BizGear

PopGadget:

If you, or more likely, your parents, are having trouble reading the computer keyboard, get one of these Large Print Keyboards, which feature extra large keys and USB and PS2 connections.

US $49.95.

Photo by FirstStreetOnline.

• John Huang on Solar LED Address Numbers
• Katherine on KidSafe Security Key
• Rick Davis on Radio Shark 2

PopGadget:

Looks like the convergence bug bit someone in the USB hub community. It’s too soon to tell, as the first shipments aren’t expected until mid-July, but so far being optimistic about a full recovery seems pretty futile.

Obviously not content with creating a simple hub that adds another 4 USB 2.0 ports to a computer, the infected individual responsible for the Letter Opener USB Hub Clock went ahead and stuck an alarm clock on it. But the madness doesn’t stop there. Oh no. Proof of the poor soul’s weakened condition is that electronic letter opener jammed right there below the clock.

It’s worse than I thought. Merging old technology with (relatively) new technology? It’s like putting storage space for rolls of film on a memory card reader!

US $15.

Photo by USBGeek.

PopGadget:

Balanced. Simple. Stunning. There’s nary another word needed to describe the 9-Volt light from designer Richard Lawson.

Elegantly balanced against its power source, the 9-Volt light is an exact replica of a 9-Volt battery, but instead of a copper top, this ‘battery’ boasts high-powered LEDs to light up the night. A perfect replacement (or modern alternative) for candles, these can add the perfect touch to your next backyard party. On the practical side, they’re great for travel or camping.

Originally designed for a competition held by Mathmos, the hi-tech lighting gurus behind the original Lava Lamp, the 9-Volt light wasn’t a winner but got so much “fan mail” after the contest, that Mathmos optioned it.

Available in red or blue.

US $25.

Photo by Charles and Marie.

PopGadget:

Concerns about protecting your PC from prying eyes could be quite valid. In which case, the Security Ring by designer Yang Hai could perhaps let you wander in peace.

Essentially, this strange-looking device (still a design concept) consists of a base station which is connected to the PC and a ring which you wear on your finger. So if you wander out of a certain range, the base station gets notified and all your programs on the PC are locked. The concept seems pretty neat. Except, personally, I couldn’t be bothered to wear a bulky ring for long.

Photo by Yanko Design.

PopGadget:

As anyone with Blackberry Thumb can attest, after 8 hours on your favorite gadget, you’re dying for a full-sized keyboard. I was never interested until there was Bluetooth wireless technology. (We’ve written about foldable keyboards before, but none this small and convenient.)

With its unique folding design you can put this puppy in your purse or backpack, yet it opens to a full size keyboard when you need it. Conveniently, it comes with a lap-lock for airplanes or your lap, for that matter.

The Anycome Foldable Keyboard supports almost any Bluetooth device — your smart phone, PDA, Tablet, Media Center PC or notebook, but visit their website for the latest compatibility list.

US $111.

Photo by AnyCom.

Red Ferret:

The Kaito MP3 Radio Recorder has a removable MP3 player that allows you to record AM, FM, and shortwave radio broadcasts for future playback as digital files.

The MP3 can be programmed to record a radio station at a specific time, it has 256 MB of internal memory (enough for 10 hours of recording), and it comes with software that allows you to download music from a computer to the MP3 player itself. The MP3 player removes from the radio for remote use and can be used as a voice recorder that stores up to 15 hours of conversations, memos, or lecture notes.

The radio has single-sideband modulation for transmitting two-way marine, aviation, and Ham radio broadcasts, and the device can access international radio station through digital AM/FM and digital shortwave.

US $179.95.

Photo by Kaito.

Red Ferret:

Well it had to happen didn’t it? The marriage of the fortune cookie and the Mystic 8 Ball. The offspring is a plastic fortune cookie which you shake to obtain your answer. Be warned, iChing it’s not.

“Future sweet like cookie!� That is what Smart Cookie says and Smart Cookie knows everything! The classic “Mystic 8 Ball,� meets ancient asian wisdom in the shape of a king size fortune cookie. Shake your cookie while you ask a question you want an honest awnser to. Flip it upside down and recieve your words of wisdom in the deepblue window. But be warned “Answer is sweet and sour� and for god sake “Don’t mock the cookie� “Trust the Cookie … Yes!�

US $20.43.

Photo by gadgets.dk.

Red Ferret:

The Memole Pad seems to be a kind of re-writable message pad which is based around the venerable Etch-a-Sketch technology. Of course, since this is a Korean site we could be completely wrong, but we’re willing to take a risk. Could this type of retro tech find other uses, like note takers and the like? Probably not.

US $32.57.

Photo by funshop.co.kr.

Think Geek:

Kind of like the moon appearing after the sun goes down, these Solar LED Address Numbers illuminate at night making the numbers easy to read. The unit turns on automatically and lights up using two bright white LEDs. Mounting is simple (no wiring or timers) with the included hardware.

The number plate itself is spaced 1″ from the wall causing the LEDs to provide a backlighting effect. The numbers are made from anondized aluminum and the entire unit is weather resistant. The lights run on for about 8 to 10 hours (direct sunlight, of course, producing the best results).

US $19.99.

Photo by Think Geek.

Think Geek:

Having a bunch of dangling power cords seems to be standard issue for a geek these days. With all our gadget goodies (iPod, cell, Bluetooth headset) needing a daily re-charge it’s an unavoidable situation. However, we have recently located a small accessory that can provide some much needed organization to your power cord clutter.

The Socket Pocket is an easy way to simultaneously store and charge your cell phone, PDA, MP3 player and other gadgets. As you can see, Socket Pocket keeps items held in place directly beside the electrical socket while they charge. You just replace your current outlet plate with the Socket Pocket. It’s that easy - just unscrew the existing plate and put the Socket Pocket in its place - voila! Dangling cord clutter gone.

US $11.99.

Photo by Think Geek:.