Arcade Size Pac-Man
Remember the days when you begged your mom for a quarter just to play Pac-Man at the grocery store, and spent hours playing Atari games at home? Here’s something that will make you want to turn off your Ninendo Wii and Playstation to take a walk down memory lane. Assuming you have a few of your own quarters these days, you can buy a full-size Pac-Man video game just like the retro video games you remember.
The arcade size Pac-Man game includes Gallaga and Ms. Pac-Man, and all the authentic “Wocka-Wocka” sounds and graphics. And, the video game controllers on this unit are just like the originals- so maybe you can still sneak around those ghosts.
This very cool and giant gadget will set you back about $2,995 at Brookstone. The good news is it works without quarters.
Posted on August 28, 2008 in Gadgets, Video Games & Consoles
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Bicycle GPS System
GPS systems are springing up just about everywhere, so why not get one for your bicycle? This GPS device attaches to any standard (1-inch) bicycle handle bar, and comes off easily if you want to use it as a handheld GPS. The bicycle GPS system allows you to program more than 100 waypoints and up to 20 of your favorite bicycling routes. This GPS gadget also has a speedometer, trip meter, and keeps track of your average speed.
The bicycle GPS system, made by Atech is accurate to 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) in pinpointing your location, and it’s made to withstand the elements with a waterproof cover. In case the GPS isn’t enough to keep you headed in the right direction on your mountain bike excursions, there’s also a compass for good old-fashioned navigation. You’ll find this bicycle GPS system at Hammacher Schlemmer.
Posted on August 27, 2008 in Electronic Instruments, GPS, Gadgets
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Turntable with USB Output
Bet you thought you’d never have another use for those stacks of vinyl record albums collecting dust in your attic. Turns out you might just want to drag them out again thanks to this new gadget. The USB turntable above allows you to convert your vinyl into MP3 files for playing on your iPod, your computer, or other MP3 player.
The USB output turntable includes an integrated stereo phono cartridge, and the necessary software- Cakewalk Pyro 5, which includes options for sound restoration. This USB record player is made by Audio-Technica, and it works with 33 and 45 RPM records.
I found the Audio-Technica USB Output Turntable at Amazon for $93.00 plus shipping.
Posted on August 26, 2008 in Audio Equipment, Gadgets, MP3 & Media Players, USB gadgets, iPod Accessories
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SkyScout Personal Planetarium
Who needs an old-fashioned telescope when you’ve got this new gadget? The Celestron SkyScout is a personal planetarium that uses GPS technology to identify stars and constellations. To identify a specific star, users point the device at the star and click. To find a star, planet or constellation, users select the name of the star from the SkyScout menu, and the personal planetarium uses GPS to generate arrows pointing the user in the right direction.
The SkyScout has an SD slot for inserting the optional guided sky tours, and the GPS planetarium can tell users the best stars for viewing based on the date and their exact location. More info on the Celestron SkyScout Personal Planetarium.
Posted on August 25, 2008 in Electronic Instruments, GPS, Gadgets
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USB Retro Refrigerator
Keep your drinks cool or hot with this fun USB gadget. It’s a USB refrigerator big enough to hold one can of your favorite soda. I love the retro shape of this thing- just like bringing Grandma’s old refrigerator to your computer desk. This USB refrigerator has a hot and cold button, and will heat up or cool down within just a few seconds.
Just for added giggles, the USB fridge has an interior light which comes on when you open the door. Imagine the envy of your friends and coworkers when they see this cool gadget on your desk. It’s compatible with all operating systems, and I found it at Sourcing Map for $28.99 plus shipping.
Need more USB ports for plugging in your favorite new gadgets? Try a USB hub or USB bar for quickly adding more spots for hooking up.
Posted on August 24, 2008 in Computer Accessories, Gadgets, USB gadgets
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IPEVO Skype Phone
Here’s a new gadget designed just for Skype. It’s the latest IPEVO Skype Phone. This one includes an LCD display for caller ID and displaying your Skype contact list. It also has a built-in recording feature so you can easily record your Skype calls.
The IPEVO Skype phone is said to have nice call quality- 16K for Skype to Skype calls and 8K for Skype to land line calls. It includes a USB cord for plugging into your computer, a type A connector, and necessary software. Check out Skype here.
I found this IPEVO Skype Phone on Amazon for $39.99. It’s available in black and white.
Posted on August 23, 2008 in Audio Equipment, Computer Accessories, Gadgets, USB gadgets
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Headphones with Built-In iPod Holder
I just love iPod accessories, and it seems there is simply no end in sight to the number of new gadgets that are available for iPods and other MP3 players.
Check out these CTA Sportpod Digital Headphones with built-in iPod holders. One side of the iPod headphones is a holder for 1st generation iPods, and the other side works with the iPod Nano. What a great idea for getting those cords out of the way. I think this would be ideal for any fitness walker, or running enthusiast.
The iPod holder headphones feature padded ear pieces, an adjustable headband, and a cord in case you ever want to plug into your iPod or other MP3 player the old-fashioned way. Happy (cordless) listening!
Posted on August 22, 2008 in Audio Equipment, iPod Accessories
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SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker
Here’s a personal GPS tracking gadget that looks like interesting: the SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker Messenger. It has a built in GPS chip which monitors and reports the user’s location from anywhere on the planet, and it works with Google Earth to provide real-time location mapping. The SPOT GPS tracker has a built in help and emergency buttons which allow the user to immediately send location reports to select family members, friends, or emergency services.
Here are a few ideas for using the SPOT GPS tracker:
Track a Teenage Driver: This GPS tracker can be tossed in the glove box of a car to monitor your teenager’s location at all times.
Child Safety: Clip the SPOT GPS tracking system inside a child’s backpack for added peace of mind.
Hiking/Camping: Use for added safety when no cell phone service is available.
Photo by Cabela’s.
Posted on August 21, 2008 in Cell Phones, Digital Cameras, Electronic Instruments, GPS, Gadgets, USB gadgets, Video Games & Consoles
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Wind Up Remote Control
Have you ever noticed that when the batteries are starting to get low on you TV remote control, you just press a little harder on the buttons to compensate for it? Now, instead of pushing harder, you can take out your low battery frustrations by winding…and winding some more.
This new gadget is a television remote control which is powered by an internal rechargeable battery that recharges when the user winds up the device. Fully charged after 30 winds, this universal remote control can control up to 6 of your electronic gadgets, including, TV, DVD player, cable or satellite TV box and more. And a full charge lasts a week with normal use, so you won’t have to worry about wrist injuries.
I found this wind up remote control at The Gadget Blog.
Posted on August 20, 2008 in Gadgets, Television Accessories
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Nintendo Wii Keyboard
Here’s a new one for all those who need the latest Nintendo Wii accessories. Logitech recently released this cordless keyboard for Nintendo Wii. Now you can find your friends, type messages, and name your Miis without frantically waving your Wiimote! The QWERTY keyboard is licensed for Wii, and will work up to 30 feet from your Wii console. The Wii keyboard features full-size keys and 2.4 GHz wireless. There are also keys specific to Wii, including quit, zoom, forward, and OK.
With Wii’s wireless capabilities, you could give up your PC or notebook and just work from the couch with occasional breaks for a couple holes of Wii golf. I found the Logitech Wii keyboard on Amazon for $49.99.
Posted on August 19, 2008 in Gadgets
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