Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Solar FM Radio Kit
Solar cells to be printed on paper?
A Hollywood Sign Makeover
Berkline Chairs hide your laptop
LOLA walking robot knows where she/it is going
Doorbell uses crystal wine glasses
HP unveils new range of Pavilion notebooks
Touch Bionics announces brand new i-LIMB Pulse
First Solar Powered iPod Speaker
Gadget Thumbnails for 05-May-2010

Posted: 06 May 2010 04:21 PM PDT

Alright, so it’s not a solar portable iPod speaker kit. Which means it might have slightly less appeal for the younger ones that are heavily attached to their MP3 player of choice. However, for those that just love to build and use what they’ve built on a regular basis this little kit would be fun. Plus this FM radio won’t require you to constantly replace batteries.

This kit includes 16 different pieces that you’ll have to put together to get your favorite tunes on your solar powered FM radio. In addition to all of those little bits and pieces you’ll get a AA battery. Now that battery won’t be used all of the time, you can choose to run on either the panel or the battery. The radio itself doesn’t exactly look modern, but the best part is getting to put it all together. You can purchase the kit for £14.95 or about $22.

Source: Envirogadget

Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder.
[ Solar FM Radio Kit copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Solar cells to be printed on paper?

Posted: 06 May 2010 03:52 PM PDT

The Source from this story really caught my attention. The title of it was “solar cells printed on paper”.

This is not the time to say “Nuff Said”. This is the time to figure out how in the world I can download the template of these solar cells, print out a bunch, and wire them to all the appliances an electrical devices in my house. Then I’m calling the power company and telling them that I am officially off the grid, and I am not paying their high bills.

Unfortunately, this tech is “still years away from a marketable product”. That is a real shame, but these solar cells are only 1.5 to 2 percent efficient at converting sunlight to electricity. You might find those numbers to be very low, and they are.

However, my source says that high efficiency solar cells run between twenty to forty percent efficient. Wow. That’s the high efficiency ones? What will it take to get these paper ones up to that level?

So, I don’t know whether or not we are seeing a future full of paper solar cells. I guess I just know that I want some paper solar cells to power up my things. However, with that efficiency rate, could I even get juice for my cellular phone?

Source

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Solar cells to be printed on paper? copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

A Hollywood Sign Makeover

Posted: 06 May 2010 03:29 PM PDT

I’ve sure we all know the iconic Hollywood sign, but it is undergoing some dire straits. Hugh Hefner himself recently donated $900,000 to preserve the 138 acres it is founded on.

Bay Arch, a Denmark-based architecture firm has an idea to completely restructure the Hollywood sign. Not only do they want to keep the original letters, but they want to make them into a hotel.

In fact, they want to more than double the size of the 45 feet letters and turn it into a 105 foot tall resort. It would have clubs, movie theaters, spas, and all sorts of things that could easily make this the new Hollywood “place-to-be”. It will even have an observation deck.

Considering that the sign itself was originally built in 1923 as a part of a real-estate promotion, it is fitting that some sort of housing would be built there. I don’t know if you know this, but the sign originally spelled out Hollywoodland but the last part was removed in 1949. If this hotel becomes reality, then I suppose Bay Arch could expand by putting “Land” on it.

Personally, I would love to just see this. I mean, how cool would it be just to stay in a resort that looks like leters? Can you imagine the conversations afterward? “Oh, yeah, I stayed in the Hollywood Hotel. Yeah, I was in the L-Suite, the second L.”

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ A Hollywood Sign Makeover copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Berkline Chairs hide your laptop

Posted: 06 May 2010 03:05 PM PDT

Apparently a furniture company has been spying on my house, because I tend to hide my MacBook in the back of my couch. Trust me, it doesn’t cause any harm to it like it may sound. Well I guess I’m not the only one that believes their comfy furniture should have storage for your portable gadgets. Even better, this offers a much better charging solution than running a laptop cord underneath your couch.

