Bonjour Cookie Factory

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smart Home,

So, it’s the holidays, right? We gotta get some holiday cheer gear up, and we thought the Bonjour Cookie Factory might be in order. This is a 39-piece cookie-making set, which dispenses cookie dough in normal and super-size amounts at the touch of a button. The set includes a motorized dispenser, traditional and large sized cookie barrels and cutting discs, decorating and filling tips, and a recipe booklet. The holidays are near, don’t go without the oh-so-apropos snickerdoodle. For only $29, you have no excuse.

(Thanks, Randall!)

Read More | TableTools

Latest Xbox Live Backwards Compatibiliy Update Breaks Halo 2

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: First Person Shooters, Xbox 360, Xbox Live,

So, we were feeling nostalgic last night and decided to play a little Halo 2 on the Xbox 360. Earlier in the day, there had been an update to the backwards compatibility list, and the Xbox 360 prompted us to download it before continuing with the gaming session. After the update was applied, we fired up Halo 2, only to find that it had been “broken.” How so? We have a 46” widescreen HDTV in our lab, and Halo 2 has always played in its widescreen mode. This time, it was in a 4x3 box, squeezed so that everything was really skinny. I made sure the aspect ratio of the TV hadn’t been changed, but when I changed it to 4x3, it was even thinner. So basically, the latest update has rendered playing Halo 2 in widescreen 720p non-existent. Luckily, it looks like the right people are aware of the problem, and a fix should be released later today.

HTC Wizard Windows Mobile 5.0 Device Review

Posted by Sparky Categories: Smartphones, Features, Handhelds, Product Reviews,

Recently we were able to acquire a Qtek 9100, a European version of the soon to be released Cingular 8125. The HTC Wizard is a Windows Mobile 5.0 cellular phone with a sliding QWERTY keyboard and a great little form factor. For more information on the Wizard, and our full review, read on.

Click to continue reading HTC Wizard Windows Mobile 5.0 Device Review

SoundBike: The Bicycle That Laughs. Seriously.

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Design, Transportation,

If I knew how to ride a bike like a pro - or even like a ten year old for that matter - I would want it outfitted with the Soundbike. This is a project by Jessica Thompson, and it has peaked our interest. What happens is the SoundBike emits the sounds of laughter as the cyclist pedals. The faster the pedaling, the more hysterical the laughter gets. Is that not genius or what? I mean, imagine all the bikes in the Tour De France having this technology incorporated into them, and being able to just stand on the sidelines? Sweet.

Read More | Cool Hunting

Antec FANPAL Glowing USB Cooling Fan

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, USB, Peripherals,

There are so many unique USB devices out there, that it seems many have lost focus of what the USB slot is meant for. Today, we tried out a device that is marginally unique, but seems old-school due only to the fact that so many other USB devices are just too zany. We just received this interesting USB device from Antec which they are calling the FANPAL. You see, it’s cool because it’s spelled with all CAPS. Nonetheless, we just hooked it up and have a few short impressions of the device, which you can check out after the jump.

Oh, by the way, we are giving one of these away. Go win it.

Click to continue reading Antec FANPAL Glowing USB Cooling Fan

Antec FANPAL Glowing USB Fan

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Peripherals,

For the office Secret Santa party, or for a simple stocking stuffer, check out the Antec FANPAL. The FANPAL is an illuminated desktop fan, with the multi-colored LED and fan powered by a computers USB port. The colors are red, green, and blue, and it even has an adjustable stand for directing airflow. We have a few more pictures of the device in action here as well.

PRODUCT: Antec FANPAL
PRICE: $12 USD

WIN IT!: Wanna win an Antec FANPAL of your own? Just head on over to our Holiday Giveaway Forum Thread for details! One reader will walk away with a FANPAL courtesy of Antec and Gear Live Media.

Motorola Unveils Limited Edition Liquid Gold RAZR V3i

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Smartphones,

Motorola is really looking to cater to the high and mighty, a big change from the company we knew just a few years ago. Today they have announced the goldRAZR - one thousand of these gold RAZR V3i phones have been produced and will be sold exclusively at Dolce & Gabbana boutiques worldwide. Like its predecessors, it features the famous RAZR slim shape, premium metallic finish and advanced technology such as photo messaging and Bluetooth.

Vaja iVolution Leather iPod and PSP Cases

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Portable Audio / Video, Video Games,

We must admit - the time we have spent with any Vaja product we have been able to get our hands on has been a joy. The craftsmanship behind these cases is top notch, and in our experience, can’t be beat. We recommend these two cases in particular:

The Vaja iVod is a great case, and the company has just announced the i-Vod Video for the new video iPod. It protects the iPod, and is one of the few protective cases that is actually visually appealing. Many will find this product to be perfect, as it protects the screen, and has an option to even protect the click wheel as well. Expect to pay at least $70, but part of that high cost is the Vaja Choice customization options, which is a great service. Check out our

review of the 4th generation iVod DJ here.

WIN IT!: Wanna win an iVod DJ for your 4th generation iPod? Just head on over to our Holiday Giveaway Forum Thread for details! One reader will walk away with an iVod DJ watch courtesy of Vaja and Gear Live Media!

Product: iVod Video
Price: $70 USD

The i-Volution is the ultimate PSP case in terms of design and protection. It is lightweight, but firm enough to protect the PSP when in a backpack, or even if dropped a few feet. The leather looks and feels spectacular as well. This product is solid. The only downside would be price. $180 USD can get you a lot of things in terms of games and accessories. This one is for the elite - if you want to show off a little, this is the thing to get. You can read our full review of the PSP i-Volution here.

Product: i-Volution Case for PSP
Price: $180 USD

Xbox 360 Owners: Grab Windows Media Center 2005 Today For $115

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Xbox 360,

This one is a quick heads up for current, and possibly future, Xbox 360 owners. If you are looking to take full advantage of the Windows Media Connect infrastructure on your home network, then you need a PC with Windows Media Center 2005 installed. Newegg has a special on the software running today only, with a pricetag of about $115. From personal experience, we can tell you that this isn’t too shabby for the extra functionality that it brings. Of course, this won’t change the fact that your Xbox 360 won’t play Divx. Can’t win ‘em all.

Diode Watch Reviewed

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Accessories, Wearables,

Our friends over at OhGizmo got their hands on a TokyoFlash Diode watch, and put up a pretty thorough review of the device, culminating with:

The point is the watch is the epitome of geek chic. It’s manly, it’s made of stainless steel, it’s got LEDs, looks unusual and attention grabbing. It doesn’t just tell the time, it makes you decipher it. The timepiece costs $150 and ships from Japan.

Being fiends for unique watches, (heck, we are giving one away in our Holiday Gift Guide!) we had to share this one. Check out the full review at OhGizmo.

Read More | OhGizmo