The Smorgasbord

The new version of the Amazon Kindle 2 is out, so I thought I would give it a review. This time around they’re really taken the time to refine the device and create something very functional, elegant, lightweight, and cool. This first thing you’ll notice is how darn thin it is. It’s only as think as most magazines. Also it doesn’t weigh much more than a standard paperback (10 ounces). The screen is more legible and battery life has been extended by 25%. It has 2GB of internal memory, and uses Sprints 3G network for connectivity (no cost for this beyond the device). One of the really cool things about the Kindle 2 is that is has PDF document conversion – you can email documents to the device and they will be converted to PDF for you to read. You can even listen to music and podcasts on the eReader. Kindle 2 only weighs a little over a pound and a half.

Here’s a video review of the Kindle 2:

There are all kinds of deals for Kindle in auctions ending now – check some of these out:

US $169.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:22:18 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $146.53 (15 Bids) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:25:49 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $154.40 (26 Bids) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:46:31 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $160.50 (23 Bids) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 20:02:17 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $145.00 (15 Bids) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 20:16:34 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $109.25 (13 Bids) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 20:22:30 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $145.00 (21 Bids) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 20:23:26 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $160.50 (28 Bids) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 20:28:35 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

You can also check out the price of a New Kindle 2 on Amazon now:

Last year I blogged about the Eye-Fi Wireless SD cards that were oh so cool! Eye-FI SD cards have an onboard chipset that access your wireless network and automatically uploads your pics and videos to flickr and YouTube among other places! What could be better – right? I’ll tell you what, they have 2 new versions, the “Explore Video” and “Share Video”. They are both 4GB capacity (double the old versions), and the Explore version adds geotagging and hotspot wifi service on top of the old features.

With the new models out, you can find some great deals on the old 2GB versions – as well as deals on the new share and explore Eye-FI versions in auctions ending soon:

US $62.94 End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 0:40:49 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $62.94 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $151.00 End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 9:10:18 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $151.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $50.99 End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 14:01:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $50.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $29.98 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 15:34:38 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $34.98 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $29.50 (8 Bids) End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 16:00:57 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $60.00 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 16:40:14 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $60.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $79.95 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 19:55:05 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $79.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $84.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 22:09:54 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

After yesterdays post about power outlet wireless adapters, I got to thinking about extending wireless router range. You can buy a multitude of devices to help extend the range of your home of business wireless (and wired) network – but there are ways to do it on the cheap you know.

I mean, you could build a cantenna. It costs less than $5, what do you have to lose? You can make one out of an old soup can – and it’s probably better than one you could buy from the store anyway.

You could also get a second router and use it as a switch or access point. What?! You didn’t know that? Of course you can. You can setup a second router anywhere in your house, and the first one will be the gateway and the second just an access point. You might even have a second router lying around you can use already.

Did you know you could change your router’s channel? Sure you can, and you probably just left it on the same channel it was defaulted to (like all your neighbors). If you’re all on channel 5 don’t you think there will be some interference? Log into your router admin screen and change it to something different, all you can do is IMPROVE the performance!

You could even make your own antenna extender for about 5 cents. I came across this video that shows you how to do it in about 10 minutes (awesome!):

If none of that works, or your just not the homebrew type – you can just buy a long range wifi antenna….here’s a bunch for sale right now:

US $22.99 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:34:02 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $22.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $119.00 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 22:36:04 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $119.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $28.10 (8 Bids) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 23:03:24 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $32.00 (4 Bids) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 10:30:52 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $22.50 (8 Bids) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 11:27:46 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $20.50 (6 Bids) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 11:30:14 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $22.55 (8 Bids) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 11:42:15 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $146.70 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 13:07:55 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $163.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

An AC Powered Wireless Ethernet Adapter can help you get devices connected in your home that are either not wireless or too far or inconvenient to run wires too. For example – let’s say that you have a tivo or cable box that needs to be connected to the Internet. May an older computer that doesn’t have wireless capability? You could even connect an XBox 360, Playstation 3, or Wii with these devices. All you need is a power outlet – and problem solved! What a wireless power adapter does is plug into any standard power outlet and connects to your wireless router. It has a ethernet jack, and you just plugin your cable box or computer and voila – Internet connection! It couldn’t be any easier.

