May
31
2008
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Everyone wants to be wireless these days. Unfortunately there are many situations where this is just not possible. Many hotels I go to make you hard-wire into their network. I’ve even been to client sites that make it near impossible to roam the floor because they have you tethered to a Ethernet line.
Step in a travel router. This little guy simply plugs into an Ethernet line, configures itself (or you can do this), and immediately you have a wireless hotspot. While there are many features with this router, enabling you to create a temporary, personal, wireless connection quickly is, in my opinion, its strong point. This last week, I moved my home office from the basement to the second floor. While I do have wireless throughout my home, I still have some servers and printers that are hardwired. Not wanting to leave them in the basement I simply plugged in my travel router, hooked in a Ethernet switch, and was up and running in no time at all.
Check Linksys: Wireless-G Travel Router with SpeedBooster |
May
30
2008
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Now you know when CNN has this toy on its Most Dangerous Toys list it just has to be a kick. I’m almost thinking if I they had those lists when I was a kid, I’d ready it just to know what toys to buy.
Seriously now, we should all be careful when purchasing what could be dangerous toys. And just remember to always wear protective gear. Just because the kid on the box doesn’t have a helmet on doesn’t mean you should too.
Ok, warning done. These look like fun, never tried them, and there is no indication on how high you might go. It’s nice to see that these come in different sizes for a snug fit, have rubber high-traction tread, and they are a bit pricey so most kidos just won’t go out and buy them without parental knowledge.
So, as the website reads: get out there and bounce like a gazelle, BUT BE SAFE.
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May
29
2008
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It’s that time of year again where the sun comes out and we just don’t want to stay glued to our desks. We want to roam around, free spirits, and will do just about anything to get out of our cubicles, inner offices, or in my case an office in the basement. This little furniture gadget will mobilize the best intentioned office worker. Free to move about, get that picturesque site, or just have your laptop with you where ever you roam off to. I’ll agree that furniture isn’t the coolest of gadgets to buy but with this one you just might roll yourself out on the patio. The next time I think of gadgets, I just might think of comfort as opposed to something I can plug into my computer. |
May
28
2008
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How do you carry your laptop around with you? Better yet, how do you carry your gadgets. I have done quite a bit of traveling and was often stuck with the laptop bag that came with the computer. Often times these looked like cloth briefcases, and were not meant for much more than the laptop and some paperwork. These briefcases often got un-sightly when sticking in a power cord, let alone a few of my gadgets.
Well this messenger bag from Sprie was a blessing when I purchased it nearly 5 years ago. Now the picture here looks nothing like mine, models do change, but I can honestly say it is one of the best purchases I have made for my laptop. Sturdy, big enough for my 17 inch display, and plenty of pockets for everything you would want to carry. There is a lifetime warranty on these bags, the construction shows it, and I doubt I’ll ever need to use it
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May
27
2008
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I’m going out on a real limb here to let you know I’ve been carrying a man-bag for about 8 months now. Ok, call it a purse if you like but I love it.
Take a leap here. I ask. How many of you men carry a laptop case or messenger bag? I carry a messenger bag (I’ll post that one tomorrow) and really love mine. It is so functional. Plenty of pockets for all my gadgets. I personally found myself taking my laptop all sorts of places, ready to go online at a moments notice AND to carry all my extra stuff.
I got to thinking. Hey, I wasn’t carrying my messenger bag for my laptop. I WAS carrying it for the other stuff. So I took a leap of faith and started carrying a man-bag instead. I cut down on some of the stuff I carried but still have a place for all the essentials. AND my pockets are not stuffed with all kinds of gadgets.
Give one a try. You’ll be glad you did. |
May
26
2008
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Being out on the road without any way to recharge your mobile phone is a near nightmare. I mean, aren’t mobile phones just an extension of our bodies. We go no where without them and feel almost lost if we lose connectivity with the outside world.
An today, with everyone chatting through our phones, it is even more important to have a backup power supply or battery source. The Motorola Cell Phone Charger is just that. It’s quite cheep, I actually picked mine up at a hardware store, and easily does the job. And, for the cost, you won’t mind loseing it or breaking it. Just pop it into your purse, glove box, or back pocket and you’re ready to go.
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May
25
2008
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When we play with gadgets they are typically fit in the palm of our hands. Can you imagine playing with the Mars Lander? I don’t know any gadget boy or girl that wouldn’t like to just touch the Lander for a few moments.
Well, I’m actually writing this post one day before the Lander is supposed to land on the northern polar region of Mars. An area that is supposed to have a large amount of underground ice. I didn’t know this, but less over 50% of the attempts to land on Mars have failed. Not quite like trying to maintain cell phone coverage in the Rocky Mountains. Which I can tell you could use a few of NASA scientists to figure out and GET RIGHT.
Anyway, if anyone is watching this landing, write back to this post and let everyone know your feelings about the whole Mars kick. I think it’s very cool, obviously high-tech, and surely gadget freeks dream come true.
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May
24
2008
I have taken an additional dive into the social networking pool and joined FriendFeed this week.
As the title to this post asks; are social networking applications tools or gadgets? Remembering my earlier definition of what a gadget is, mostly a luxurey item that serves no real everyday purpose, I often wonder if I use these tools as gadgets then tools. I mean really, how much time do I/you spend watching the chatter flash on our displays? How often do we actually join in on a conversation? What real role do these tools play?
For bloggers such as myself, I find these social networking applications as tools. They do help me keep track and up-to-date on a variety of information I am concerned about. I am not too interested in the ‘water cooler’ approach many people use these tools for. Although I have reverted to using them as a chat mechanism instead of the typical IM tools.
So gadget? Yes, to some; Tool? Can very well be one if an effort is made.
If you are just getting started, as I am, it is surely a gadget. So go lookup FriendFeed on the net and get going.
May
23
2008
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Is your CEO, CIO, or CTO better on the golf course then you?Do you really want to mess with their minds?If you get away with this, you might just get a raise!
Here is a great way to have some clean fun on the golf course—a radio controled golf ball. Just think, right before your boss hits that 5 foot put, you take action and take control of his golf ball. Now you will have to figure out how to make the switch before he puts, but I’m sure you’ve gotten his attention before. I would suggest taking control of the ball AFTER they make the put and put some interesting curves to miss the cup. Or, if you want that raise, you just might make it circle the cup and go in. |
May
22
2008
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I remember the days when we had to wear those big bulky headsets just to listen to music while we tried to partake in sporting events. Those days are over with an MP3 player built into sunglasses. There are no wires hanging off as everything IS built into the plastic frames. Quick play buttons, flip-up eyeware to clear vision, and earphone speakers that swivel allow you a fully customizable fit where you can easily tune-in or tune-out of your environment.
Some of the features I like:
- Premium audio sound
- 4 hours playtime – not too bad
- adjustible fit
- 100% UVA and UVB
- Lithium-Ion battery with USB re-charge socket
Find these at The Gadget Box
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