Klipsch is re-introducing their s4i line by making it more durable and giving it some colors. There are lots of color to choose from (I actually like the burgundy ones). They are also waterproofing it which is great for any outdoor sporting activities.
Klipsch Image S4i Rugged
Mikros 70 Headphones
MartinLogan is introducing their first pair of headphones ever. I love their electrostatic speakers and can’t wait to try these out. According to the specs, the Mikros 70 body is constructed from black anodized solid aluminum – that’s probably why it’s at a modest $149 retail price.
Mimoco: USB Drives
The Japanese Singing Note Toy
Japanese toys are innovative, unique, and just plain weird! But hey, what’s life if it’s not spontaneous? So, what did our favorite engineering friends come up with this time? It is the cutest and weirdest instrument ever!! See how it works! The man in the video is Novmichi Tosa, the inventor of Otomatone – this wacky new instrument sweeping the nation. It follows a scale and comes with musical notes and everything!
Smaller iPad Screen
We really shouldn’t be spreading rumors but what the heck, some things in life are too good not to share. There are reports coming out that Apple is planning on producing a smaller iPad with a 7 to 8 inch screen. Even though the bigger iPad screen is great for surfing the net, the smaller screen will be perfect for the public transit commuter like me. With one hand on the rail bar and one hand on a smaller iPad – now they have to figure out how I can surf with just one thumb because I’m not taking that hand off the rail. Have you seen how some bus drivers drive around lately?
Check out the Bloomberg article: iPad with Smaller Screen.
Snap a Pic … Retro-like!
Here is a cool, useful case for your iPhone…one part sturdy with two parts retro!
The Gizmon iPhone case adds that little bit (O.K….A LOT) of nostalgic, vintage feel of those Leica-style cameras to your technological gadget. It adds extra photographic capabilities to the regular iPhone camera (and can even be mounted onto a tripod).
Guinness Book of World Records: Catching Golf Ball in Car
Bayan Audio 7 iPod Speaker Dock
Here’s a nice little system to dock your iPhone – the Bayan Audio 7. It has an 8″ woofer with 120W of power which is loud enough for any room. It can also charge and play any Apple devices. The only problem – it’s currently only available in England. Hopefully it makes it’s way here in the States.
For more info on this cool iPod speaker dock, go to: Bayan Audio 7 iPod Speaker Dock.
The 411 on Mirrorless DSLR (MILC)
If you had recently stopped by your local electronics store, you may have seen more advertising pushed on a new type of digital camera class – the mirrorless DSLR. These cameras look like digital point and shoots (POS) but they have the ability to change lenses.
Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera (MILC)
Mirrorless Interchangeable-lens cameras (MILC) are just that – they are cameras without the mirrors. MILC cameras use electronic viewfinders, which is just the rear LCD screen, to look at your subject. Moreover, some have no viewfinders at all. Because of this, MILCs can be smaller and lighter, similar to POS digital cameras.
Mirrorless DSLRs use interchangeable lens just like the DSLR’s do. Now you have the option to use regular pancake lenses, wide-angle lenses, and telephoto lenses, unlike digital POS cameras where the lenses are fixed with limited zooming and focusing capabilities.
DSLR Gear to Get You That Pro Look While on a Budget
I came from a broadcasting background and grew up with camcorders, so I was weary when the first DSLR cameras hit the market with video capabilities. Can DSLR’s do a better job with video? As the years passed, I have to say DSLR cameras recording video is not a fad, it’s here to stay.
Point & Shoot (POS) cameras and camcorders are on a downward slide, while DSLRs are on the upswing, and in these next two years it will be an awesome time for fans of DSLRs. The two big companies – Canon and Nikon, are waging a DSLR battle. Just this year – Canon released the 5D Mark 3 ($3,500USD), and Nikon released two cameras- the D3200($700USD) and the D800 ($3000USD). Starting later this year or early 2013, Nikon will be releasing the D5200, D400, and D800 and Canon will be releasing the T4i, 7D Mark 2 and 70D and you can expect incredible audio and video recording capabilities.
With all these cameras and lenses to spend money on, you might be thinking I don’t have too much leftover cash to spend on professional or prosumer gear like tripods, LED flashes, etc. Wrong again. Here’s some equipment on a budget that will make you look like a professional:
Sol Republic Tracks
Jake Dyson’s LED Light
This light bulb is promised to last 37 years. I probably need to change it one more time before I die. What a hassle.
For more info, check out: PSFK – Jake Dyson LED Light.
DIY Crystal cMoy Headphone Amp
This is actually a headphone amplifier and it works just like an amplifier for your speaker. Audiophiles swear by it and, once you listen to one, you might also become a believer. This is a very clever design and its beautifully simple. Unfortunately, this is a concept product and is not yet for sale. The site does provide a schematic for those who are handy DIYers.
