For The Ladies

Sammsung CL75
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

The phone as fashion accessory:

"The Siemens CL75 gives mobile communication the feminine touch. This stylish clamshell mobile phone uniquely combines feminine elegance with the latest mobile communications technology. The distinctive colorful floral motif on the case makes the CL75 a leading trendsetter, while the large color display with 262,000 vivid colors is another eye-catching feature. When users are not on the phone the interior display comes in handy as a pocket mirror when needing to catch a glimpse of themselves. Weighing a mere 90 grams, this phone is the perfect size for any handbag.

Personal photos and videos can be stored in the 11 megabyte memory, or be sent off to friends in a multimedia message (MMS)."

Isn't it pretty? No pricing yet.

Discuss Among Yourselves - Handheld Games That Weren't So Hot

Atari Lynx
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

Over the many years that I have been a "gadget guy", I've always had a special affinity for handhelds, especially handheld game devices. Beginning with the original Mattel Electronic Football Game (which I still have and still works) to the original Game Boy (which I also still have) right up to the PSP which I can't wait to get.

Anyway, GameSpy has put together a great article about the Top Ten Handhelds that Never Made it. I owned a bunch of them, including the Lynx (pictured) and Lynx II (guess I'm a glutton for punishment), the NEC Turbo, the Tiger Game and the Sega Game Gear.

Each of these games still hold a special place in my gadget drawers. To read the article for yourself, click on the headline. And, if you are so inclined, how about leaving a comment with your favorite handheld that didn't quite make it.

Sexy Movie Camera

sanyo xacti c5
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

Here's a sexy little DV video camera that is tiny enough to take with you anywhere. The Sanyo C5 has 5 megapixels, 2 inch LCD screen and can record MPEG4 format movies with VGA resolution at 30 frames per second. The Sanyo Xacti Digital Movie C5 replaces the Sanyo Xacti C1.

The camera has a resolution of 5 Megapixels. Looks pretty and should retail for about $700.00. Click on the headline for link and full specs.

Boogie on the BodyBoard

bodyboard
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

Does a regular go-kart bore you? Do you have the need for speed? Do you like to get that speed as close to the ground as possible?

"The BodyBoard rider lies head first in a harness, getting a speed sensation blast just centimeters above the tarmac. Propulsion comes via the powerful electric engines inside each wheel that are powered by a hydrogen fuel cell. The BodyBoard also has the lowest centre of gravity possible - it's below the axle line. Along with the bird's eye view and four powerful inside-the-wheel electric motors with linear power delivery are big fat sticky racing tyres, offering G-forces not possible in anything this side of a Formula One car."

Let's hope you don't need a bodybag after racing on the BodyBoard. Click on the headline for link.

Cute, But Watch Out For the Piles of Lug Nuts They Leave On The Rug

i-Cybie
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

From the press release:

"I-Cybie, the new robotic dog from Outrageous International, has more than 120 features and functions. I-Cybie can walk, stand, sit, shake a paw, lie down, pivot in a circle, and do handstands. i-Cybie moves by using 16 different motors, has 1400 parts, 90 feet of internal wiring, and it has its own brain, with its behavior dependent on how i-Cybie is treated. Praising i-Cybie will cause it to do tricks and be in a good mood, while scolding it will make i-Cybie more demure.

i-Cybie moves with 16 different motors and uses a number of sensors located throughout its body to detect walls, obstacles, and edges so it does not bump into things or go tumbling over the side of a table or down flights of stairs. i-Cybie can even sense when it is being touched and is sensitive to changes in light and movement, which comes in handy when you put it in guard dog mode."

I'm not so sure about the having its own "brain" part, but hey for $200.00 it might be worth a whirl. Should be available by Fall.

Real Life Daredevils

ultracane
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

I would have no idea how to function if I were to suddenly lose my sight. I suppose that having grown up reading comic books, I would dream of being able to "enhance" my other senses in order to compensate for my loss and become like Daredevil (but not the Ben Affleck version). Maybe that's not really possible, but Ultra Cane might make a sightless person's ability to lead a more "normal" life possible:

"The UltraCane is based on an ordinary white cane, but it also uses "echolocation" - it emits ultrasonic waves which bounce off objects in its path and echo back to the cane. It feeds that information through to the buttons on the handle, telling you how far away the object is, and whether it is in front of you or at head height. This gives you more knowledge about your environment, and enables you to make decisions much more quickly than is possible with an ordinary white cane."

It's fascinating technology and a very interesting website. Click on the headline for link.

Logitech Quickcams

Logitech Quickcams
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

Logitech, which makes fairly reliable and reasonably priced products released a couple of new webcams for laptops. The Quickcam cameras for Notebooks will feature VGA video capable of up to 640x480 video. The Deluxe version will add functionality for digital stills at 1.3 megapixels, in addition, software based face tracking will make sure your face is in the camera's view at all times. Both models have a spring loaded clip which will firmly grasp to the top of your laptops screen.

