I love my electronics as much as the next person, perhaps even more so, but I’m not too keen on this little obsession. It gets to the point where if I can’t get online, use my cell phone, or listen to some music, I just freak out. I literally don’t know what to do with myself if I can’t use my favorite gadgets. So the problem becomes, what do you do when you’re out and about or on vacation, and you don’t have access to an electrical source? Or maybe you simply forgot to charge your technology of choice and you left the charger at home. What if your cell phone dies and you have no conceivable way of charging it? What are you supposed to do for the next couple of days when everyone is trying to reach you? Pop quiz hotshot: you’re backpacking through Europe and your iPod is about to die. What do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO?!
If you’re smart, you go out and get the HYmini Turbine Charger (NerdSeven, $49.95). Using a turbine, this gadget captures the energy produced by wind gusts at speeds from 9 to 40 mph and then uses this energy to power your electronics. You can use that energy immediately or access it later because it gets stored within the device’s built-in Lithium ion battery. All you have to do is connect your cell phone, camera, etc. to the charger using the included USB cable and you’re good to go. The set includes five device connectors as well as an AC/DC power adapter, so you can use it pretty much anywhere with virtually any portable electronic device.
I would love to use more green technology, but it’s so freaking expensive. I mean, at least this one is comparable to the cost of an actual camera or cell phone charger. Although, those are crazy overpriced too, so I’m not really sure what that means in respect to this one. But hey, at least this one will help you save on your electric bill, right?
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 5.4″ x 3.4″ x 1.3″
-Includes HYmini, AC/DC power adapter, USB transfer cable, 5 device connectors, and operating instructions
-Eco friendly wind turbine generates electricity
-Powers up iPod, cell phone, and more
-Stores power using built in 1200mAh Lithium ion battery
-LED charging indicator lights
-Completely portable charging
-Lightweight
-Available in white, green, or black
There’s nothing worse than having one of your beloved electronics suddenly die on you. Don’t worry, it’s nothing that a good battery charge won’t fix. Wait, what? You don’t have the charger with you? What is wrong with you?! How could you possibly embark on a long journey without your charger cable? It’s a rookie mistake, and frankly, I expected more from you. Sure, you could try using the excuse that you were going to be in the car all day and it’s not like your charger would work there anyways, but that’s not going to fly this time.
With the Universal Gadget Wrist Charger (ThinkGeek, $34.99), you’ll never again be forced to suffer through a boring car ride or lecture series without your favorite portable electronic. This seemingly innocuous wristband is actually a battery powerhouse, connecting to your device and charging it up while you use it. The wristband uses a mini USB cable and one of nine included connectors to attach itself to your gadget of choice, prolonging its runtime. When you get to your destination (or just near a wall outlet), you can charge the wristband’s rechargeable Lithium ion battery with the cable provided to ensure that your backup power source is always at the ready.
I would be wearing this baby 24/7. Do you know how many times I’ve put off an important phone call, only to make it and then have my iPhone die about five minutes into the call? The answer is pretty much every time. The only time my iPhone is decently charged is when I don’t need to use it. It can go from 100% to 15% as soon as it learns that I have something to do. It’s like it knows that I can’t talk on my iPhone and charge it at the same time (since the cable is about half an inch long). It’s time to show that iPhone who’s the boss.*
5 out of 5 stars.
*and I don’t mean Tony Danza.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 256mm x 34mm x 12mm
-Weight: 82g
-Capacity: 1,500mAh, 5.5V
-Input: DC 5V
-Includes USB wrist band battery, mini USB cable, charger output cable, and 9 connectors
-On/Off button design
-Rechargeable Lithium ion battery
-Charges device while in use
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
I can’t stand being cold. I mean, I think I’d rather be a little bit chilly than insanely hot because then at least you can add layers. It’s not like you can continually strip clothing off if you’re hot – eventually you’re just gonna get down to skin and there’s nowhere to go from there (also, the potential for sunburn in sensitive areas is extremely high). The worst thing about being cold is that even though you can pile on layer after layer, sometimes it’s just not enough. You could have 20 blankets on top of you, but it’s gonna take about an hour for you to get nice and roasty toasty. And I’m impatient, so that’s just not gonna cut it.
What I’m interested in is a good old fashioned heated blanket, but with a more technological savvy twist, like the USB Heated Shawl/Lap Blanket (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $28.95). Specifically made for occasions when it would be virtually impossible or completely inappropriate to be holed up underneath a down comforter, this electrically heated blanket connects to your nearest USB power source. With a 4′ long cord, you’re not going to be tethered to your desk but I wouldn’t expect to be running any marathons any time soon either. For the ladies out there, this blanket can also be used as a shawl and has a button sew in to hold it in place. There’s an interior heating pad with a temperature range of 100 F – 113 F so there’s no way that you’re not gonna be cozy as a clam wearing this.
The only bad thing about a heated blanket is that as soon as you take it off, you’re instantly freezing again, Sure, that’s just like any blanket, but it’s a thousand times worse with a heated one. But then again, it’ll be that much warmer once you put it back on. It’s the same concept as getting out of a hot tub, only more easily accessible while at the office.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 31″ x 17″
-Cord length: 4′
-Interior heating pad
-Temperature: 100 F – 113 F
-Plugs into USB port
-Made of soft plush velour
-Button to hold shawl in place
-Only available in blue
