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M.M.G. - 1/15/07 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

It is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and I hope you did not have to get up early. However, on those days you need assistance waking up, here is something that should do the trick: Sonic Boom Alarm Clock by Sonic Alert. It features:

•         Powerful 12V bed shaker        
•         Pulsating flash alert lights
•         Hi/Low dimmer switch
•         Extra loud 113dB audio alarm with adjustable tone and volume control
•         Sound and vibration notification only
•         Battery backup maintains time and alarm settings in the event of a power failure      

Although, for those of us who were in the Bay Area for the Loma Prieta earthquake, the 12v Bed Shaker may be a bit unnerving.

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In my battle to address an overload of USB usage on my laptop, this may help somewhat - the wiDock

by Silex Technology. You can:

• Set your iPod free to go where it wants to go.                                                   
• Synchronize your home entertainment wirelessly.                                                   
• Integrate iPod with TV, stereo, and computer in one effortless system.
• Play audio and video anywhere in your entertainment system.                                                   
• Update your playlist without plugging in.                                                   
• Connect multiple iPods and multiple computers.
  

With a price tag of $120, it seems like an intriguing option.

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Given all the hubbub last week, I would be remiss if I did not mention the iPhone debuted by Steve Jobs at MacWorld. I must say, it looks pretty impressive. For a look at the features, check out this interview:

The iPhone will not be available until June. In the interim, it should be interesting to see how the battle between Apple and CISCO plays out over the name.

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However, the coolest debut from last week, in my opinion, was the 108" Flat-panel LCD by Sharp. Now that is a television.

Have a great holiday. Continue to dream!

M.M.G. 1-8-2007

Happy New Year!

We are back after a break for the holidays. Refreshed, rejuvenated, and probably ten pounds heavier. With that in mind, here are a couple of gadgets that may help in sticking to those New Year's resolutions to get in or stay in shape:

The Nike + iPod

Now I know I wasn't completely on board with this collabo initially, basically due to my affinity for Adidas (they have partnered with Polar). However, I tried out the 8GB Red Nano, Nike + iPod Sport Kit and a pair of Nike Air Max 180 over the holidays. Turns out, it is pretty nice. While it is not for the serious runner, it is great for the average runner to track your runs.

Now, for the serious runner (which I am only pretending to be), there is the Garmin Forerunner 305. It is a GPS Running Computer that comes with a heart rate monitor to track your training zones. Now, it is a little bulky. Probably about the size of a beeper (remember those). However, it is still not too much heavier than a watch. Once you connect to a satellite, you are off and running with a complete breakdown of your run when you are done - time, distance, pace, speed, path, heart rate, etc. You can also upload to your computer and get a visual of your path via Google Earth. It can also be used for other activities, e.g., biking, hiking, skiing, etc.
 

Happy Training!

MMG 12-18-2006

Good Morning All -

I do not know why I am on a USB drive kick, but I just find it fascinating to see what people/companies are doing to try and dress them up. I have already demonstrated my fondness for the Star Wars inspired USB drives, but this one I cannot seem to get down with:

Wooden Memory Stick.

Now, as the season is turning to winter, my mind has started to wander and look forward to some time on the slopes. And I think I have found a great accessory - the iSoundCap Ski Cap.

Now I am sure some people may have a problem with having their iPod on the dome while barreling down the mountain at 40 mph (I may be overselling my skiing prowess and bravery), but even without that I tend to recommend that you not fall on your head.

For my category of "Why?" there is the "La Feel":

Tell me if this doesn't have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome written all over it. What ever happened to the mouse that just pointed and clicked?

Until next Monday...

M.M.G. - 11/27/06

Just in case you did not spend enough or all of your money on "Black Friday" consider these items:

1. If you have trouble viewing your monitor from across the hall, Samsung has the monitor for you - the CX305T 30" Widescreen Monitor.

2. The Nokia 8800 Sirocco Diamond Edition - Pimp my phone.

3. The Shanling SCD-T200A Super Audio Tube CD Player. It might not look like it, but it does actually play CDs. It will only cost you $3,000.

4. The Ronda Media Chair. Now this is something I could get down with. I wonder if it comes in a recliner model.

And for my Gadget of the Week - well it is not a gadget itself, but will help you carry your gadgets and accessories...

5. The Technology-Enabled Fleece Jacket. There is suede one (Rodeo Technology-Enabled Jacket) as well, but it is only available in large. You can purchase the jackets at Brookstone, of course.