The Smorgasbord

If you get a wireless Skype phone chances are you’ll ditch your landline for VOIP (if you haven’t already). A lot of people have switched over to Vonage already, and it appears that the idiot proof gadget the “magic jack” has sold millions as well. Skype started years back and you had to hook up a headset with microphone to use it. It caught on in droves because you could “call” anyone anywhere in the world using the service for FREE (as long as they also had a “skype” account). The ability to call anyone anywhere in the world for free was quite the incentive to sign up. Then Vonage came along and made it easy to just plugin a tiny box to your router and use a regular phone to make calls over the web unlimited for just $24.95 a month.

Now it appears that Skype has kind of caught up, because you can now buy a wireless skype phone - so not only do you not need the headset, but the phone works automatically over the Internet just like your land line! They’re pretty reasonable too, I’ve seen them for as little as $30-50. Skype has been growing in popularity, but in the last year it’s probably exploded due to the constant promotion of “Oprah” - every time she interviews guests now outside of the studio they’re shown on video “Skyping” in.

Here’s some wireless skype phones in auctions ending soon:

US $23.90 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 12:08:54 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $22.50 (3 Bids) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 13:43:43 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $129.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 17:56:57 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $139.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $29.95 End Date: Monday May-25-2009 18:06:26 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $29.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $32.95 End Date: Monday May-25-2009 18:21:38 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $32.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $54.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 18:22:37 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $59.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $51.05 (7 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 12:07:31 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $45.59 End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 17:11:19 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $45.59 Buy it now | Add to watch list

I heard about the Linux Game Console “EVO” quite a long time ago - and I guess I forgot about it. Looks like it’s finally ready for shipping on April 17th for $380. Seems like a lot doesn’t it? I mean compared to a PS3 or XBox 360 it seems like the price is pretty much the same.

So what do you get for $380 on a linux console gaming system? Here’s what I read on a recent post from Linux Devices:

• an Athlon 2.4Ghz 64X2 processor
• 2GB of RAM
• ATI HD 3200 graphics processor
• supports up to 1080i or 1080p for HD Hi-Def gaming
• DVI and HDMI outputs
• 120 GB Hard drive
• CD/DVD ROM
• Biometric scanner
• Two 10/100 ethernet jacks
• Six USB ports
• Mirrors Evolution linux (based on Fedora)
• Video on Demand
• Nearly unlimited storage through cloud computing

Here’s a video commercial I found on YouTube from December 2008:

With those specs, it seems to blow traditional main stream gaming consoles away - doesn’t it? Well after I watched the video I went to the EVO Smart Console web site to get the lastest info. The web site boasts a DVR to pause and record live TV, video on demand, and streaming of TV, photos, or music to any web enabled device. The web site says you can get “extras”, such as a logitech wireless keyboard and mouse, biometric fingerprint scanner, 10GB of online cloud storage, and play HD video games.

Then I click for “more specs” on the EVO web site to find that you can get the EVO smart console with all the “extras” for $599, but the big shocker was that you could get loaded with Windows Vista Home for $799!! WTF!? I guess the almightly dollar reigns supreme showing that (to stay viable) even people working 5 long hard years on a Linux gaming systems offer a Windows PC version in the end! It does list a “DVD burner” in both of these versions. I click one more time to find a smart console “HD” option for $699 that includes an SD card reader and wireless network, in addition to an HD tuner so you can record in Hi-Def with the DVR. You even get “Windows emulation plug and play software” to play PC games in HD. The EVO Game Store is now online as well.

I have to hand it to them, the EVO has come a long way in 5 years - but is it really competition to the XBox 360 and Playstation 3? It certainly doesn’t have game studios with million dollar budgets behind it. And really - it’s not a gaming console at as is it? It’s a fully fledged Linux PC in a small form factor box. The fact that it has windows emulation software to play PC games and makes it so. I think it’s a great idea, but maybe it should be marketed as the “Linux Living Room PC” or something like that.

This heated vest is just right for winter outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and more! My wife and I have been using an electric blanket for the last few years in our bed - and I don’t know how we ever did without it! I’ve been snowmobiling plenty of times where I was just chilled to the damn bone! These heated vests run on lithium ion batteries no bigger than a pack of cigarettes and can keep you warm 4-12 hours! This is a great time of year to pick something like this up too - because you always get better deals at the end of the season! It might be a litle low-tech actually, but I love it!

