BizGear

Think Geek:

When geeks grow up to be parents, they often end up having geek kids of their own to raise. Those little geeklings, as cute as they are, end up spending a lot of time on the computer, which is equal parts gratifying and frightening to their parental units.

Safety is an issue - we want to protect kids from the so-called online predator, but sometimes we just want them to shut the damn lappy off and go outside for some old fashioned exercise.

Kids today are smart, and can get around Windows passwords, and internet filtering programs pretty easily. Proxies and workarounds exist for even the most draconian firewalls, but the KidSafe key protects your computer and your kids with a physical key. It’s stronger, more reliable, and more convenient than passwords. It can’t be uninstalled or worked around - even by booting to safe-mode.

They’ve even got processes to keep your computer from booting to a live-cd or other boot device.

US $59.99.

Photo by Think Geek:.

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

Clever Gear:

This Inflatable Lumbar Cushion inflates to the exact back support you need! Simply squeeze the built-in hand pump to add or delete air to fit your back and add support just where you need it!

The comfortable contoured shape lets you place it on your upper OR lower back for maximum effect. Elastic strap attaches easily to any home or office chair–even your car, truck or airplane seat!

Filled with comfortable polyurethane foam and covered with durable, stylish polyester fabric. 19″W x 12″H.

US $39.98.

Photo by Clever Gear.

Clever Gear:

Whether you have a long commute, you’re on the road all-day or just taking your richly deserved vacation; Smart Mug makes it easy to keep your favorite beverage piping hot as long as you like.

Simply plug the mug into your cigarette lighter socket and it will take your drink from ice cold to very hot in a matter of minutes.

The built-in programmable thermostat lets you select any temperature from 85 to 160 degrees, tells you what the current temperature is and alerts you when your pre-set temperature is reached.

And Smart Mug continues to monitor the temperature and heat your drink to the pre-set temperature automatically. Features: 16 oz. removable, dishwasher-safe inner mug; LCD display; four LED temperature indicator lights; over-heating alert; ergonomic handle; non-slip rubber bottom and 12 volt car adapter. 8.5″ tall.

US $29.98.

Photo by Clever Gear.

CNet:

Why is it that in just about every thriller or scary movie, the protagonist will always be left holding a torch that flickers, and then (gasp) dies, leaving everyone in pitch-black darkness? Clearly, no one’s heard of packing along a battery-less flashlight.

The Forever Flashlight looks flashy enough and is one emergency light that’ll never fail you. All that’s required is a strong right arm to shake the torch a good 30 seconds. This recharges the capacitor sufficiently to provide about 5 minutes of illumination. Not much, but better than getting the willies imagining the worst in the dark.

US $14.

Photo by ForeverFlashlights.com.

CNet:

According to the folks behind the BuddhaPad, this claims to be the only mouse pad in the world where rubbing Buddha’s jolly belly with your mouse will bless you with happiness, prosperity and good fortune.

While this seems like something you’d pick up cheap at the hawker stalls outside Bangkok’s numerous temples, then again, it might do your karma some good since 10 percent of the proceeds actually go to Make-a-Wish Foundation. This is a charity organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

US $10.95.

Photo by BuddhaPad.

CNet:

Everything’s going wireless these days, including the humble padlock. So if you’re tired of digging out those keys, the Remote Control Padlock conveniently works in tandem with a keychain remote. All you have to do is point, hit the button, and voila.

For those distrustful of anything wireless, this gizmo claims to have four billion rolling security codes to prevent accidental opening by others. And just in case the remote runs out of battery juice, there’s a backup key lying around somewhere.

US $17.98.

Photo by Johnson Smith.

CNet:

From the folks who gave us the GhostRader and SushiDisks comes a mouse that counts. Which should immediately quell questions on why any sane techie would want to keep count of their mouse clicks. There’s simply no good reason when it comes to SolidAlliance.

Just for the, er, record, the Yamaraco counter mouse Agi (Akiyamaraco) calculates the clicks made on both the left and right buttons, up to six digits. Guess SolidAlliance figured anything more than that, and you really need to get a life.

US $25.

Photo by SolidAlliance .

CNet:

Some people do their best thinking in the loo. Usually it’s while sitting down. But just in case you’re having a major brainstorm while under the shower, the Erasable Shower Note acts as a waterproof tablet for you to jot down that great idea.

Alternatively, doodle a reminder to your roommate to clean up the bathroom after he or she’s done.

US $15.99.

Photo by OhGizmo!.

CNet:

You know a brand has become the latest victim of genericide when everywhere you turn it’s Skype this, Skype that. The latest of this is a hi-fi Skype speaker designed for conference calls, which is great by us since we love cost-friendly VoIP devices.

The Polycom Communicator is a tad bulky in hand, but given that its place is in a boardroom, that’s quite fine by us. Plus there’s sufficient versatility onboard this gizmo, from phone capabilities to high-fidelity speaker, to make a grab for the SMB market.

Even E.T. might be tempted to Skype home.

US $129.

Photo by CNet.

CNet:

Da Vinci fans have plenty to rejoice about. Besides news that author Dan Brown’s about to put pen to paper for a sequel to The Da Vinci Code sometime next year, with a movie sequel also planned, there’re heaps of collectibles being spawned out there. If you’re one of those groupies, check out the Mona Lisa Clock.

Designed by Boym Partners, a wacky fun site to navigate, the clock certainly rides on all that DV fever. But aside from a minute hand that consists of La Gioconda’s right eye, don’t go looking for any hidden codes on the clock’s face. What this is is simply pop kitsch at its best.

US $24.95.

Photo by Boym Partners.