The Panasonic BL-PA100KTA is an HD-PLC device, or High Definition Power Line Communication. Basically you get an Internet connection through ordinary AC power outlets. This particular device comes with 2 adapters, and one connects to your router and a power outlet, and then other plugs in any outlet in the house making your electrical wiring a network to connect to the Internet through. Error correction and encryption is available, and the devices can be used up to 490 physical feet. Here’s are some great deals on Panasonic Internet power adapters right now:

US $24.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 18:29:28 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $49.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $89.99 End Date: Monday Aug-02-2010 12:35:02 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $89.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $99.99 End Date: Thursday Aug-05-2010 18:58:11 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $99.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $146.95 End Date: Sunday Aug-08-2010 8:30:04 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $146.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $146.95 End Date: Tuesday Aug-24-2010 23:03:25 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $146.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

You could also use the Netgear HDX101, which can be purchased as a single adapter to connect to the Internet (very popular for DVR boxes and XBox 360′s). You can use this device in up to a 5,000 sq foot home! Get speeds up to 200Mbps over a your power lines and transfer large files. This is a great little device at a very reasonable price. Find one now:

US $20.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 10:25:03 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $60.00 End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 14:14:03 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $60.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $100.00 End Date: Thursday Aug-05-2010 6:19:27 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $100.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $59.99 End Date: Friday Aug-13-2010 17:24:36 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $59.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $59.99 End Date: Friday Aug-13-2010 18:07:40 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $59.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

This “MSI Wind Netbook Review” shows that there actually are some differences between all the sub and ultra compact laptops flooding the market right now. The biggest complaints about these little netbooks are that they keyboard is too small, the screen is too small, or the processor is too slow. The MSI Wind doesn’t really seem to have any of those problems since it boasts a 10 inch screen, a pretty good sized keyboard, and a Ghz atom processor that’s overclockable. It’s 2.6 lbs and just a bit more in physical size than the eee PC. It’s got jacks for LAN, headphone, mic, VGA, a memory card reader, decent speakers, and about 4-5 hours of battery life. The MSI wind has a 6 cell battery (most of the netbooks have only 3), and the right shift key is actually normal sized. Oh – did I mention that it also had integrated wireless bluetooth built-in?

Here’s a video review of the MSI Wind:

US $291.99 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:29:31 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $291.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $499.95 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:58:04 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $499.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $62.98 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 21:42:06 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $62.98 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $9.95 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 21:44:47 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $9.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $17.52 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 23:35:23 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $17.52 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $33.99 End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 0:09:17 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $33.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $669.99 End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 1:51:55 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $669.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $76.00 (7 Bids) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 5:04:23 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

Since I’ve been looking at Netbooks, the HP Mini-Note should definitely not be overlooked since it was one of the first to be classified in this category as an ultra subcompact laptop gadget. I like the fact that it’s not Intel, and that you can configure the hard drive and memory to your liking, in addition to both Windows and Linux flavors. It can be a little more pricey than the others depending on how it’s configured, but it was one of the only ones to pack a 1280×768 resolution into the tiny 7.8″ screen! What more could you ask for though – you get Wi-fi, a webcam, and both express and SD card slots – in addition to the normal USB connects. All in a little 2.8lb case!

