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September 04, 2007
Tech journalist Akash Sablok of AndNowYouKnow.net is back with more fun gadgets, but this time, with an educational twist as we herald in the first day of classes. Games, fitness, music, even literature is covered in this update so check out the video! For details on the featured items, read on… Bushnell Velocity Speed Gun Akash hates radar guns! Even if you’re driving the speed limit and see you one pointed at you, you still slam on the brakes. This one, though, he likes. It tells him how fast his baseball pitch is, how fast his tennis serve is, how fast he shot the puck down the ice, and even how fast he’s driving. It’s accurate to +/- 1.0 miles per hour using digital technology and DSP (digital signal processing). Measure the speed of a baseball from up to 90 feet, or a vehicle from as far as 1,300 feet. Suggested Retail Price: $99.99 US (prices vary depending on source) TomTom ONE XL Portable Extra-Wide Screen GPS Navigation System Your new HDTV is widescreen, so why not your GPS unit? The ONE XL from TomTom has a 4.3-inch display that gives you a better perspective of the road ahead. Besides GPRS mapping, there is the optional RDS-TMC radio-based real-time traffic information, and clear and accurate turn-by-turn voice instructions – but you get to pick the voice! There is an SD card for upgrades and the built-in Bluetooth connection provides access to TomTom PLUS subscription-based services. Suggested Retail Price: $499.95 CDN (prices vary depending on source) Olympus DS-50 Digital Voice Recorder Can you sing, talk or just mumble? No matter what your vocal chords are transmitting out, you can record in full digital clarity on this handy little recorder. The internal 1 GB memory gives you up to 275 hours or recording, plus the ability to play back your own mp3 files (downloaded through the USB port). The playback and recording software comes with tons of options. Suggested Retail Price $299.99 CDN (prices vary depending on source) Logitech QuickCam Pro For Notebooks With a Carl Zeiss optics lens, premium autofocus, and HD video capability, the latest version of the QuickCam Pro notebooks USB camera will make you a video conferencing star. Of course, what images you take with the true 2-megapixel sensor (up to 8-megapixel with software) is up to you…but remember, the Internet is watching. RightLight 2 Technology adjusts intelligently to produce the best possible images in dimly lighted or poorly backlighted settings. A built-in mic records you laughing at yourself. When at home, you can sit the camera on top of the included 12-inch desktop stand. When travelling, put it into the travel case. If you’re really creative, use Logitech’s Video Effects software to personalize your conversations with hundreds of avatars and face accessories that mirror expressions and motion. Suggested Retail Price: $105 CDN (prices vary depending on source) iHome Bike to Beach Bicycle Speaker for iPod (iH85B) Just when you thought you were safe from new iPod accessories, here comes one for your bike. You’ll need a break from your studying, so here’s a good excuse to get some exercise and some fresh air. It’s safe to use though; your ears are left open to hear the horn of that 5-ton truck behind you. This water-resistant iPod speaker case clamps to your bike frame and you control all the fun from your handlebar mounted remote control. Suggested Retail Price: $104.99 CDN (prices vary depending on source) Suunto t4 Heart Rate Monitor This is more than just a “regular” heart rate monitor watch. This wristtop computer also monitors your caloric burn, training effect, speed and distance, and even has a built in coach. The Suunto Coach software plans your workouts for you – up to 5 days in advance – and adapts to your performance and fitness level. It adjusts the suggested intensity and duration of your workouts based on your previous performance and ensures that every workout, whether it be in a gym, on the road or on the slopes, is as efficient as possible. The Suunto t4 also links up to the Suunto PODs (Peripheral Observation Devices) that attach to your shoe or your wheel and measure speed and distance (sold separately) Suggested Retail Price: $200 US – Foot Pod Wireless Transmitter: $79 US (prices vary depending on source) The CliffsNotes DVD Series This involves 10 films in 9 releases, each an adaptation of a classic novel routinely studied in schools. This first-wave of titles includes Of Mice and Men, Moby Dick, Lord of the Flies and Les Miserables. You’ll recognize the familiar black and yellow that is now a box that contains both the study guide that we’re all familiar with, as well as a DVD of theatrical adaption. Come crunch time, these could come in be pretty darn handy. Suggested Retail Price: $16 CDN (prices vary depending on source) Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree This 2-player game is the Nintendo Wii adaptation of the very popular Big Brain Academy for the Nintendo DS. Using Wii Remote controller’s hands-on control, the game tests players’ brains with fun problems. It keeps track of your progress and is a great way to ‘exercise’ your brain. Suggested Retail Price: $39.99 CDN (prices vary depending on source) Griffin Amplifi 2.1 Sound System for iPod All study and no music makes a student dull. And if you’re gonna crank the tunes, why not do it in style. Amplifi is the latest iPod (or any mp3 player for that matter) speaker/player. The all-wood, acoustically tuned enclosure with bass reflex port and special ResonanceDrive construction gives Amplifi its amazing sound. Two front-firing 2-3/4″ neodymium drivers and 5″ down-firing woofer create a clean, powerful sound, and the single round volume knob in the front gives it a contemporary look. You can plug in any audio source to the built-in 3.5mm (1/8″) input jack, but it likes iPods best. And any iPod will work, as it comes with 6 iPod adapters/spacers. When you have your books in your lap, you won’t have to get up to change the song; use the included slim, 6-function IR remote control. Suggested Retail Price: $159 (prices vary depending on source) Targus Convertible Backpack Roller Notebook Case Textbooks are getting heavier and heavier each year. Soon, you won’t even need a gym membership; you can just keep running from class to class! Lighten the load on your back with the Convertible Backpack Roller Notebook Case. It can be used like a regular backpack or throw it on the ground (ah, gently), pull the handle out and you have roller case, complete with two in-line skate wheels. A protective rear flap holds the shoulder straps in place when using it as a roller, then lower the flap to cover the wheels for greater comfort when in backpack mode. It includes a padded removable slip-case for notebooks with up to 15.4″ screens and a top front pocket with protective nyflex lining for iPod/MP3 players, PDA or sunglasses. There’s lot of little storage areas, but the most important one – a mesh water bottle holder! Suggested Retail Price: $99.99 (prices vary depending on source) Leave a Reply |
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