Any gadget enthusiast will tell you that they have an insane amount of cables and cords due to the sheer volume of electronics they own. It really starts to be a hassle because every time you want to transfer pictures from your camera to your computer or charge your Kindle, you’ve got to dig out the corresponding cord. In a perfect world there would be one universal cable to all types of gadgets, but while some cables do work for multiple devices, there are still at least a dozen other items with unique cords.
If you can’t get rid of the cable clutter, then maybe you can at least cut down on the outlet adapters with the U-Socket USB Wallplug (ThinkGeek, $24.99). This gadget turns a standard outlet into a standard outlet with two built-in USB ports, guaranteed to charge all mobile phones that accept a USB power source. The important thing to note here is that there is actual assembly required – it’s not just taking the switchplate off and calling it a day. Another key point is the voltage requirements because you don’t want to blow a fuse and/or get electrocuted while trying to charge your phone.
Only mobile phones are listed as being compatible with this wallplug, but I wonder if you could also charge other things. I mean, I’m not stupid enough to think you could charge a laptop or anything, but what about an iPod? I’m too much of a scaredy cat to try it out, so somebody let me know.
5 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Turns standard outlet into USB port also
-Guaranteed to charge all mobile phones that accept USB power
-Assembly required (setup instructions included)
-Operation Temp: 0 to 35 degrees Celsius (32 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit)
-Input voltage: AC 100 to 125V 50/60Hz
-Output voltage: USB DC 5.0V 2100mA (2.1 amps)
-For US 110V households only
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
Work can be a pretty stressful place, even without all the layoffs and lack of job security lately. Sometimes it can feel so overwhelming that you can’t focus on your work because there’s just so much to do. When you feel yourself starting to go over the edge, it’s important to try to relax. Some people find that breathing exercises help, while others slowly count to ten. It’s all about finding what works best for you.
When searching for a stress-reliever, don’t overlook the power of your sense of smell. The USB Aromatherapy Oil Burner (ThinkGeek, $5.99) plugs into your computer’s USB port and uses heat to create a soothing work environment. The set includes a mini bottle of lavender oil (known for its calming effects) but any scent will work in this device. Just squeeze a drop or two of essential oil on the “x” and plug this baby into your USB port (horizontal ports recommended). Then you can sit back and let your olfactory neurons be stimulated.
Close your eyes and you might be able to pretend like you’re not even at work. It’s a long shot, but it’s worth a try.
3 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: Aprrox 2.5″ long
-Includes oil burner and mini bottle of lavender scented oil
-Works with any fragrance oil
Calling all James Bond fans: don’t you wish that gadgets that 007 carts around were actually real? There’s no denying that James Bond is a master spy (not to mention a whiz with the ladies), but do you think he would be all as cool as he is if he didn’t have all that tech savvy helping him out? Let me put it this way – wouldn’t stock in your social status skyrocket if you owned something even as simple as exploding dental floss? I bet it would.
So maybe you can’t own one of James Bond’s actual gadgets, but the Watch Phone (Things You Never Knew Existed, $134.98) comes pretty darn close. It looks like a regular analog wrist watch, and it is, but it’s also a fully functional cell phone. Now, you’re not gonna get all the other doodads like you do with the iPhone or the Droid, but you will get a cell phone attached to your wrist. With the ability to both send and receive calls, the watch works by inserting your SIM card. The watch features six speed dial slots as well as a locking keypad and signal indicator. You can talk for up to six hours using the included hands-free headset.
This would be a totally boss way to thwart some bad guys – they think they’ve rendered you defenseless because they took away your cell phone. Little did they know it was only a decoy and your real phone is on your wrist!
4 out of 5 stars.
Specs:
-Dimensions: 9.5″ adjustable watch band
-Analog wrist watch that dials and receives phone calls
-Includes watch, watch band, headset earbuds, USB cable, and instructions
-Accepts most SIM cards
-Built in battery, microphone, and speakers
-6 hours talk time
-Up to 120 standby hours
-6 speed dials
-Locking keypad
-Hands free headset
-Signal indicator
-Charges via USB
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
