Your's Web Tech Power Blog's: Dec 16, 2011

Friday, December 16, 2011

Latest Posts on Coolest Gadgets

Micro Folio for the iPad2 from XtremeMac
Flote holds your tablet or e-reader
Stratolaunch could change launches into space
GEAR4 takes to the skies with Angry Birds Tweeters
GammaTech announces Durabook R13C
Lumie Bodyclock Active 250

Micro Folio for the iPad2 from XtremeMac

Posted: 15 Dec 2011 06:30 AM PST

Since I just got finished reporting on the Flote, a stand devoted to the iPad, I figure that I should discuss XtremeMac’s Micro Folio case.

I got a chance to try it out for myself, and I found that it can cover both the front and back of the iPad. The cover is a lot like the Smart Cover, as it can wake or sleep upon opening or closing.

Unfortunately, you cannot fold the cover behind the iPad and stand up your iPad. It is possible to prop it up into a comfortable position for typing on it, and this is also good for movie-watching as well as FaceTime.

The Micro Folio for the iPad 2 is made from faux leather, and its micro suede interior protects the iPad 2 screen from dust, scratches, and dirt.

All in all, I would say that this is a good product for the iPad 2, and it even allows the user full access to the switches, jacks, and a rear camera. It was good that they made it into a one-piece function, instead of two easily fall-apart pieces.

You should be able to purchase the Micro Folio Case for the iPad 2 on the Xtreme Mac website for about $49.99 in colors of blue, red, black, yellow, and brown.

Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder.
[ Micro Folio for the iPad2 from XtremeMac copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Flote holds your tablet or e-reader

Posted: 15 Dec 2011 06:15 AM PST

Some of us have tablets or e-readers, and they can be a little tedious when you have to hold them up with one hand and use them all day.

I suppose you could get yourself some sort of Folio stand, but you might want to try out the Flote. The Flote is simply a way to “free your hands”, which is the official slogan.

As you can see, its bent metal pipe construction supports an e-reader or tablet so it is right in front of you, with no funky chair required. It can be easily and smoothly adjusted, and its footprint base can easily glide on floors and carpets.

I suppose that this could come in handy for cases where you want to lie in bed on your back and play with your tablet/e-reader at the same time. I suppose you would have to push the Flote holder aside when you go to bed, but hey, you can watch videos on a tablet!

So how much does it cost? About $245. That is a lot, true, but this is one of those Kickstarter projects. This means that it needs funding in order to make it on the market. So far, it has about one-third of its funds, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more products like this in the future.

Source

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Flote holds your tablet or e-reader copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Stratolaunch could change launches into space

Posted: 15 Dec 2011 06:00 AM PST

For those who really like the idea of launching a passenger-carrying rocket into space like an airplane should hear about Stratolaunch.

There is a video of it after the jump, but as you will soon see, it is a CG mock-up, no more real than what you see in a Pixar film. This because it is a concept for now, and you can see how it works. The plan takes off from a runway, and launches its huge payload (490,000 lbs).

If Stratolaunch is ever built, it would be the largest plane ever constructed. It has a massive wingspan of 380 feet, larger than a football field. It reminds me of Howard Hughes Hercules, but this one has six 747 engines and not eight propellers.

Stratolaunch is the design of Paul Allen and Burt Rutan. I’m pretty certain that you have heard of that first name, but the second guy designed Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShip One and Two.

I suppose that if it is ever built, it will be the way we put satellites and even manned spacecraft into orbit. No more will there be giant rockets full of fuel that have to be launched into space. I wonder if it will possible to put many objects into space per day, as if they were FedEx deliveries.

Source

Check out the Coolest Gadgets 2008 Gift Guides, Christmas shopping made easy.
[ Stratolaunch could change launches into space copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

GEAR4 takes to the skies with Angry Birds Tweeters

Posted: 15 Dec 2011 05:30 AM PST

Is there no end to the Angry Birds franchise? Rovio’s executives must be laughing all the way to the bank, what with the super popular bird flinging game making its way across numerous platforms, while merchandise that feature these upset avians continue to sell like hot cakes, without a care and concern of which country you are living in. GEAR4 knows a good thing when they see one, and want to ride on the Angry Birds wave with the Angry Birds Tweeters.

