Like most people I know, I work exclusively on my laptop. I mean, does anyone even buy desktop computers anymore? I kid, I kid – I know they do, but the majority of those consumers are either baby boomers or gamers. A laptop just makes more sense for the money because it’s lightweight and portable, making it perfect for travel. And if you’re a home office traditionalist, you can always hook yourself up with a banging wireless keyboard and mouse set to supplement your desktop needs. As much as I love my laptop, I hate its speakers. I have to turn them up full blast most of the time and even then the sound isn’t that great.
If you love your laptop but find yourself unwilling to compromise on good sound, then the Laptop Speaker Bar (ThinkGeek, $59.99) can help bridge the gap. With a simple clip-on design, this speaker bar attaches securely to the top of your laptop and is powered by your laptop’s USB port. There’s no annoying software to install either, just plug and play. The USB cable itself tucks neatly into the back of the speaker so your laptop isn’t overrun with a multitude of stray wires. Once plugged in, you can enjoy a wealth of sound emanating from this compact bar as it features a room-filling 360 degree sound. This speaker solution is perfect for travel (travel case included) or even just as an upgrade from your less than luxurious laptop speakers.
Fun fact: This speaker would also work swimmingly when watching movies on your laptop.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-360 sound from your laptop
-Includes speaker bar and travel case
-Plug and play via USB cable
-Clip on design holds speaker bar securely
-Fits most laptops and netbooks
-USB cable tucks neatly into back of speaker
-Compatible with Mac or PC; USB port required
I can’t stand being unprepared. The problem is, you never really know when you might need something and it’s not like you can carry all your possessions with you at all times. At the very least, it would be comforting to know that if you needed to access say an important document or even some hot beats, you could without going to too much trouble.
The 1GB Leather Bracelet USB Flash Drive (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $18.95) lets you keep all your pertinent information close to you – and it’s stylish, to boot! What looks like an ordinary leather bracelet is actually a wearable USB flash drive that can hold up to 1GB of data. The bracelet is available in black or brown (you could even get one of each to go with everything in your closet) and has a minimum of 10 years data retention. It’s the perfect alternative to carrying around a thumb drive or even *gasp* a CD to store your information on.
Remember floppy disks? We’ve come a long way, baby. I mean, imagine trying to wear one of those on your wrist.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 7.75″ x .75″ x .35″
-Capacity: 1GB
-Transfer rate: High speed USB 2.0 USB 1.1 compatible
-Leather bracelet with built in USB flash drive
-PC or Notebook with USB interface compatible
-10 years minimum data retention
-Available in black or brown
-Imprint surface leather
How many times have you heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? While that may be true, a lot of us simply ignore this bit of information as we rush out the door on the way to work. No one’s saying that breakfast has to be this huge homemade production, but it’s still probably a good idea to eat something substantial like eggs and toast instead of a granola bar.
It’s not like the Breville Radio Toaster (Firebox UK, £52.99) is going to make a full breakfast for you, but it will allow you to listen to some cool tunes while enjoying a couple of slices of hot toast. A full service toaster, this gadget features two wide slots that can handle both thick and thin slices of bread as well as variable browning control, a reheat and defrost function, mid-cycle cancel, and an extra high lift for easy toast removal. Everyone knows that a decent toaster is the cornerstone to a kitchen, but not many have a built-in FM/AM radio as a bonus. You get a digital display with 10 preset radio channels and you can even jack in your mp3 player if you feel like making a special morning playlist.
Did you know that you can even make grilled cheese in a toaster? Toasters: not just for breakfast anymore.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 20cm x 28.5cm x 17.5cm
-Radio and toaster in one
Toaster:
-2 slice, wide slot capacity
-Variable browning control
-Reheat and defrost function
-Mid cycle cancel
-Extra high lift for easy toast removal
-Fully removable crumb tray
-Blue illuminated toasting controls
-Non slip base
-Cord storage
Radio:
-Integrated high quality FM/AM radio
-Illuminated digital display
-Preset graphic equalizer
-10 preset radio channels
-Aux in (plug in an mp3 player)
Are you ready to ROCK?! No really, are you ready? Chances are, you’re not. It’s not your fault, these things happen. You think you’ve got your setlist packed, but then you get to the gig and it’s nowhere to be found. That one’s a pretty easy fix. Forget your amp? Good luck with that.
Sure, you don’t need a guitar pick to properly shred your axe, but it certainly helps. The problem with guitar picks is that they’re so small, they’re easily lost. The PickMaster Plectrum Punch (Gizoo, £19.95) means you’ll never have to buy another guitar pick again! I mean, why waste your money on something when you could just as easily make it yourself? This handy gadget works just a like a hole punch to cut plectrums out of any plastic or stiff cardboard. Were you going to cut up your old credit card? Why not make it into a guitar pick meant specifically for you! Not only will your plectrums be the most unique out there, but you’ll also save the environment by recycling your old plastic.
What are you waiting for? Get out there any start making thousands of recycled guitar picks! Just make sure the credit card you’re destroying is the expired one, not the new one you got in the mail today.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Cut plectrums from old card or plastic
-Works like a hole punch
-Easy to use
It seems like the weather is taking a turn for the better, with sunshine radiating from the sky today. But I’m not fooled by Mother Nature’s early April Fool’s prank – I know it’s just gonna snow or something equally terrible next week. So take advantage of the warm weather while you can, just be smart enough to prepare yourself for yet another snowpocalypse.
The iHat Wireless Transmitter Cap (Things You Never Knew Existed, $39.98) will keep your head and ears toasty warm during the next inevitable coldfront. With the coziness of a beanie and the gadgetry of headphones, this cap means business. The cherry on the tippy top of this mountainous ice cream sundae is that the speak system within the cap is wireless. That’s right, no wires hanging down to get caught on anything and everything. Simply plug your iPod or mp3 player in the transmitter, clip said transmitter to your person or belongings, and start listening to some tunes. The transmitter has a range of up to 40 feet, so you could even leave the transmitter on your desk and not lose a signal when you got up to fix yourself a snack in the next room.
I know it’s supposed to be wicked nice tomorrow, like 70ish degrees, but I think the winter chill still has its icy grip on us. You just wait.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Listen to music wirelessly through built in stereo speakers in cap
-Transmitter connects to iPod or mp3 player and clips to pocket or belt
-Range of 30 to 40 feet
-Uses 4 AAA batteries (not included)
-Unisex cap is one size fits most
-Made of 100% polyester
