USB Talking Parrot

Here is one of those gadgets that looks cool, but will soon become irritating; in other words the perfect stocking filler...

The USB Talking Parrot as the name suggests is a USB powered parrot that you do not need to feed or clean up after. Just like the real thing, the USB Talking Parrot repeats words and phrases that it hears on a regular basis. Not sure how many words and phrases it remembers and repeats, but for around $20, it’s not that expensive for a stocking filler.

Do you know someone that you would like to annoy? This could be the perfect gift.

ads from Shopzilla

Source: Ubergizmo

Read more!

Master Chief Vacuum Cleaner from Samsung

Genius or coincidence, you decide. But Samsung’s latest vacuum; the Silencio SC9540 looks like it has come straight out of Halo. The Master Chief lookalike does everything that you would want from a vacuum. May be a gift for that Halo fan in your life?

Source: Engadget

Read more!

Stylish Weather Light by Oregon Scientific

Here is a very cool looking Weather Clock from Oregon Scientific. The Weather Light (BAR210) gives you the current weather by displaying one of three weather forecast symbols; Sunny, Cloudy and Rainy. With just a wave of your hand you can switch between, indoor and outdoor temperatures as well as the precise time from the Atomic time clock. If waving your hand is too much trouble, just set it to toggle between displays automatically.

Specs:
Displays weather forecasts with illuminated icons: Sunny(Red), Cloudy(Green) and Rainy(Blue)
Self-setting Atomic clock
Displays indoor and outdoor temperature
Infrared motion sensor changes display options
LED backlight (Amber)
12 or 24-hour time format
Celsius or Fahrenheit temperature display
Temperature resolution 0.1°C (0.2°F)
Dimensions: 7.75" Height × 2.75" Length × 2.75" Depth

Retails for around $67

Source: Oregon Scientific via GeekAlerts

Read more!

EarthRace Ar0und the World in 65 Days

This is one mean looking boat and no this is not the latest Batman Boat; although it certainly would not look out of place in the next movie. This is EarthRace, and it is trying to be the fastest eco boat on the planet, by breaking the round the world speed record, using fuel made from bio-diesel.

The attempt will start in Valencia in Spain on March 1 2008. They hope to complete the trip in 65 days (current record is 75 days).

EarthRace with its net zero carbon-footprint will certainly raise awareness of the environment and the sustainable use of resources.

Good luck to them


Source: EarthRace

Read more!

Christmas Countdown Day 19 Clapperboard Alarm Clock

Here is an interesting alarm clock for anyone into movies. This Directors Edition Alarm Clock not only looks like an authentic movie clapperboard, but also works like an authentic movie clapperboard.

The clock displays the usual time and date, but what is interesting about the Digital Clapperboard Alarm Clock is the mechanism to switch the alarm off. Yes, you guessed it; you close the clapper to switch the alarm off. Now that’s different.

It can be wall mounted or placed on a desk and measures in at 185(L) x 225(W) x 26(D). It retails for around $36

Holiday Gift Idea: 3 Stars

Related Posts:
Gift Ideas

Source: Chinavision via Geekalerts

Read more!

Save Fuel Use a Kite

At first I thought this was a joke (and it’s not April 1), but the folks over at the New Scientist are reporting that the first commercial sailing of a vessel using a computer controlled kite to aid propulsion will take place in January 2008.

The kite propulsion system designed by SkySails and Beluga shipping will help to propel the ship across the Atlantic. The Kite can fly up to 300 meters high and the company behind it says this should cut fuel use by up to 20%. That’s a big saving and if successful, who knows, maybe on your next cruise the captain will hoist the main kite...

More details are available at SkySails

Source: New Scientists

Read more!

Christmas Countdown Day 18 Bravia Home Coffee Roaster

Now I like a good cup of coffee, but I'm not sure I would go out of my way to roast my own beans at home. But for those of you out there, that think home roaster would be cool; check out the Bravi Home Coffee Roaster.

The machine will hold enough beans to make 25 to 30 cups of coffee and with. 15 settings you can find your perfect roast, for that smooth cup of coffee. Burning of the beans is prevented by the rotating drum and the patented ‘Flo Thru’ air ventilation keeps the machine cool to the touch, and separates the chaff from the roasted beans.

The Bravia Home Coffee Roaster retails for around $370\

Holiday Gift Rating: 4 Stars (for the coffee lover)

Source: Daily Gadget

Read more!

Christmas Countdown Day 15 Stocking Filler 1

Looking for something a little different to fill that stocking this Christmas; well how about this usb powered retro upright vacuum cleaner. Perfect (well almost) for cleaning up those biscuit crumbs around your pc.

