November 2006 Archives

The Electrilite Emergency flashlight is a gadget lovers dream! It's a flashlight with bulbs that never need replacing, it's a radio, it's an alarm, and it never needs batteries. This product recharges itself or even your cell phone by using a handcrank. 

This new product follows up on Electrilite's nifty flashlight launched last when they introduced their Electrilite Flashlight, which also never needs batteries or bulbs, and it charges cell phones.  This year, their newest model, The Electrilite Emergency, has all the features of the Original but it adds a built in FM radio and alarm

Perfect for emergency situations, it has the ability to create and store energy and 3 Mega Bright LEDs provide over 100,000 hours of light. They have also included cell phone adapters to charge your cell phone when your battery dies.

The Electrilite Emergency allows you to turn on 1 LED or all 3 LEDs for extra brightness by adjusting the light position button. To charge the Electrilite Emergency, simply crank the ergonomic handle for 1 minute for over 30 minutes of bright light. The radio features volume control, and a scan button to find radio stations.

To charge your phone, you attach the correct cell phone adapter to the power cord and plug it into your phone. Then simply plug the other end of the power cord into the Electrilite EmergencyJ. Begin charging your phone by cranking the handle at a rate of approximately 2-3 cranks per second, which generates a steady 6.2 volts. Because the product is voltage-regulated, turning the handle faster cannot damage the phone and will not speed the charging process. Three minutes of cranking will provide 2-8 minutes of talk time. However, continuous cranking will provide you with an endless supply of talk time.

Hey with Christmas around the corner, this could be the perfect gift!

I only blogged about the $100 laptop at month ago ("Libya & the $100 Laptop"), but now it already looks like that "save the underdeveloped world" computer has been hit the a 50% price increase -- see "For $150, Third-World Laptop Stirs Big Debate."

Seems to me that this isn't fair -- isn't it better to under promise and over deliver? (And not the other way around.)

And maybe those folks who would benefit from a gadget like this might benefit even more from serving their real hierarachy of needs first -- like food, clothing, shelter? Oh, and how about health care?

The phone lines are open ...

3J Communications announced the availability of its new 3J-W1D Skype phone to the US market. The new 3J-W1D is a remote wireless Skype phone with a blue backlighted LCD display and features built-in echo and noise cancellation as well as a nifty speakerphone on its base.

Supporting both Windows and Mac OS platforms, the new 3J-W1D (who came up with that non-descript name anyway?) is actually compatible with Skype, MSN and Yahoo! Messenger, as well as with VoIP Buster. In addition, 3J-W1D works with SJphone, X-Lite and Eyebeam, other VoIP softphone applications.

For Skype, the user can view their Skype contact’s status and profile, and can add or search their Skype friends on the unit’s bright 1.5” color handset screen.  There are call lists for Skype Calls. 

The 3J-W1D features:
   · USB Wireless Phone for Skype
   · 2.4GHz ISM Band, suit for Europe, USA, Japan etc
   · Handfree with digital echo cancellation
   · Large graphic LCD with blue backlight
   · Skype contacts review and call list on handset LCD
   · Both base and handset ring for all incoming calls
   · Multi-language caller ID display feature
   · Auto-select RF channel to improve the quality of voice
   · Standby time: More than 100 hours
   · Talk time: more than 10 hours
   · Radio range: 50 ft
   · Battery: 250mAh (Li-battery)

The 3J-W1D has a very low MSRP of $79.95 when compared to other Skype phones and is currently distributed through DataVision in New York.

It's hard to get too excited about the official launch of Windows Vista tomorrow after spending all of that energy for the launch of PS3 (and to a lesser extent, Wii).

But still, Microsoft's launch of a new operating sytem is a big deal -- and we've been waiting five years (two years longer than we thought we'd have to wait).

For a good read on what all of the fuss is about, click here.

And if you're in the market for a new PC this holiday season (and that would be prior to the general availability of Windows Vista -- on January 30, 2007), Microsoft itself has some tips on how to make sure you will be "Windows Vista Capable."

Not to be too outdone by yesterday's news about the planned Wal-Mart digital movie download service, Time Warner is now planning to launch its own direct-to-DVD movie download service.

According to reports, this is in the "wait until next year" time frame.  TW also said it's pondering movie kiosks at Wal-Mart.

