Mondays require more caffeine boost than usual to get started. These lens mugs from Canon delivers the needed java in a way guaranteed to make you smile.
With stainless steel lining inside, the mugs resemble the easily recognizable Canon lens with rubber-grip focus and zoom rings. , About four-inches tall, the Canon mugs holds about 11 ounces of liquid and come with a lens cap lid for drinkers on the go. There's even an auto-focus switch that actually switches.
A note for the photographers, these mugs are shaped like 24-105L zoom; mixing up the two will have dire consequences.
Right off the bat, the Bananas Apebot is different from any other humanoid robot you've seen. For starters, it's manners are straight out of the jungle. It makes rude noises and shambles around looking like, well, an ape.
It does very little that's useful; no cleaning, no picking up things. Instead, the Apebot tap dances, hums, and breaks wind (I am sure you can think of a person or two who would love this feature). This little 'bot is purely for entertainment.
The 'bananas' in the name refers to the gorilla's temper. If the Apebot is disturbed while sleeping or tipped over, it throws a full-blown tantrum, pounding fists, flashing its laser eyes, and roaring. How to soothe the enraged simian? Tickle the belly, of course.
This gem comes from the smart folks over at Carnegie Mellon's Robotics Institute. The Apebot balances on spiraling arms to easily get around on carpet, hardwood, and even dirt. Sensors inside allows the Apebot to react to the environment, such as sniffing and growling at obstacles. It has wrist-mounted rockets that it can fire. There is also a remote control (that resembles two bananas fused together) if you want to tell it what to do.
It supposedly can play dodge ball and if paired with a fellow Apebot, the two gorillas can play laser tag. That sounds like something worth seeing.
Instead of the near universal white, blue, or black for robots, the Apebot is an eye-cringing yellowish orange.
The Bananas Apebot runs off eight AA batteries and the remote requires three AAA batteries.Priced at $79.95 online at specialty stores like Hammacher Schlemmer, this is an expensive but fun gift.
Could this new peripheral provide the jolt the Wii needs to compete with Microsoft and Sony's new additions to their gaming platforms? In Nintendo tradition, it's certainly different and definitely innovative--and it's far more compelling than I had expected it to be.
Following yesterday's product announcement of the THQ uDraw GameTablet for Wii ($69.99, out in time for the holidays), the company hosted a press preview at the Nintendo World store in New York City's Rockefeller Center. There was blessedly little speech-making; mainly we were let loose among numerous stations set up with Wiis and uDraws to try our hands at the new peripheral.
I tried the tablet with the bundled uDraw Studio software (two game titles, PIctionary and Dood's Big Adventure, $29.99 each, will also be on store shelves at holiday time). Using the uDraw was like using a simpler wireless Wacom tablet; the Wii Remote docks in the tablet to provide connectivity. The 4- by 6-inch drawing surface provided plenty of room to draw. Getting started and figuring out the various controls was fairly simple (and then I found the tutorials, of course). Not so easy was controlling what I was drawing; it'll take some practice for me and I suspect for most people. But the possibilities are a bit mind-blowing! (More after the jump.)
To those of you who wouldn't be caught dead with a Hello Kitty flash drive, say Vroom! for Flash Rods. The 4GB flash drives are patched into toy cars -- some of which are Hot Wheels. Even with the USB end sticking out like a gigantic tailpipe, the car rolls like any other unmodified Hot Wheels car. A light comes on inside the Flash Rod when plugged in and while data is being transferred.
There are over 90 different cars available, including the '55 Chevy, '67 Mustang, New Camaro, 2010 Mustang GT500, and even a silver DeLorean. Each car is priced at $25. If that seems like a huge markup for what used to be a child's toy, consider that each individual FlashRod is assembled by hand.
If the flash drive is too tame, FlashRod also sells external hard drives (500 GB Seagate drives). Models include Audi R8, Nissan GT-R, '10 Camaro, and Dodge Challenger.
My 6-year-old son has spent the last few months begging me for a handheld gaming console. It's not something I was actually considering getting him anytime soon. That is, until I checked out the LeapFrog Leapster Explorer ($69.99 list).
