Are you one of those active people who just can’t sit still? Do you find yourself creating numerous intensive projects one after another? If so, you’re insane. Being lazy is an art and also, it’s pretty darn awesome. But if you’re going to insist on doing stuff yourself, then you’re gonna need the right tools. And I’m not talking about hammers and screwdrivers.
More important than the nuts and bolts of any job is your motivation level. One way to keep on track is with music, and the Mp3 Cap (Hammacher Schlemmer, $99.95) is a super easy way to rock out while you work. Sure, if you were staying in one place the whole time, you could probably just use a stereo, but what about when you’re working outside or in different rooms of the house? You might think an mp3 player and a pair of headphones would solve that problem, but what about those hanging wires getting in your way while you work? This cap has a built-in FM radio as well as an mp3 player and voice recorder, making working outside and listening to your favorite tunes a no-brainer. I mean, you’ll already be wearing a hat and you want to listen to music, so why not put the two together?
I just can’t help but think about the annoyance factor with something like this. I think it would be perfectly fine (and incredibly useful) to use within the confines of your own property, but that’s about it. Seriously, no one else wants to hear your lame music.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Cap with built in mp3 player and speakers
-Includes black cap, FM radio, voice recorder, USB cable, and earbuds
-Eliminates the need for earbuds or headphones
-Two integral speakers
-Patented digital sound processing
-Seven channel equalizer
-2GB internal memory can be expanded via micro SD card
-Rechargeable Li ion battery
-Up to 30 hours of playing time on 3 hour charge
-Hand washable
-Fits most sizes
Do you ever wonder what your pets do all day when you’re not there? I don’t. I mean, I don’t have to wonder because I’m pretty sure there’s a fair amount of sleeping going on, only to be interrupted by doing things they’re not supposed to do. I know this because I come home to paw prints on my countertops and napkins hit off the top of my refrigerator. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the reason why my cats are so tired when I get home is because they’ve been running around my house and exhibiting general tomfoolery in my absence. Still, it might be nice to have some hard evidence so that the next time I’m chastising my animals, I know exactly which one is to blame for the current state of disarray in my home.
The best way to find out what your pet’s been up to all day is to stick the Pets Eye View Camera (NerdSeven, $39.95) on their collar. Because this webcam-like device attaches to your pet’s collar, it records their daily activities from their own viewpoint. You can set the camera to shoot every one, five, or fifteen minutes and it can store up to 40 photos internally. So next time you want to know who’s responsible for chewing up your homework, Scruffy or Whiskers will have the photographic evidence to solve the case.
Personally, I’m not sure how well this will really work out. I mean, I bet my cats are sleeping all day. I would probably come home expecting to uncover some great mystery, only to find that Whiskers hasn’t moved from the couch all day. If I sound jealous, it’s because I am.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Resolution: 640 x 480
-Camera can shoot every 1, 5, or 15 minutes
-Stores 40 photos internally
-PC and Mac compatible
-Rechargeable Li ion battery included
-USB cable included
-Only use flat collars at least 3/8″ wide to prevent choking hazard
I never used to be a huge Apple fan. I was doing just fine with rinky-dink little flip phone and my larger than life mp3 player. I wasn’t interested in anything prefaced with the letter “i” or with the word “Mac” in it. Then one day everything changed. One a whim, I purchased an iPod and then before I knew it, I was standing in line for an iPhone on release day. Now, I haven’t broken down and purchased a MacBook or an iPad, but I think it’s only a matter of time before I fully commit to brand-name solidarity. I blame Justin Long.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my pocket-sized technological wonders. So much so that I’m using them 24/7, which inevitably leads to their downfall: usage time. This applies mostly to the iPhone – ever since iSO4, I can’t get a decent charge out of the thing. It’s ok though because I’ve learned how to adapt with the help of the Pebble Portable Charger (Firebox, $59.99). This portable charger carries enough juice in one charge to fully charge your iPhone four times. Unlike other portable chargers out there on the market, this thing isn’t a one-time use and it doesn’t run on a measly AA battery. Powered by USB, it comes with five charging connectors so you can charge virtually any of your portable electronics as long as you have the corresponding connector. And with a power indicator, you’ll know exactly how much electricity you’re carrying around with you. Did I mention this device is small enough to fit in your pocket?