For more info check out: Instructables – Crystal cMoy Free Form Headphone Amplifier.
Turn Soda Cans into Speakers
Find The Perfect (or, at least, “cool”) Gift For Dad!!
Father’s Day is around the corner!
Looking for a special gift that makes Dad’s eye’s light up with that Dude, that’s sooo cool look?
Well, here are a few of such gifts that might just do the trick….and, if not, maybe the ol’ man will pass them down to you….PRONTO!
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This is an old school way to get Pops to embrace his new school iPod!
Marshal headphones: $99.95
The Perfect iPhone Case Design?
The Ö Case is designed by Löytö Esineiden. This iPhone case is not just cool, it’s supposed to be functional. The case has a screen cleaning slider and space to house the earbuds. It’s only a design concept as of now. You can check out Yanko Design for more photos and details: Ö Case designed by Löytö Esineiden.
ikyaudio Red Lobesters Speakers
Who knew PVC tubing can be used for speakers? These are ikyaudio Red Lobesters audio speakers. It’s a little pricey at $225.00USD, but it’s custom hand-made and it comes with a mini 15-watt amp. Orders will take 3-4 weeks to complete.
For pricing and info, go to: Etsy ikyaudio.
Mix Tape USB Memory Stick
Anybody remember buying cassette tapes in the 80s? I remember buying tape albums of Debbie Gibson and Paula Abdul. I also remember making mix tapes, like taping songs from the radio with my boombox. Now you can flashback to the 80s with this SUCKUK product – the Mix Tape 1GB USB Memory Stick.
Pick it up @ Amazon – SUCKUK Mix Tape 1GB USB Memory Stick.
MSRP: $21.25USD
Frankie’s Garage: Honda Uni-Cub
PiCycle The Electric Bike
Even for a bicycle this is a very clever design, but here they push it even further – they made it into an electric bike. I never drove a hybrid, but just recently I drove the Lexus CT for a day and totally fell in love with it. On the downhill, the speed of the car is reduced, charging your battery and reducing your brake wear. This electric bicycle also contains a similar brake regenerative technology. Most electric bicycles I’ve seen don’t have that. Can’t wait to try one out. I’d wish the city would start a program where one can rent these from say the San Francisco Castro area, ride down Market Street, and end up at the Embarcadero – this would make going to work very enjoyable.
Peeing Video Game by SEGA
Usually the men’s restroom in public areas are a filthy mess. But maybe a interactive video game can help men shoot straight. Video game company SEGA will introduce the Toylet. You get points for shooting straight.
Google Maps with NES Graphics!
Amazon.com Goes Retro Gaming
It doesn’t matter if you’re a hardcore or a causal gamer while growing up as a kid but somehow and someway we’ve bought many video game systems over our lifetimes. I have probably spent over a couple thousand dollars buying and collecting video games for the Sega Saturn alone. I had everything for the Sega Saturn – I had the US console and also the Japanese “white” edition. I had the official Sega light guns for Virtua Cop, the 4MB RAM cart for those classic Capcom, and even SNK 2D fighters and shooters. Plus, I had this crazy cool fighting game – Groove on Fight. And I had the 3D analog controller for Nights and Burning Rangers. As you can tell by now I was a Sega fanboy.
I was going through my attic and found that I still had several gaming systems, like the Atari 7800, Sega CDX and Sega Dreamcast. I still have the sticker price on the Atari 7800 box. Guess how much Kaybee Toys was selling this system? $79.00 USD! Now, after I removed all the cob webs and dusted off the systems, I wanted to get the games I couldn’t get as a kid. Yes, you can go to eBay or Craigslist to find some old games, but where’s a site that’s more accessible and secure to buy old games now? Just recently, about 2 weeks ago, Amazon.com opened a brand new store front called the “Retro Gaming Store.” So now you can buy old video games and gaming systems, and yes, I know Panzer Dragoon RPG for the Saturn is still an expensive game to buy on here, but you can find some other games and systems at reasonable prices. It’s all about shopping around. I am glad that Amazon wants to open a Retro Gaming Store, because I don’t really care to shop at Gamestop.
His & Hers USB Gifts
Do you need a gift for your man? Do you need a gift for your woman? How about a cool geeky USB device?
For Him: Victorinox Flash 64GB, MSRP $400.00USD
How is your man not going to like this? The Superman of tools and even a nerdy dude like me has a Swiss Army knife. This Victorinox Flash has not only a 64GB USB flash unit but also a biometric fingerprint scanner so only you can access your billionaire plans to rule the world. And there is Bluetooth and a laser pointer if you have to do a presentation on why the American youth need to take statistics classes. If you are bored in your cubicle, it also has a nail filer to tame your nails.