Aimed at the 4- to 9-year-old set, this device is meant to be not just a gaming platform but also one for learning. The Explorer measures approximately 3.25 by 6.5 inches. The chassis is made of plastic in the LeapFrog signature colors of white and bright green. The 3.2-inch TFT touchscreen has a 320-by-240 resolution, and it's a lot brighter than the screen that came with the LeapFrog Text and Learn. The whole device is rugged enough for typical wear and tear, and just the right size for children's hands.
PCMag's software/Web staff editor Jeff Wilson and I recently got a preview of Majesco Entertainment's upcoming games lineup. We are happy to report that, among other new titles, the company is coming out with Babysitting Mama for Wii.
The simple, quirky, and inordinately addictive Mama games, including several version of Cooking Mama as well as Gardening Mama, are already popular on the Nintendo DS and Wii. Babysitting Mama will add a new element, though: a plush "baby" that serves as your game controller. Actually, you stuff the Wiimote into Baby's back, which just feels wrong, and then you're ready to play.(That's Jeff above, attempting to calm Baby down. He really liked this game, which demonstrates that the Mama demographic goes way beyond young girls.)
You'll follow Mama on the screen to perform a number of baby-related activities ranging from the normal to the weird (our favorite was the baby race--you have to see it). As you play, you get feedback on how well or poorly you're doing, both onscreen AND from Baby, who makes little happy and not-happy noises via the Wiimote.
The game should be out in October, in for the holidays. It'll be $39.99 list, including the Baby. Also coming for the holidays : Crafting Mama for the DS platform ($29.99 list).
Golla of Finland specializes in stylish, well-designed bags for all kinds of electronics products. When we checked the company's site, we really liked what we saw, so we jumped at the chance to check out a few bags in person.
The company sent us three samples: the Jade 13-inch, a messenger-style laptop bag; the Const 16-inch, a laptop backpack; and the Tarif, sized for iPads (see photos of each after the jump).
First, the Jade ($79.90 list): Our sample bag is a light gray color (left) with a beautiful flower design in blue and white on the front (it's also available in purple and black). Although it's slim, this bag has plenty of room for accessories.
The Jade features two front pockets with zipper and velcro closures and a back pocket with a velcro closing. The main compartment includes a cushioned area for your device, more pockets for accessories, and a microfiber screen cloth. The shoulder strap is removable and adjustable; and two handles can be used as shoulder straps.
This bag is very comfortable to carry. We preferred the handles to the shoulder strap, but it's nice to have the option. Since it's so slim, we had no problem with it on crowded trains.
Read about the other two bags, and see more photos, after the jump.
Look out Roomba, MSI has some new robots that want to wipe the floor with you. Tucked into MSI's Computex booth, alongside Windows 7 Tablets and overclocked Intel CPUs, MSI was demoing a robot floor cleaner that looks like it has an edge on iRobot's venerable Roomba. First of all, it will automatically go back to its docking station when it is done cleaning to recharge itself. Also, instead of blindly running into walls, the device uses ultrasound technology to avoid them. The M800 Smart Vacuum Robot is rated to last 110 minutes on a 4-hour charge.
The company is also releasing the R1300 Security Vacuum Robot, which comes motion detection and a wireless video camera that can stream video over the Internet. (No word on whether this robot bad boy could be loaded with a Taser attachment.)
What's more, MSI representatives to me that it has 8X the suction power as the Roomba, but of course we will need to get it into PC Labs for testing before we can know for sure just how much it sucks.
MSI isn't sure about pricing of either robot, or if they will definitely make it to U.S. floors, but it plans to ship the robots in Asia early next year. Until then, check out this video taken on the Computex Show floor.
Officials from France Telecom/Orange are insisting that an interview in which executive Stephane Richard seemingly confirmed that the rumored Apple tablet exists and will have a webcam was taken out of context.
"These responses in no way reflect Orange's confirmation of the existence of the rumored device," Orange said in a statement provided to PaidContent. "The spokesperson was merely confirming that he is aware of the speculation surrounding a launch and that Orange would be delighted to have such a product were it ever to be available."
A video of the interview (above) - conducted in French - has been posted online. The subject of a webcam is first brought up by the interviewer who says, "According to the weekly Le Point, your partner Apple will launch a tablet equipped with a webcam."
Navigation apps are hot in the iTunes Store, and--thanks to a price war--are surprisingly affordable. But before you go driving with your iPhone, please get yourself a window mount. You can't navigate with the iPhone in your cup holder, and holding it by hand is no better.
