Stapes and Dell Join Forces

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Corporate News, PC / Laptop, Peripherals,

Good new for Staples/Dell fans. Beginning November 11, You can order some computers and peripherals online. The companies have announced that several of Dell’s products will be available to include Inspiron 1721 and 1521 notebooks, Inspiron 530 desktops, 948 and 926 all-in-one inkjet printers, 1320c laser printer, SE198WFP 19-inch widescreen flat panel LCD monitor, and the E228WFP 22-inch widescreen flat panel LCD monitor. They will also carry ink and toner for most of their printers. We don’t know if they will be cheaper than the ones at Wal-mart or if the added shipping will be worth the effort, but we just give you the facts, ma’am.

Read More | Dell

Recharge by Wrist

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Smartphones, Handhelds, Storage, Video Games,

If you are right in the middle of a DS or PSP video game and it looks like your batteries will die before Link does, hook up Thanko’s handy Charger Bracelet. It will give your game system up to an extended 4.5 hours of life. The device will also work with cell phones so you don’t have to hang up on your spouse/partner/boss until it is your idea. Connect the bracelet by USB to your computer for a recharge. The charger will set you back JPY 4,980 (~$44.00.)

Read More | Thanko (translated) via <3 yen

The Pac-Man Collectors’ Shot Glass Set

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Hot Deals, Video Games,

Lately, we’ve been quite obsessed with Nintendo and Space Invader swag, leaving Pac-Man feeling left out, isolated, and depressed. That’s why we’re showing the classic game some love with this Pac-Man Collectors’ Shot Glass Set. It’s a set of six 1.5 oz glasses, each with screen printed decals of the game’s characters…including the beloved Bonus Cherries! The set comes in a gift box, however only 2500 units were manufactured, for $30 USD. Hurry, before they’re all swallowed up (get it?).

Read More | Club Namco

Personalize Your iPod nano Case

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Misc. Tech, Portable Audio / Video,

If you’re like us, finding the right case for your iPod is a tough decision. You want durability, but you’d like it to say a lil’ sumthin sumthin about you too. If you own a 1st or 2nd Gen nano, check out Red Snapper. There, you can customize a hard, scratch-resistant case with the photo or artwork of your choice! Just download the template, create your design, then email to Red Snapper. All for about $30.50 USD. You can even enter you design into a competition…check out the entrants here. While we’re happy for nano users, we’re hoping Red Snapper expands to include all types of iPods.

Read More | Red Snapper via Chip Chick

The USB Penguin Optical Mouse

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, USB, PC / Laptop, Peripherals,

Some people are fanatical about Hello Kitty. For others, it’s Star Wars. But for this writer, it’s all about the mighty penguin, as evidenced the penguin MP3 player, USB drive, and shower radio she’s written about, and that fact that she actually owns an iPenguin. This week, it’s the too-cute-for-words USB optical mouse, which fits either hand, and even includes a PS/2 adapter! Choose from Pink, Green, Blue, and of course, Black.  The downside? According to the website, the mouse is only compatible with Windows—but doesn’t state whether it’s compatible with Vista. Available for $14 USD.

Read More | Brando

Kam Kam Alerts by Wag Wag

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Toys,

While we are on the subject of nauseating

cute cats, the Kam Kam Mobile Alert auto-detects incoming cell phone calls. Instead of annoying ring tones or vibrations, the plush gadget wags it’s tail for 15 seconds up to 5 feet away. At a size of 4.3 x 10.2 x 6-inches, Kam Kam needs 2 AA batteries (not included) to purr and comes at a price of $29.99. Seen here with Don Don, the feline is also available as a cable fix, mouse pad, and other “girly” items.

Read More | The Cat Connection

Micropod Speakers Come A-Round

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, Home Entertainment, Music, Portable Audio / Video,

Scandyna’s Micropod SE Speakers sit on what are are described by the Danish company itself as “Sputnik Spikes.” Each of them contains a Kevlar woofer and soft-dome tweeter. An iPod dock has a built-in 2 x 15 W RMS Class T amplifier, and a wireless IR remote and cables come with the package. Scandyna says that they will work with all iPods with included insert adapters. The speakers are each 7.7-inches high and the system plugs into any standard outlet with included adapter. The entire package is available for $299.95.

Read More | Sharper Image

The Pyramat Lap Blaster Laptop Sound Booster

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, USB, PC / Laptop,

If you’re looking to improve the sound system of your laptop we’ve got an interesting item for you. The elaborately named Pyramat Lap Blaster Laptop Sound Booster is a platform with two 4W full-range speakers that fits under your machine. For those of you who understand these things, the peak power is 30 watts, signal-to-noise ratio is 70dB, while the frequency response is 220-20,000 Hz. The speakers are powered by USB, and actually light up once plugged in. The Lap Blaster even includes an iPod dock – which requires four C batteries. While we think the illumination part is a bit much, the Lap Blaster sounds perfect for enhancing your gaming, music, and movies. Available for $130 USD.

Read More | The Sharper Image

Protect Your Bluetooth Device from Hackers

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Smartphones, Corporate News, Misc. Tech, Mods / Hacks,

A study by InsightExpress uncovered that 73% of mobile device owners are in the dark about protecting their device and data from Bluetooth hackers. If you fall into this bracket, listen up. There are three ways your gadget can be hacked: with Bluejacking, you’ll start receiving unwanted spam text messages, which can send your monthly bill (and mental state) skyward. The next level is Bluesnarfing, in which a hacker gains access to your data – and copies it for themselves. Most disturbing is Bluebugging, where a hacker can completely control your phone and make calls, obtain data, send texts and even eavesdrop on your calls. Prevention methods are amazingly simple, according to Ooi Szu-Khiam, a Symantec senior security consultant:

1) Turn off any Bluetooth features you’re not using.
2) Try to keep your device’s Bluetooth ID visibility setting at “hidden” so hackers can’t scan and find it.
3) Use passwords with a lot of digits, say 10. The more digits, the longer it takes to crack, if at all.

Read More | ZD Net

Wii Inflatable Boxing Gloves

Posted by Lolita Beckwith Categories: Accessories, Toys, Video Games,

We’ll resist the urge to make an Oscar De La Hoya-and-fishnets joke and just tell you about these

boxing gloves specifically designed for Nintendo Wii boxing games. Just put your Wiimote and Nunchuk inside the gloves and inflate them. Now you can really live out your dream of being Muhammad (or Laila) Ali.  Much like similar accessories for Wii Sports, fishing games, and even Cooking Mama, the gloves serve to add a sense of “realism”—or goofy fun—to your Wii-playing experience.

Read More | Deal Extreme via Technabob