| Super Micro Computer offers double-sided storage solutions Posted: 02 Dec 2009 04:20 PM PST 
Super Micro Computer is a well-known name when it comes to application-optimized, high-performance server and storage solutions. The company has recently rolled out what is touted to be the first line of double-sided storage chassis in the world, where it will make room for additional high-density storage. Boasting Platinum Level (94%+ efficiency) redundant power supply support, Supermicro’s new 847 series server chassis will come with three dozen (!) hot-swap 3.5″ hard drive trays with 24 in the front and 12 in the rear. Those who are interested in its JBOD configurations, the chassis is able to support up to 21 hard drives in the rear for a total of 45 hot-swap 3.5″ hard drives to make sure you have more than adequate storage space on your server without compromising on safety and security, while saving on valuable rack space at the same time.
According to Charles Liang, CEO and president, Supermicro, “In addition, these chassis feature Supermicro’s advanced redundant cooling subsystem design to deliver optimal system efficiency, which saves customers hundreds of dollars per system on their yearly energy bills and helps preserve the environment.” The new Supermicro SC847A series of storage chassis can support 36 hot-swap SAS/SATA drives in 4U. These are believed to be reliable and maintenance-free storage workhorses which can also support up to seven low-profile add-on cards (LP models) or four full-height, full-length plus three low-profile add-on cards (UIO models). The inclusion of iPass connectivity enables mapping of four drives per cable for hassle-free maintenance, and have been optimized for direct-attach storage solutions. Compatibility includes support for 3Gb/s and 6Gb/s SAS interfaces for high-bandwidth storage applications, where you can also use it in tandem with Supermicro’s wide array of networking and storage controller cards to turn these new systems into ideal solutions for SAN or NAS applications, Cloud storage, SaaS, disaster recovery, and iSCSI solutions. When used with the new 42U Supermicro rack, cable obstructions are virtually eliminated for a much easier life for your network administrator whenever he/she needs to make changes or troubleshoot the system. Press Release
Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news. [ Super Micro Computer offers double-sided storage solutions copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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| FlipShare TV now made available Posted: 02 Dec 2009 04:11 PM PST 
Cisco who has recently acquired the company behind the line of Flip Video camcorders, are now back with a brand new release for you to part with your hard earned cash this holiday season. We’re talking about a new innovation in home video sharing with the device known as FlipShare TV. Touted to be the first of its kind in the industry, FlipShare TV will offer the user’s whole Flip Video library of photos and videos right smack in the middle of the family room over the HDTV screen – all done sans pesky wires running over the ground. This means you can always share your videos instantly with other FlipShare TV owners as well, any time, anywhere.
Similar to its other Flip Video products, the FlipShare TV is a snap to set up and use. You will need to connect the tiny FlipShare TV base to the TV through the included composite cables or an HDMI cable, while the FlipShare TV USB key will be plugged into a USB port on a PC or Mac. Both USB key and console have been preconfigured to function wirelessly, giving you instant wireless viewing on the TV without having to work around a wireless home network. Couch potatoes will also love the included wireless remote that lets you navigate through the intuitive TV interface before selecting one’s favorite videos, custom movies, or photos and watch them in full HD glory. FlipShare TV was specially designed to play nice with FlipShare 5.0, a brand new software from Flip Video which offers a convenient and easy way to organize, edit, and share favorite video moments online as well as through cellphones. Not oly that, you can also view videos shared by other Flip Video users on their own TV, thanks to automatic accessibility of videos shared via Flip Channels. Interested in picking one up for your living room this Christmas? You’ll need to pony up $149.99 for the FlipShare TV then. Press Release
Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy. [ FlipShare TV now made available copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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| Harry Potter Magic Clock shows people where you are, using Twitter Posted: 02 Dec 2009 03:38 PM PST  I don’t remember if this Magic Clock was in the Harry Potter books, but I remember it from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets movie.
