There’s now a free app (iTunes link) available for your iPhone which will allow you to wake up the same way Disney characters do, with the sounds of 2D chirping birds. For added illusion, you can stick your iPhone in this BirdBox and tap the screen in order to see your potential wake up call nesting inside. The BirdBox is made of high quality heavy card, is easy to assemble and is available in four different colors. The only problem is if you smash this alarm clock in the morning, you’ve killed a bird and ruined $100 phone. You don’t want to start your day that way.
Mattel’s first ever folding Hot Wheels are set to hit stores in August, and by the looks of things, they are going to be a definite must-have. “Steath Rides” as they have been dubbed, can be folded into a compact form that’s similar to a credit card in size and about as thick as an average cellphone. At the push of a button, the flat car will transform into a remote controlled vehicle.
This dry-wipe ceramic Postcard Memo Pad is both fun and Earth friendly. Plus, your friends will appreciate any post card from Boozeville that invites you to partake in a drink or two. By the way, in this case “XXX” doesn’t mean “hugs.” It’s just a subtle hint that the reader should get some moonshine too…or porn.
Product Page ($16, pre-order for March 4 availability)
Your average USB card reader is an ugly chunk of plastic and metal. This particular reader looks like a perfume bottle and that can be a benefit for you. Available single co-workers may think that you actually care about your hygiene. And in that same vein, keeping your desk free of obvious computer accessories makes you appear more approachable. Work is all about meeting others, isn’t it?
This ladybug or “Ladybird” as it were, will integrate with flash drives, SD card readers (upt to 4GB) and 5-pin data cable. It also features a UV light that can be used as a flashlight or a means of detecting counterfeit money. And the best part is that you can take her home for only $10. Careful though, I doubt she even uses protection.
The DataTraveler Reader from Kingston is a USB key that will also allow you to access your memory cards. When you plug it into your system, one drive shows up that allows you to access the USB key memory, and another drive gives you access to the memory card reader. The USB comes in capacities of 1 and 2 GB very soon and a 4 GB version to to follow. The Card reader accepts SD, MMC and SDHC memory cards natively.
For all the odd combinations that have been put out recently, this one seems a bit more useful than most. If you don’t have a reader built into your laptop, this will save you the space of that external card reader. The 1 Gb comes in at a very reasonable $19.99, the 2 Gb at only $34.99.
Yesterday’s v1.50 firmware release for the PS3 may have fixed the backwards compatibility issues, but it also added a little functionality to the console that will help Sony take even more of your money.
Apparently the upgrade added support for peripheral devices that allow gamers to swipe credit cards directly into the console. Fortunately this is a Japan only release…for now. My question is how long will it be before this functionality makes its way around the globe?
If you are looking for a no-nonsense media center PC, the Hannibal Deuce just might have the horsepower and flexibility to meet your needs.
Features:
Runs on Ubuntu Linux
Incorporates MythTV media center software
Supports Standard definition, 480P, 480I, 720P, 1080I
Connects to any TV using either composite, component, S-video, VGA, or DVI
Play any format including DVD, AVI, MPEG, DIVX, XVID, and a thousand others
Pause, Rewind, Fast Forward, and record live TV
Automatically takes commercials out of recorded programs
500 GB Hard drive
7.1 Digital Audio
Built in DTS and Dolby Digital Decoding
Linksys 802.11 B/G wireless
54 Mbs bandwidth
The Deuce also features built in Bit Torrent downloading, a 9 in 1 card reader, hundreds of free internet channels, and the ability to rip and burn DVD’s / CDs to and from your hard drive via your remote. All in all the Hannibal Deuce appears to be a truly all-in-one media center solution that’s easy to pick up and use. Plus, the $900 price tag isn’t completely outrageous when you consider all of the features.
Click here for full list of hardware specs. Click here for full list of feature specs and purchasing information.
