Tesla Roadster

Electric cars were always environmentally friendly, quiet, clean — but definitely not sexy. The Tesla Roadster has changed all that. A battery-powered sports car that sells for $100,000 and has a top speed of 125 m.p.h. (200 km/h), the Roadster has excited the clean-tech crowd since it was announced in 2003. Celebrities like George Clooney joined a long waiting list for the Roadster; magazines like Wired drooled over it. After years of setbacks and shake-ups, the first Tesla Roadsters were delivered to customers this year. Reviews have been ecstatic, but Tesla Motors has been hit hard by the financial crisis. Plans to develop an affordable electric sedan have been put on hold, and Tesla is laying off employees. But even if the Roadster turns out to be a one-hit wonder, it's been a hell of an (electric) ride.
More Information: Tesla

Tweet

The Flip Video Camera

Like the iPod and the BlackBerry before it, the Flip Mino exploded into the mainstream, quickly becoming the most popular video camera in the country in its first year. It stores up to an hour of video clips on its internal drive, meaning you don't have to buy videotapes or memory cards, or even batteries (you charge it through your PC). The Flip is super simple to use: Press the big red button to start and stop recording. Then pop out the camera's USB connector, plug it directly into your computer and e-mail your videos or upload them to YouTube. You can personalize the Flip's external design for no extra charge. The company is upgrading its editing software and in mid-November, Flip will add an HD model to its lineup.
Price: $179.99
More Info: Flip

Tweet

Wireless SD Card

This 2 GB wireless SD card uploads photos automatically from your camera to whatever online photo service you like, whether that's Snapfish, Picasa, Flickr or anything else. The card can also beam pictures to your home computer's hard drive, which means you won't have to connect your camera physically to a computer to transfer images. Eye-Fi can even upload your images from hotspots while you're traveling, so you don't have to wait to get back home to save and back-up your pictures. The photos you upload can also be geotagged — automatically marked with longitude and latitude data — so, later on, you can retrace your snap-happy steps, if you forgot to input location info in your digital files. On some photo services, you'll be able to see your photos on a map according to their geotags. Millions of digital pictures are taken every day and 80% are never shared, but with Eye-Fi, you'll have no excuse not to send photos home to Mom.
Price: $129.99
More Information: Eye Fi

Tweet

Geet Peek Email Device

If the BlackBerry is too techie or pricey for you, check out the Peek. It does one thing and one thing only: e-mail. This slender little device gives you BlackBerry-like portable access to e-mail (it's not a phone, organizer or anything else), but without the hefty fees; monthly service costs about $20 for unlimited access to your messages. The Peek doesn't work with corporate e-mail yet, so for now, it's primarily for Web-based mail. Still, for anyone who wants to keep in touch when they're away from a computer, it's a smart, handy tool.
Price: $99.95
For more information: Get Peek

Tweet

Personalized Flash Drives - SALE!

Here is a great stocking stuffer, or just a "I felt like it" present for your favorite Techno-Geek: Personalized thumb drives, pens, business card drives and more!

I love personalized holiday gifts and these gadgets are useful and really cool looking.

But there is more!

From now until the end of the year, Pexagon is offering 20% off 4 awesome personalized holiday gift ideas!

How great is that!?!?

Here is some of what they have available:

Personalized Thumb Drives - These are available in 14 colors. They offer up to 16GB in capacity with FREE custom laser engraving! They even have "themes" such as "Happy Holidays" (I prefer Merry Christmas" on one side and up to two lines engraved on the reverse side. Starting at $7.99 after discount.

Personalized Pens - 3 unique styles, multiple colors and a FREE line of personalized laser engraved text! Starting at $1.59 after discount.

Business Card Flash Drives - the perfect gift for the business person or administrator in your life! It looks like a business card but the back side hides a small USB cable (huge 2GB capacity) and the front side can be engraved for FREE with 3 lines of personalization text! Starting at $15.99 after discount. This is just perfect for the retro Techno-Geek who has something called a "day job".