Just plug the vacuum into your usb port and vacuum away. When finished, just wrap the cable around the handle, just like the real thing. The usb upright vacuum cleaner is compatible with Windows operating systems.

It certainly has novelty factor… and for a few dollars, it won't break the bank.

Holiday Gift Idea: 3 Stars

Available at drinkstuff.com

Read more!

Christmas Countdown Day 14 FlyTech Dragonfly by WowWee

This is a cool gift for your kids. The FlyTech Dragonfly has a 16 inch wingspan and weighs just 1oz. Charge it up and use the 2 channel radio controlled remote to control the wing speed and tail rotor speed. Watch as the Dragonfly soars, dive-bombs, hovers and glides, just like the real thing.

This is the world’s first radio-controlled flying insect and a 20 minute charge using the remote controller will give you about 6 minutes of flying time.

The WowWee FlyTech Dragonfly is ranked number 8 in the Time’s 2007 gadget of the year review and retails for around $40.

Holiday Gift Rating: 4 Stars

Read more!

Ice Luge Helps You Make Drinks

OK, so this is going to be short and sweet.

Add water to mold
Freeze
When party starts, take it out
Pour your favorite drink
Watch it flow into your glass (or mouth).

The Ice Luge should be a talking point at your party (at least for the first hour) and at $24 it’s a cool investment.

Source: UrbanOutfitters via Daily Gadget

Read more!

Christmas Countdown Day 12 a SpaCapsule

OK, so this is for those that just have too much money to burn. The manufacturers of the SpaCapsule claim that it is ‘the most advanced spa and aromatherapy system’ and by looking at it they could be right. Looking like something you would probably see in a Sci-Fi movie the SpaCapsule uses modern technology and healing methods of massage, aromatherapy, and audiovisual relaxation techniques to help you relax.

It measures 104 by 35.5 by 48 inches and the self-contained capsule comes complete with built-in audio and video system with iPod connectivity and a 7-inch LCD monitor and a personal aroma diffuser with over 120 essential oils. Add to that the "secret" pulse-jet technology to give you the most realistic massage experience and you have your own personal spa. Oh, I forgot to mention, you will need to dig deep; as the SpaCapsule costs around $26,170.

Holiday Gift Rating: 1 Star

Source: PCMag

Read more!

Christmas Countdown Day 8 Nikon LaserCaddy

The Nikon LaserCaddy 500G Laser Rangefinder could be that gift you are looking for, for the golf fanatic in your life. Measuring only 3.5 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches it is easy to carry and will easily fit into a golf bag.

The Nikon LaserCaddy 500G Laser Rangefinder accurately measures distances from 11 yards to over 500 yards. Measurements can be made in either yards or meters and features an automatic power shutoff after the reading has been displayed for eight seconds.

Technical Stuff:
It utilizes a six power monocular with a 20-millimeter objective lens to provide an exit pupil of 3.3 millimeters. The eyepiece is adjustable, with a range of +/- 2 diopters, and the unit has 10 millimeters of eye relief. In addition, the Nikon LaserCaddy has a real angle of view of 6.3 degrees, translating to a wide, 50 degree apparent angle of view and a field of view of 33 feet at 100 yards

Holiday Gift Rating: 3.5 Stars



Related Posts:
Christmas Countdown Day 1
Christmas Countdown Day 2
Christmas Countdown Day 3
Christmas Countdown Day 5

Read more!

Alu Sled High Tech Protection for your Rear

Having trouble getting to grips with skiing or snowboarding?
Don’t want to be seen on one of those cheap plastic looking sleds?

Then check out this high tech sled. The Alu Sled brings sledding to a new level with its full suspension system. Built from corrosion-resistant aluminum, the Alu-Sled sits you on shock absorbers that are mounted on two-inch-wide plastic runners. Add a bit of Wax and you're 'good to go'. Don’t worry if you end up going too fast as apparently there is a brake (good luck with that).

The Alu-Sled is apparently strong enough to carry up to 220 lbs and folds flat when not in use. It’s not cheap at around $600.

Holiday Gift Rating: 4 Stars (if you get snow where you live)

Source: T3

Read more!

Sound Asleep Pillow Pipes Music To Your Head

Are you having trouble falling asleep? Then maybe you should check out this ‘Sound Asleep’ pillow. The pillow contains a soft hollow fiber filling and an internal speaker and all you need to do is hook up your mp3 player or any musical device that has a 3.5mm headphone socket.

The sound is then piped through the pillow to gently (or not so gently depending on the music) send you to sleep.

Not having trouble sleeping, then why not use the pillow to learn a language. It has been said that you can learn a language by having it played to your subconcious as you sleep!!!

Apparently, you will not have to worry about your partner hearing the sounds as the manufacturers’ claim it can only be heard by those lying on the pillow.

Source: T3

Read more!

