Gadgets and New Technologies

I don’t know if anyone carries a pocket calculator anymore (most cell phones should have one, really), but they were all the rage back in the eighties when they figured out how to make them smaller and cheaper. Most of them became solar at that point, but there was nothing like the Water Powered Calculator. As its name suggests, the Water Powered Calculator uses water or any other type of electrolytic liquid for power. I am assuming that Gatorade would probably work just as well. Anyway, the liquid creates a chemical reaction in the fuel cell with a zinc anode and cathode. This somehow makes an electrical current that is good for a month’s worth of power. (Read the full post about ‘Water Powered Calculator’…)

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Posted Feb 13th 2008 4:06AM by Thomas RickerFiled under: GPS In a world gone mad with fear, another global city has ground to a halt in the wake of harmless fun. Like Boston’s visceral aversion to Mooninites, Auckland New Zealand has demonstrated an armed distaste for Geocaching. Geochaching is a GPS treasure-hunting game where participants find hidden containers placed around this big blue planet. Unfortunately, security caught the gamer on CCTV strapping a package to a rail near Aotea Center; they then called in the bomb squad. Tip to geocachers: don’t wear a bearded, ninja-suit when placing your cache in busy urban areas.Update: Tip 2: don’t use a cache that looks like a bomb! (Read the full post about ‘Geocacher causes Auckland bomb scare, Bostonians find soul-mates’…)

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Posted Feb 13th 2008 11:15AM by Darren MurphFiled under: Laptops Well, would you look at that. The image we’re certain your eyes are fixated on above is indeed the first look at Lenovo’s forthcoming X300 ultraportable, and it’s being provided courtesy of Walt Mossberg. ‘Course, if we were betting souls, we’d guess that nifty office envelope won’t be bundled in, but hey, crazier things have happened. As if a photo wasn’t enough, Walt also clued us in on a few more specs, namely the inclusion of a removable battery, three USB ports, WiFi, an integrated Ethernet jack and optional GPS / WWAN to boot. Heck, users will even be able to order this 3.12-pound critter with Windows XP if they so choose. (Read the full post about ‘Walt checks out ThinkPad X300, also fits in manila folder’…)

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Portable Nintendo DS Lite has just added a new color to it’s DS Lite palette - Cobalt/Black. This two-toned color joins traditional Polar White and more recently added Coral Pink, Onyx, Crimson/Black, and limited-edition Gold and Metallic Rose. While not too much is different aside from the fashion-forward skin, at 2/3 the size of the original, DS Lite continues to be perfect for packing. Its two bright screens with touch-screen technology are easily adjusted to four levels to adapt to different lighting conditions and to extend battery power. Both 3-inch screens can reproduce a true 3D view with gorgeous renderings. (Read the full post about ‘Cobalt/Black DS Lite now available’…)

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by Mr. Alex of Geekfoolery Just six weeks ago, Christmas gifts were opened, and gift givers gauged the reaction of their giftees–was that a polite smile, or a genuine, “Wow! That’s cool!” Despite the vast array of product research available to any consumer with an Internet connection, it’s still a tough call to know if gift is going to get used and enjoyed, or is it going to end up on a shelf in the back of the closet, or exchanged, or worse–regifted. That’s why this post-Christmas review is coming in mid-February. I picked up a Rubik’s Revolution for the kids almost as an afterthought. (Read the full post about ‘Rubik’s Revolution… A Post-Holiday Toy Review’…)

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Posted Feb 13th 2008 1:12AM by Chris ZieglerFiled under: Cellphones, Features If we’re kids, then Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress is the candy store — and today, all we did was stuff our fat, sticky faces with Runts, Jolly Ranchers, Smarties, and pretty much everything in between. (Read the full post about ‘Hands-ons live from MWC? Yeah, we’ve got a few of those’…)

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It seems that current T-Mobile HotSpot customers will get a nice perk out of the Starbucks AT&T Wi-Fi deal. In a Press Release, courtesy of T-Mobile we now have some more details on just what those HotSpot customers can expect. Customers will not be impacted “for years to come” and can expect to continue to “experience seamless Wi-Fi access at Starbucks.” The free access for HotSpot customers will mean access for “at least the next five years” thanks to a roaming agreement between AT&T and T-Mobile. Current HotSpot @Home customers will also not see any additional charges. (Read the full post about ‘T-Mobile HotSpot users to get free AT&T Wi-Fi at Starbucks, more details on the free user access’…)

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Midway just released a trailer for its forthcoming Sin City sandbox This is Vegas. Though most will dismiss it as a GTA clone set in Las Vegas, the game caught my attention for seemingly focusing more on the party atmosphere and the corruption than on shooting.

The press release sums up the experience:

When a powerful businessman begins turning Vegas into a family-friendly tourist trap, you must start your own powerful empire and resurrect the famous adult playground. Party hard at the hottest clubs to make VIP connections. Grow your bankroll by hitting high stakes tables. Race the fastest cars on the underground circuit to raise your reputation.

(Read the full post about ‘Preview: This is Vegas’…)

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While official details have not been announced on the Danger acquisition, Om Malik is speculating that Microsoft paid $500 million. Further speculation is that early investors got modest returns on the sale, but the later stage investors made out “like bandits.” Om Malik is also noted as saying: The deal’s big sticker price is intriguing — leading me to believe that Microsoft wants to pull an Xbox on its mobile phone business. Could this mean Microsoft is preparing to offer up some real competition with Android? Via [CNET] Keep up with the latest gadget goodness! - Subscribe to our feed → (Read the full post about ‘Microsoft is rumored to have paid $500 million for Danger’…)

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Crumpler Biglittle Thing For iPod Video The new Crumpler Big Little Thing is an ideal partner for the Apple iPod Video 30GB or 60GB. Constructed using fine quality Nappa leather it will keep your iPod scratch free whilst the heavy duty belt loop keeps it firmly by your side so you can enjoy your music on the move. Fine quality Nappa Leather construction with embroidered logo with contrasting leather lining. Belt loop on back doubles to make a stand for video viewing. (Read the full post about ‘Crumpler Biglittle Thing For iPod Video’…)

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