These are not tweeters that you find in speaker systems, but rather, will be lightweight headphones that feature a flurry of Rovio's popular game characters including the Red Bird, Black Bird, Blue Bird, Yellow Bird, and their eternally evil (yet cute looking) nemesis, the notorious Green Pig. Depending on which side of the pond you live on, the Angry Bird Tweeters will retail for $24.99 a pop, although those living across the Atlantic will have to fork out £19.99 for it instead.

It might look cute and all from the outside, but does it have what it takes on the inside to deliver the audio quality that you want? Perhaps, considering the Angry Bird Tweeters will feature a 9mm driver, allowing you to clearly hear the full range from cymbals to bass regardless of the track you’re listening to. I suppose it will not matter all that much simply because those who want a pair of this would most probably use it most of the time listening to the in-game soundtrack and sound effects, and surely you do not need high end models to enjoy that experience.

GEAR4 brings in their expertise of audio products with the Angry Birds Tweeters by designing the headphones with a soft tip in order to completely seal the ear canal so that you will be able to enjoy a better music listening experience. You can choose from three sizes of earbuds – small, medium and large, so it ought to fit most folks’ ears without missing a beat.

Coolest Gadgets UK – For all your UK centric tech and gadget news.
[ GEAR4 takes to the skies with Angry Birds Tweeters copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

GammaTech announces Durabook R13C

Posted: 15 Dec 2011 05:00 AM PST

GammaTech churns out tough devices such as notebooks, and one of their latest releases would be the Durabook R13C – which is essentially an upgraded version of model R13S, where the R13C is one tough cookie that has passed Military Standard 810G certification for drop, shock, and spill protection, in addition to shaking off explosive atmospheres, while being compliant with salt, fog, and freeze/thaw standards. This more or less makes it tougher than your average bespectacled engineer out there, and is perfectly suited for a wide range of applications, ranging from law enforcement to military, homeland security, field service, mining, and mobile workers who deal with treacherous outdoor environments.

To put it in a nutshell, the “GammaTech R13C takes a backseat to no one" when it comes to operating in harsh outdoor situations. Apart from its fully rugged character, you will also find it being compliant to the IP65 rating, making sure the enclosed portions remain completely protected against any contact with dust and water. Sporting a magnesium alloy case that is said to be 20 times stronger than ABS plastic, it has been pushed to the limits to the tough Military Standard 810G, where there is also an option to go for the Military Standard 461E/F certification.

Apart from that, the Durabook R13C will also feature a water-resistant backlit keyboard, accompanied by a 13.3" multi-touch shock-mounted, 1000 NIT LCD sunlight readable display with lock and eight-level adjustable LED. Running underneath the Durabook R13C’s hood would be an Intel Core Low Power i7-620LM vPro processor that ought to get the most demanding task done in a jiffy, carrying up to 8GB RAM, a 2.5" shock-mounted SATA hard drive with heater, and an ultra slim super-multi DVD drive. I/O ports thrown into the mix include a built-in RS-232 serial port with RS-422/485 optional, a low-voltage express card slot with a PC card slot option, a couple of USB ports, a SIM card connector, and an SD memory card reader amongst others.

To make sure it remains user-friendly as well despite the tough exterior, the R13C will come with an integrated ergonomic rugged handle, user quick-access buttons, and an integrated stylus.

Product Page

Conference Calendar – The global conference and expo finder.
[ GammaTech announces Durabook R13C copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Lumie Bodyclock Active 250

Posted: 15 Dec 2011 04:30 AM PST

Want to wake up naturally, and by that, I do not mean having Rover lick your face till it is all wet before you finally roll out of bed? The £89.99 Lumie Bodyclock Active 250 might be able to help you out here, as there is no irritating clattering bell that jolts you out of your sleep, but rather, wakes your body up the way nature wanted it to. The Lumie Bodyclock Active 250 will work in a way where it simulates a sunrise right there and then in your bedroom, never mind if it is freezing cold on the outside. It gently nudges and prompts your body to slow the production of sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, while flooding your system with cortisol instead. You can set it to wake yourself up over the course of 15, 20, 30, 45, 60 or 90 minutes.

Of course, if you love being awakened with a blast from the local radio jock, there is still a built-in radio function, although those who prefer something from nature can always set it to a dawn chorus of birds, or a single cock-crow. Definitely beats the rude awakening of the classic metal clattering of the old school alarm clock, don’t you think so? At least with this, you need not drive to the office all sour faced.