SureFire Titan - First Dimmable LED Flashlight April 30, 2007
By Andrew Liszewski
I’m actually kind of surprised that this is the world’s first dimmable LED flashlight but since I can’t think of any other companies offering this feature, it must be. The Titan from SureFire can be adjusted from anywhere between 0 lumens up to 70 lumens by rotating the bezel. And even though it’s only 3.5 inches long it’s built like a tank and could probably eat MagLites for breakfast.
The body is made from tough, corrosion-resistant Titanium and the virtually indestructible LED is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire window. It even has a tailcap connector threaded at 1/4-20 UNC allowing it to attach to most standard tripods for hands-free usage.
While the Titan might seem like the perfect tool for your upcoming weekend camping trip you might be disappointed to learn the limited run of 1000 Titanium units will set you back $500 each.
[ SureFire Titan ] VIA [ Popular Science ]
Keychain Sized Infrared Thermometer
By Andrew Liszewski
I’ve always wanted to play with a touch-free infrared thermometer but for maybe 5 minutes of fun I could never justify buying one. Thankfully this keychain sized version works just like its larger counterparts but without the larger price tag.
By measuring infrared radiation, the MicroTemp thermometer can tell you the temperature of any surface with the touch of a button. Lightweight and portable, it’s useful for lots of do-it-yourself projects, including PC maintenance, automotive inspection, HVAC applications, food prep, metallurgy and much more.
Given its size and price the keychain thermometer can measure a pretty wide range of temperatures from -27 degrees F to 230 degrees F with an accuracy of +/- 4.5 degrees F. A simple LCD displays the current temperature measurement and it’s powered by 2 LR44 batteries.
It’s currently available from X-Treme Geek for only $24.95.
[ Infrared Non-contact Thermometer, Keychain Size ] VIA [ Ubergizmo ]
Lucifer - For Storing, Dispensing & Igniting Matches
By Andrew Liszewski
Usually pyromaniacs are shunned and looked down upon by society but it seems as if there’s at least one designer out there who has a soft spot for them. The Lucifer is an ultra-modern looking match container that goes the extra mile. Turn it upside down and after a little bit of shaking one of the matches will partially come out of the hole on top. This hole is specifically designed so that there’s enough friction on the match head to ignite it as it’s being removed.
A few people have already brought up the possible dangers of a lit match accidentally falling back into the container and igniting the rest of them. But if my grade 5 backyard science experiments taught me anything it’s that this would actually result in a rocket effect allowing you to send the Lucifer and an attached G.I. Joe figure safely to the moon. (At least I assume that’s where Shipwreck ended up.)
Sadly the Lucifer only seems to be a concept at this point but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it available for sale some day.
Bitz Pixelated Palz Now Invading Bedrooms Instead Of Space
By Andrew Liszewski
It’s pretty much a given that unless your kids grew up in the 80’s they’re going to look down on many classic video games. But until they reach the age where they realize how uncool ‘Space Invaders’ is you can at least surround them with these plush creations inspired by the game.
The Bitz Pixelated Palz are handmade by artists Amy & Jude Buffum and each one has a unique 8-bit look to them. But modern parents need not to worry since those dangerous looking corners and sharp angles are all quite soft and safe for even the youngest of kids.
The Bitz Pixelated Palz are available from Art Star in 8 different designs for $25 each. And if you are interested I’d suggest snatching them up now rather than later since each design is limited to 25 pieces and many have already sold out.
[ Bitz Pixelated Palz ] VIA [ Kotaku ]
Electro-Mobile Powered Wheelbarrow Kit
By Andrew Liszewski
Here’s a gadget for those who don’t spend all day in front of a computer. (Believe it or not I’ve been told they do exist!) Electro-Mobile, who I believe is based in Sweden sells this kit that will convert most wheelbarrows to electric power, as opposed to just human power. And I say ‘most’ wheelbarrows because the kit requires you to completely replace the wheel with one that has an electric motor built right into the hub. If you have a larger tire on your wheelbarrow this probably isn’t going to work for you.
The kit also includes cables, a battery pack and a throttle-type controller that attaches to one of the wheelbarrow’s handles. This allows for both forward and reverse directions at what I assume to be variable speeds.
The conversion kit runs about $820 or you can buy a wheelbarrow with it already installed for about $970. Alternately a more affordable solution would be to only ever move dirt or concrete from the top of a hill to the bottom.