This Berkline chair has a nice storage area for your laptop and any other small items you don’t want sitting out. Then it can charge your gadgets without all of those extra cables lying around. While you’re using your laptop if you get tired of the heat on your lap, you can put it on the small table. With this you’ll have all you’ll need to comfortably work on your laptop. You can pick one up for $649.

Source: Newlaunches

Cool Gift Idea: Digital Picture Frames, check out our reviews.
[ Berkline Chairs hide your laptop copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

LOLA walking robot knows where she/it is going

Posted: 06 May 2010 03:01 PM PDT

Remember that robot named AILA that we reported on a while ago? She was the white one with a female form that knew how to hold things. Well, it isn’t the only robot to come out of Germany, for here is LOLA.

LOLA is a humanoid robot presented by the Technical University of Munich and the Institute of Technology Autonomous Systems in Munich.

I have a video of it after the jump, and though the speed may be slow, it will be able to go at 5 km per hour, eventually. The real bonus is that LOLA can walk autonomously, and knows how to identify and avoid objects. The goal of project LOLA is to have a two-legged robot that can move around like a human.

Even if it doesn’t look human. LOLA stands 1.8 meters tall and weighs about 60 kilograms. She has 25 joints in her body, and can see via a dual pair of 5 Megapixel cameras.

LOLA reminds me of a certain science-fiction movie called Saturn 3. In the film was a big robot named Hector, and it eventually became a killer. I probably shouldn’t have brought up that last part.

In the meantime, I will just end with LO-LA! Lo-lo-lo-lo LO-LA! Lo-lo-lo-lo LOLA. Yeah, that’s too easy a joke to make.

Source

Introducing Foolish Gadgets because not all gadgets are cool

[ LOLA walking robot knows where she/it is going copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Doorbell uses crystal wine glasses

Posted: 06 May 2010 12:42 PM PDT

Usually the indoor portion of a doorbell is about as plain as possible. They really don’t call a whole lot of attention to themselves unless they are actually making noise. This doorbell not only finds a different way to make noise, but it is incredibly doubtful that it would at all blend in with the scenery. It’d be a great gift for just about anyone, but even better if you have a friend who has a serious love for wine.

It’s made of 2 crystal glasses that have been hung upside down. Then in the center is a tiny hammer that is triggered by your usual electromagnet doorbell. The doorbell by Droog also features stainless steel to give it an even more clean and sparkling look. Unfortunately for something like this Bootoms Up Doorbell, it costs a little extra. It’s currently priced at $216 and can be picked up through GSelect.

Source: Bookofjoe

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Doorbell uses crystal wine glasses copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

HP unveils new range of Pavilion notebooks

Posted: 06 May 2010 10:46 AM PDT

HP has a spanking new range of Pavilion notebooks that will comprise of the dm4, dv5, dv6 and dv7 models, where you ought to be able to find one that suits your need for power, performance and mobility at the right price. Of course, we’re pretty sure that HP won’t be able to keep everyone happy at all times, but that doesn’t mean that they do not try and we can safely say after going through the specifications that these new Pavilion notebooks are more than capable of holding their own against the others in the market. Of course, HP didn’t get to where they are today without making great computers, eh? Let us take a closer look at the dm4, dv5, dv6 and dv7 models right after the jump.

The HP Pavilion dm4 is not only thin and light, it also sports unprecedented mobility alongside a sleek, metal finish and cool etched patterns to accentuate a stylish and ideal notebook if all-day computing if your cup of tea. Measuring a mere 1″ slim, it tips the scales at 4.4 pounds while boasting a stunning full-metal chassis with an elegant etched pattern on its brushed aluminum finish. You won’t find the dm4 lacking in processing power since it has an Intel Core processor running within, alongside a 14″ diagonal BrightView HD LED display, an internal optical drive, a fingerprint reader and up to 6.5 hours of battery life.

