Surround Yourself With Sound:
April 30, 2008
No matter how wonderful a movie is, or how amazing a game is, it will suck if the sound quality is bad! Logitech knows this and hence has come out with G51, a 5.1 speaker system, which features 360 degree surround sound with dual Matrix mode.
This allows it to split the audio signal into six channels of sound, without degrading the audio quality. With 155 watts of total RMS(root mean square) power, the G51 speaker system is optimised to deliver high-performance audio experiences.
Get ready to get blasted!
LAP TALK:
April 29, 2008
HP’s latest notebook designed for mobile professionals comes with powerful computing capabilities, convenient security and multimedia features, all wrapped up in an elegant black shell. The Pavilion dv3000 Entertainment Notebook PC is designed to be the one notebook that executives should consider when ollking for a mobile workstation. It’ll allow them not only to work comfortably but also to enjoy all forms of multimedia entertainment. The wide-screen display notebook is powered by 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9300, a 160 GB hard disk and 8X Super Multi LightScribe Double Layer (8.5 GB) DVD+RW+R Writer. In addition, the notebook also offers support for the second HDD and Flash-based solid state storage drives. Let’s work!
Racing Grannies
April 28, 2008
The track doesn’t look unusual, but the racers do. This racing set comes with two “high-octane” grannies who race around a 10-piece track in their wheel chairs. The grannies are 3 1/4″ high and the track is 15½” x 25½, when assembled. Four AA batteries are required, but not included.
You might be asking…what on earth? Coincidentally, this set can be purchased on the website What On Earth for $19.95.
The Inchworm
April 28, 2008
Millions of parents around the world have a dilemma. They are tired of buying new shoes for their kids. As any caregiver knows, a child’s feet can grow at an astonishingly fast rate. With Inchworm shoes, parents can rest easy. By pressing a button on the side of the shoe, the Inchworm expands to grow with your child’s foot. They grow one full size, in half size increments and are targeted for kids 3-9 years old. The innovative iFit technology allows children to keep their shoes longer than they would regularly.
Although not very attractive, the Inchworm is innovative. The “grow” button is child-proof but adult-friendly. It’s easy enough to adjust, yet durable enough for extended wear. Faced with initial skepticism in the US, American inventor Hank Miller took his idea overseas to Europe.
Currently, the Inchworm comes in eighteen different colors and styles. The most interesting is the “Chomper” which is a high topped boot, and the “Cruncher” which frighteningly resembles the popular 80’s moon boot. I wondered why the Inchworm was met with so much skepticism in the US. “That’s strange,” was the general comment I received while pitching the idea of the Inchworm. “My kid is three and wears Nikes,” another person chimed in. Maybe some people aren’t ready for tennis shoes that expand, but Inchworm is an excellent idea for parents who are tired of running to the store.
Minature Drum Set
April 22, 2008
Don’t have room for a drum set, but have the need to jam? Finger Drums Desktop Miniature Drum Set may be for you.
This drum set is entertaining with many features including sounds, lights, record and playback. By finger touch, each drum lights up and generates a beat. You can record and play it back.
Batteries are included and for those who lack natural rhythm, the set also comes with pre-recorded beats. The set sells for $24.99.
MagicJacks are Economical, Easy and Fun to Use
April 19, 2008
Unlimited, free, local and long distance in the U.S., crisp clear voice communication, caller ID, call waiting, voicemail and more for only $39.95 for the entire year?! And it’s totally legal? All I can say is wow!!
I was not in need of an extra phone when I looked into the MagicJack. I actually have enough phones lines, including my cell. I had not yet seen the infomercials either. I do have a fascination with technology and gadgets that are useful, economical and easy for anyone to install.
The MagicJack only required me to plug it into my USB port of my computer (I have Windows Vista). A telephone (or headset) plugs in to the phone jack on other end of the MagicJack and the software is automatically downloaded. You get a free phone number and can choose the state you want your number to be in, as well as the area code (if available) and the prefix. It provides the remaining four numbers. Very easy.
Also, I’ve used it on a different computer (a Mac) just to see what would happen. It worked very well also, appearing on the screen with my information and I was able to make all kinds of phone calls in the U.S. So now I know I can carry it with me if I know I’m going to be around a computer. A handset telephone or headset is also needed in order to speak to someone. Just make sure the computer you use has a high speed Internet connection.
There is a special 911 feature with MagicJack, good to set up at the beginning. Since this device is connected to your computer, it’s always a good idea to have a backup telephone in case of an emergency.
One of the many features I appreciate is being able to check my voicemail from any phone, just as professionally as any other telephone service with this feature. One needs to create a password first, as expected, and I can listen to my messages from any phone, or save, delete or forward the messages or change folders. Yes, one can create separate folders for work, family and friends (and more),
I noticed after creating the voice mail, MagicJack creates a .WAV file which is sent as an attachment to your email address. I downloaded one to listen to a message I received through my computer speaker. There can be some useful applications for this feature…
Since I’ve had my MagicJack for only a few days, I haven’t explored everything about this new, fun device yet. For example, there is always the international call feature one can add at any tine, which provides very low cost, international service. More features can be found on their website So far, my experience has been exciting. If I want to renew this for another year, the cost is only $19.95. What a unique gift this would make!
The Flip Video Ultra
April 18, 2008

Everyone loves a high power, low maintenance, easy to use gadget. When it looks like a fun toy, so much the better. The new Flip Video Camera is a fun alternative to your clunky handheld strap-over-your-hand video camera. It makes video blogging as well as adding video to YouTube easier, more fun, and a much more enjoyable experience than ever before.
From the four fun color choices – including green (pictured) and fuchsia – to your choice of the 30 or 60 minute models, the Flip gives you everything you need for seamless, easy video file sharing in one compact camcorder.
A few of the Flip Ultra’s great features include:
- One-touch recording with 2x digital zoom
- 1.5 inch color playback screen
- Instant playback, review and delete features
- Play videos directly from the camcorder to any TV
- Uses AA batteries
- Built-in software for instant viewing, editing, and sharing
- One-click emailing
The Flip Video Ultra can be found everywhere from Costco to Toys “R” Us, and the $149.99 price tag seems small when you consider it has a preview screen and offers the simplicity of one-touch recording and built in software that makes uploading a breeze.
Really, the Flip is the perfect excuse to add video to your blog, send videos of the kids to relatives, and start really documenting the world around you. A video camera that can fit in a purse or fanny pack is an accessory that can make everything more fun, from a day at the beach to a picnic in the backyard.



