Dr. Gadget

Oscillator Cufflinks

icevik — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:39:57 +0000

Here we have the latest candidate for a possible updated version of last year’s 10 Beautiful Geek Cufflinks entry; a pair of cufflinks made from electronic oscillators.

This piece of jewelry has been handmade by Etsy member digiBling using two 25 MHz oscillators that are 1/2in. (12.7 mm) square and 1/4in. (6.4 mm) thick in size.

The Half Can Oscillator Cufflinks are available from digiBling’s Etsy shop for $10. There is only one pair in stock, so you better hurry if you want to dress up in circuit style.

USB Email Notifier

icevik — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:30:26 +0000

This little envelope style computer accessory connetcs to your computer’s USB port and will then alert you of any new incoming emails by illuminating in blue, red or green.
Features:

Webmail Notifier connects to your private email account when you can not, and let’s you know what is going on!
Webmail Notifier works in the background to inform you every time you receive a personal email and even the capacity of unread emails!
No battery require
Soft Illuminated Blue, Red, Green indicator
Webmail Notifier supports : gmail, yahoo, outlook, outlook express, POP3
Easy operating software
Powered by USB with 4 feet cables
Every new mail will be associated with a sound
Compatible with Windows Vista / XP / 2000

The USB Webmail Notifier is sold by Dream Cheeky (no word on pricing).

Draganflyer X6 – R/C Helicopter with Camera

icevik — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:27:33 +0000

The radio-controlled mini helicopter Draganflyer X6 is designed to carry wireless video cameras and still cameras. A pair of glasses lets you see the same thing as the chopper in the air, while you are standing on the ground with the handheld controller.

Use the high definition motion video provided by the Draganflyer X6 helicopter for security, reconnaissance, inspection, damage assessment, research, real estate promotion, or advertising. It can be used for virtually anything.

The Draganflyer X6 is small enough to fly indoors where other full-size helicopters or airplanes can’t, yet is large enough to fly outdoors in winds up to 30km/h (18mph).

The Draganflyer X6 helicopter uses 11 sensors and thousands of lines of code to self-stabilize during flight. This means the Draganflyer X6 is easier to fly than any other helicopter in its class.

More photos, videos and information about the Draganflyer X6 at draganfly.com.

R/C Hovering Space Surfer

icevik — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:22:43 +0000

Here’s something you don’t see every day, a radio-controlled 9-inch “space surfer” that hovers in the air, spins 360 degrees, and moves left, right, backward and forward.

Capable of indoor or outdoor flights, the space surfer has dual propellers that generate enough thrust to send the device from a stationary position to 66-feet in the air without requiring a hand-launch.

The radio frequency remote control has proportional throttle and trim settings that allow it to be precisely controlled through climbs, descents, and turns.

The device is powered by a rechargeable battery that recharges via the included AC adapter. Remote has a 27 feet range and requires a 9-volt battery. Operates for 15 minutes after a 70-minute charge.

The R/C Hovering Space Surfer is available from Hammacher Schlemmer for $89.95.

My Documents Laptop Sleeve

icevik — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 13:03:28 +0000

Are you looking for a fun and geeky way to protect you precious portable computer when you’re on the move? Check out the “My Documents” laptop sleeve, a bright yellow case designed like the virtual folders on your hard drive.

Product Page

Teacup Birdfeeders For Stuck-up Birds

icevik — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:49:32 +0000

Birds are classy. They deserve to be treated like royalty as they run a muck in our neighborhoods, waking us up with annoying chirps and shitting all over our cars immediately after they’ve been washed.

Etsy seller Ohthepollybilities makes these quaint teacup bird-feeders with an ordinary China teacup and some well-placed chain links. The seller describes its possibilities as “endless” but I see little productivity in this teacup for anything other than a bird feeder. It could be hung by a sink to hold sponges, or hung in your bathroom to hold your assortment of toiletry, but who the fuck are you, Martha Stewart? They’re are available for $20, a small price to pay for birds in your yard, chirping your name in the morning.

Pet’s Eye View Digital Camera

icevik — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:43:14 +0000

Sometimes we come across gadgets that really get us excited! However after we read the specs of said gadgets more closely our little gadget balloons get deflated. Case in point, the Pet’s Eye View Digital Camera. This compact digital camera attaches to your your pet’s collar and is made of ultra durable water-resistant ABS plastic. Photos are shot at 640×480 resolution at intervals of either 1, 5, or 15 minutes. Sounds great, so what’s the catch? According to the product description there’s only enough internal memory to hold roughly 35 photos, which means at best you’re only going to capture a little over eight hours in the life of your pet before you’ll run out of space. (No mention of a memory card slot to add extra memory either, bummer.)

Product Page

Microsoft releases new webcams

icevik — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:37:25 +0000

Microsoft isn’t a famous name when it comes to hardware, but that doesn’t mean they don’t come up with anything decent. Their range of keyboards, mice and webcams are pretty good in terms of performance. Today, we’ll look at a couple of webcam releases from the software giant – the LifeCam Show and LifeCam VS-5500. Both peripherals will feature new designs that will sit down well with most people, and is versatile enough to function on both desktop and notebook platforms. The LifeCam Show is extremely sleek, and is touted to be one of the slimmest webcams available in the market now while the LifeCam VX-5500 wears a more sassy approach, featuring switchable faceplates that come in a trio of colors and an innovative, collapsible design for easy portability. Both models will deliver high-end audio and video performance without missing a beat, and they support the Video Messages service that makes it easy to send and receive video messages to your contacts.

Microsoft rolls out BlueTrack technology

icevik — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:35:23 +0000

Microsoft lays claim to the most advanced tracking technology in the world (for mice, at least), the Microsoft BlueTrack Technology. What’s so special about this, you ask? Well, it enables consumers to take use their mice just about anywhere they like without worrying about the type of surface. This makes me remember of the good old days when owning a mousepad factory was still profitable – optical and laser technology have since advanced pretty far, although laser still doesn’t do glass. This is where BlueTrack comes in handy – it offers the precision of laser tracking on just about any surface, ranging from a granite kitchen countertop to the living room carpet. As to why you’re mousing on either surface, I suppose that’s something only you can explain.

Fork Chair Brings a Whole New Meaning to “Spooning”

icevik — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 12:33:42 +0000

Sure, the fork provides much needed back support, but it’s the spoon that delivers up a heapin’ helpin’ of your fat ass. Seriously, if you have a chair like this you had better own a restaurant. Otherwise it may be time to put down the fork and admit you have an unhealthy obsession with food.