Neodymium Super Magnets

These are the worlds strongest permanent magnets - and they're relatively cheap and easy to find. They're great fridge magnets, a small one is easily able to securely nail the big calendar you'll get in your Christmas stocking to your fridge. I recently bought 100 x 3mm x 5mm Neodymium magnets from ebay for $17 - they're so much fun and they dont need batteries !
1 word of warning - the larger ones can give you a nasty pinch & blood blister when they snap together so be careful ! (they're also quite brittle).

This ebay store sells all kinds of neodymium magnets in Australia;
http://stores.ebay.com.au/Frenergy-Magnets

Pet Dish with gadget appeal

Scare the crap out of your kitty with this pet dish with automatic open sensor.
The lid automatically opens as your pet gets within 30cms of the sensor and closes when they walk away. Neat! Kitties food stays bug free and anything that moves automatically gets bonus gadget points from me.
The inside stainless steel dish can be removed for cleaning.
The dish comes in two sizes, available from [dstore]

Yoda Backpack

Check this coool Star Wars backpack! Anyone who knows me knows I'm a total Star Wars geek - checkout my star wars action figure webcam [JUMP]

Just like the real Yoda, well no not really - its just a plush backpack...with a zip concealed under his hood, to store all your gear. Very Cool!!
Get it from dstore.com.au for AUD$69.95
and get me one too :-)

PSP Redesign Rumour

Sony Computer Entertainment is working on an imminent redesign of the PSP -  The gossip mill points to Sony releasing a clamshell PSP with a seamless folding screen surrounded by a smaller outer case and more enery efficient guts and a higher capacity battery.
This news springs from a patent filed by Sony.
Read more here http://news.spong.com/article/10227?cb=751

This seat has BALLS!

Is this is a picture of a soccer fan's brain cells during the world cup? Or some weird Escher style illustration?
It's actually a cool inflatable Bubble Chair!
Made from five small and five large inflatable balls moulded together. It's made of tough vinyl, but light enough to kick around.. that's 10 goals at once! Instant victory!

Available from dstore.com.au and latestbuy.com.au for around AUD$80

PSP Firmware Update 2.71

PSP Firmware Updated To 2.71, LocationFree Player Support Added

Sony Computer Entertainment has released another PSP firmware update, updating the Sony handheld to version 2.71, and adding several notable pieces of new functionality.

The upgraded system version now includes the ability to save PSP demos directly to the system's memory stick for permanent storage, as well as the ability for users in regions with LocationFree TV to download video content for the PSP using the system's LocationFree player.

Currently, two Japanese game demos are available for download to the PSP. These include the 2D action platform game LocoRoco and Kazuo, the Japanese version of Go! Sudoku.

The update also extends the functionality of the PSP as a LocationFree player, allowing for video output to now be correctly displayed when an external tuner is selected using the PSP.

In addition, the player allows users to access both free and paid video content from Sony Computer Entertainment Japan's So-net download service, though obviously the content is only available in Japanese.
source [
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=9550]

USB Toilet

This is great - a mini USB Toilet! Your defications magically dissapear into the transparent void.

oh wait.. i've got this horribly wrong.. now I actually read the description it's a "Mini USB Magnifier Light with Stand" .. well i guess that can be handy too but the magic usb toilet must surely be in development? no?

OK here's what it's really all about:
This miniature magnifier lamp is powered by your PC's USB port and is ideal for use with a PC or notebook. The magnifier can be unplugged and used on its own or connected to the 1.6m curly cable to give you desk-wide coverage with the built-in light. The 50mm glass lens gives clear magnification making the mini-lamp ideal for all manner of small inspection tasks on or around your desktop. Supplied with a multi-position arm & mounting clip, hinged lens cover and desk stand.
* Bright 50mm glass lens
* 1.6m curly cord
* USB powered
* Included dust cover & light switch

Get one online from Aussie Gadgets for $19.95 -> ]JUUMP[

Superman Returns to the PSP .. I didn't know he left?

