Thursday, December 24, 2009

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets


Audio-Technica AT-LP60-USB LP-to-Digital Turntable System

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 03:43 PM PST

altp60usb

Most young people these days already own a portable media player or digital audio player of sorts, and many of them grew up weaned on an iPod, moving on with each new iteration that Cupertino releases each year or so. Well, we’re not quite sure whether they have heard of a turntable before, and what are their impressions of it, but just in case some of you think that turntables belong to just DJ decks at night clubs, you’re dead wrong. These were the iPods of your grandad’s day, albeit being in a non-portable form, and you had to purchase your music from a brick and mortar store that come in the form of a vinyl record. Merge the old and the new and what do you get? The Audio-Technica AT-LP60-USB LP-to-Digital Turntable System, in which we’ll scrutinize closer later on.

This is a complete USB turntable and software package which makes it a snap to enjoy listening to records, and not only that, it helps preserve the warmth of such records to to digital media files in order for you to enjoy a portable listening experience while you are on the go with a portable media player of your choice. This device comes with a turntable and phono cartridge, PC- and Mac-compatible software, a USB cable that connects the turntable to a computer directly, an integrated phono preamp and other accessories. You will be able to choose from 33-1/3 and 45 RPM speeds, where its heavy-duty cast aluminum platter, high-quality Dual Magnet stereo cartridge with replaceable stylus, and a pickup arm with soft damping control helps offer unprecedented audio quality with vinyl records. Thanks to the included USB cable which allows plug-and-play connection to a computer as well as its built-in phono preamp, you are able to hook up to a wide variety of home entertainment systems, powered speakers, and to A/V receivers that do not include a phono input. Other accessories included with the AT-LP60-USB are RCA output cables and 3.5mm-to-RCA adapter cables and a dustcover.

Software-wise, you get PC- and Mac-compatible Audacity that converts the audio on a record to digital audio files. You can’t get this in time for Christmas though, since it will only hit the market next month onwards for $229, making it a decent candidate for those looking for an early Father’s Day gift.

Press Release


Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool :)
[ Audio-Technica AT-LP60-USB LP-to-Digital Turntable System copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Acer introduces TravelMate Timeline series

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 03:35 PM PST

acer-timeline

Acer has rolled out its new TravelMate Timeline series of notebook computers that will target business customers as well as those who want a machine with no-nonsense performance and reliability at all times. They will come in the form of the TravelMate Timeline 8571, 8471 and 8371, where all models are ultra-thin mobile workhorse notebooks that boast prolonged productivity. Powered by a long lasting six-cell battery, you will be able to enjoy up to eight hours of juice when used in conjunction with Acer PowerSmart Manager – of course, we can safely assume that some features such as Wi-Fi is turned off and a lower screen brightness if maximum battery length is to be achieved.

You will be able to choose from a range of Intel Core 2 Duo processors that support Intel 64 architecture, while the staple Intel GS45 Express chipset graces the notebooks to offer enough graphical firepower for everyday office use (as well as the odd casual game, but don’t expect these puppies to run Crysis or any other high-powered title. Depending on your choice, you can pick from either 3GB or 4GB of fast SDRAM, while security for the data within (being a business notebook and all) is enhanced thanks to the Acer Bio-Protection fingerprint solution.

As with any other business person, it is of utmost importance that you are able to remain in touch with the home office as well as clients virtually wherever you are to be at your most efficient. The Acer TravelMate Timeline notebooks does not disappoint, as it is a snap to browse websites, check email or make VOIP calls via a wide host of communications options which range from 802.11a/b/g/Draft-N WLAN to Bluetooth and gigabit LAN. With an integrated webcam, you are able to hold face-to-face interactions and videoconferencing sessions as well. Depending on the model number the screen sizes range from 13.3, 14.1 to 15.6″, with prices starting from $899 to $999.

Press Release


Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Acer introduces TravelMate Timeline series copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


The GasCase Suitcase

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 03:32 PM PST

gas-can-luggage-500x500

I’ve never really seen gas cans to be all that attractive, but this one manages to look somewhat stylish. You’ll get to wheel this through the airport feeling unique and suave, up to the point that the authorities have a chat with you due to looking slightly suspicious.  Then you’ll get the joy of feeling unique while you get a very thorough and intimate search.

Having a GasCase like this, you’d almost feel the urge to fill it with something slightly more interesting than a set of overnight clothes.  These come in two different styles, the first is pretty normal, it just splits down the middle like your average suitcase.  Then there is the other one with a flip top that is better for larger documents that you really don’t want crushed.  These rolling suitcases come in 4 different colors green, yellow, blue and black.  You can purchase them for about $140 a piece.

