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Poken Links Social Networking

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Internet,

Poken ScreenshotPoken

Social networking freaks may already be aware of Poken. This interesting concept combines that with a unique cutesy animal device that will keep all your Facebook, MySpace and other sites’ information. Your Poken pokes another one in real time and you can exchange info so that you can find them next time you go virtual. In actual fact, the Poken is a USB connector with basic personal data. The site is fairly new, but they are planning on adding more features like message sending. That is a good thing, because it’s been our experience that we meet most chums online first rather than the opposite.

 

Read More | Poken

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2008 Holiday gift Guide: Samsung SC-MX20

Samsung SC-MX20If you want an inexpensive camcorder that gives you a bit more quality than what you’d find with a Kodak ZI6 or camera, we think the Samsung SC-MX20 would be up your alley. This camera offers some nice features that the other low-end cams just don’t have, like image stabilization, face detection, and a 24x optical zoom. It accepts SD and MMC cards up to 32GB, and has an internal battery life of 3 hours. The Samsung SC-MX20 retails for $250, but we found it on Amazon for 15% off at $212.

Oh, and for those of you who just have to have the high definition version, the Samsung SC-MX20C can be had for 30% off on Amazon, for $592.60.

Read More | Samsung SC-MX20

Verbatim 96688 Speaker Keyboard

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: PC / Laptop, Peripherals, USB,

Verbatim Speaker Keyboard

Verbatim’s 96668 Keyboard is perfect for people who have now have external speakers with no on/off switch. It features integrated dual stereo with volume and bass keys. It also has back lighting for nighttime illumination with play and pause control on the media console, connects by USB and is compatible with Windows 2000/XP/Vista. The Speaker Keyboard generally sells for about $79.00, but we managed to find one on Amazon with a $20.00 rebate if you purchase before December 23.

 

Read More | Verbatim

Kaiser Baas Video to DVD Maker

Kaiser Baas DVD MakerMake this the year that you finally get rid of your old VHS tapes and convert them to discs. Kaiser Baas’ Video to DVD Maker does just what it says. With a simple plug-and-play USB 2.0 interface, connect your player or camcorder. Then capture, edit, and put on DVDs to view or upload to iPod, PSP or YouTube. Compatible with both Mac and PC, the DVD Maker comes with PowerProducer for burning and PowerDirector for uploading. Check with system requirements as old computers may have a problem. In black, white or red, the price is a decent $79.95.

Read More | Kaiser Baas

USB Flash/Jump Drive MP3 Player/FM Tuner

Flash Drive/MP3 PlayerWe are constantly amused by how many electronic devices can be shoved into one functioning unit. This one combines a 1GB MP3 Player, an FM tuner, and a 2.0 flash/jump drive, with a removable cap for access, all in one. It supports MP3 and WMA formats, has a customizable backlit display, and runs on an included AAA battery. Both a stereo music earphone and USB cable are included in the $18.50 price.

Read More | DealExtreme

24 Hour Fitness Launches bodybugg Upgrade, Now Mac Compatible

bodybugg armband

If you’re a fan of the hit NBC reality series, “The Biggest Loser,” you’ve no doubt noticed that contestants wear a device called a bodybugg on the back of their right arm. The bodybugg is a biometric calorie management system available through 24 Hour Fitness, which uses four sensors to convert measurements of galvanic skin response, physical activity, and body temperature into a real-time measurement of calories burned throughout the day. Users wear the compact armband, which easily fits under clothing, over the triceps on their upper left arm - allowing you to take it everywhere you go.

According to the release, “No matter what activity a user is doing – washing dishes, playing with the kids or working out – the bodybugg calculates the amount of energy expended in each motion. Users then download their captured bodybugg data to a Web interface that tracks caloric measurements and helps them monitor their food intake and activity levels as they seek to achieve their fitness goals. The Web interface includes customized menus and a database of thousands of common foods to make calorie-tracking simple.”

Upgraded features of the new bodybugg system include:

  • New sleek, contemporary look and 50% smaller size
  • USB cable to upload data and charge the device
  • Now both PC and Mac compatible
  • A free six-month (previously only three-month) online subscription to the www.bodybugg.com Web interface for tracking progress and success.

The basic principle behind weight loss is simple: you just need to burn more calories than you take in; combining the bodybugg with it’s online services and adjusting your own personal choices based on its recommendations, weight loss may just become a little easier. Watch for a review in the near-future.

Read More | MarketWatch

MyTunes Miniature Amp iPod Speaker

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Music, Portable Audio / Video, USB,

MyTunes SpeakerWe finally found something at Hammacher Schlemmer that is both original and actually affordable. The Miniature Amp iPod Speaker has three working dials for volume, treble and bass, and a full-range 5W driver. Plug the audio cable into your player’s earphone jack or connect to your computer with included USB cable. At a size of 5 x 3 3/4 x 3 1/2-inches, the MyTunes speaker needs 3 AA batteries (not included), comes with a lifetime warranty and carries a price of $29.95.

Read More | Hammacher Schlemmer

USB Tengu Gets a Makeover

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Accessories, USB, Toys,

TenguRemember Tengu, the USB toy/buddy that reacts to sound? Mr. Jones recently contacted us to let you know that there is now an updated version with five new faces, now at a price of £19.95 ($30.00.) He is offering free shipping during December when you add in the code “TENGU-08.” There is also a special edition Wooden Tengu for £30 (~$45.00,) but be quick as there are only a few available.

(Thanks, Crispin)

Read More | Tengu

LaCie Flat Cables

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, PC / Laptop, USB,

LaCie Flat CablesLaCie has come up with a new line of cables that they refer to as “practical and fun.” We like to call them cords for the “cable challenged.” The Flat Cables are available in three types of USB interfaces in blue, in addition to the orange FireWire 400 and 800, and green eSATA connectors. Each one has its own labels for more customization. The LaCie cable starts at a price of £9.00 (~$13.00.)

Read More | LaCie

EDG Business Card Has Video

EDG

Jump Lab’s EDG (pronounced “edge”) doubles as a business card with video information. It features an interactive screen, audio/video capability and a USB port for transferring data. Originally conceived for pharmaceutical firms and their clients, the rCard can be adapted to many different types of businesses, such as clubs, casinos and more. The card is available in three different models, a standard version for promotions, the Lightning for content-changing use, and the Platinum for activity and transactions. The EDG is priced according to quantity and data involved, but the estimate comes somewhere between $17.50 and $29.00 per card.

 

Read More | Gizmag

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