Seems to be it's about time the major motion picture studios woke up and smelled the coffee over the potential profits of direct-to-consumer downloads. And why oh why? does it always seem to take four months between theatrical release and DVD availability (and VHS I guess, still, too)?

Might be a good idea to give that timeframe some more thought -- bet there are plenty of consultants for hire (or hired already) that are trying to figure that out for the big boys ...

Well, movie rentals didn't work out too good for them, but now Wal-Mart keeps forging ahead by joining the ranks of digital movie download retailers.

According to a published report, the biggest of the big box retailers is launching the new download service with an exclusive Superman Returns DVD bundle that will contain a video download option with the purchase of the actual DVD.

If that doesn't make sense to you (buy the DVD, then buy the download?), then you may not be the only one scratching your head.

But NetFlix is sure to be happily waiting in the wings if this idea doesn't fly -- they benefited quite nicely when Wal-Mart jettisoned the movie rental idea not all that long ago ...

Even though I read the reviews, was surprised to see so few gadgets in the latest James Bond opus Casino Royale.

Guess I've gotten spoiled by all of the crazy gadgets that Q dreamed up over the years -- who can forget that Aston Martin in Goldfinger?

Anyway, not too surprised to see Sony Ericsson mobile phones play such a big roll in the movie -- the film is from Columbia Pictures (the same as Sony Pictures).

Come to think of it, wasn't that Sony's Vaio notebook computer in a couple of scenes, too?

Now do you see how the pieces of the puzzle fit together? 

Elementary, by dear Watson ...

 

It may seem like a while ago that I blogged about the groovy new U3 technology -- the evolution of the USB drive -- but it was only last week!

This time, let's taka a look at an actual product -- Verbatim's 1GB Store ‘n’ Go U3 Smart Drive, the newest member of its award-winning family of Store ‘n’ Go USB drives.

Just the size of a pack of gum, the U3 smart drive offers a new mobile computing platform that allows you to carry smart software applications, PC settings, files and personal preferences wherever you go and to access them on any Windows XP or 2000 PC via any open USB port.

Verbatim’s Smart Drive adds a nice personal twist by including an app called U3 Launchpad, an intuitive interface that makes accessing U3 smart software and device features fast and easy. An extensive library of U3 smart applications ranging from backup, email and photo organizers to music players and graphics applications can be downloaded from www.u3.com as well as directly from the Store ‘n’ Go U3 Launchpad.

Verbatim also includes McAfee antivirus protection.

Street Price: $99.00

www.verbatim.com/u3

Shakespearen apologies aside, what if the cell phone was called something else besides a cell phone?

(We call our category here  "Mobile Phones," for instance -- as I am sure all of you are well aware.)

Well, that's the $1 million question that an article in BusinessWeek raises.

And if the ubiquitous gadget did have the oppotunity to dial-in another name, what do you think it would be?

Now that's where the fun starts ...

 

The iPod is one of the most recognizable products due to it's smooth exterior, elegant shape, and stylish form-factor.  So what you do get when you cross an Apple iPod with a VoIP gateway? Why the Polypower VRM0-Sxx series of course!


This VoIP gateway clones the iPod's small size, measuring just 100x80x28mm and clones the iPod's original white/ivory color. It includes 1 WAN + 1 LAN + 1/2 FXS + 1 FXO (option). You can use this product with a SIP-based termination service provider along with your favorite analog/cordless/DECT phone. The VRM0-Sxx features built-in QoS, T.38, auto-provisioning, and many other common features. Based out of Taiwan, this new SIP VoIP gateway features the following specs:

 · SIP Protocol
 · Codec support G.711, G.723 ,G.726, G.729A/B
 · Features : Call Forwarding, Caller ID, Call Hold, 3-way Conference Call ,Toll Bypass
 · QoS and FAX T.38 support
 · Auto Provisioning
 · Small size: 80 x 100 x 28 mm

They also have a Skype VoIP adaptor available, pictured here:


Soon they will also have a stylish IP phone available which looks like the following:

Apologies to Steely Dan, but "Black Friday" is here!

By the time many of you see this, you will be have spent the early hours of the day on some awful line in order to be a great deal on a gadget of your choice.

Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow ... Now that's what I'm talking about!

(Guaranteed 10 per store. One item per person. Limited to store stock. Do those words sound familiar?)