Wooden USB Flash Drives - Do you have an Enviro-Techno-Geek (It happens)? Well here is a flash drive for them! It's environment-friendly, wooden design with attached cap and two color choices. Available in 2GB and 4GB capacities with 2-sided custom laser engraving absolutely FREE! Starting at $15.99 after discount.

You already know that these are great deals. So what is stopping you? Click over to the site and order before time runs out!

personalized holiday gifts

Tweet

Amazon.com Facilitating Theft?

As everyone who reads this blog is well aware, I'm a fan of Amazon.com. However a friend of mine recently contacted me and requested that I send a warning out to 3rd party sellers from Amazon.

While their policy allows customers 30 days for a refund for Amazon merchandise, after they return the item, there is apparently no such policy in place for 3rd party sellers.

Apparently he sold an item back during the first week of October. There was no contact until the buyer filed a claim demanding their money back. Amazon immediately granted the claim and he is now out the money AND the merchandise! Essentially Amazon has facilitated this theft. In the email that they sent him it even stated: "whether they return the item or not". Gee, nice to know. At least Ebay requires proof that the item was returned!

Of course if you look through the fine print, Amazon has covered it's ass in this matter. That is why my friend requested that I blog this and spread the word.

Amazon may be good for buyers but it stinks for sellers!

Tweet

Website For Police and Military Gear

Got a police officer in the family? How about military? Then I have a great site for them! Take a look at 5.11. Also known as LA Police Gear, it's an outstanding site for all sorts of unusual and hard to find items. I just found this great gadget bag. Ok, so it is actually designed for police and military gear. That just means it really well made and durable.

You can even find clothing for wearing under armor. This is important because, according to my police and military friends, body armor can be really uncomfortable. But it still beats the alternative. You can also find elbow and knee pads.

Anyway, take a quick trip over to the site and look around. It's really pretty interesting. Lots of stuff I never really thought about before.

5.11

Tweet

Robotic Endangered Species!

This cuddly lion from the WowWee “Alive” line of robot animals, is now available.

Realistically textured and patterned fur combined with an animated face and advanced touch and tilt sensors deliver a highly authentic lion cub robot that is extremely sensitive to your interaction.

Pick up your lion cub by the scruff of the neck, for example, and watch your WowWee robot go limp in your hand, just like a real lion cub when its pick up by its mother. Left alone your pet lion automatically shuts off and goes to sleep.

Features:

• Realistic patterned, textured fur
• Animated mouth and blinking eyes
• Touch and tilt sensors
• Advanced interaction
• Life-like sound response include purr, mew and yowl
• Automatic sleep mode
• 1 motor
• 1 speaker
• 1 tilt sensor
• 2 touch sensors
• Micro-Controller with recorded LION CUB sounds

They also have Tigers and Polar Bears.

Tweet

Great Site for the Outdoosman in Your Life!

Everyone knows I'm a Techno-Geek. And everyone knows I love hot sports cars. But what you may not have known is that I'm an even weirder techno-geek than you could have imagined. You see I also love to Hike, camp and fish. Outside. In the wilderness. Really. All my friends know this about me. Granted, I'm the one with the great GPS locater, and the really incredibly cool knives and gadgets, but I'm also leading the hike. I like to get away a few times a year, usually in any season not Summer. One of the best sites to look over the latest in outdoor gear is Sierra Adventure Gear. They have outstanding gear that is tough and rugged but still affordable. That can be a hard thing to find. Gear that will last, perform as expected and still be something that you can afford to buy without going into debt. Everything I've gotten at Sierra has been better than expected and I still have all of it. I highly recommend them. Oh, and the knife pictured here, I got a great deal on it. So great that I bought an extra one to leave in my car. Just in case. You never know when you are going to need to a knife. Right? And look for the floating knife as well. That one comes in handy for rafting trips.