Source: CraziestGadgets


Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ The GasCase Suitcase copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Solar Coasters

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 03:26 PM PST

solar-coasterIf you happen to host plenty of parties over a year, then chances are most of them would be free flowing with booze to keep some guests happy. After all, what’s a party without any tongue-loosening alcohol? Coasters are an important part of any party, being a subtle advertising tool if your beer is sponsored, but if you happen to love being in the center of attention always, how about using these Solar Coasters?

Just the thing to liven up drinks outside, these solar coasters collect energy from the sun and use it to illuminate your drink when its dark. Ideal for patios & garden tables these colour-morphing coasters collect solar energy in the light, and light up when you rest your drink on them!

The colors will morph from one to another from time to time, and it is smart enough to light up automatically whenever you place your poison of choice on top of them. Needless to say, something like this is a bit expensive at £14.95 a pop, but the attention from the masses might be well worth the money.


Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ Solar Coasters copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Children’s Guitar Karaoke System

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 03:11 PM PST

guitar-karaokeKaraoke can be a boon or a bane, depending on who is behind the microphone. Well, if you think that your little one has the potential to take America by storm in American Idol a few years from now, why not start him/her young with the Children’s Guitar Karaoke System?

This karaoke system has an electric guitar scaled for children, allowing young musicians to strum along as they sing. The entire system connects to your DVD player, and sound from the guitar and microphone are transmitted through your television speakers. As children play, the lyrics are displayed on the television screen and each word is highlighted to prompt the user to sing at the appropriate time. The 3/4-size guitar provides a more manageable format for young hands to play chords. Three included DVDs provide 100 songs, including simple tunes like The Hokey Pokey and Row, Row, Row Your Boat, and classic karaoke songs like Dance to the Music by Sly & the Family Stone and Celebration by Kool & the Gang. Includes a microphone stand with an expandable boom, an instructional DVD for playing the guitar, and a 9-volt battery for the microphone.

You can have an extremely lively Christmas with this $129.95 purchase from Hammacher, although vocal training lessons are available elsewhere in order to take full advantage of this “toy.”


Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Children’s Guitar Karaoke System copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Toaster that mimics a printer

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 02:52 PM PST

toast3

The toaster is probably one of the most boring gadgets out there, which is probably why designers enjoy altering the classic toaster so much.  Well one more designer is trying their hand at changing up the way we use our toasters.  This one seems to take its inspiration directly from a printer.  Instead of printing out pages though, it spits out fresh toast.

It’s be cool if it did actually print something onto the toast, since the design is so similar to a printer.  On the top of the toaster you place several different pieces of bread.  Then as it toasts the bread it drops them down below in a nice little stack.  It’d be great for large families that need a stack of toasted bread in a hurry.  So far it is still a concept though.

Source: OhGizmo


Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Toaster that mimics a printer copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Back2Life Continuous Motion Massager

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 01:21 PM PST

back2life

Back pain is a common complaint, whether you’re getting up there in years or still only in your late 20s, it just happens.  Some people are against going to a chiropractor every time they have a back ache.  Instead of visiting doctors constantly, you could give this Back2Life Continuous Motion Massager a try.  It’s said that it’ll help align your spine and relieve that discomfort and pressure.

It works by gently lifting your tailbone and flexing the spine.  You use it for 12 minutes in the morning and for the same amount of time at night.  It’s a way to relieve your pain without some of the more forceful methods like massages and chiropractors.  The device costs $199.95 from Brookstone.  At that price I’d be more likely to stick to a few stretches in the morning instead, but if stretches aren’t working anymore it’s a different way to go.

Source: Ubergizmo


Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Back2Life Continuous Motion Massager copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


$50 Winner and Coolest Gadget of the Week are…

Posted: 23 Dec 2009 06:55 AM PST


The winner of last week’s coolest gadget competition is the Magic wand remote.

If you're bored of the same old TV remote, why not ditch it for this magic wand remote. Use flicks of your wrist to change the channel and big sweeping moves to record your favourite TV show. The wand will learn up to 13 commands from your old remote and you can choose which moves control each command, making your remote un-hijackable! It will also work on your Sky box, stereo or any other infra-red device.

Congrats again to Decide What to Buy.
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Walkie Talkie Watches
In second place we have the Walkie Talkie Watches.

