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)
Do you get bored at work? I know I do. If you work behind a desk, it’s pretty much the same thing day after day after day. It’s the kind of thing that makes monotony look exciting. The good news is that when things are so predictable, it takes very little to liven things up.
Get ready to put the “fun” in “functional” with the USB Desktop Aquarium (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $29.95)! Everybody needs a little organization now and then, but why pick a boring pencil cup when you can get something with a touch more pizazz? This desk aquarium is powered by your computer’s USB port and includes both a safe haven for your fish and a handy organizer. The organizer side has a place for desk items like pens and your phone as well as an LCD calendar that even has a programmable alarm clock. The aquarium side features multicolor interior LED lights, nature sounds, and an adjustable overhead light.
Getting organized was never so much fun! Just don’t drop your phone in the aquarium because I hear that’s bad.
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Fully functional fish aquarium
-Alarm clock with snooze feature and countdown timer
-LCD calendar with time/date and week/temp
-USB power connector
-Multifunction penholder
-Multicolor interior LED lights
-Nature sounds
-Adjustable overhead light
-Under gravel filtration system
-Low voltage pump
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
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
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