The scene was Harry waking up in the Weasley’s tree house, and Harry sees this odd clock with Ron and two of his brothers’ faces on the hands. They are pointing at the place where they are. It would appear that someone has designed a Weasley Whereabouts clock that actually works. It works with the magic of Twitter. All you need to do is tweet your location, and the supposed magical arrow will point to where you are. Assuming that you have put it on the face of the magic clock, of course. It reminds me of this sign I used to have on my dorm room door in my college years. It said: “Mark is”, and then an arrow would point to places like the cafeteria, class, or home. A lot of people had something like this. But it was not controlled by magic or Twitter, it was just someone adjusting it on their way out, assuming they remembered to do so. This is just some guy’s DIY project, but you would think that someone would actually invent this thing. Perhaps it will capitalize on the money made with the last two-part Harry Potter movie. Source
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews. [ Harry Potter Magic Clock shows people where you are, using Twitter copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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| Toilet Paper is made for Origami Posted: 02 Dec 2009 03:11 PM PST  It isn’t often that I report on advancements in toilet paper. I suppose it is a technology that doesn’t really need improvement.
The only thing you can do is just have as much fun with it. Like the novel that was written on toilet paper that we reported on a while ago. Now there is the Origami toilet paper. I can see a few problems with this item. I mean, let’s start out with having the instructions for the origami on the paper that you will probably be using. This assumes that the product is designed for making folding paper sculptures with toilet paper. As I recall, you cannot make creases on toilet paper, and it isn’t very stiff, which is problem number two. I mean, are you going to keep perfect squares of origami folding paper next to whatever pile of magazines you have nearby? I once heard that if you made one thousand paper cranes, then whatever desire you have will be granted. I wonder how many trips to the bathroom it would take before you eventually had those thousand cranes. This Origami Toilet Paper costs about $5.95 a roll, which is a little more expensive than your average Charmin. I can’t help but wonder if it is as soft. Source
Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews. [ Toilet Paper is made for Origami copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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| SteriShoe sterilizes and gets rid of shoe odors Posted: 02 Dec 2009 03:00 PM PST 
SteriShoe may be a product that some might think is taking things too far. However, if you’ve ever worn workboots or know someone that does, I doubt you question that it’d be a great idea for some people. Some of the reason being that you just wish you could get rid of the smell, the other part being that you really do wonder sometimes how much bacteria gets built up inside of a pair of shoes you never wash. Sure, we wear socks and wash those, but as the manufacturers of SteriShoe point out, the average person’s foot sweats up to a ½ a pint per foot on a daily basis. If you get to thinking too much about that, it is a bit gross. Plus with this it’ll make sure to kill microorganisms that cause athlete’s foot, nail fungus, and of course shoe odor. To use it, just flip it on for 45 minutes and the ultraviolet light will go to work. These are sold in pairs and you have to choose your shoe size. Since it costs $129.95 per pair, it seems highly unlikely someone would be able to purchase one of these for more than one person in the family. Source: GizmoWatch
Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool  [ SteriShoe sterilizes and gets rid of shoe odors copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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| Universal releases BD-59 Blu-ray/DVD Flippable format Posted: 02 Dec 2009 02:46 PM PST  It seems hard to believe that it has almost been two years since the HD DVD/Blu-ray war ended. It’s hard to believe that in 2007, Universal was ready to enter the market with up to 90% HD DVDs on dual sided discs.
Of course, that didn’t work out, no more than it did for the Nazis in WWII or the South in the Civil War. Now, you would think that Universal would start some sort of Red2Blu program like Warner Brothers, or at least start releasing their latest films on DVD/Blu-ray dual sided disks. This has only happened recently, as Universal is ready to release the first BD-59 discs with 50GB Blu-ray/9GB DVD configuration. Best of all, the special features are available in both formats. None of this “if you want the special features, then you need to get yourself a Blu-ray player”. That’s just how I feel, by the way. This deal is going to start with Universal’s very popular Bourne Trilogy, which will be debuting on January 19th. I have been seeing a lot of these Blu-ray and DVD combination packages which has the content on two separate disks for the separate formats. I recently got Up from Disney/PIXAR, but it was more expensive to buy it that way. At least I’m ready for the day where I will get a Blu-ray player. Source
Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news. [ Universal releases BD-59 Blu-ray/DVD Flippable format copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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| Appstand puts your iPhone on display Posted: 02 Dec 2009 02:07 PM PST 