Wow .. I do love to get hyped up about the latest Superhero movie. Superman returns is hitting the cinemas soon and the movie-tie in game is about to be released for the PSP. Check out the awsome video at http://www.ea.com/superman_returns/home.jsp and get your orders in at A03 for the game here -> http://www.ao3.com.au/product.asp?ManufPartNo=15181 for just $56!! Tell them Batman sent yah.

USB Missile Launching Madness

Bring the cold war back to your cubicle - this USB missile launcher is sure to provide minutes of quality entertainment.

The idea is you plug this into your PC, load up the included software that lets you aim your missiles using your keyboard (left right up down) and fire!
They'll now who's boss when they get struck in the face by a little soft foam missle.
Hmm.. i still want one.. for security reasons you know.. but if i get one.. the guy next door will just get a bigger one.. or more of them.. and i'll have to get more.. and put up some spy satellites.. where does it end?

These are due in a few weeks - pre-order now from tesora.com.au or latestbuy.com.au for about AUD$60

PSP Release Schedule

This slide is Sony's release schedule for the Playstation Portable (PSP)

Looks like some exciting things on the horizon like VOIP support, GPS and Camera. Wonder what the memory stick boot is all about!?

PSP Firmware 2.7 Released

Sony released an update to the PSP firmware today. The most significant change is support for flash 6 in the browser.

Features updated in system software version 2.70 include the following:

		Macromedia® Flash® content can now be displayed in [Internet Browser].
		[Connection Settings] has been added as a setting under [Settings] in [Internet Browser] > [Tools].
		Audio content from [RSS Channel] can now be saved on Memory Stick Duo™ media.
		[Automatic] has been added as an option under [Rate] in the control panel of [LocationFree™ Player]. For details on the LocationFree™ Base Station, visit http://www.sony.com/locationfree/ownerslounge/psp.

A new file extension has been added to playable AAC formats.

		[Enable Flash® Player] has been added as a setting under [System Settings].
			You must be connected to the Internet to activate this setting.
		Options to display simplified Chinese or traditional Chinese characters have been added under [System Settings] > [System Language].
		[RSS Channel Settings] has been added as a setting.
		[UMD™Video L/R Button] has been added as an option under [Video Settings].

Certain conditions that have occurred when using Memory Stick PRO Duo™ with free (recordable) memory space of 2 GB or more are now solved.

Winfast DTV Dongle..watch telly on your lappy

This is a nifty little gadget, I bought one for myself recently so I could watch a bit of TV during those late late nights working.
Its a little USB dongle that lets you watch Digital TV on your computer - so long as your computer's got the grunt and you have a decent signal .. no problems! I found my laptop wasnt actually able to handle this and dropped frames.. so I moved it to a spare desktop. It seems to be 'just' powerful enough.. and works well (but not with the included antenna, I had to add a larger external antenna to get a decent signal - so the size of the dongle is amost irrelivent if you have to carry around an huge arial). I would say it works well, but not brilliantly - on my desktop pc, if the control panel box overlays the picture, the picture slows down to a crawl, like it just doesnt have enough grunt to carry it out smoothly.. I also cant get a smooth picture with HDTV, only Standard - it seems to skip frames - it is probably just a factor of the machine I have it on which is a server spec with only 256mb ram and a less than powerful graphics card - so I assume on a decent spec machine you wouldnt get the problems I have had. Even with these minor problems I'm still very happy with it.. I paid AUD$110 which is about half what other external DTV computer receivers cost & the picture quality is great!

