Gadgets

Hot In The Hive: iPhone App Coasters

Ida Hsiang on Jun 26, 2009 6:20 AM PDT

Those of the slightly younger set may not know this, but before the iPod and Mac laptops, Apple was on the brink of being obsolete. They were associated with the huge, loud computers in the school library that you could only do research on or else the librarian would throw her glasses at you. The iPod is maybe the greatest comeback product in history. It not only brought Apple back from the brink, but ricocheted them to number one in technological gadgets. Now you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't have at least one Apple product laying around the house. I've had an a few of the iPod variation, but I'm actually lusting over the iPhone. Well, those at Apple must have felt bad for people like me who would love to jump on the iPhone band-wagon but, for whatever reason, have not. There are now iPhone app coasters that I can also put on my table, and for the fraction of the price! These coasters come in a set of 16 "apps" and are made of MDF plywood wrapped in a vinyl and varnish. A rubber back keeps it from moving around and they're washable and reusable! Ok, so they don't actually allow you to pull up the weather in Tunisia or give you a recipe for "Easy Chicken Bake" with just a click of a button, but they are awesome and fun! At $60 for the entire set, these make a great gift for the i-Aficionado or for those like me who just want to rub elbows with this elite i-Group!

Price: $60.00 for set of 16
Who Found It: idabone was first to add the iPhone App Coasters to the Hive.

Tags : technology , summer , meninos , ipod , gadgets

Fitness Gadgets To Expedite Your Exercise Routine!

Alex Gambardella on Jun 25, 2009 4:23 PM PDT

I consider myself pretty in-shape, relatively speaking. But just because I'm not huffing and puffing after two minutes on the elliptical or on the verge of a heart attack while jogging on the treadmill doesn't mean I have an easy time motivating myself to even get to the gym in the first place! Unless you have a ton of self-discipline, a particularly fitness-savvy gym buddy, or a ridiculously good-looking personal trainer, it can be tough to get excited about working out, no matter the level of your athleticism. And even if you try to work out outside of the gym to spice things up, it's easy to get fed up trying to keep track of your workout, time your jogs, and know offhand how many calories you've burned. Enter today's hottest workout gadgets, including sports bras with built-in heart rate monitors, calorie-counting GPS wristwatches, and iPhone bike mounts (because let's face it -- exercising just isn't worth it without some tunes to pump you up). There's no need to keep it old-fashioned with your fitness regime when technology's rapid advancements turn an activity you'd normally dread into... well, something almost fun! Take a look at the slideshow to see how you can technologize your training sessions!

Tags : workout gear , workout equipment , workout accessories , workout , gadgets

Father's Day Gifts For The Dad Who Has Everything

Ida Hsiang on Jun 16, 2009 10:22 AM PDT

If buying my mom a good Mother's Day gift was challenging, buying a Father's Day gift is nearly impossible! Already, there is a sharp decrease in the amount of beauty products, jewelry, apparel and fragrances that are marketed for men. My dad already has everything that he wants and if he doesn't have it, it probably means he can't afford it and if he can't afford it, I definitely can't! So year after year, right about now, I start racking my brains for something that is cool, unique and re-usable. After extensive research and many tiring hours of online shopping, I have come up with a list for myself as well as anyone else who has a hard father to shop for. From the quirky but practical, like a front-pocket wallet to help relieve dad's back stress and deter pick-pockets or a sweet and sentimental personalized photo night-light, you'll be able to find something for you dad who has everything! Your dad would probably buy you the moon if he could. Well, you can beat him to it and buy him an acre of celestial land, complete with a deed and documents! Workaholics, wine aficionados, gourmet gardeners and all those in between, check out this slideshow for some original Father's Day gifts that your doting dad is sure to love!

Tags : unique gifts , unique gift ideas , unique gift , technology , gadgets

Hot In The Hive: MobiGrip Device Leash

Alex Gambardella on Jun 16, 2009 6:20 AM PDT

If you've ever had to replace a waterlogged cell phone (or two) due to an unplanned dip in the toilet, this handy little invention has your name written all over it! The MobiGrip device leash, a stick-on mini-bungee that loops comfortably around your digits, is the cure to all butter finger-inflicted disasters that leave your poor dropped phone either cracked on the sidewalk or slowly fizzling out in a puddle of water. You just peel and stick the little button to the back of your cell, PDA, iPod, digital camera, or other accident-prone handheld and it's safe, sound, and secure in your palm no matter how klutzy you are or sweaty your palms get. You could even use the springy loop to clip your valuables to your belt or to your handbag's wallet clip for extra mishap prevention! As long as you're not careless enough to go for a swim with your gadget still looped to you, you may find yourself sticking with the same unharmed cell phone for a record duration of time!

Price: $9.95 each, with discounts if you buy 6 or more
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add MobiGrips to the Hive.

Tags : technology , tech , phone accessories , pda , gadgets

Father's Day Gadget Gifts, Not Just For The Tech-Savvy Dad!

Alex Gambardella on Jun 3, 2009 8:15 AM PDT

Whether your dad is all about the ever-updating gizmos and gadgets of the Internet Age or rather acts like he's been living under a rock for the past decade (or thinks he knows his way around the 'net, but really doesn't have an inkling of a clue), this year's coolest Papa-approved gadgets are sure to appeal to both techie and caveman dads alike! From a Laptop Essentials kit for the working dad on the go to a portable electric shaver that doesn't even require electricity (what?!), there's a whole array of nifty newfangled products that don't necessarily need a word-for-word analysis of the manual in order to operate, if he even so much as glances at it at all! Even if your pops swears by the simpler times from back when he was your age, he won't be able to resist the handiness of this digital measuring tape gadget that memorizes your measurements for you! After all, he can't deny that his own memory could use a little assistance these days! Check out the slideshow for more of the season's coolest gadget gifts for Dad, just in time for Father's Day!

Tags : universal charger , technology , techie , tech savvy , gadgets

Hot In The Hive: Swarovski-Crusted XBox Microphone Set By ...

Alex Gambardella on May 22, 2009 6:17 AM PDT

A little bling never hurt... unless of course you decide to spend a whole month's rent on that little extra dazzle. Apparently Crystal Roc, known for their Swarovski bling-embellished musical equipment and the most gloriously bedazzled sets of headphones I've ever laid eyes on, is now targeting the fashionable video gamers/musician wannabes in addition to their professional singing clientele (including the likes of Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and Leona Lewis). Made for the popular XBox singing game Lips, and also compatible with select versions of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, this limited edition studded mic set is due out later this year and destined to have gaming gals channeling their inner pop diva. But based on the size of its rumored price tag, I'm thinking that maybe those rare 100 sets reported to be in circulation are best saved for those who already have a comparable income to spend on such lavish geeky luxuries. After all, you can't exactly moonlight as an open mic XBox singer to help pay for them (but maybe some day).

Price: $680
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Crystal Roc Lips Microphone Set to the Hive.

Tags : xbox , video games , video game , tech , gadgets