[ Electro-Mobile Powered Wheelbarrow ] VIA [ Smart Stuff ]
Smart Mug With Temperature Control
By Andrew Liszewski
Burn yourself on a hot coffee at McDonald’s and you’ve pretty much won the lottery. But burn yourself on a hot coffee at home and all you’re left with is the pain. The Smart Mug is a safer alternative since it will heat liquids to a user defined temperature anywhere from 85 to 160 degrees when plugged into your car’s 12-volt adapter. I’m not sure if will work on standard AC since an adapter is not included but I assume it must.
Once your desired temperature has been reached an alert will sound letting you know your piping hot beverage is ready to drink. There’s even a small LCD display on the outside of the mug that monitors and displays the temperature of the liquid at all times just in case. And while the outside probably needs to be carefully hand-washed the inner mug that actually holds your beverage is removable and dishwasher safe.
The Smart Mug is currently available from Gifts and Gadgets Online in red or blue for $25.
[ Smart Mug with Temperature Control ] VIA [ Gearlog ]
The Firetable Really Is A Table With A Shooting Flame April 27, 2007
By David Ponce
Lord, how we love this accident-waiting-to-happen piece of furniture! It’s your everyday coffee table, but with the added twist of having a flame spout off from the middle. (Does a flame, technically, ever “spout off”?) It’s made from reconstituted limestone aggregate, which is presumably fireproof, and it uses an alcohol-based gel as its burning fuel. This will prevent your home from being covered in soot, and makes extinguishing the flame as easy as sitting on it smothering it with a plate or something.
It’s made by a company called FireTable, but they seem to make a bunch of other burning things, like hearths and mini-burners. The table models seem to start at around £900, and are available now. And I’m a little too tired to think of an appropriate bum-burning joke, so you’re free to make one up yourselves.
[ Product Page ] VIA [ Core77 ]
The Electric Bath Duck - Cool Gift Or Suicide Helper?
By David Ponce
This somewhat morbid bath duck is tethered to an electric cord, with a packaging that says “Electric Bath Duck, Suicidal Tendency, One Use Only” and “Please Make Sure You’ve Made The Right Decision” on the other side. Cute.
Although it seems to be aimed at people ready to commit suicide, it could presumably also be given as a gift to people you don’t really like; a hint of sorts. Whatever the case, don’t be sending us hate mail thinking we’re condoning either activity (although we do (well, “I” do) know a few people that do deserve this ducky)), we just think it’s a clever little toy. Of course, it doesn’t seem to be a commercial product. The links lead to what appears to be a product page, but no purchasing information. Perhaps a gag? An artist project? We’re not sure, but there you have it anyway.
One more picture after the jump, plus the link love.
[ The Electric Bath Duck ] VIA [ UberGizmo ]
The Chrono Shredder Disposes Of Time In Style
By David Ponce
The Chrono Shredder is an artsy project by one Susanna Hertrich. It’s pretty much just a calendar, but with an interesting twist. You feed it a 365 day roll of paper, and start it up. It’ll then slowly unwind, and shred the passing days as it does so. It doesn’t display the actual day, only the pristine future, and the shredded past.
The Chrono_Shredder is a device that makes past time tangible. It is a hybrid between calendar, clock and waste producing automaton. It has no on/off-button, thus it is unstoppable, just like time. It features the 365 days of the year represented on a paper-roll. The paper-roll is led through a hacked paper-shredder, which is programmed to use exactly 24 hours to shred one “day”. The Chrono_Shredder’s function is not to show the current moment, like a calendar. Instead, it shows the nearest future (the next day) — and all the time that has past from the time the device has been switched on.
We actually kind of like the idea, and think it would be quite the hit at our beatnik parties. Unfortunately, price or availability are unknown, though it’s likely just a project for now.
[ The Chrono Shredder ] VIA [ Technabob ]
Resitec Keychain Safely Discharges Static Electricity April 26, 2007
By Andrew Liszewski
This is one of those rare gadgets that I know I must own as soon as I see it. By holding one end of the ‘Resitec Earthing Static’ keychain and touching the other to a metal object you’ll safely discharge any static electricity you might have unknowingly built up. And by safely I mean without the uncomfortable and usually unexpected static shock. The keychain will also light up momentarily while the electricity is passing through giving you a split second to unlock you car door in the dark.
I think these should be a mandatory giveaway at trade shows or car shows along with the usual logo covered lanyards. Anyone who’s ever spent a few days on a show floor will know the carpets used in the booths and aisles in conjunction with thousands of people brushing past each other is really a dangerous combination.
The ‘Resitec Earthing Static’ keychain is available from Car.Brando.com.hk for only $14.
[ Resitec Earthing Static ] VIA [ Uber-Review ]
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