Three weeks ago, Magellan unveiled its version, the Magellan Premium Car Kit. Now the company says the product will ship on January 7 and is available for pre-order. It's a good buy if you're getting an iPhone or iPod Touch as a gift.
Not simply a window mount, the kit includes its own GPS chip so 2nd generation iPod Touches can work as navigators, as well. That chip will also boost the GPS reception of iPhone 3G and 3GS models. The kit includes a car charger, Bluetooth button for call answering, and speakers. I like that it's size-adjustable, so that users can leave their iPod Touches and iPhones in their cases. I just wish the price was a little lower: at $129.99, it costs far more than the software itself (Magellan RoadMate 2010 North America is currently only $59.99 in the iTunes Store).
Last-minute shoppers, Finis has a last-minute announcement: The aquatic-tech company has just announced the Finis XtreamP3, a waterproof, sweat-proof MP3 player. Take it in the pool, take it surfing--anywhere that's extreme.
You might already be familiar with the company's SwiMP3 player, which was updated in September. The idea here is the same, but the XtreamP3 has an armband, where the SwiMP3 fits onto a goggle strap. That makes it appealing to surfers or swimmers who don't wear goggles.
The XtreamP3 holds 1GB of music and is submersible to a depth of 15 feet. It comes with waterproof earbuds for clear listening above or below the waterline, and it even floats, so you don't need to worry about losing it while riding the waves.
Sure, you tell your MacBook Pro that it's special to you, but how do you show it? Why not treat your favorite laptop to some luxury with the SurfacePad from Twelve South? This thin and soft leather covering both dresses up your computer and protects it.
The SurfacePad comes in both smooth and pattern styles, and fits both the 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pro. The 13-inch model is a one-piece design that covers the keyboard deck, but leaves openings for the trackpad and keyboard. The 15-inch model (shown) is a two-piece design that leaves the speakers uncovered.
Install either model SurfacePad with a special adhesive that leaves no trace or sticky residue. Both sizes sell for $39.99 and are available immediately from Twelve South.
Who says there are no new products introduced this close to Christmas? Not the people at JVC, thank goodness, who today announced the JVC XS-SR3, a curved dock for those tired of the same old boxy shelf systems. The speaker surrounds your iPod with a wraparound design and glossy black styling. It's powered by neodymium magnets for a clean, crisp sound, and uses Dolby Virtual Surround to create the illusion of a wider sound field when viewing video.
Besides good looks, the JVC XS-SR3 offers versatility. It can hold your iPod vertically for album art or horizontally for video. This five watt system includes two audio inputs, one analog input, and one digital optical input. It also comes with a remote. Look for it this month with a list price of $149.95.
Has any computer product been re-invented as many times as the mouse? The just-launched Jelfin Mouse combines ergonomics and aesthetics in a design that's pleasing to the eyes and fingers.
The Jelfin is ball-shaped, so the hand wraps around it and the fingers stay curved. Those who find the traditional mouse shape uncomfortable might have an easier time with the Jelfin. The mouse also has a soft gel covering, to further emphasize comfort. It comes in five vibrant colors (cobalt blue, crimson red, cadmium yellow, electric green, and hot pink) and works with both Windows and Macintosh computers. It's available from Amazon.com for an affordable $34.95.
While I haven't tried the Jelfin, a video on the site shows that it requires the user to move his or her whole hand to position the cursor, instead of just moving the fingertips as with a standard mouse. While that would be uncomfortable for a lot of us, it's a good choice for those with repetitive-motion wrist problems.
There are so many plain white MacBooks at Starbucks. Don't you want yours to stand out a little? If so, check out the two new lines of colorful coverings from Speck.
The Speck SeeThru is a hardshell case that comes in clear, red, and pink. The Speck SeeThru Satin has a soft texture and a frosted look, and comes in black, purple, and red. Both add extra stability to your MacBook with the addition of integrated rubber feet.
Both lines offer unhindered access to all ports, are easy to remove, and list for $49.95 each.
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Mondays require more caffeine boost than usual to get started. These lens mugs from Canon delivers the needed java in a way guaranteed to make you smile.
Right off the bat, the 
To those of you who wouldn't be caught dead with a 
Look out 