So head over to Sierra Adventure Gear. You will be glad you did!

Tweet

Livescribe Smartpen

The Pulse smartpen from Livescribe is a computer within a pen that records and links what you hear to what you write so you'll never miss a word in class.

You can listen to your lecture or recordings by tapping on your notes. All your notes and recordings are captured by your Pulse smartpen so there s no need to lug the laptop from class to class. You can also transfer your notes and recordings to your laptop search for words within your notes and share them with classmates and friends.

The 1.3 oz anodized aluminum Pulse smartpen with 1GB of memory captures over 100 hours of recorded audio, while the 2GB of memory can hold over 200 hours of recorded audio and additional applications.

Each package includes:

a Pulse smartpen

100 sheet dot paper

college ruled notebook

3 D Recording Headset

USB mobile charging cradle

a smartpen case

3 ink cartridges.

Audio Jack - Plug your 3D Recording Headset (included in every purchase) into the audio jack to enable enhanced far-field recording. Each earbud in the head set has an embedded microphone that creates a new standard in recording quality in large rooms or noisy environments.

Power Buttons - Press on the power button to turn your smartpen on. You can also hold it down for two seconds to automatically start recording audio.

Dual Microphones - Dual microphones combined with on-board noise-canceling software enable the smartpen to record crisp, clear sound.

OLED Display - High-contrast OLED display makes it easy to navigate and interact with Pulse applications.

Speaker - Built-in speaker plays back your recorded audio and provides audio feedback for smartpen applications. Tap on the volume buttons on your dot paper to control speaker volume.

USB Connector - USB Connector recharges Pulse and transfers notes and audio to your PC. Pulse magnetically docks into the USB Mobile Charging Cradle (included). This also allows smartpen users to install new applications from Livescribe.

Infrared Camera - High-speed infrared camera with Dot Positioning System (DPS) tracks everything you write, tap, or draw on Livescribe Dot Paper. The DPS not only enables printed controls for recording and playback on each page, but also interactive paper-based applications.

Ink Cartridge - The ink cartridges in the Pulse smartpen are easily replaceable. Three ink cartridges and a stylus cartridge are included with every Pulse smartpen purchase.


System Requirements

Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista operating system

600MHz CPU or higher

300 MB minimum free disk space

Available USB port

Internet connection

Note to Mac users: We are actively developing a native Mac solution. Please note that our product is not currently compatible with Parallels or VMWare. We are working hard to resolve both of these issues, and will post more details and timing as soon as possible

Note to Windows™ users: 64-bit versions of Windows XP™ and Windows Vista™ are not currently supported.

Tweet

The New Wi-Fi Ceiva Digital Frame

Ok, so this is yet another digital frame. But wait, this one is really different. Besides being totally sleek and cool looking it has wi-fi! This means that friends and family can send photos directly to the frame! How cool is that?!?

From now until Christmas Ceiva has a special sweepstakes going on where you can enter for free and possibly win up to $500. Yeah yeah yeah. I know. So what, are you asking yourself, has me so excited.

Techno-goodies! What else. Look, I sent to the Ceiva site and "sat" on Santa's lap. You HAVE to try this, it's totally cool. You type in your name and upload a photo and poof it's on the frame in the movie that is playing.

Ok, so we all know pretty well how it's done, but it's a really neat techno-goodie anyway. Go try it out. You get to enter the Got a Wish Sweeepstakes while you are at it!

WAIT!
First, here is the information on the frame itself:
The perfect gift for everyone from college grads to grandparents, CEIVAshare frames automatically display photos sent from anywhere in the world without you having to do a thing. No PC or internet is needed. Featuring a built-in memory card reader and easy Wi-Fi connectivity, CEIVAlife frames ensure that sending and receiving photos is easier than ever. Wake up to a new slideshow daily.

I'm not kidding when I say I fell totally in love with this and ordered several as Christmas gifts.

Go get yours now and enter the Sweepstakes!