The cameras are compatible with both USB 2.0 and 1.1 and will come with a protective case to protect itself inside your laptop bag. Expect to see the cameras on U.S. shelves in April retailing at $59.99 for the Deluxe version and $39.99 for the lower end model. (Via MobileMag.com)

Siemens Rugged M75

Siemens Rugged M75
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

I wonder if this is going to be a new trend in phones. Siemens just introduced its Rugged M series phones that have been toughened up for outdoor activities. It has a metal frame and rubber sides to help it deal with impacts, and has been sealed tight to protect it from water and dust.

The M75 pictured above has a color TFT display and built-in video-capable 1.3 megapixel digital camera which have both been given a bit of added protection to help them survive the bumps and shocks of outdoor life. Like most of the other new phones in the Siemens lineup, the M75 supports RS-MMC memory cards and is able to play MP3 music files from off of the card. Also like the other new models, the M75 supports Push-To-Talk instant voice communication. 3D gaming is also in there.

No pricing yet. (Via MobileBurn)

Handheld GPS

Mio168RS GPS
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

Ever since I started Geocaching, I'm a huge fan of handheld GPS devices. Mitac has just released its Mio 168RS GPS, which is a PocketPC based GPS device.

"The new Pocket PC comes with 32MB Flash ROM and 64MB SDRAM. The display is a 3.5" color Transflective LCD with LED Backlighting, 240 x 320 pixels capable of showing 65K colors. The device also comes with a SD/MMC card slot, compatible with the SDIO standard. Infrared supports IrDA (SIR) and Consumer IR (CIR, 4 meters).

Ready to go from the box and instantly on with the touch of a button, the Mio168RS provides on the spot GPS satellite access, easy navigation with millions of points-of-interest (POI). The antenna can be closed behind the device and kept in place while the GPS is not in use. Point-to-point driving directions are given verbally and visually in real time as users are in route to their destination with turn-by-turn directions."

My only questions concern battery life and durability if you are going to take this on a hike. Lists for $599.00, I wouldnt be surprised if you could find it discounted online.

Rumors Of An Apple Handheld?

emate300
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

I don't usually cover gadget rumors, especially those from Apple since they seem to arise almost every other week (and might end up getting you sued), but this one seemed a little to juicy to let go without comment.

As an owner of a a Newton (actually a Sharp Expert Pad - remember that?), I would love to see a new Apple handheld. Supposedly a secret development team is planning specifications for the release of a new mini laptop.

"Deep in the Apple cave these slim little mini pocketops are doing the rounds and getting a lot of great feedback. Sources who claim to have see one have commented that an internal planning spec details that the new machine runs a stripped-down flavour of Mac OS X. We're told that it will finally utilize Apple's Inkwell technology to "write anywhere" and neatly fold into your pocket."

I'd love to see one of these. Click on the headline for link. (Via O'Grady's Power Page)

Inflatable Camera

Inflatable Camera
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

Satisfy your thirst for adventure. Feel like doing a little snowboarding or skateboarding in a reckless manner? Do you have an overwhelming desire to do harm to your body, but not want to damage that expensive video camera that you want to use to record your adventures?

British designer Ben Wilson has designed the Inflate video camera for snowboarders and skateboarders. The camera is placed inside an inflatable structure that acts as an airbag, protecting the device from damage and elements. Of course, there's nothing to prevent damage to you while using the camera on a snow or skatebaord - but I guess that's the whole point.

The Coolest Dad At The Neighborhood Barbeque

bbq belt
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

I know - with the temperature hovering at a balmy 20 this morning in New York, it's hard to believe that in a matter of weeks it will be time to uncover the grill and fire it up. Although this may look a little dorky, truth of the matter is, I know that I am always running back into the house to grab another spice or another tool for the grill.

Available from Red Envelope for $35.00. Click on the headline for link.

When Gadgets Suck

sidekick II
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

I've been a Sidekick and now a Sidekick II user since 2003. Currently, I've been without service in New York since Sunday. I am not alone. All across the country the SKII's have stopped receiving emails and have lost internet access. Why? Well, that's a great question. Neither T-Mobile (the carrier) or Danger (the device designer) seem to know for sure. Or, if they do know for sure, like all things associated with the device they prefer to keep it a secret. When will the device be up and running correctly? That's also a well-kept secret.

I have my device set up to receive my law firm's work emails from our exchange server via POP3. Last night I missed an important email from one of the attorneys I work for and then missed a related email from an important client. Had I got the emails last night I could have worked on a problem. I did not. T-Mobile has offered a $5.00 credit on my next bill. Thanks. A lot.

As soon as my contract is up (if not sooner), I will switch to the Treo or a Blackberry or whatever else. In the meantime, I will not be recommending this device to anyone I know. This means you. If you feel like wading through 25 pages of SKII user's frustrations, click on the headline to read posts from the SK forums.

Another Screenless Player

iMP-2003
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

Looks like the faceless mp3 players are here to stay for a while (thanks Apple), so here is the iMP-2003 from I-Money Tech (G-Money was already taken) of China.

