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This 4-in-1 Emergency Tool features 9 flashing LEDs to warn others of your peril, a glass break hammer, a white bulb flashlight on its top and a seatbelt cutter. Think of it as extreme mini-jaws of life. The device is waterproof and comes with 2 AA batteries. It attaches to any metal surface with the magnet on its bottom. The tool has a special holiday price of $18.95 with free shipping, less if you order in quantity.
Read More 
| Safety Bright
Winter is coming too quickly for us. When it gets to the point where you are wearing socks all the time while computing, utilize your USB ports with Warmmi Heating Slippers. They come in both men and women’s styles in 3 colors and have a 2 meter cord attached. The booties reach up to 114ºF within 5 minutes and 131ºF within 10 minutes. They certainly look comfy, but you need a separate USB connection for each of the slippers. Find them for $14.99.
Read More | vavolo
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Navigon 8100T PND With Panorama View 3D
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: GPS, Science, Transportation, Wireless / WiFi,
Motorola may not be able to compete with Navigon’s latest PND. The 8100T has a very impressive Panorama View 3D. The system is created out of NASA terrain data with digital elevations. The GPS device has a 4.8-inch touchscreen, a built-in graphics accelerator, r/t traffic, voice address entry, Bluetooth and text-to-speech. The high end 8100T also features Zagat ratings and reviews for some locations and has a MSRP of $599.00. Look for it later this month.
Read More | cnet
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Circuit City just couldn’t save itself by selling off some of their stores and cutting back on employees during the last couple of months. They have filed for bankruptcy, making them the largest retailer to do so since Kmart in 2002. Reasons given include tougher vendor credit terms, a decrease in cash, and less consumer spending in their 556 outlets. They have even gone so far as to post a “We’re sorry” note on their site from CEO Jim Marcum. It may be a tough road back for the electronic chain and, while we hate to be blunt, while watching our local news we noticed that shoppers were grabbing some discounted items with glee.
Read More | Reuters
Microsoft’s Windows Celebrates 25 Years
Posted by Patrick Phelps Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Videos,
It was 25 years ago today that Bill Gates unveiled Microsoft Windows; of course, it wouldn’t be released in stores for nearly two more years, but it was undeniably the start of a revolution.
There are those who love to hate the software giant, but the Seattle-area economy has nothing to offer but gratitude – in King County, which includes Seattle and Microsoft hometown, Redmond, there are some 70,000 households with a net-worth of at least $1 million. My dentist once told me that his two brothers, who went to Microsoft while he went to dental school, both retired at the age of 36; he is well past 36 and definitely not retired. Some people have all the luck…
In honor of Windows’ anniversary, we’ve posted a video (up top) of current Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer doing his best cheesy car salesman impersonation in this ridiculous Windows commercial from the 80’s; proving that dignity is not always a prerequisite for success.
BTKeyMini Bluetooth Keyboard Works With iPhone
Posted by Patrick Phelps Categories: Accessories, Apple, Smartphones, Wireless / WiFi,
If you’re like me and have grand plans of typing up whatever comes to mind on your iPhone, but those giant fingers make it really awkward, you’re thrilled with the idea of a Bluetooth keyboard that allows you to strike real keys. The BTKeyMini is now available on pre-order from AValive for $92. The device has a cover that doubles as a holder for your iPhone and operates on its own battery; it’s designed to be folded up and carried in your bag – you know, the duffel you keep all of your iPhone gear in…
Read More | AValive via CrunchGear
DHL to Discontinue U.S. Domestic Shipping Services
Posted by Patrick Phelps Categories: Corporate News, Transportation,
DHL, a popular shipping alternative to FedEX, UPS and the U.S. Postal Service announced today in a press release that it will end all domestic shipping services effective January 30, 2009. According to the release, DHL’s U.S. Express business will focus entirely on its international offerings and will discontinue its domestic-only air and ground services, eliminating its U.S. ground hubs, and reducing the number of stations from 412 to 103. This will result in a reduction of 9,500 U.S. jobs at DHL Express on top of the approximately 5,400 positions already reduced since January; retaining 3,000 to 4,000 U.S. Express employees, tailored to the needs of international express customers. This reduction is expected to allow DHL’s U.S. Express business to reduce its operating costs from $5.4 billion to under $1 billion, a decrease of over 80%.
We’re hoping that this loss in competition doesn’t drive up the cost of shipping, seeing as the majority of our gadgets are doorstep-delivered by one of these shipping giants. Cross your fingers.
Moving right along, Pres-elect Barack Obama already has his own new official site. Change.gov features a countdown to the inauguration, updates on what he is doing and asks for input on personal stories concerning the election and the road you took to get there. There is also information concerning his future policy, agenda and a page to apply for a gig in the new administration. Sadly, there is no news yet about the puppy, which Obama claims is the topic of about 50% of the emails he receives.
Oh, and for an added tidbit, Obama’s site runs on ExpressionEngine - the same publishing tool we use here to run Gear Live. We recommend it to anyone.
Read More | Change.gov
Zune Zodiac Series Etchings
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Microsoft, Music, Portable Audio / Video,
It seems that every time we turn around, Zune has a new design. This time it is their Zodiac Series. Custom laser engraved, there are all 12 from the Western Zodiac from MS graphic designers and all of the animals from the Chinese years, which were designed by Iosefatu Sua. Choose your Zune, pick your etching for a little extra coinage, and you will also get access to matching wallpaper and playlists chosen by the artists.
Read More | electronistic
Walmart 12 Toys of Christmas Special
Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Portable Audio / Video, Toys,
Walmart is trying to keep that economy flowing with their 12 Toys of Christmas. The list includes the hot Elmo Live for $59.88 (which is really not that terrific a deal as Fisher-Price’s MSRP is $60.00,) Fisher-Price’s Portable DVD Player for $149.88, the EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles for $68.88 and Air Hogs Zero Gravity R/C Mini SUV for $25.00. Shop early. We found the Air Hogs already sold out online and you have to actually hit Walmart in the real world to get an Elmo.
Read More | Walmart