Is this a great country or what? Oh and if you're looking for some Black Friday deals on Amazon, check this out: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Friday-After-Thanksgiving-Sale/

 

Not just for all of our gadgets -- be they many and multiply! -- but for all of the many things that make our lives special and complete -- I'll leave the Thanksgiving list up to you.

Soybean mobile phones are on the horizon!

Yes, you have read correctly!

Motorola recently showcased some new technology, which included a robotic tech support assistant, packaging that will light up when consumers stroll by and phones made from soybeans.

You will never look at a soybean the same way again ... will you?

Check out PC Magazine for the details.

Always good to read what David Pogue of the New York Times has to say about technology, gadgets and the folks that inhabit our wonderful worlds.

So not surprising then to read his digital camera ditty today about whether megapixels really matter.

(An endless debate that harkens back to the very dawn of the digital camera age.)

They do, don't they?

Well, to steal one of his lines, not to give away the punchline, click here.

 

I've received multiple requests from my loyal blog readers for help in finding a GPS solution that works well for truckers. The problem with standard GPS solutions is that they were designed with regular vehicles in mind and not 18-wheelers or other large vehicles, including my beloved Garmin StreetPilot 2720. 18-wheelers often cannot go down certain roads or on certain highways due to restrictions, such as low underpasses. Using a standard GPS solution the mapping software typically doesn't allow you specify that you are driving a large truck. I checked the settings for my motley of GPS software/hardware solutions I have including Destinator 3, TomTom 5, Garmin StreetPilot 2720, and an old version of CoPilot. None of them had the ability to set your vehicle type to a large truck or to avoid roads that are restricted to truckers. They had some avoidance options such as avoid toll roads, but that was it.

So I set about to see if I could find a good GPS solution for truckers. One solution I found is from CoPilot called CoPilot CPT11-NA Truck 11 It uses the National Network Routing based on the federal government-designated highway system for oversized vehicles. In addition, this GPS software supports expanded HazMat routing options including General, Explosives, Inhalants and Radioactives. Though if a trucker driver is transporting radioactive materials and doesn't know which road to take, then we all have bigger problems.

In any event, CoPilot CPT11-NA Truck 11 also has a 53' Trailer Routing feature that incorporates state governments' legal road designations for 53' trailers. One nice bonus feature for truckers is "Lane Change Warnings alerts" that warn you of upcoming left exits, ensuring that you have plenty of time to safely get to the proper side of the highway.

There is another model called the CoPilot CPT9US-USB CoPilot Truck Laptop 9 USB which uses a wired GPS connection over USB, but if you're going to buy this product, may as well go with the wireless Bluetooth model.

Another interesting product is from TourSolver. Truckers often have complicated routes often cross-country and spanning multiple stops. TourSolver Version 4 is a fleet-management software, which they claim significantly reduces logistical costs and operates more efficiently overall. Essentially, the software is a route-optimization solution. Major savings and benefits include reducing driving distance and the number of resources used and making better use of working time while considerably improving customer service.
 
Magellan Ingenierie expanded TourSolver's functionality to industries with more complicated routing problems. This version includes a new, activity-focused approach ideally suited to maintenance, service, and after-sales service staff. This addition can manage long site visits spanning several days, and the automatic incorporation of overnight stays away from home based on the distance of the work sites.

Early on, the software incorporated legal driving time requirements for road transportation companies. Transport and logistics professionals will appreciate the new enhancements such as "Delivery Pick-Up" for managing delivery and collection activities as part of the same route; and "Multiple Depot Management, making it possible to distinguish between a company's address, the sites of its various warehouses and possibly the home addresses of the drivers. TourSolver can also handle even the most complex journey scenarios and automatically takes account of the closest warehouses for each trip. Choice of road travel options include the use of main roads as a priority, the avoidance of toll roads, and more.

TourSolver 4 also has an updated the route calculation engine. This new technology guarantees better use of the computer's memory, and allows the possibility to optimize routes over larger areas, covering the entirety of North America.

Personally, I like the Garmin nuvi GPS products. While they are not specialized for truckers, they have NAVTEQ maps, which are the most accurate. Though I'm not a truck driver, so I can imagine getting on a road with a low underpass or being directed to a street not available to trucks might be a problem.