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
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
Winter is really a drag, isn’t it? I mean, not only does it seemingly last forever, but it tricks you. Winter starts putting on its coat during February, pretending like it’s getting ready to go, and then all of a sudden just decides to stay for another month or so. It’s pretty shameless, if you think about it. The thing that really sucks about winter isn’t just the cold or the snow (although, those are fairly legitimate reasons to hate a season), but it’s the dryness. Half the time I feel like a snake that’s getting ready to shed its skin, and there’s no amount of body lotion that’s going to remedy that.
Reinforcements have arrived! The R2-D2 USB Humidifier (ThinkGeek, $19.99) is a tiny life-saving device! Alright, so maybe “life-saving” is a little dramatic, but you know what I mean. This little guy plugs right into my computer’s USB port and instantly goes to work to create a moister atmosphere. I’m not saying that it’s going to make the whole room feel less like the Sahara, but it will help your skin feel less scaly. Also, dry air is a common culprit for aggravating cold and sinus issues, so it may alleviate some of those nasty health problems as well. And don’t think I forgot the most important thing – it’s shaped like R2-D2! I mean, hello! Is there really anything else you need to know?
Just picture it: you’re sitting at your desk at work with your miniature R2-D2 humidifying away, happy as a clam. And then there’s everyone else, with their alligator skin and severe congestion, trying in vain to make it through the day. Who would you rather be?
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Just add water to top and plug in
-USB powered
-Piezoelectric technology
-Fully licensed Lucasfilm Collectible
-Imported from Japan
It seems like I’m always missing an important phone call. I can wait by the phone all day, but then the moment I step two feet away from it, I miss the call. Part of the reason is because I just never seem to hear my phone. If I leave the ringer at a respectable volume, all my calls go unanswered. If I turn the ringer way up, I still manage to miss my calls while at the same time annoying everyone around me with my ridiculous ringtones. It seems like I just can’t win. So what’s the point of even having a cell phone if no one can ever get in touch with me, is a phrase I hear almost every day.
Instead of giving up on answering my phone calls, I decided to give it a go with the Bluetooth Watch (Chinavasion, $56.34). Not only is it a stylin’ and fully functional timepiece, this watch will actually alert you to incoming phone calls. Using Bluetooth technology to sync to your phone, this watch will vibrate when your phone rings and it’ll even tell you who’s calling! Sure, there are other Bluetooth bracelets out there, but that’s all they are, bracelets. Who needs that when you could have your own personal caller ID on your wrist? With an active range of up to 10 meters, you don’t even have to be super close to your phone in order for it to work.
This watch is perfect for when you’re at work. Just picture it: you’re waiting for an important call from your doctor, but you’re not allowed to use your cell while you’re working the sales floor. Just then, your watch vibrates and you see that Dr. Whosit is calling to let you know your test results, so you make up some excuse about running to the bathroom and jet out to take the call. Amazing, right? Now if only it could do something about this rash…
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dress watch with vibration function and caller ID display
-Includes Bluetooth bracelet, power charger, AC adapter, and user manual
-Charging time: 2 hours
-Active use times: 14 days
-Bluetooth range: up to 10 meters
-Bluetooth version 1.2
-Unbranded watch
-Comfortable leather strap
