Premium Chromebook Pixel, A Touchscreen Laptop

Posted on March 14, 2013 by gadgets

The Chromebook Pixel looks very interesting. It would be much better if it would work with Ubuntu and had a much larger hard drive. This goes with Google’s desire for great internet connectivity at all times but that just ins’t true for the vast majority of notebook users – including me.

If someone would provide this same hardward (with a bigger hard drive) and that worked with Ubuntu I would get it (if I hadn’t just bought a MacBook Pro). But I would consider getting it when I am ready for a new computer.

I think Chrome OS makes sense for Google to invest in (even though it is not really a great model right now for most users). But I think Google is foolish in ignoring users that want a better notebook operating system.

A Pen That Prints in 3D While You Draw

Posted on February 20, 2013 by gadgets

The 3 Doodler, from Wobble Works presents the opportunity to print your own creations in 3D. 3Doodler is the world’s first and only 3D Printing Pen. Using ABS plastic (the material used by many 3D printers), 3Doodler draws in the air or on surfaces. It’s compact and easy to use, and requires no software or computers. You just plug it into a power socket and can start drawing anything within minutes.

Template allow the 3Doodler to print your very own artist-designed 3Doodles.

The Ink (i.e. ABS/PLA plastic): The 3Doodler uses 3mm ABS or PLA plastic as its “ink” – just like a 3D printer. Each 3Doodler backed on Kickstarter comes with at least one bag of plastic; each bag will contain ten 1ft strands of plastic; and each 1 ft strand produces approximately 11 ft of 3Doodling fun… yes, you read that right, a foot of plastic goes a very long way in the 3Doodler.

Wobble Works plans to offer plastic sold in strands (making it easy to switch colours and create different styles), but 3Doodler-compatible plastic is also available in 1kg spools from between $30 to $55 from a variety of sources. They are not mistreating customers like the old fashion printer companies do with broken by design print cartridges, $8,000 a gallon ink and the like.

As of right now (in the first 24 hours of launch) on Kickstarter they have $449,797 pledged (with an original goal of $30,000).

KudoCase Provides Solar Charging for Your iPad

Posted on October 11, 2012 by curiouscat

In addition the KudoCase will help you locate your iPad. If you can’t find your iPad just whistle and it will set off an alarm in the KudoCase.

The KudoCase itself stores power so you can recharge directly from that battery without any light. You can also charge your iPhone via the USB slot on the case.

The device is fairly heavy – 1.7 pounds.

The concept is great. It seems like a product that could use some improvement (based on user reviews) with future versions but it very interesting.

Smart Trashcan

Posted on July 24, 2012 by curiouscat

You can improve your shot making by practicing or just get this handy gadget and let the trash can adjust to where you throw. An Asus Xtion Pro camera is placed on the to track the shots and more the trash can to the appropriate place.

The Latest Leap in Computer Control via Gesture

Posted on May 25, 2012 by curiouscat

This new device lets you control you computer with 3d movements of your hands. Pre-order leap for just $75.

The Leap technology is 200 times more accurate than anything else on the market — at any price point. Just about the size of a flash drive, the Leap can distinguish your individual fingers and track your movements down to a 1/100th of a millimeter.

Setup is just as intuitive. Plug the LEAP into a USB port. Load the Leap Motion software. Do a quick wave to calibrate. That’s it. In minutes, you’ll be able to interact with your desktop using natural hand and finger movements.

Small Solar Panel for Recharging Your Phone, Tablet, Digital Camera…

Posted on April 2, 2012 by curiouscat

2.0 Watt 6 Volt Panel: ightweight, monocrystalline solar 2 Watt panel for $25. They are waterproof, scratch resistant, and UV resistant. This one is designed to charge USB battery for handhelds (for iPhones…).

They also offer a Spark Tablet Case which includes solar panels and a battery. The solar panels charge the batter and the battery can be used as power for the tablet (iPads and other tablets).

Asus Padfone: Tabet with Plugin Phone

Posted on March 27, 2012 by curiouscat

Smart phone from Asus that plugs into a 10.1″ tablet that runs Android. It looks kind of cool but honestly doesn’t seem that special. Still, even just the size of the tablet is good.

Zeo Personal Sleep Manager

Posted on March 21, 2012 by gadgets

The Zeo personal sleep manager monitors your brain wave patterns using a headband. You can also move data from your Zeo to your computer using an SD memory card (like those used in digital cameras) out of the headband and put it in your computer and get a view a graph of your light, deep and REM sleep over the course of the night.

The optional SmartWake alarm feature will look for a “natural awakening point” based on your sleep patterns to decrease the grogginess associated with waking from Deep sleep. When SmartWake is selected, Zeo will find a time to wake you within a half-hour of your set time, never later. The result should be a slightly easier way to wake up.

Macro Lens Band for Phone Cameras

Posted on February 8, 2012 by curiouscat

Easy Macro Cell Lens Band is a neat tool to let you have macro photo capabilities on you camera phone. Only $15.

Buy the Easy Macro Cell Lens Band at the Photojojo Store!

This lens will transform your cell phone photos from meh to awesome by giving you stunningly sharp details. See the curious detail of your own eye, get a close-up of the sprinkles on your ice cream cone or see what an ant’s face really looks like!

Celluon Magic Cube Laser Projection Keyboard and Touchpad

Posted on January 31, 2012 by gadgets

Keyboard projected onto desktop using a laser

The Celluon Magic Cube turns any table or surface into a virtual keyboard or multi-touch mouse with its amazing laser projection and motion detection technology. The Magic Cube is smaller than a pack of cards – easy to use, and a great travel companion projection keyboard for mobile, tablet, and laptop devices. Do read the reviews on Amazon, it isn’t so much magic as a bit of cool engineering that might be a bit ahed of ready for prime time. Still if you like to try cutting edge gadgets and are willing to accept the drawbacks they sometimes have, this might be worth looking into.

Projects a virtual laser keyboard onto any table and detects keystrokes. The experience of typing on a projected keyboard is different than a standard keyboard. Projects a condensed QWERTY layout. The Magic Cube detects movement just above the surface of each projected key. Practice using included tips is recommended. Devices with automatic keystroke correction, like the iPad, iPhone, and iPod improve accuracy significantly.
Acts as a standard keyboard via Bluetooth (wireless) or USB (wired)–no drivers needed
Great companion wireless keyboard for tablets and touch phones. Small. Light. Charges via USB
Compatible with Win XP SP2+, Mac 10.4+, iOS 4.3.5+ (iPhone/iPod/iPad), etc
Mouse mode projects a standard two-finger multi-touch pad (Windows 7 only. Not iOS capable)

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