My headphone cord is forever getting tangled around stuff on my desk, my bag, or even just itself. I start to hate how long it is, but we all know that if it was any shorter I’d be complaining about how tethered I felt. As usual, the simplest explanation is often the right one.
Obviously if the cord is the problem, then get rid of the cord and use the Bluetooth Earbuds (Hammacher Schlemmer, $79.95) instead. One of the best technologies around, Bluetooth makes it possible to wirelessly connect with your electronic device of choice. In this instance, you can talk on the phone or listen to music by using these special earbuds. Now, I know it looks like there’s a cord here, but that’s just there to make sure you don’t lose your earbuds should you take them out of your ears. With this technology, you can listen to up to five hours of music or talk on your phone for up to six hours on one charge. If that’s not enough, the range on this thing is phenomenal – you can be up to 32 feet away from the device you’re using and still have full function. If you need to answer a call or change the track you’re listening to, simply access the integrated controls located on the right earbud.
The only thing that could make this better is if it screened your calls for you.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 1″ x 1/2″
-Portable Bluetooth technology
-32″ tether for around-the-neck placement
-Answer calls or listen to music up to 32′ away
-Integrated controls in right earbud
-6 hours talk time; 5 hours music playback
-USB charger (included)
-Additional sets of silicone earbuds included (two)
I like to think of myself as something of a music connoisseur and as such I’m constantly turning my friends onto new tuneage. The easiest way to get someone to like a new song or band is obviously to play it for them, but that’s not always possible. I usually have my iPod on me, but I don’t want my friends sticking my earbuds in their ears (no offense). I have a headphone jack splitter, but that only really works if my friend has headphones on them. Also, if you have more than one friend (go you!), then that’s not going to work either.
There are a lot of portable speaker options out there and I can assure you that most of them are absolute crap. If you’re a professional music appreciator such as myself, then you need the Tembo Trunks (Generate Design, $39.00). Sold as a two pack, these silicone wonders amplify your musical selections up to 80 decibels – that’s three times louder! With no electronic components or moving parts (that also means no batteries), you’re probably wondering how these things work. All you need is your earbuds. No joke, that’s it. Just put each earbud in its respective earbud holder located in the back of each speaker and press play. Because you’re basically just using your iPod to power everything, your battery will actually last longer than one song. There’s so many awesome things about these speakers, it borders on insanity.
Do you think elephants helped design this technology?
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
- -Dimensions: 6.5″ x 6.5″ x 2″
- -Amplify music up to 80dB
- -Music is 3x louder
- -Compatible with iPods of all generations
- -Apple earbuds recommended
- -No parts or electronic components
- -No batteries required
- -Waterproof
- -Shockproof
- -Stackable
- -Available in ruby, green, blue, grey, or white
- -Made of high grade silicone rubber
When traveling, it’s important to pack light. Not only will it save you a few bucks when it comes to checking baggage, but you also won’t have to cart around a bunch of junk that you’re never gonna wear/use. However, packing light doesn’t mean you should compromise on the essentials. What are the essentials? Well, that all depends on you.
If you’re a gadget fiend, then you’ll want to make sure that you have every piece of mobile media you can carry. Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure that you have the power source for your media, or else you’ll be a sad panda by the end of day two. The FlipIt! USB Stealth Charger (ThinkGeek, $13.99) is the perfect gadget companion for the traveling geek because it takes any traditional power source and uses it to your advantage. How does it do that? The device fits over a standard outlet and leeches power from the device being charged there, converting it to USB power that can in turn be used to charge your iPhone, iPod, or any other mobile device. Because it works with an in-use power source, you’ll be able to power your electronics just about anywhere even if all the available outlets are taken. Take that, overcrowded airport gate!
I’d keep an eye on this baby though – it’s just the type of awesome technology that someone will try to shiest from you when you’re not looking.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 2.35″ x 1.3″ x 0.67″
-USB charger for mobile devices
-Leeches power from in use power lines
-Supplies 1000mA (1A) at 5V
-Contact pad rotates 270 degrees for easy access
It’s never easy getting up in the morning. It always seems like you just got into a really deep sleep and then that terribly annoying alarm goes off and you’re forced to drag yourself out of bed. There’s no way to get around it because if you don’t get up, then you’ll be late for work, which means you’ll probably be fired, and then subsequently homeless when you can’t afford to pay any of your bills.
Now that we’ve firmly decided on getting up on time, it’s probably important to invest in a quality alarm clock to make sure you wake up in time for work. The Alarm Dock (Generate Design, $39.00) isn’t exactly an alarm clock, but it serves a very important purpose: holding your alarm clock. Wait, what? Fashioned to resemble an old school alarm clock, this docking station perfectly fits your iPhone or iPhone touch to create a mixture of retro and new technology. Once you install a flip clock app on your portable device, you can fit it into the wooden dock where it will not only tell time accurately, but it will also recharge its power.
Obviously, iPhone/iTouch not included.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 6.75″ x 3.5″ x 2.5″
-Turn your iPhone into an old fashioned alarm clock
-iPhone/iPod charges while docked
-Use flip clock app to tell time
-Compatible with iPhone 3G, 3GS, and 4
-Made of sustainably harvested Beech wood
Ever get ready for a long road trip and as soon as you get going, you realize that you forgot to charge your favorite electronic device? Whether it’s your phone, iPod, or DS, you’ve got to admit that it’s a huge bummer to spend the entire trip bored out of your mind without something to entertain yourself. I mean, sure you’ve packed your chargers, but what are you supposed to do now that you’re already on the road?
The Dual Mini USB Car Charger Adapter (Latest Buy, $17.95) may be small, but this device is sure to swoop in and save the day as far as your portable electronics are concerned. A compact charging adapter, this gadget fits perfectly into your car’s cigarette lighter to power up to two devices via USB ports. That’s right, not only can you charge your cell phone while driving, but it even has room for a second device! While I’m aware that some fancy-schmancy cars are equipped with two 12V sockets, you don’t have to be a Rockefeller anymore to enjoy the luxury of simultaneous cellular and musical chargage.
Yes, you can charge just about anything with a USB cord, but just make sure you keep an eye on the voltage capacity. Unless you want to blow a fuse and render your cigarette lighter useless, then I would totally plug in that George Foreman.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 0.003″ x 3.7″ x 4.7″
-Charges 2 USB devices at the same time
-iPod, iPhone, iPad, and other USB device compatible
-3.1 Amp output total
-2 outlets: 1×1 amp, 1×2.1 amp
-Output voltage: 5VDC
-Compact design for easy storage