Radio Shark

Griffin technologies certainly make some cool accessories - and check this out - its a USB radio tuner. Great you say.. so what.
Well the cool thing is (apart from it looking totally Funky on your desk) is that it records to your computer (mac or pc).
So what you're still saying.. okay you're not getting the big picture - the included software allows you to time-shift your recordings, just like a PVR (personal video recorder) - or Tivo in America., or schedule it to record your favourite shows. ahaa!
Personally I'd buy one just 'cos it does look so cool.. :-)
RRP seems to be about AUD$150 - best price I could find is digilife.com.au for AUD$99.95 [JUMP]

Ibiza Ride Digital LED Watch

Ultra cool and sleek, it displays the time with a mighty 60 coloured LEDs, and can also show the date - well it shows you some illuminated LED's and you then have to work out the date.
The left hand double column tells you what hour it is (or month when in date mode), and the other columns tell you the minutes (or days). The LED's fire up with a simple press of the winder button (that isn't a winder obviously), and stays lit for 5 seconds, and a helpful pile of LEDs in the bottom right hand corner of the face let you know if it's a.m. or p.m. (in case you're too out of it to work that out for yourself), and when your in 'Date' mode, which sounds rather more exciting than it is.
Virtually no-one will ever own a cooler watch!
Features- 60 coloured LED lights that display the time and date. - Three columns of LEDS for hours, tens of minutes and minutes. - A sleek, stainless steel watch face. - A black genuine leather strap. - A function button. When pressed once it illuminates the time for 5 seconds, pressed twice, the date. - LED colours include blue, green and red. - Water Resistant up to 30 metres. - Requires 2 x CR2032 Batteries (included).
Available from tesora.com.au [JUMP]

Flashwear T-Shirts

Where were these 10 years ago when I was a raver? If you want to stand out at your next disco this is your ticket.. tesora.com.au are selling 5 different versions for $44.95 each your choice of colour is black. (well it wouldn't stand out so well without some contrast).

The new FlashWear T-Shirts are operated via 4 x AAA batteries. Batteries will last for approximately 12 hours and can be replaced. Each FlashWear Flashing T-Shirt has a small hidden pocket inside where the battery compartment is located. The battery pack contains a small on/off button as well as buttons to change display settings.

I bet you're thinking how do I wash them? Well you can wash them.. you just have to do it carefully and take the batteries out.

Check them out here [JUMP]

LavNav - for those who miss and hit the floor

Do you stumble into the toilet late at night.. and totally miss the bowl and soak the floor in urine? If you're a woman thats a worry, for man.. ah give us a break.. its not as easy as it looks. Anyway - not that I've ever missed.. but if you are a bad shot - this toilet night light - the LavNav will help you find your way. If you still keep missing you might need a TomTom GPS system to help you..
The LavNav uses red or green light to highlight the target and turns itself on as you approach in the dark and off as you leave.
It does this by detecting the electrical disturbance you make in the ion field surrounding the area by the higher neuromatic impulses transmitted by a full bladder.. or maybe it just uses a little IR sensor.
So for $51 you can get this from expansys.com.au and never have an excuse to miss the bowl again!

Roomba Discovery - my verdict

I would love the roomba anyway, just for the whole robotics thing but I should focus on how well it does its job.
I expect that it would remove most or all loose dirt & crumbs etc. I'm happy to say it does this and does it well. My wife usually vacuums at least once if not twice a day, since we got the Roomba Discovery last Friday - she hasn't needed to vacuum at all. I think that speaks for itself.
The instant advantage to us is the large vacuum cleaner doesnt need to be out all the time - with the frequency of our vacuuming in the past, the old Dyson rarely made it to its storage cupboard.. it was generally left out ready for the next clean. So we have more space! The Roomba lives under the couch so its totally hidden and only comes out when we command it to with the remote (the scheduling remote accessory is coming soon, as in the next month).
Is this a junky toy that bounces around the room, picking up hardly anything and getting stuck all the time? No.. its solid, does a good cleaning job and I havent seen it get into a spot it cant get out of by itself.
Totally impressed! - Its also not too noisy, yes it does make a noise.. its a vacuum cleaner what do you expect.. but its not half as noisy as an upright. If you check out the video below, I have the TV on in the background at a normal level so you can compare.
Want to see it in action? [CLICK HERE TO VIEW MY VIDEO CLIP OF THE ROOMBA IN ACTION AT OUR HOUSE]

