a game of Words With Friends. Furthermore, we had phones that actually worked. Half the time when I try to make a call now, my phone freezes or cut me off mid-sentence.
I know, I don’t have to have a smartphone – I could just use the most basic phone out there. Except I can’t because I’m totally spoiled now. So I’m pretty much stuck in my predicament, but at least the Retro Wireless Handset (Perpetual Kid, $39.99) lets me feel like I’m using an actual phone instead of some touchscreen wonder. It looks and feels just like a retro handset, but it functions like a Bluetooth accessory. This handset features a rechargeable battery that provides up to six hours of talk time as well as up to 75 hours of standby time. That’s all well and good, but the real draw here is that the handset is wireless with a 30 foot range so you chat with ease. Oh, and did I mention that it’s almost compatible with Internet applications like Skype and Google Talk?
Sure, you don’t *need* it, but don’t you *want* it?
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Includes handset and charging cable
-2.4GHz wireless technology
-6 hours of talk time
-75 hours of standby
-30 ft talk range
-Rechargeable battery
-Compatible with Internet applications
Fire safety is no joke. The best method to keep you and your loved ones safe is prevention. Making sure your house has the necessary safety measures in place, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, is pretty easy to do. I mean, WWStBD (What Would Smokey the Bear Do)?
If you’re going to invest in a safety precaution, why not at least make it enjoyable a la the Chick-a-Dee Smoke Detector (Generate Design, $79.00)? You could go for a boring old smoke detector, but this one is both functional and cute (another two-fer!). This bird-shaped gadget acts just like a standard smoke detector in that it will emit a sustained 85 decibel sound when smoke it detected. However, it differs in that it also replicates a chick-a-dee-dee call when a threat is first detected, making it a lot more pleasant during those all too often false alarms due to intense cooking experiments. With the bird perched on a branch, you can either mount the bird directly to the ceiling or use the branch itself as a mounting system for a more authentic look.
Also known as the Rockin’ Robin’s cousin.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 7″ x 7″ x 4.75″
-Creative smoke detector
-Bird call at first sign of threat
-Sustained 85 decibel sound at smoke detection
-Control light flashes once a minute
-Battery included (1.5 year lifetime)
-Available in white and white/black
-3 year warranty
I used to live a fairly gadget-free lifestyle. It’s not like I didn’t own any technological toys, I just wasn’t consumed by them. Now it seems like I can’t go five minutes without checking my phone, playing a game online, or responding to Facebook update (much like everyone else I know). What’s the worst part about being a slave to technology? Well, you’re pretty much guaranteed never to be satisfied, but more importantly the battery life on these gadgets blow!
I know someone who’s never without their iPad so I can only imagine how often it has to be charged – I’m thinking on the daily. The Solar Charging iPad Case (Hammacher Schlemmer, $199.95) will only encourage you to use your iPad more because you won’t even have to dig out that power cord anymore. Not only does the case protect your beloved Apple product, but it provides up to ten days of use without a standard charge. How’s that possible? Solar power, that’s how! This isn’t just any solar power though – the case uses organic photovoltaic ink to convert both indoor and outdoor light into electricity. I mean, who’s gonna leave their iPad outside all day so it could catch some rays? Now you can simply switch on a lamp and your techno-wonder will charge up in no time.
Angry Birds forever!
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 11″ x 8″ x 1″
-Weight: 1.5lbs
-Solar powered iPad case
-Provides up to 10 days use without charge
-Powered by organic photovoltaic ink
-Converts indoor and outdoor light into electricity
-Built in stainless steel stand
-Built in HDMI output and USB port
-Compatible with iPad2 and iPad3
If you really like something, isn’t more always better? People want to tell you that less is more, but that’s just crazy talk. It’s always good to have a backup!
The One Step DVD/CD Duplicator (SkyMall, $249.95) sees your one and makes it two! With this device, you can copy your favorite DVD or CD without the aid of a computer, making it faster and easier than ever before. Duplication takes just over six minutes to complete, due to super-fast drive speeds and a large internal buffer. You can even use the duplicator to create custom compilation CDs by selecting tracks and making a playlist from multiple CDs.
Before you get your hopes up, this device will not duplicate copyrighted or encrypted material. I know, I know, you were totes gonna make a fortune off your new business venture of pirating Red Box movies!
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 7″ x 7″ x 10″
-Duplicates DVD/CD without computer
-24X DVD speed
-48X CD speed
-Internal 64MB buffer
-2MB drive buffer
-Copies in just over 6 minutes
-Create custom playlists from multiple CDs
-Supports all DVD platforms
-AC plug
A lot of people like to romanticize starting a family, but let’s get real here – it’s not all fun and games. Perhaps the most serious impact children will have on your life is a severe lack of sleep. It’s not their fault; they need constant attention and they can’t tell time. If you’re waiting for your child’s attention seeking to wane, then you’ll be waiting forever. At least you can do something about their knowledge of time telling.
While your baby girl might not know exactly which predawn hour it is, the Multimedia Photo Clock (SkyMall, $89.99) will at least let her know that it’s too early to wake Mommy and Daddy. The key here is a clock that displays both the digital time as well as a photo representation of day or night. Using this combination, you can teach your children when it is time to get up and when it is time to go to bed simply by looking at the picture next to their bed. If you’re not down with the pre-programmed sun and night images, you can always upload your own teaching images. The clock itself is not only a fully functional alarm clock and digital photo frame, but also a music/audiobook/video player.
This still doesn’t mean you’ll get to sleep in – that’s a luxury of the past.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 5.5″ x 6″ x 1″
-Teach children when to get up/go to bed
-Pre programmed awake/sleep images
-Can also be photo personalized
-Alarm clock
-Music/audiobook/video player
-Digital photo frame
-Available in Blue Peace, Green Numbers, Pink Peace, Pink Stars, or White
-Ages 2 to 8
-2011 Award Winner from Parent Tested Parent Approved