Got a Wish Sweeepstakes

Tweet

Thames and Kosmos Genetics and DNA kit

A well-written manual and a few snap-together models provide a good conceptual understanding of how DNA and genetics work. Some of the hands-on activities seem like nothing but busy work; others are invaluable at getting kids interested in the process of scientific experimentation.

One experiment takes you through the process of isolating DNA from tomatoes. Adult reviewers found it more difficult than the manual let on — which probably means that a kid should have no problem. You can also breed bacteria and then do some genetic engineering on them, but be careful — under the Patriot Act this stuff can get you thrown in jail.

Tweet

Nikon Black Friday Ultimate Hunter's Package Deal

In a mind-blowing, absolutely out of this world Black Friday/ Cyber Monday deal, Nikon is offering:
The Ultimate Hunter's Package containing:
-ProStaff 3-9x40 Riflescope with BDC Reticle
-ProStaff Laser Rangefinder
-Silent Technology Rangefinder Case
-Mastering a Long-range shot with BDC DVD
-$50 NikonProGear Gift Card
All these come together in a great package called the Nikon BDC Slam Hunter's Package, saving $144.90 on high quality hunting equipment. It doesn't get much better.
In addition, if you’re looking for a high-quality, rugged binoculars, Nikon Sport Optics has got something for you – for a limited time only, get an extra $20 off on Nikon Action Extreme ATB 10x50 Binoculars!

Anyone familiar with good equipment is familiar with the Nikon Brand. They are simply the best. There is no other way to put it. Being the best also means that they tend to be the most expensive. So when a deal like this comes along you grab it fast. You get what you pay for and Nikon is always a great deal. Even without a sale, they are worth every penny. But a sale like this is the stuff of dreams!

Go over to their site to check out this and OTHER great deals. Hurry, they won't last long!

Nikon BDC Slam Hunter's Package

Tweet

Steinway & Sons Model C Music System

Steinway Music System Delivers for Audiophiles Who Have It All! Music nuts lust after spatial sound: output so precise you can pinpoint each instrument's location in the recording hall. Well, the room-size Model C isn't just spatial, it's intergalactic. We dare you to listen to this integrated CD player, amplifier, and speaker symphony without jumping up to conduct. While most speakers are sealed boxes, Steinway's engineers left these open, replicating the resonance of live instruments. And unlike other systems, which convert the audio signal from digital to analog in the amp — many sound-distorting circuits and wires away from the speakers — the C is digital from source to driver. What comes out is as close as you can get to what went in; in fact, it's so pure that experts can discern a violin's make and country of origin. The only weak link in this six-figure aural experience might be your musical taste. So lose the Coldplay, moneybags

Tweet

Now is the Best Time to Upgrade your Auto AC!

I know, most of you are thinking, "Is Techno-Geek NUTS...it's cold out, who cares about the AC?" Well to answer your question, yes I am nuts. But that is beside the point. This is the best time to have your cars AC looked at and any repairs or upgrades made. You don't need it now. But you will need it in July and will be glad that all is working well.

Having the mechanic check things like the air compressor now can save you a bundle later. It's cheaper to get these things taken care of in winter. Here is a great site to go to that will be glad to help you out on parts and advice:BMW AC compressor.
Go on, in July you will be glad you listened to me!

BMW AC compressor

Tweet

Fresh Cuppa Joe in 3 Minutes: Tiny Brewer Is Sleepwalker Simple

You staggered into the kitchen at 5 am, desperate for a fix. The taxi arrives in 30 minutes, and your coffeemaker is mocking you with its indolent drip ... drip ... drip. For busy professionals, the Keurig Mini single-cup brewer can be a lifesaver. Operation is simple enough for sleepwalkers: Pour water into the tank, pop a fresh K-Cup cartridge of grounds into the holder, and push a button. In three minutes, you've got a steaming cup of joe. No grinding, no measuring, no fussing with filters, no burned pots to scour. When you're done, toss out the spent pod and go. The Mini even has an LED sensor that prevents it from pouring when you forget to insert a mug. The K-Cup format features more than 200 varieties of coffee, tea, and cocoa, and an optional metal filter ($15) lets you use your own favorite fair-trade organic grounds.