iRobot Roomba Discovery - our first domestic droid

Aaah, this is the day I've been waiting for my whole life, the day I get my first real droid.. this is no toy, its our first robotic home helper. It had enough charge in the battery out of the box to make its way (by itself) to its charging station and begin its three hour charge. So at about 9pm tonight it will be sent on its first real mission - the only mission it will ever know - see dirt.. remove dirt. ok so this is no R2D2 but I'm stoked the ball is rolling, the droids are coming and in less than a year, this robotic vacuum will be teamed with its sister to come (the Scooba) .. that will be interesting!

Well I'll write a review once we've seen what it can do.. how cool!

PS I got this from Harvey Norman for just AUD$399 and as a bonus the store manager threw in 3 yrs warranty!

Bodum Lipstick Flask

This cool travel flask is definately one for the girls - looking like a giant lipstick this would not go down well with the blokes down at the gravel pit but you're wife will look so cool at the next picnic.
Get it for about $40 from bodum retailers such as Myer.

Utili-Key - those tricky swiss!

Any red blooded bloke has a soft spot for a pocket knife.
I think most men secretly think they have super powers, or will one day save the world.. and every super-hero needs his tools, those tiny little gadgets that have a hundred uses.. the swiss army knife was the definition of 'pocket knife' when I was a kid, but I dont know.. it seemed to have lost its way.. they just tried to cram way too many tools in there and the damn thing got too big.
The Utili-Key brings it all back to basics, it looks like a key so it stealthily will hide amongst your real keys waiting for the right moment to spring out and open a bottle, tighten the loose screw or free that victim trapped under a fallen tree with the serrated blade.
I saw the Utili-Key a few months ago in an English magazine but couldnt find it on our soils, well LatestBuy.com.au will now sell you this functional little bit of metal for AUD$39.95 - go get it now, you never know when it might save your life!

Google Earth GPS - I knew it!

When I first saw google earth, I was amazed.. the possibilities are almost endless and I thought, I bet google are doing this so they can own the car-navigation market.
Well looky here - Google, Volkswagen and nVidia have teamed up to create an exciting new GPS system with photographic 3D maps with automatic personalised content updates. That means you'll be able to tap into online databases to get anything from restaurant opening times to petrol prices.
So although this whole google - gps navigation is still in the works, I fully expect it will come to Australia.

Check this out [JUMP]

Just yesterday I noticed google mars - [MARSJUMP]

Mark my words.. Google is becoming the global repositry for all our information and 'it' will become self aware.. we will be living on planet google.. I wonder if google became self aware, what its personality would be like? Consider its frame of reference (everything on the web).. hmm.. food for thought.

USB Beverage Chiller

Another USB Gizmo popped up on my radar today - the CoolIT USB Beverage Chiller.

Just seconds after plugging the chiller into your computer's USB port, the coldplate chills to under 8°C.

Place your drink on the blue plate and away you go, icy cold coke!

This would go perfectly with the USB cup warmer.. and if you can get a USB fry-pan and USB pillow you'd never have to leave the computer at all!
In fact.. i see where this is going.. in the not-to-distant-but-scary-paranoid-future, we'll just plug ourselves into the computer and it can sort out our biological needs... warming, cooling, squirting nutrients down a tube.. its the matrix man.. its coming! Dooooommmm.. (i get this from a drink cooler.)

I dont think this device needs further explanation really, but the features for the record are:
Features
1 Plugs into your computer's USB port
2 Coldplate chills to under 8 degrees Celsius.
3 Keeps your beverage cold

Yep thats about what I figured.. and if you believe the marketing, its the ONLY way to keep your beverages cold while your at your computer. Really? What about if I put a block of ice on top of the can? aye? yes the desk gets wet but its another way to do it now isn't it?
Or a stubbie cooler? Or a little mini fridge?

the USB CoolIT Chiller is available for about AUD$75 (ouch!)
I'll stick to my $2 foam stubbie cooler.

