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Wireless USB PC Lock
Posted by Jared Hislop Categories: Accessories, Misc. Tech, Peripherals, Wireless / WiFi,
Too lazy to press CTRL-Alt-Del to lock your workstation? The Wireless PC Lock with Timer is just for you. This device automatically locks your PC when the wireless fob is greater than 2 meters away from the USB token. You can also set the device to automatically shut down your PC after a certain time. The PC automatically unlocks when the wireless fob comes within 2 meters of the machine. It’s unclear whether or not the device actually locks your PC through Windows, or if the PC is locked using proprietary software. You can also define the amount of time before the computer locks would be data thieves out. The unit retails for $29.00 and is available here.
Read More 
| Red Ferret
Maybe you consider yourself a word traveler, or possibly you’re into day trading, but whatever the need, a clock capable of keeping track of the time in major cities around the world can be quite useful. Simplicity has its place as well, and that brings us to the Charlotte van der Waals Stainless Steel World Time Clock. Okay, so simplicity isn’t in the name, but it is in the clock. In the shape of a dodecagon (er, 12 sides that is), the clock has two major cities on each side which covers the 24 global time zones. To check the time in any one of those cities, merely rotate the clock till that city is on top, and the correct local time will be shown. If stainless steel isn’t your thing, three other variations on the theme are offered with two made from plastic, and a disc-shaped travel version made from aluminum.
The stainless steel model is priced at $190 USD, and available here.
Read More | Ameico via Cool Tools
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Maxim Puts Eva Longoria In Space
Posted by Jared Hislop Categories: Google, Internet, Misc. Tech, Science,
Users of Google Earth have yet another sweet Easter egg to scout out. In celebration of their 100th issue, Maxim has reproduced one of their magazine covers to the measure of 75 feet by 100 feet, featuring a scantily-clad Eva Longoria. The headline reads “The only magazine big enough to be seen from space—and only in Vegas!” This is one, um, big publicity stunt.
Read More | CNET
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Although projection clocks have been around for a while, the Imagic PJ95 Projection Clock does things a bit differently, and offers a unique customization option as well. Instead of merely projecting the time in numeric fashion, the PJ95 displays an analog representation of a clock, while also displaying a dial image. Two dial images are included with the clock, and it’s easy to make your own with the template available on Daka’s site. Simply load up some transparency paper and your favorite graphic or picture, and print out a new dial on either an inkjet or laser printer. The projected clock image can be scaled up to one meter wide, and includes a digital date display and alarm set icon in the center of the clock.
In addition to the table top model shown, a floor mount model will be available that may be more suitable for business applications. No pricing information is known at this time.
Read More | Daka Development Ltd. via The Red Ferret
An interesting household gadget has arrived in the Dupont Self-Charging Smoke Alarm. We will be the first to admit it, changing the batteries in a smoke alarm can be a bit of a hassle. With this new smoke alarm, all you have to do is screw it into a light socket. The unit charges when the light is turned on, and is capable of going 30 days without a charge. Oh, andjJust in case you forget to charge it, an audible alarm will alert you when the unit is low on power. If that happens, turn on your light for a while, and you are good to go. The other great feature of this smoke alarm is that it can be tested (or silenced) by merely flipping the light switch. No more fumbling around trying to replace a battery, or finding the test button.
Read More | Dupont via OhGizmo
This is one of those things that you read about, do a double-take to make sure you read it right, then stare at in disbelief. Introducing the LASIK@Home corrective eye surgery kit. Designed to let you perform LASIK surgery on your own eyes, in the comfort of your own home. The kit comes complete with the Scal-Pal Hand-Operated Combination Femtosecond/Excimer Laser, a mild sedative (diazepam 4mg), No-Blink brand eye drops, a protective post-op sleep mask, detailed instructions and a QuickStart Guide.
If you’re not familiar with LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), here’s a quick rundown courtesy of the FDA. “LASIK is a surgical procedure intended to reduce a person’s dependency on glasses or contact lenses. LASIK . . . permanently changes the shape of the cornea, the clear covering of the front of the eye, using an excimer laser. A knife, called a microkeratome, is used to cut a flap in the cornea. A hinge is left at one end of this flap. The flap is folded back revealing the stroma, the middlesection of the cornea. Pulses from a computer-controlled laser vaporize a portion of the stroma and the flap is replaced.”