You can have tons of gadgets that sit out on your desk to do various tasks. Be it a small clock, a digital picture frame or even a calculator. You can use your iPhone for all of these things, but it doesn’t look quite as good as having that impressive digital picture frame. That is unless you happen to pick yourself up a black frame to go around your iPhone. Then it is just as attention getting as all of those shiny gadgets you clutter your desk up with. The description states that this is something meant for people who dislike cases, but love their apps. All around, that’s a fitting statement. Not everyone does want a case to conceal their iPhone and with something like this you even get to put it on display. Plus it’d make it a lot easier to utilize all of those apps on a much more regular basis. It gives full access to all of the controls as well as the ports. Which means you could easily charge it up while it’s in the stand. You can purchase the stand for $19.99. Source: Gadgenista
Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder. [ Appstand puts your iPhone on display copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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| Hiny Heater keeps your toilet seat warm Posted: 02 Dec 2009 01:01 PM PST 
I am one of those people, that’s extremely notorious for being frozen all of the time. If I see a gadget that makes an item heated I usually am dying to purchase it. As soon as September hits I keep a heated blanket by the couch, just in case. That being said, even I think the Hiny Heater is pushing things a bit. Then again sitting down on an ice cold toilet seat at 2 in the morning is sure to make you instantly wake up. The Hiny Heater is attached to the lid and only works if the lid is down. Yes, it is an attempt to prompt those that never put the toilet seat back, to learn to do just that. The heater is wet-proof and uses a washable vinyl that can be wiped clean as well as disinfected with cleaning products. This will fit any elongated toilet and attaches to the lid by using Velcro. It has 3 temperature settings to adjust, so that you can find the proper level for you. You can purchase the Symphony Baths SBHHE Hiny Heater for $93 from Amazon. Source: CraziestGadgets
Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news. [ Hiny Heater keeps your toilet seat warm copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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| Games Gift Guide Posted: 02 Dec 2009 08:03 AM PST The following gift ideas are aimed at people who enjoying playing games but not of the video variety. Connect 4 x 4 – $17.45 
Connect 4 x 4 is the only checkers four-in-a-row, four-player game–making it perfect for family game nights. With the new double-sided grid, you can score on both the front and back side of the game. Game play is simple–pick a line, drop a checker in on each turn, and hope that your opponents don’t foil your strategy before you get four checkers in a row! The game has also added “blockers,” which can be used to block your opponents on both sides of the grid in one turn. However, make sure to save your blockers for when you really need them–you only get two and they are valuable!
The Connect 4 x 4 is available from Amazon for $17.45.
 20 Questions Electronic Family Game – $24.95 
Millions have played but few truly understand the power of 20Q to guess what you’re thinking. So, do you dare to challenge the all-knowing 20Q? It’s going to take your family and friends to play along. One player selects an object and everyone else–plus 20Q- tries to guess the object. Be the one that guesses before 20Q and everyone else wins. Includes electronic game board and 50 game cards.
The 20 Questions Electronic Family Game is available from Discovery for $24.95.
Cranium Wow Game – $25.74 
The classic game of Cranium just got an upgrade. Cranium Wow is the latest addition to the fast-paced, addictive, and downright fun family of games that manages to uncover a player's talents–or lack thereof. Similar to its older sibling, Wow's objective is to move around the board until you've reached Cranium Central, where your team completes its final activities to claim victory. A box chock full of at least 2,172 laughs. Of course, advancing to the center of the board is where all the fun is had. Teams must work together to answer, sketch, sculpt, solve, act, hum, and more. Four card decks with 600 cards and 15 activities dictate what must be done in order to move forward–and make everyone laugh out loud. One of the great things about Cranium games is how much fun they make it to discover new talents among friends and family. With something for the artist, brainiac, actor, and wordsmith, it's guaranteed to be a good time.
The Cranium Wow Game is available from Amazon for $25.74.
Toppling Tetracubes Game – $34.95 
This game challenges players to carefully balance tetracubes on a wobbly platform before time runs out and the platform begins to quake, sending the tower tumbling down. The game announces the color of the shape that must be played, and a player attempts to add that tetracube to the stack and quickly press the button to avert the tremors. If the stack is inadvertently knocked over, you can ward off defeat by rebuilding the tower before time ticks away. The allotted time decreases after each round, and three levels of difficulty allow the game to be customized for different skill levels.
The Toppling Tetracubes Game is available from Hammacher for $34.95.
Super Mario Chess Set – $39.99 
Ok, we could make up stories about Mario and chess and how much fun it is to combine one of the most beloved franchises in the video gaming world with one of the most classically wonderful thinking game in the universe. But we won’t. And we won’t for one reason, and one reason only: Luigi. Something shocking has been revealed with the Super Mario Chess Set that is going to rock the gaming world forever.
The Super Mario Chess Set is available from Think Geek for $39.99.