I’m not getting an iPad, and you can’t make me! Steve Jobs, I’m talking to you.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 3 3/4” x 2 3/4” x 3/4“
-Capacity: 5000mA
-Includes charger, USB cable, 5 charging connectors, soft pouch, and user manual
-Charging connectors: iPod/iPhone, Nokia, Sony Ericsson, and Mini & Micro USB devices
-Takes 5 hours to fully charge pebble charger
-Charges empty iPhone in just over an hour
-Charge status indicator: low/med/full
-Polymer Li-ion battery
I have a friend who is obsessed with Legos to the point of ridiculousness. What once started as a deep appreciation for all things Lego has migrated in a serious one-on-one relationship with Star Wars merchandise, but the Lego aspect of the obsession persists. Did you know that Lego makes a $500 Star Wars set? I do because he owns it. Lego recently released a limited edition collection of blindboxed minifigures, so I decided to buy a set for my friend. He loved them. I have a sneaking suspicion that if it’s Lego, he’s interested.
So imagine my delight when I came across the Wireless Building Block Mouse (Perpetual Kid, $29.99). Not only is it a fully functional wireless computer mouse, but it’s shaped just like a Lego block! I mean, this has got to be the coolest computer mouse I’ve ever seen. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there’s not a whole lot of creativity happening when it comes to a computer mouse – you’ve pretty much got one design out there. Both PC and Mac compatible, this mouse features both right and left click buttons as well as a scroll wheel.
Ok, so I think this mouse is the shit, I really do. But my Lego friend brought up a good point: how comfortable is it to use? Sure, if you’re spending a little down time surfing the web or writing a paper, I’d say go for it. For work? No, definitely not. Could you imagine wrapping your hand around this textured rectangle for the whole day? Not exactly the most enticing idea, now is it?
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 4″ x 2.25″ x 1.25″
-Wireless mouse
-Features right and left click button as well as scroll wheel
-PC and Mac compatible
-Desktop and laptop compatible
-Optical 800 DPI
-Certified USB
-Available in red, blue, or white
-Requires 2 AAA batteries (not included)
I’m a terrible packer. Either I try to get by with just a few things and end up forgetting all the essentials (try getting dressed without your pants) or I go in the complete opposite direction and basically scoop up everything in my closet before throwing it in a suitcase. That being said, I try to keep my carry-on items to a minimum, but anyone who travels knows that this is no easy task. After you pack a book, magazine, snack, iPod, headphones, crossword puzzle, Sudoku, Mad Libs, and DS, there’s really not that much room left (and yes, I do need all that to travel). And guess what? I haven’t even tried to pack my computer and everything else I need for work, which close to impossible after all that.
In the interest of being both space-saving and functional, the Portable Laptop Cooling Pad (Convenient Gadgets & Gifts, $23.95) is fantastic. When retracted, it has one fan showing and it looks like half of a cooling pad. But once you extend the pad by pulling out the other end, two more fans appear and you’ve got a big boy cooling pad. This creative design allows you all the cooling power of a regular pad without the added weight and bulky exterior. Like most cooling pads, this one is USB powered and features a small on/off switch on the side. All you have to do is pull the cooling pad open when in use and push to close when you wish it transport it. It’s as easy as that!
This thing is gonna be a godsend when it comes to airports. Just think about the last time you had to go through security and didn’t separate your laptop into its own container because it was wedged into your computer bag next to your oversized cooling pad. That wasn’t fun, now was it? Unless you like being taken into your own special room for some one on one questioning…
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 12″ x 6″ x 8″ (retracted)
12″ x 9.5″ x 8″ (extended)
-3 built in fans
-Lightweight and portable
-USB powered
-On/off switch
-Cooling pad surface made of aluminum