The “Four Easy Steps” illustration provided on LASIK@Home’s website speaks volumes. Apparently drawn by someone with an aptitude for art equivalent to a pig’s ability to fly, it certainly does elicit a chuckle as well as a sad shake of the head for the ignorant individuals who will be duped into purchasing the product (assuming it really exists). A quick check of some of the information provided by LASIK@Home turns up little (as in zero) corroborating evidence. The Bennett Eye Care Institute in New York City must be in a parallel world as it seems to be missing from this one, as is the good Dr. Khadim. The “Walton Group Manufacturing” who purportedly “makes the the (sic) LASIK equipment used by more clinics nationwide”? Strangely enough, they don’t seem to exist either, and none of their lasers show up on the FDA’s approved laser list . . . imagine that.
The price for
ruining the only pair of eyes you have? A mere $99.95 USD. Should you choose to proceed down this road of self-mutilation, remember - “Don’t blink!”.
Read More | LASIK@Home via dlmag.com
Voltiac Messenger Bag Charges Your Gadgets
Posted by Jared Hislop Categories: Wearables, Misc. Tech, Peripherals, Portable Audio / Video,
The Voltaic Messenger bag is designed to safely carry a laptop and all of your electronic gadgets. This is not your standard tech-chic bag though; this bag will actually charge your cell phone, satellite phone, PDA, GPS, iPod, camera, etc. This bag is not designed to charge a larger device like a laptop, but does a fine job with any smaller device. The power to charge devices comes from 3 solar panels that are waterproof, tough, and lightweight. A 2,200mAh Li-Ion battery pack with 3 voltage settings is included with the bag so that the bag keeps charging even if there is no available sunlight. The battery can also be charged via the included AC or car adapter. Also included are 11 standard adaptors including a car charger socket and USB adaptor so you can always use a standard charger for your device. Available in several color schemes, this bag retails for $239.00.
Read More | Voltaic Systems
Sony Portable Reader System PRS-500
Posted by Jared Hislop Categories: Design, Handhelds, Misc. Tech,
It seems that even though digital reading devices have not gained popularity since the inception of the e-text, Sony is willing to give eBooks another chance. The Sony Reader PRS-500 will debut in Borders and more than 30 Sony Style stores around the United States, as well as online. The device will be about the size of a paperback novel, but is considerably thinner at about a half inch thick. Sony will allow users to carry as much reading material as they like by including both Memory Stick and Secure Digital flash memory slots. Content will not be limited to only eBooks either - Sony plans on allowing Adobe® PDF documents, BBeB Books, and other text file formats to be placed on the Reader. These electronic reading devices have historically not been very popular, but perhaps this time around Sony will get it right.
Read More | Sony Style
Wireless Extension Cords: April Fools
Posted by Kristin Wenzel Categories: Accessories, Smart Home, Misc. Tech, Peripherals, Rumors,
Good Lord! Is this for real? ThinkGeek has introduced wireless extension cords, which use microwave technology to beam power (wirelessly) up to three hundred feet.
Just plug the Wireless Extension Cord (WEC) base unit into a standard wall outlet, and plug whatever you need into the satellite unit. The WEC uses microwaves in the 7.2GHz range, so it won’t interfere with wireless networks, Bluetooth components, etc. Now, all you need to do is adjust the antennae on the two units so they are aimed at each other. Turn everything on and you have the power! The distance the WEC units can broadcast differs from situation to situation (due to interference of such things as walls, power lines, and microwave ovens), but we’ve beamed power over 300 feet!
These puppies will run you about $35 at ThinkGeek. Have a good time trying to get through checkout though…
Read More | ThinkGeek
US Retailers Considering “Electronic Wallet” Purchases
Posted by Jared Hislop Categories: Corporate News, Misc. Tech, Rumors, Science,
Newly released research by Sanford Bernstein analyst Emme Kozloff, found that by using “electronic wallets” companies like Wal-Mart could save big. By using customer’s fingerprints as a payment method, companies could speed up the checkout process; reduce the potential for fraud and identity theft, and most importantly save money by lowering the transaction fee. This type of system is already in use by Albertsons, Cub Foods, and Piggly Wiggly. While this might save time at the checkout, privacy advocates are still very concerned about the process.
Read More | CNN