US $124.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 8:36:01 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $98.88 End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 11:22:03 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $98.88 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $139.95 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 15:54:55 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $17.78 End Date: Wednesday May-27-2009 2:22:32 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $17.78 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $99.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday May-27-2009 14:37:46 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $99.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday May-27-2009 14:38:57 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $180.00 End Date: Wednesday May-27-2009 14:39:26 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $180.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $99.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Wednesday May-27-2009 14:39:30 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

I’m always surfing eBay for weird gadgets and I came across these USB HD Receiver / Tuners that seem pretty cool. Most of them are under $50, and I knew that you could get TV tuners on a USB stick, but I hadn’t seen Hi Def ones before. I think to be able to watch, and in some cases record in HD quality from a USB key shows just how compact and small technology has become. They even come with little portable antennas (awww, how cute!). This would make a great gift for somebody that travels a lot for sure, it might make waiting in the airpot much more bearable!

Check out some of the ones I found:

US $31.36 End Date: Monday May-25-2009 9:15:35 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $31.36 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $15.68 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 15:14:33 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $59.95 End Date: Monday May-25-2009 21:57:30 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $59.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $19.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 0:56:29 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $24.71 (1 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 2:30:30 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $7.84 End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 2:56:29 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $7.84 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $8.99 End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 6:31:08 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $8.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $23.53 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 7:40:46 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

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 $4.49 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 10:50:36 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $6.99 End Date: Monday May-25-2009 11:28:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $6.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $12.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 11:57:50 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $13.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $12.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 13:44:49 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $13.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $21.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 14:32:42 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $22.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $21.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 15:56:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $22.99 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $0.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 16:35:18 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $199.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $386.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 17:15:25 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $388.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

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

A couple times a year Amazon has a big Blu-Ray and DVD sale and they clear out all kinds of titles at rock bottom prices. Last time I posted this I picked up quite a few things, and I wanted to pass the savings on to you (they tend to sell out pretty quick each time they have this sale)!

The sale goes on until March 22, and there are 300 blu-ray discs as low as $13.99. You can get titles like Transformers, Iron Man, and Wall-E. There’s also a huge DVD sale as well, with prices as low as $6.49. I love these kinds of sales because I can get some great deals on good movies I was looking for - and I don’t even have to leave the house….kudo’s Amazon!

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 $114.00 End Date: Monday May-25-2009 13:32:56 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $114.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $59.00 End Date: Monday May-25-2009 18:39:07 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $59.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $100.00 End Date: Monday May-25-2009 21:49:26 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $100.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $94.00 End Date: Monday May-25-2009 21:54:50 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $94.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $119.00 End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 8:32:16 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $119.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $5.50 (2 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 15:41:47 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $5.00 (2 Bids) End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 15:42:14 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $5.00 (1 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 15:42:30 PDT Bid 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 $22.99 End Date: Sunday May-31-2009 20:58:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $22.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $19.50 End Date: Wednesday Jun-10-2009 19:19:51 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $19.50 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 $3.25 (2 Bids) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 14:06:05 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $6.51 (3 Bids) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 14:06:20 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $11.43 End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 2:58:56 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $11.43 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $24.95 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 13:58:44 PDT Bid 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 $16.50 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 13:09:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $16.95 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $6.02 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 14:37:00 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $6.34 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $15.29 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 16:46:00 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $15.39 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $16.50 (0 Bid) End Date: Monday May-25-2009 19:11:37 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $16.95 Bid now | Buy it 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 $1.99 End Date: Tuesday May-26-2009 2:12:42 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $1.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $0.01 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday May-28-2009 4:24:38 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

US $48.99 End Date: Thursday May-28-2009 18:32:48 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $48.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

US $0.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday May-31-2009 14:40:51 PDT Bid 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!

Amazon is having a 50% off Blu-Ray Movie sale! It’s really funny too, since just yesterday I blogged about the LG Blu-Ray player. I checked my email this morning and saw this sale, and wow - it couldn’t be more timely! I don’t know how much I’ll spend, but I think I’m going to get about 6 of these while I can. They’ve got some great titles on sale too, like No Country for Old Men, The Doors, Gangs of New York, The Bank Job, Pirates of the Caribbean, and my favorite “Crash”!

They have like 83 Blu-Ray titles on sale, but it only goes until August 29th. You can get a deal on the pre-order of Iron Man too while you’re in there.