The AeroBlast and AeroSpin Vacuums from Panasonic

OK, so it’s not the latest Panasonic TV and you can not make hands free calls on it. But someone over at Panasonic spent a lot of time to bring you their new line of upright cyclonic bagless vacuum cleaners; yes, vacuum cleaners.

The AeroBlast MC-UL975 and AeroSpin MC-UL675 and MC-UL671 are the latest vacuum cleaners from Panasonic. All three models have been designed (according to Panasonic) to make cleaning easy, efficient and effective.

Each one comes with 12 amp motors, anti-static dirt cups and automatic filter cleaning systems (which are supposed to ensure they operate at full power without dirt clogging the filters). The top of the line MC-UL975 features a dual motor system for more thorough carpet cleaning, more accurate agitator speed for different surfaces and a longer lasting belt. The model also features a cleaning system that activates when the unit is turned on.

As you would expect they also come with a myriad of cleaning attachments.

The AeroBlast MC-UL975 is not cheap at $699.99, with the AeroSpin™ MC-UL675 and MC-UL671 coming in at a more reasonable $249.99 and $199.99 respectively.



Source: Panasonic Press Release

Read more!

The Panasonic Strada CN-GP50U Portable Navigation Device

Panasonic have announced that they will be releasing their first portable navigation device (PND) here in the USA. The Panasonic Strada CN-GP50U is a sleek, slim design that comes with a 5-inch touch panel display.

The Strada CN-GP50U provides is access to 1.8 million searchable Points of Interest in 51 categories, such as gas stations, airports, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, ATMs and historic landmarks. It has an easy to use Graphic User Interface (GUI) and comes pre-loaded with map data for the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico, plus detailed maps of 86 U.S. cities. By using the SD Memory Card or USB port users can easily perform software updates.

The Strada can also make hands-free calls on a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone and Lane Assist helps avoid last-minute lane changes using voice guidance and by highlighting the correct lane in orange. The system even warns you when you are over the speed limit…

The Panasonic Strada CN-GP50U Portable Navigation Device should be available in December 2007 for around $499.95

Source: Panasonic Press Release

Read more!

Batter Blaster Pancakes from a Can

Ok, so it’s Sunday morning and you are desperate for some pancakes, but you don’t have the time to make them from scratch and you are sick of those frozen microwave pancakes; what can you do? How about pancakes from a can? Disclaimer: I have not tried this product. The folks over at Batter Blaster have placed their pancake mix in a pressurized can. If it’s good enough for ‘Cheez-Whiz’ and ‘Ready Whip’, why not pancakes…

According to their site;

Batter Blaster is fast easy and fun for the whole family. Just point, blast and cook! “Batter Blaster makes breakfast a blast”

Just a squirt of the pancake mixture into your pan or waffle maker and wait for your pancakes to cook. The Batter Blaster website has more information and a selection of recipes.

Enjoy…

Source: Batter Blaster

Read more!

Multifunctioning Digital Photo Frame

With the holiday season, just around the corner, it’s time to search for gifts that friends and family may or may not use… This digital picture frame comes complete with its own weather station. The 7 inch TFT color LCD will display your cherished photos ‘one at a time’ or as a slideshow. You can also check the temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and weather forecast before you start your day.

In addition you get a radio-controlled digital and analog clock that includes alarm and calendar. If that was not enough the weather station picture frame will also displays sunrise and sunset times and moon phases. Add up to four Additional Indoor/Outdoor Remote Sensors (sold separately) to monitor different areas of your house.

Available at Frontgate for $199

Read more!

The 180x180 USB Hub from Brando

If you have several USB devices to connect to your computer but are lacking enough USB ports, or maybe just have some awkwardly designed cables; then this USB Hub from Brando might work for you.

It is a 4 port hub that has the addition of a revolving upstream port and a center port that can rotate upwards to 180 degrees. It retails for around $15 and comes in either black or white.

Source: Brando

Read more!

Amp+ Sport Remote for iPod Nano Available at Nike

If you are looking for a cool way to control your Apple iPod Nano and you happen to have a pair (or why not buy a pair) Nike+ shows then head over to the Nike + store as they have the Amp+ Sport Remote Control available.

Not only is the Amp+ Sport Remote Control a remote control it is also a watch that is water resistant to 50m.

Features of the Amp+ Sports Remote are:
Durable polyurethane strap that can be cut to fit your wrist (interesting concept)
Stainless steel custom-fit buckle
LED displays time of day and icons for iPod nano controls when activated by the remote
Instant voice feedback of time, distance, calories and pace
Power song accessed through left-side button for quick motivation
Raised remote buttons for easy grip and precision

The Amp+ Sport Remote Control is listed at $79

Source: Nike

Read more!