The latest handheld gaming gadget is the Nintendo 3DS, which features a three-inch touchscreen and a 3.5 inch glasses-free 3D screen inside the cover. The 3D screen has a resolution of 800 x 240 pixels, which is quite high for a portable game device. New owners say that the 3D works surprisingly well when the screen is held at the right angle and the correct distance from the eyes.
The 3DS is compatible with Nintendo DS games, though more and more 3DS titles are becoming available. PCMag.com calls the 3DS “a solid first in a new generation of handheld game systems.”
Mugo is an MP3 player, USB flash drive and toy with a unique form and function. The vinyl body is available in a variety of colorful designs. Connect the plug-and-play USB to a laptop and download your tunes and then use the Mugo faceplate to browse and select. Earbuds are provided or you can plug into headphones or speakers.
Mugo’s USB is embedded in the character’s tummy and no extra cables or software are required. Once charged, it provides 8 to 10 hours of listening.
Find out more and check out the great designs on the Mugo website.
The netTalk Duo is a compact gadget (about half the size of a pack of playing cards) that lets you connect your phone to the Internet. It works through a computer or just plug it directly into a router for computer-free use. At $70 (which includes the first year of service), netTalk is a bit more expensive than competing device Magic Jack, but according to netTalk you will make up for the extra cost in energy savings.
The clean design of the Chemex Coffeemaker looks like something straight out of a chemist’s laboratory. No wonder, since it was invented by a chemist who was looking for a way to concoct the perfect cup of coffee using a chemically correct method. This coffee beaker is made entirely of glass, a chemically inert substance that does not absorb chemical residues or odors.
The Chemex Coffeemaker uses a bond filter and hot water to brew up to 8 cups of coffee. It’s made from hand blown heat-resistant glass, has a wooden handle around its middle and is safe in the dishwasher or microwave. Find out more about this futuristic coffeemaker on the Chemex website.
This is our final post in a month-long series on fitness gadgets. Be sure to check out our first, second and third posts in the series after you read this post.
If you swim laps for fitness, you know that it an sometimes be monotonous. Now you can swim with music thanks to the UWaterG2 from Fitness Technologies. Described as the “world’s smallest 100% waterproof MP3 player,” this tiny gadget can be clipped to a headband, bath cap or swim goggles. Wear it while swimming, surfing, water skiing, sailing or showering and enjoy your favorite music and audiobooks.
The memory capacity for this micro MP3 player is 2GB and its playtime is 6 to 8 hours. It’s available in a variety of color combinations and sells for about $60 on the Fitness Technologies website.
This is our third installment in a series of posts on fitness gadgets that will motivate you to stay fit. Don’t forget to read the first and second posts after you read this one.
A smart phone is a fitness gadget you may already own. There are a wide variety of iPhone and Android apps that will help you keep track of what you eat and how many calories you’ve consumed. Many people are using smart phone apps like RunKeeper to track their workouts while listening to their favorite tunes via music apps like Pandora Radio. There are also apps that can serve as personal trainers. You can also use your phone as an e-book reader to catch up on your reading as you workout.
This is the second installment in our series on best fitness gadgets for 2011. Be sure to check out the first installment when you finish this one.
This Garmin Edge 800 GPS gadget is designed for cycling enthusiasts. The Edge 800 is the first GPS bike computer to be fitted with a color touchscreen that displays downloadable cycling maps. It attaches to the handlebars and can be used both for navigation and as a training device. The Edge 800 tracks speed, altitude and distance traveled. Training tools help keep you motivated by showing graphically depicting your real speed compared to your goal speed. The Edge 800’s sturdy construction allows it to withstand the toughest terrain and harshest elements.
Whether you’re touring, racing, mountain biking or commuting, the Edge is the perfect cycling companion. Find out more about the Edge 800 on the Garmin website.
Gadgets have invaded every corner of modern life, so it’s really no surprise that they’re finding their way into workout routines. This is our first in a series of posts on some of the best fitness gadgets for 2011.
If you have days when you can’t make it into the gym but you still want the benefits of a personalized trainer, then EA Sports Active 2 is the perfect solution. We have this interactive fitness program on the Wii and love it. It comes with motion sensors for your leg and arm to make sure you’re doing the correct motions and a heart rate monitor that provides realtime feedback about the intensity of your workout
The EA Sports Active 2 DVD provides a variety of interesting workouts aimed at every fitness level. You can choose your trainer and level of fitness and let the trainer suggest your workouts, or pick from a menu of fun exercises and fitness games. Besides the Wii, it’s available for all the major gaming consoles.
Learn more about EA Sports Active 2 on Amazon.com. You can see it in action in this YouTube video:
Angry Birds, which first made its debut in the Apple iPhone App Store in December of 2009, has become the new Pac-Man. It has racked up an amazing 75 million downloads to devices that include iPads, Android phones and Sony PSPs as well as iPhones and iPod Touches. This ubiquitous game was developed by Ravio, a game studio based in Finland. Ravio has already announced Angry Birds Rio, based on the upcoming Fox film.
Find out more about Angry Birds on the Rovio website and be sure to check out the original trailer on YouTube:
For gadget lovers who live in colder climates, the question of how to use a touchscreen with freezing fingers is relevant this time of year. Most touchscreen devices, including the iPhone, iPod Touch and Droid, require charges from the fingertips in order to work correctly. Touch the screen with a glove covering the fingers just won’t work.
One of the top makers of touchscreen-friendly gloves is Freehands. Their gloves feature removable flaps for the index finger and thumb and come in fleece, cashmere or wool. They also make touchscreen-friendly sports gloves. Prices range from $16 to $45.