This one is like the iPod Shuffle (aren't all faceless mp3's?), but better since it has an SD card slot which is always useful. It plays MP3, runs for 8 hours or so, and holds 32mb to 1gb worth of internal memory.

More Music Phones

dopod585 music phone
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

Wedged in between the Walkman Phone from last week and the rumored iTunes phone which is supposed to be formally announced by Motorola later this week is the Dopod 585 - a new Windows Mobile-powered Smartphone that comes with dedicated buttons for music playback.

Looks like music phones are going to be this year's camera phones.

Aqua Speakers

Aqua Speakers
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

How often has this happened to you?

You're cruising around the bottom of the ocean or perhaps you're doing a little snorkeling in the Caribbean with your significant other and fellow philosophy major. While watching sting rays flutter by, you realize that you have finally figured out what the "categorical imperative" is and what Kant was talking about in the "Critique of Pure Reason". Staggered by this realization, and not wanting to surface to discuss your epiphany with your significant other, you are desperate to have this conversation right away!

But since you are under water, this conversation will have to wait....

Or so you thought -

Thanks to Aquatopia you can have "private underwater chats" up to 15 feet away. Incredible! This gadget really fills a void. You'll be able to discuss Kant underwater to your heart's content and for less then $15.00. Click headline for link.

Upcoming Pocket PC Phone

amoi 3601
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

Here's some safe for work eye-candy to drool over this afternoon. It's the Amoi G6301 Pocket PC Phone, which might be available later this year. The unit is definitely slick looking with a very compact clamshell design, gloss back casing, stereo speakers flanking the landscape orientation QVGA display.

Some specs:

300MHz Intel XScale processor with secondary processor to handle voice (phone);

Triband GSM 900/1800/1900MHz with plans to offer a model that has the 850MHz band used by Cingular and AT&T Wireless in the US. EDGE and GPRS for data;

1.3MP camera, Bluetooth and USB OTG (USB host).

Looks pretty good to me. Can't wait to see this one up close.

iTunes Anywhere

itunes web
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

As you're sitting at your desk at work watching the clock tick, have you ever thought how great it might be if you could listen one of your 3000 iTunes songs that you have on your home computer while in the office. Or, how about listening to your college roommate's playlist of great love songs from the 70's ("Muskrat Love") while studying in the library.

Guess what - you can! "AccessTunes makes it easy to access your music anytime, anywhere. accessTunes starts sharing your iTunes Music Library as soon as you turn on your computer, making it available as a shared iTunes library on the local network, and accessible from anywhere in the world via the Web. With accessTunes, you can listen to your roommate's music even if he doesn't have iTunes open, or listen to music from your home computer at work, even if you're on a PC."

Very cool piece of software. Shareware, only $15.00. Click on the headline for link.

Monday Morning Distractions - Dyson Game

Most of the Monday Morning Distractions have been mindless flash games that you can play without thinking (much). Today's game is a little different. It's from the Dyson site (that's right the vacuum company) and is a simple little puzzle game that gets progressively harder(read more frustrating) with each level. This one should be good for killing a whole lot of time. Click on headline for link.

Biometric Pen - Why?

biometric pen
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

The Secure Signature Biometric Pen is a pen-based biometric system designed to provide a secure method of access to a computer through signature recognition and verification.

The pen simply plugs into the USB port on any PC or laptop with the supplied cable and interfaces using software.

According to the website:

"Conventional signature systems compare the image of a signature. Replication of the signature's look is possible by skilled forgers, allowing such systems to be easily fooled and compromised. The Secure Signature Biometric Pen is unique in that it valuates the act of creating the signature. This individual personal behaviour of signing is nearly impossible to forge."

What if I break a finger? Decide to write lefty? Am hungover and have the shakes? Why is this method any better then a fingerprint biometric system? Unless someone can explain otherwise, this seems to be a case of technology for the sake of technology - interesting, but not really useful. Click on the headline for site.

Why Aren't Smart Books Popular?

SmartBook G168A
Originally uploaded by thegadgetguy.

Smart Books and Smart Book readers have always seemed like a good idea. Why carry around heavy textbooks, hard backed novels and the like, when you can dump almost anything on to an SD or similar format card, read it on a screen, underline passages, make notes in the margin, bookmark pages and transfer your notes and thoughts to another format or device for research purposes and to insert into reports?

While its true that you would, for the most part, have no more need for a big library filled with dusty looking titles to impress people, think of how much more room you would have on your bookshelves to display your "Yu Gi Oh" cards. We seem to have no apparent problem in giving up our CD collection and putting our entire music collection on to MP3 or other format - why the reluctance when it comes to books?

Maybe what is needed is the iTunes and iPod equivalent for books - something that would make it so practical and easy for people to download books and read them on a reader that the excuses would be gone. Anyway, the next generation SmartBook appears ready for release (but why cripple it with USB 1.1?). Looks appealing, but I don't quite think that this is the "one". Click on the headline for link.