10 must-have gadgets to pep up geekiness this Xmas
Before heading for Christmas shopping, gadget freaks may do well to take a dekko at the top ten gadget list we've compiled for this Christmas's shopping season. So, sit back and take your pick as we bring you a eclectic mix of gadgets ranging from wireless chargers to blade-less air multipliers.
Powermat Wireless Charger
We are fast moving toward a wireless world that shuns wires not just for the transmission of electricity but even for everyday use of electricity. Continuing in this vein, we have the Powermat Wireless Charger. This charger will charge your devices using the principle of wireless induction. But we have a catch here. To use the Powermat, you will have to purchase a special case that is device specific. So this will mean an extra expense of $40 over and above the cost of $100 for the Powermat Wireless Charger. While this makes the Powermat a pricey charger, we feel it is well worth the money for the sheer convenience that it brings to the table. Take a look at the video we've lined up for you.
Livescribe Pulse Smartpen
"Smart" is a word that symbolizes most devices of our current times. Now, the word smart gets affixed on the ubiquitous pen. Livescribe's Pulse Smartpen does a whole lot more than just writing. The Pulse Smartpen has an infrared camera that will record each word you write on its 2GB or 4GB internal memory. This can then be uploaded onto your computer via the USB connectity of the pen, which doubles up as a charger for the pen. In addition to this, the Smartpen also has a recorder that will record your voice, and a speaker to play it back for you. So, you get a camera, recorder and a pen all rolled into one very smart device. You can buy yourself the Livescribe Pulse Smartpen for $169.95.
Apple's Magic Mouse
Every now and then, Apple comes along with a revolutionary product that is oh-so-cool. This year, Apple decided to give the generic computer mouse the legendary Apple makeover. The result of this is a mighty impressive, wireless multi-touch mouse that dispenses with those pesky little buttons to end up as a smooth, nice-to-touch-and-feel device. To navigate, users will use their fingers on the touch-sensitive surface. By this, they can use all the familiar mouse controls that includes scrolling too. Instead of optical tracking, the Magic Mouse will use laser tracking which enables users to use the mouse over a range of surfaces hitherto not possible with an optical tracking system. For power, the Magic Mouse uses two pen cells. All this comes for a good-looking price tag of $69.
Zeo Personal Sleep Coach
We'e heard of language coaches, sports coaches and even life coaches, but here is a very unusual device that calls itself your sleep coach. This device will actually help you stay healthier by making you go to sleep. To be more precise, the Zeo Personal Sleep Coach is a device that will monitor your sleep pattern and help you sleep better by analyzing causes that deprive you of your sleep. Then, the Zeo will suggest exercises tailor-made for your sleep pattern, which will eventually help you sleep peacefully. To do all this, the Zeo will sit atop your forehead by means of a headband while you sleep. Sitting there, it will use its wireless SoftWave sensors to record and monitor your sleep patterns. This data can then be uploaded to your PC through a USB port. Like this, the data can be analyzed and custom exercise programs can be generated to help you sleep better. All this gadgetry will lighten your pocket by $249.
StellarWindow
Since time immemorial, man has always been wondering about what goes on in space. Here is a device that will bring an entire planetarium right to your bedside. The only catch is that it is sufficiently miniaturized to be easily carried around. We're talking about the StellarWindow, which will show you the enchanting celestial happenings of the night sky by means of its six-axis tracking system. You can use the StellarWindow to point at the infinitesimal night sky and then transfer the rich imagery happenings to your PC or laptop for posterity. The StellarWindow sells for $299, a small price to pay for the awe-inspiring insights it offers into the celestial world.
Flo TV
Many wrote off the ubiquitous idiot box with the advent of the internet and DVB-H technology on mobile phones. The idiot box managed to evolve and sell more and more every passing year. Now, it it's latest iteration, the TV becomes smarter and gets miniaturized into the Flo TV. The Flo TV is a handheld mobile television that will beam live TV for you on the go. You can watch your favorite programs on a 3.5-inch interactive touchscreen. The Flo TV device comes with a onetime cost of $249, and users will have to shell out an additional $8.99 per month as subscription charges to watch TV on the go.
FitBit
Pedometers to measure your fitness training and exercise routines have become pretty commonplace. Another addition to this burgeoning segment is the FitBit. But unlike other pedometers on the market, the FitBit comes across as a refreshing break from the ordinary and mundane. The FitBit manages to squeeze in a triaxial accelerometer that tracks your steps, calculates the intensity level of your movement, the distance traveled, and the calories you burned in a sleek and sexy 3-inch form factor. The FitBit looks like a tie clip that can be attached to your clothing, and from here on, the FitBit will do all your fitness data crunching for you. You can make the FitBit a part of your exercise routine for $100.
Handpresso
Expresso lovers can now take their cuppa along wherever they go. No, we aren't talking about tinned expresso, but a handy little device that'll conjure up your expresso for you, on the go. Say hello to the Handpresso Expresso coffee-making machine which will use muscle power to make expressos — well almost. To make yourself a stimulating cuppa, all you need to do is pump the handle of the Handpresso to the right pressure level. Then you've got to add an espresso pod and hot water. Flip the switch, lo and behold, you're expresso is ready to be gulped down. The Handpresso will become yours for about $142.
Verizon MiFi 2200 Portable WiFi Hotspot
Hunting down the nearest hotspot when you are outdoors will become a thing of the past with the Verizon MiFi portable Wi-Fi hotspot. This portable Wi-Fi hotspot is tiny enough to be carried around in your pocket and features a rechargeable battery that will keep it juiced up. The MiFi hotspot can support up to five devices simultaneously, which makes it a very handy option even for a multiple-user environment. The compact yet powerful MiFi 2200 device is carried by Verizon and retails for $100.
Dyson Air Multiplier
Stodgy looking portable fans will soon become passe with gorgeous-looking air multipliers like the Dyson making a entry. The Dyson Air Multiplier encloses a blower in its base and forces the air through a ring of vents which are designed to multiply the air. The Dyson is substantially more quieter than your average desk fan, and if you are contemplating buying one, you must, simply for the sexy design it comes with. The Dyson Air Multiplier can be a fitting addition to your desktop for $300. Check out the video depicting the Dyson Air Multiplier in action.