The first thing we thought was "a walkie talkie in a watch? That'll be poo! It will have no range, eat batteries, have no functions and be seriously fiddly/difficult to use". So naturally we had to have a closer look. At first glance we were surprised by the size. They are oversized, compared to a Casio watch, but not as much as you might think. The face of the "watch" only measures in at 7 x 6 x 2.5cm and when you consider that the aerial can be folded in and out when needed it is surprisingly small.

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SteriShoe sterilizes and gets rid of shoe odors
Finally in third place comes the SteriShoe sterilizes and gets rid of shoe odors.

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.

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Thank you to everybody who voted, submitted, commented or told a friend. The randomly drawn winner of the $50 Think Geek vouchers is:

Dani (rusudaniel…@…), congratulations.

Thanks again everybody and good luck with the next CGOTW contest on Friday.

Want to hear about future contests first? Subscribe to our daily digest via email or RSS.

If you write for a gadget themed blog and wish to be included in next week’s contest check out the CGOTW instructions page.


Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ $50 Winner and Coolest Gadget of the Week are… copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Toshiba and Electrolux Escargot snail vacuum cleaner

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 11:24 PM PST

escargotI think we all know what comes to mind when we think of a vacuum cleaner. You know, that stand up job with the wide front? I don’t think that vacuum cleaner design has changed in the past 30 years.

You got to admire that Toshiba, in a partnership with Electrolux, has created the Escargot, a vacuum that looks like a snail.

It’s always good to see a concept device that is “borrowed” from nature. The Escargot rolls up like that slimy gastropod, but it will fit in between the space of the large wheels that make up the Escargot’s “shell”.

It weighs about 2.1 kilograms, and it can it can be rolled around or carried with a shoulder strap. My source does not reveal how large this vacuum cleaner is, but if it was as large as a regular vacuum, than it wouldn’t be so compact, would it?

Personally, I’m already sold on it just by its shape alone. In fact, I highly recommend that Toshiba paints it in bright colors to look like Gary the snail from Spongebob Squarepants.

Yeah, I realize that that is unlikely, because by the time this concept probably sees the light of sales, Spongebob will have been canceled.

Source


Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Toshiba and Electrolux Escargot snail vacuum cleaner copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Gadget Thumbnails for 22-Dec-2009

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 09:01 PM PST

MOON AUDIO Levitating Shelf

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 10:57 PM PST

zero_gravityHow many people have ever wanted a shelf that can hover? Hey, who wouldn’t? Well, you’ll be happy to know that there is a shelf like that out there.

This is the MOON AUDIO hovering shelf, and it uses the power of magnetic technology to keep the shelf aloft. You know the laws of attraction that keep two like charges repelling? Well, MOON AUDIO has harnessed it so the magnetic field keeps levitating the shelf without affecting what’s on it.

Apparently, this shelf was designed to hold stereo equipment. Now, it certainly doesn’t sound like a valid use of hovering technology, because I would have used it to make, I don’t know, flying vehicles or something. But if you are really into your stereo, then you know how much vibrations can affect your audio performance. With your stereo hovering in air, then it will no longer vibrate against the entertainment center or whatever you have it resting on.

Now, I don’t know how much this hovering shelf can lift, and I also don’t know how stable it is. I mean, can I push on it, and will the stereo fall off?

Of course, this kind of technology will cost you. How much, do you ask? Let’s talk about $500. For that price, I think I have a good point about better applications of hovering technology.

Source


Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ MOON AUDIO Levitating Shelf copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]


Art Lebedev’s See-through Semi-truck

Posted: 22 Dec 2009 10:17 PM PST

transparentius-view-thumb-500x332-30515Some of you have at least heard of Art Lebedev, the creator of the Optimus Maximus, the keyboard with a screen on every key. Some of you thought that was impractical, and it was quite expensive.

Art Lebedev has now conceived another idea that will probably very expensive to implement, but very useful. It is called the Transparentius, and it is a Harry Potter spell to turn a truck invisible.

Seriously, it actually is a way to put two LCD screens on the back of a semi truck to show what is in front of it. Of course, there would have to be a camera in front of the truck to create this sub-standard invisibility trick.

I can see the inspiration for this Transparentius, because we have all been behind a big semi trucks before. They usually move so slow, that we have to pass, but those trucks are massive that we can’t see around them. With these screens on the back, now you see when it is safe to pass.

Of course, those screens have to be pretty expensive, and then there is the camera that it feeds to. It could be an easy target for truck-stop robbers.

Well, this is still a concept for now, so maybe Mr. Levedev can iron out all the kinks of this device soon. Perhaps LCD screens will be really cheap by then.

Source


Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Art Lebedev’s See-through Semi-truck copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]