As for the high-performing HP Pavilion dv5, dv6 and dv7, those are more suitable for folks who have a slightly larger budget, being the ideal tool for any type of media-rich experience as they offer the latest in graphics, audio and video. Exterior bold finishes and touchable textures, both the HP Pavilion dv5 and dv6 were specially designed to suit every consumer's personal style. The dv5 will come in black cherry, champagne and Sonoma red Imprint finishes, while carrying a unique 14.5″ diagonal HD display which makes it good for both work and play sessions.

As for the dv6, it features similar Imprint finishes, with the addition of a brushed-aluminum finish etched with a stream design to make it the first HP Pavilion notebook that comes with an optional touchscreen display Stateside. You will find Dolby Advanced Audio and Altec Lansing speakers making its rounds on the dv5, dv6 and dv7 Imprint finishes. Needless to say, if you have the dough to spare, the HP Pavilion dv7 is the ultimate balance of power and performance for entertainment purposes.

After all, your senses certainly cannot argue with an HD display, Altec Lansing speakers, an HP Triple Bass Subwoofer and the option of Beats Audio. Which among the four mentioned will you align yourself to?

Press Release

Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder.
[ HP unveils new range of Pavilion notebooks copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Touch Bionics announces brand new i-LIMB Pulse

Posted: 06 May 2010 10:30 AM PDT

Touch Bionics has just announced its latest bionic medical device that ought to stoke the hearts of those looking for an unprecedented, agile yet affordable (relatively speaking, of course) bionic hand known as the i-LIMB Pulse. This will be the next logical as well as evolutionary step forward from the i-LIMB Hand, which incidentally was the first commercially available bionic hand in the world for the masses. The i-LIMB Pulse proves to be a significant advance for the i-LIMB product line, where users will be able to take advantage of a host of enhancements such as pulsing grip strength, software-enabled grip patterns and robust aluminium features for improved strength.

The i-LIMB Pulse certainly has a long pedigreed line which in the past joins a family of products that has been fitted to more than 1,200 patients worldwide. The i-LIMB Pulse is now another option for folks who want something better than the current i-LIMB Hand, where both products are made available to customers depending on the patients' preferences. Of course, being newer, you can be sure that the i-LIMB Pulse has taken Touch Bionics' past experiences in the marketplace to come up with a trailblazer of bionic technology and clinical support.

The i-LIMB Pulse relies on Touch Bionics' patented pulsing technology that will offer increasing and controllable grip strength. Whenever the i-LIMB Pulse closes on an object, you will be able to opt to activate the pulsing feature to apply significant additional grip force, while enabling the device to grasp an object ever more tightly. Thanks to these high-frequency electronic pulses, users are able to indulge in everyday activities such as tying shoelaces or doing-up a belt in a jiffy. This could very well be a prelude to bionic human parts that we’ve seen Anakin Skywalker sport when he had his hand lobbed off by Count Dooku during his younger days, eh? The aluminium chassis enables the i-LIMB Pulse's robust design to make it the toughest prosthetic device yet from Touch Bionics, where it can carry a load of up to 90kg.

Press Release

Tech Cult – We cover the latest tech news, but always with a funny twist.
[ Touch Bionics announces brand new i-LIMB Pulse copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

First Solar Powered iPod Speaker

Posted: 06 May 2010 09:58 AM PDT

Hammacher is all about being first when it comes to rolling out some rather quirky household items, and this time round we have the First Solar Powered iPod Speaker. Hopefully they’re right, cause we have a niggling feeling that some factory from China has already come up with something similar for the local market in that part of the world. Still, this model enables you to enjoy your favorite tunes when outdoors, relying on the power of the sun to keep it going. You can dock your iPod into the speaker for it to juice itself up. Whenever the panel is closed, it will automatically transform into a device that boasts IPX-4 waterproof rating, resisting splashing water from all angles. Other features include a rugged, rubberized and aluminum body, a couple of 5-watt, full-range speakers for crisp highs, balanced mid-ranges, and resounding, bass-boosted lows. It takes up to 3 hours of solar charging for one hour of use – diminishing returns in some sense, but at least it helps keep the earth green. The First Solar Powered iPod Speaker is going for $199.95 a pop.