Tweet

Great Cyber Monday Deal from Charter

First of all, you have to go over to this site and look at the entire deal. Go ahead, I'll wait.

Now is that a great deal or what?

For those of you that are lazy, here is a summary of the deal you will find at Charter:
Charter’s Ultimate Bundle or any of the Charter Services sold separately, including Charter High-Speed Internet, Charter Digital Home and Charter Telephone.

For the gift Card it breaks down like this:
Buy 1 Charter service- $25, Buy 2 Charter services- $75, Buy 3 Charter Services- $150, Buy Charter’s Ultimate Bundle and get $250 gift card!

After purchase, the buyer will be sent a gift card and is automatically entered to win 1 of 45 X-Box 360 Game consoles.

This is an amazing online Holiday Deal!

THE Best Holiday Deal Online Right Now for Bundled Services!
- Best Price available
- Free Gift Card
- Chance to win 1 of 45 X-Box gaming systems!

Why not order now and get the best price for 2009, a $250 gift card and maybe win the X-Box!?!

Look it's a great deal and if you are lucky enough to win one of the 45 X-Box gaming systems you are in for a real treat. I absolutely love mine.

Black Friday / Cyber Monday

Don't delay of you will miss out on this outstanding offer.



black friday

Tweet

Charge it all with one outlet!

I'm back from my holiday break with a new must-have gadget that will make your life easier:
Chargepod is a 6-way charging device that allows you to charge multiple cell phones, PDAs, headsets, and most other mobile electronics with a single power cord. Just pick out the manufacturer-specific adapters for your devices and throw away the dozens of power cords and wall warts that are cluttering your office and home. Chargepod uses voltage regulator technology and interchangeable power adapters to safely charge all of your mobile devices regardless of manufacturer or model.

General

• Charges up to 6 devices at the same time
• Small, portable and lightweight
• Eliminates the clutter from having multiple chargers
• Compatible with thousands of mobile devices such as iPods, cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, PDAs, digital cameras, navigation units, mp3 players, digital readers and portable gaming systems
• Chargepod is compatible with all foreign 120/240 V adapter wall plugs; no additional power supply is necessary

User Interface

• Blue indicator lights illuminate on each port to display charging status
• Sleek and modern design
  

What's Included

• Base Station for Connecting Devices
• Power Cable
• Carrying Pouch
• User Manual

Get your callpod at Amazon.

Tweet

Voodoo Omen - Where is the fun in that?

If you’re tired of those high-powered gaming PCs that look more like a Vegas showroom than a desktop, then the VoodooPC Omen is what you want. There are no black lights, no multicolored LEDs and definitely no attention-whoring viewing window; there’s just an Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processor, a quad radiator for maximum cooling, a 7”, front-mounted auxiliary LCD, up to 8GB of memory, an optional Blu-ray burner, support for both Nvidia SLI and ATI CrossFireX video card setups, up to 3TB of internal storage, and absolutely no nonsense.

For over $6000. If this is what you want, I'll be happy to build it for you for half of that cost!

Tweet

The Freudian Slip

I rarely blog about blogs, but this one deserves it! An outstanding site with a little of this and that on it. It's got some outstanding posts including one today about some really cool t-shirts that you can buy.
I love t-shirts with sayings on them (especially black ones) and I tend to choose them to suit my mood of the morning. It's a pretty good indicator of where my brain was when I got dressed by reading my chest.
Of course, if you catch me on laundry day I'll be wearing hot pink (it says "All my black shirts are dirty"). Which I suppose gives you a pretty good idea of how I will be spending my evening!
Anyway, you should check out this site and especially the t-shirt blog here at The Freudian Slip.

Tweet