Khet Laser Game – $39.99 
On a recent archaeological expedition near the Great Pyramids of Egypt, the ThinkGeek R&D department made a shocking discovery. The details will be published in a few months, but we couldn’t wait to share what we found: the favorite game of the Ancient Egyptians was made of plastic and mirrors, and used lasers. Yes…lasers! It was called Khet, and once again it is available for all to enjoy.
The Khet Laser Game is available from Think Geek for $39.99.
Destruct 3 Demolition Game – $54.99 
There’s some satisfaction to be had in destruction. Yeah it’s a guilty pleasure, and luckily video games do help to satiate the need to wreck and blow up stuff. Now the Destruct 3 Demolition game makes destruction the objective in a board game format. Simply roll the dice to determine your wooden weapon and attack the center block tower. You can use a ramp, wrecking ball or catapult to accomplish the demolition. Knock blocks to the outskirts of the playing field to gain more points. Ahhh… satisfying destruction at it’s best.
The Destruct 3 Demolition Game is available from Think Geek for $54.99.
Racing Marble Obstacle Course – $79.95 
This is the marble raceway that allows two children to compete in an exhilarating, timed run as they each start a marble down its own twisting, obstacle-laden track. Competitors release both marbles with the press of a button which simultaneously activates the clock at the finish line. Assembled from 420 plastic pieces, each marble encounters two sets of spinning wheels, three sets of dips, a chicane, and a corkscrew, a “tire” course (similar to how a ball randomly falls through a pachinko machine), a lane switching trigger, and a pair of weighted levers. When a marble reaches the finish line, the clock stops and flashes “Winner” on its screen, accompanied by cheers.
The Racing Marble Obstacle Course is available from Hammacher for $79.95.
Mindflex Game – $173.00 
Mindflex–featuring a headset that reads your brain waves and a levitating foam ball–is the kind of game that must be seen to be believed. Recommended for players aged eight and older, the game begins when you strap on the headset so you can use your powers of concentration to move the ball around the game console and through a mind-bending obstacle course. A dial-in console lets you to keep the ball lifted on a cushion of air, but raising and lowering the ball must be accomplished by alternating concentrating and relaxing your mind.
The Mindflex Game is available from Amazon for $173.00.
Gumball Foosball – $1500 
This is the only foosball game that is played with chewable gumballs. Gumball machines atop each goal send the bubblegum onto the pitch, allowing players to engage in rapid table soccer with tasty confection. After each goal, the gumball is dispensed from the side of the table as a reward for the goal scorer’s superior foosball skills. Eight solid-metal, chromed control rods glide easily in their slots, allowing fluid movement and fast wrist-action for traditional foosball shots including pull, push, and rollovers.
The Gumball Foosball is available from Hammacher for $1500.
Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist. [ Games Gift Guide copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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| Gadget Thumbnails for 01-Dec-2009 Posted: 01 Dec 2009 09:01 PM PST |
| Gentle Giraffe offers Safari sounds Posted: 01 Dec 2009 04:37 PM PST  Most giraffes we see in movies and cartoons are often portrayed as gentle creatures, which they are in real life anyways. Enter the Gentle Giraffe as a gift idea for your little one this Christmas, allowing him/her to feel comforted and soothed by safari sounds without having to purchase a flight ticket to Africa.
On the outside, he's a plush little chap who's huggable and cute. On the inside, he's an audio extravaganza. For contained within Gentle Giraffe's body is a small, removable audio player that can play back four different sounds of the natural world, each with the ability to stimulate your child's mind. There are four sound options to choose from. Each of the four sound options is a singular experience. There's Play, where Gentle Giraffe sings along to the rhythm of native tribal music like Paul Simon with a long neck; or Relax, where he takes you on a fun journey through the Serengeti plains. The next audio setting is Calm, where the soothing sounds of a gentle African stream trickling through rocks drifts your child into a relaxing frame of mind. The last is Sleep, a soundtrack designed to help anyone big or small drop off to the land of nod by broadcasting the mellow susurration of a waterfall. The speaker and buttons can be found in the giraffe’s back.
The Gentle Giraffe is going for £29.99 a pop, and to make sure that no batteries are wasted in the process, you can always set the timer function to turn it off after 23 or 45 minutes (don’t ask me why it is 23 minutes and not something that’s rounded up to the nearest 5 minutes…).
Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist. [ Gentle Giraffe offers Safari sounds copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]
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