Topfield TFP20 PMP

Topfield - makers of my favourite gadget of all (the TF5000Pvrt) have just released a PMP !
PMP stands for Portable Media Player .. what did you think it stood for?
The TFP20 has a 20Gb hard drive - enough for up to 400hrs of video, 10,000 songs or 100,000 photos. The coolest thing is it will record directly from your TV and you can set a timer like a PVR.. neat!
So now we can take 'neighbours' with us wherever we go. There are too many tricks and specs to list here.. oh stuff it no there isnt.. the internet is endless and this page can be too.. here's the specs.
Storage
20Gb 1.8” HDD
Display
4 inch WQVGA (480x272) with 16 million true colours TFT LCD 390,000 pixles
Image Playback
File Format: JPG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG.
Resolution: 8 Mega Pixles
With Music: JPEG/BMP + MP#
Audio Playback
File Format:MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, AC3, AAC.
Bit rate:8~329kbps CBR&VBR/Q0~Q10 (OGG bitrate)
Tag:ID3v1, IDVv2 2.o, ID3v2 3.0
Video Playback
File Format: AVI, MPG, ASF, WMV.
Audio Format:MP3, AC3, WMA.
Video Format:MPEG1, MPEG2, DivX3.1/4.xx/5xx, Xvid, ISO MPEG4 SP/ASP, WMV9.
Video Bit Rate:MPEG1(upto 5mbps), MPEG2(upto 8mbps),DivX3.1/4.xx/5xx, Xvid, ISO MPEG4 SP/ASP(upto 4mbps)
Audio Bit Rate:8kbps~320kbps
Resolution:720x480 maximum (WMV9 320x240, 500kbps)
Video Frame Rate: 30fps Max
Caption: SMI Format
Audio Recording
Audio Format: MP3
Video Recording
File Format: AVI
Video Format: DivX 5.0
Video Bit Rate: 5Mbps max
Audio Format: MP3 128kbps
Resolution: 640x480 VGAAV
Connections
Earphone jack, AV In, AV Out, Built in Microphone, Built in Speaker.
TV Output
Pal or NTSC
Power Source
Detachable Lithium-Polymer battery pack, External AC charger/adapter.
Physical Dimensions
139x73x23mm, 270g.System Requirements
OS:Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000, XP / Linux.

more after the [JUMP]

Tomcar now in Australia

This is the coolest offroad car I've ever seen, and soon I'll be given a ride in one.. can't wait!

The Tomcar has just come to Australia, the picture is from a test-run at Rainbow beach in Queensland.

The Tomcar comes in various configurations (4-seat, 2-seat etc) & is like a mini Humvee, there is even a military version.

Check out the website, lots of great pics - it just launched today! [JUMP]

PSP GPS!! and more.. its coming!

I didn't get the PSP I wanted for Christmas - so bugger it I went and bought one myself - traded in the old PS2 at Electronics Boutique and coughed up a bit more and got my sweaty little hands on this awsome gadget.

okay - sorry this blog has been neglected since christmas, I've been soooo busy and earning the bucks to pay the bills has had to come first.

I have been reading about some upcoming accessories for the PSP, including a USB camera, USB Keyboard - and most exciting - a USB GPS - apparently the maps will come on a UMD disc.

The photo is from E3, and is a prototype (good that thing looks like it would snap off pretty easily - I hope the final version is a bit more rugged) .

The Sony PSP Map application UMD will be available on April 20th in Japan for 3,990 yen (about $40AUD?) - I bet the Aussie maps will be more than that though (if/when they come out).

If you just can't wait - (some people are so impatient) - check this out - http://www.i4u.com/article4632.html
Its homebrew so I wont touch it (I dont want my precious turning into a PSP-Brick thanks) - I'll wait.. but some may be more adventurous.