Totally Cool Tech


As Posted on www.totallycooltech.com

I don’t know what it is about this device, but I feel I have to get one. It’s a completely programmable PC-Based device that gives exactly what you want. It plays MP3’s, Shows photos from popular photo sites like Flickr, provides access to your rss feeds, gives you the latest weather via its wifi based interface. It’s linux based and very hackable. I expect to see the functionality of this device skyrocket over the next year. I’m holding out for version two with hopes for a battery pack. Log on to: http://www.chumby.com/ and take one for a test drive with their virtual Chumby.   List price: $179.95

The following was posted on Totally Cool Tech at http://www.totallycooltech.com.

If a thumb drive just isn’t enough, you need the Western Digital Passport. This slim 160 or 320 GB portable hard drive is about the same size as your smartphone. The device plugs into any USB device and works just like any other hard drive. You can also add encryption to this drive and create a safe an secure way to transfer that sensitive date to and from work. You can find more info at: http://www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=391 . List prices: 160 GB – $129.99 and 320 GB – $199.99

By: Dean Jensen

Flexible keyboards have been around for a while, but they keep appearing in magazine reviews and on gadget sites. This site is no exception. The Bendi Board is flexible, membrane keyboard. The advantage is the ability to “roll” this out anywhere. If you are in an area where there is a chance of getting wet, this is a great alternative to the traditional keyboard. Sealed under the soft flexible membrane is a fully functional keyboard. For more information: http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20060922/bendi-light-up-keyboard/ List Price: about $50.00

By: Dean Jensen
Visioneer RoadWarrior
For those with mobile offices, or those who just like to save on space, this is a scanner for you. The Visioneer RoadWarrior Scanner is a compact, light-weight solution for those on the go. Weighing in at just 10.6 ounces, this is the perfect addition to anyone that needs to deal with documents on the road. It’s a sheet feed scanner with a 600 dpi resolution. Great for documents, faxes, receipts, and anything else you need digitized while on the go. Find more information at: http://orders.visioneer.com/item.jsp?item=90-0527-000&category=MOBILE  List price: $199.99

This device has made it on my “I so need to get one of these” list.  The Keyspan Mini Port Replicator is a USB device that creates serial or parallel port.  You plug this into any open USB port and then plug in your Serial or Parallel device.  As more and more computers come with only USB ports, this device allows you the flexibility to attach older devices to newer hardware.  I know this will be a asset to my already growing bag of tricks.  You can find more information about it at: http://www.keyspan.com/products/upr112g/ with a list price of $79. 

The following is my post 3/4/2008 post on http://www.totallycooltech.com

 

As I was filling out my wish list for Christmas, I added something completely whimsical, A Sonic Screwdriver.  For those out there not familiar with the Doctor Who television shows, you might find this a little strange.  But as a gadget lover, this is a really cool toy. 

There is a history behind the Sonic Screwdriver and you can find more information in a Wikipedia article.  The really cool part is that the toy actually improved the prop on the show.  When the latest incarnation of the Doctor Who show started airing on the SciFi channel, they were using a flimsy prop the kept breaking.  When the toy came out, they production team were so impressed with the design that they received permission to make a mold and use the toy as the basis for their Sonic Screwdriver.

End of the history lesson.  Here are the specs for this toy.  The first thing you notice about the Sonic Screwdriver is the light at the end.  By pressing a button, a blue light and the “sonic” sound are produced.  On the other end of the toy is an interchangeable pen.  You get a normal ink pen and an ultra violet pen.  When you write with the ultra violet end, nothing appears on the page until you use the sonic light at the other end. An additional bonus that comes with the toy, you get your very own “Psychic Paper” to write your ultra violet messages on.

You can order the Sonic Screwdriver directly from the manufacturer or from Think Geek, one of my favorite sites. 

Character OnlineSonic Screwdriver for £9.99

Think GeekSonic Screwdriver for $14.99