Here’s a video review:

You can find the HP Mini-Note for pretty reasonable new and used prices on ebay, here are some ending soon:

US $15.52 End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 13:29:19 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $15.52 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $4.75 End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 14:03:45 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4.75 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $15.56 End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 16:31:55 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $15.56 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $16.50 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 0:47:42 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $16.50 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $16.50 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 0:47:48 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $16.50 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $99.77 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 3:07:55 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $99.77 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $149.94 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 3:20:36 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $149.94 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $15.99 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 4:05:24 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $15.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

I’ve recently discovered the wonder of the “netbook” that everybody seems to be clamoring about. Basically the sub-compact or “mini-notebook” is very popular and this category is now dubbed the “netbook”. Probably because it’s small, about the size of a book, and primarily used do do things on the ‘net.

I’ve reviewed one before, but at the time the phrase “netbook” wasn’t yet coined. I posted twice about the original Asus eee PC review (linux), and the Asus eee PC Windows XP review.

Although there seems to be quite a few “netbooks” out on the market now, the one that every seems to know other than the eee is the Asus Aspire One netbook. I can only imagine what kind of problems this is going to cause for the tech clueless since the names are so darn similar (Acer, Asus).

If you’re in a hurry and want the short version, here’s a video review you can watch of the Acer Aspire One:

The Acer Aspire one is a 2 lb wonder. Depending on model screen size varies from 7-10″, same for HDD size 120-160GB+ (unless you get one with a SSD, which would probably be 8GB or less). Most units seem to have 1GB Ram, and I’ve seen a few claiming to be able to run Vista Ultimate. They all seem to come with a webcam (although crappy .3 megapixel), and a headphone jack. You also get 3 USB jacks, a microphone jack, and even a monitor out if you need to hookup to a projector. You get of course a LAN jack and Wireless b/g, speakers, a card reader, and usually Windows XP loaded on the system. There is of course a Linux version too. Supposedly the new Windows 7 is designed to run on portable netbooks as well (without the hardware constraints of Vista).

You’re probably wondering – what do people that bought the Acer Aspire one really think of it? Well I can tell you that PCWorld gave it a damn near 5 star review. The same goes for nearly all the reviews on Amazon. Boot time is just over 20 seconds, and normal tasks like Facebook, Myspace, watching video on YouTube, using Firefox, and copying over your favorite album are all quick and easy.

If you’re up for one of these little wonders, I would definitely check out some of the latest auctions for both new and used ones on eBay right now:

US $177.50 (9 Bids) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:21:15 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $15.99 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:21:16 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $15.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $4.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:24:02 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $5.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $8.87 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:44:29 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $8.87 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $8.35 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:45:52 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $8.35 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $289.30 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:46:04 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $289.30 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $4.78 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:47:13 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $5.78 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $423.41 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:47:29 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $423.41 Buy it now | Add to watch list

The other day we had to get an alarm clock for the oldest who’s know in college (who happens to have a problem getting out of bed everyday!).  I was looking for different kinds of alarm clocks online (loud and annoying ones) and I came across these different and unusual ones that seem kind of fitting being back to school time and all! Some of these could make great gifts for college students, friends, and family! Buy one now and you have one less thing to buy at Christmas time.

Puzzle Alarm Clocks that require manual intervention to turn off

Puzzle Alarm Clock
Price: $24.95
The Puzzle Alarm Clock may look childish but try saying that when you have to put it all back together in your morning haze. When you set the alarm, the puzzle pieces pop up and the alarm will not stop till you put the pieces back in their correct spot. By that time, you’re awake and the Puzzle Alarm Clock ‘s job is complete! Puzzle Alarm Clock Features: – Large and easy to Read Backlit Display – Easy to Set – Remote batteries included.- No Snooze Button. – Clock Requires 3 AA Batteries (Not included) – Color pieces may vary.

US $15.99 End Date: Saturday Aug-21-2010 16:34:43 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $15.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Extra Loud Alarm Clocks

iHOME T101NS Extra Loud LED Alarm Clock – Silver
Price: $14.99
iHOME T101NS Extra Loud LED Alarm Clock – Silver

Sonic Boom Extra Loud Alarm Clock
If a Sonic Boom alarm clock can’t wake you up, you’re probably asleep for good! In addition to extra-loud beepers, their startling bed-quaking vibrators will rattle you out of any slumber. Your alarm clock will get your attention every time if it’s the Sonic Boom bedside clock with a detachable bed shaker. Variable tone and volume controls let you set the most effective alarm. Position the bed vibrator under the mattress or a pillow and it will pound the bed when it’s time to wake up! Includes AC adapter.

Extra-Loud Alarm Clock
Price: $6.99
Now you will never sleep through the alarm again. This specially designed alarmclock emits a loud alarm that you won’t be able to ignore – even if you are a sound sleeper or hearing impaired. It features an accurate quartz movement, a sweep second hand, an easy-to-read dial and luminous hands that glow in the dark. 41/2″ x 3 1/4″. Uses 1 C Battery (not included).

US $43.90 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:34:19 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $43.90 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $43.90 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:34:24 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $43.90 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $42.93 End Date: Thursday Jul-29-2010 19:44:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $42.93 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $19.85 End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 6:41:46 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $19.85 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Annoying Alarm Clocks

I like these annoying alarm clocks the best because you REALLY have to wake up to turn them off. The first is the “helicopter alarm clock” which shoots up in the air when it goes off, and you actually have to find it, and replace it before the alarm goes off.

US $0.89 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 1:22:02 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $0.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 8:18:24 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $0.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 8:33:15 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $0.89 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Jul-30-2010 10:12:07 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

The second I remember seeing a long, long time ago when the prototype was invented by an MIT student as a project. The “clocky” alarm clock leaps from your nightstand when it goes off and just runs around the room relentlessly going off until you find it, catch it, and turn it off (at which point you should be REALLY awake!).

US $24.99 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 6:14:26 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $24.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $38.95 End Date: Saturday Jul-31-2010 11:09:01 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $38.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $0.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 11:43:39 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $16.14 End Date: Sunday Aug-01-2010 20:43:35 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $16.14 Buy it now | Add to watch list

There are a lot of portable MP3 players on the market, and we review the Nextar T-30 with Christmas looming just months away…

I think a lot of people often wonder what’s out there besides iPod’s in the portable MP3 player space. Nextar now has the Nextar T-30 for under $100, and it’s just a half inch thin, and weighs only a few ounces. You get a 3.5″ display in 320×400, 4GB of internal storage, and 8 hour battery. It has an FM tuner (and recorder), and has a voice recorder and eBook reader. It even has an SD slot!

The iPod is so wildly popular (and still expensive) that competitors are coming out with quality products that have features the iPod doesn’t.  I’ve had iPod owners tell me “I don’t care about FM radio”, but you know, it’s nice to have when and if I want to use it!  And in my opinion Apple is very self serving (and stupid) for not equipping all new generations of iPod’s with SD card slots.  I’m sorry, if you are going to sell me a portable multimedia device capable of viewing movies, pictures, and music – there better be a damn card slot on it so I can interchange between my cell phone, laptop, digital camera, or whatever!  I think for $100 the Nextar is a steal…

Here’s the best prices you can get a Nextar T-30 for now (buy an Xmas gift early!):

US $50.99 End Date: Monday Aug-09-2010 19:59:11 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $50.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $45.99 End Date: Tuesday Aug-10-2010 16:28:42 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $45.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $37.99 End Date: Saturday Aug-21-2010 19:17:15 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $37.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $9.99 End Date: Friday Aug-27-2010 22:28:11 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $9.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

The Color Pattern Geek Clock is the perfect geek gift. You’ve seen those crazy geek clocks and watches that display the time in hexadecimal format. Only hardcore geeks can read those. Why not have a clock that looks as “techie”, but anyone cal learn to read? This Color Pattern Geek Clock is the perfect solution! Everyone that comes over will talk about it – and everyone will be able to tell time using it! Cool and useful.

Check prices on the Color Pattern geek Clock

This would great to buy now and put up for one less Christmas present to buy later!