Top Ten Tech Gadgets

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Look no further for geeky gadgets and teriffic tech toys. Here's my list of Top Ten Tech Gadgets...

1. Elekit Robotic Arm - Everyone can use an extra hand and now you can actually get one. Elekit has created a fully programmable and workable USB Robotic Arm. It has five separate movements: grab/release, lift/lower, pivot sideways, and rotate wrist. Internal LED lights allow you to see it at work. This is a kit, so you actually have to do a small amount of assembly, but just keep thinking of the rewards of your labors when it passes you those Doritos that are not quite in reach. The Robotic Arm will be making its Japanese $80.00 debut in March in a limited addition from Elekit.
2. X7-G100 Game Board - Easy to Master... who needs a Joystick? The A4Tech X7-G100 Gaming Keyboard has 4 large swappable red rubber keys and a one-touch volume control. The G100 is heavier than a regular keyboard for stability and even better, it’s waterproof so you don’t have to worry about spilling your Bud while you thwart off the bad guys. It’s available at A4Tech for $29.00. Plug it into your USB and let the games begin.
3. USB Wireless Mouse - Just admit it... you'd much rather check your e-mail in the comfort of your own bed with a laptop than sit at some back-wrenching computer desk for hours on end. Thanko, most famous for their nifty plug-and-play warming gadgets, has developed the USB Wireless Mouse EZ that can actually be utilized in the air. Simply place and move your finger on the red light and watch the screen cursor respond. The button also functions as a single or double clicker. Compatible with both PC and Mac, it can be used as a normal optical mouse and can recharge its batteries while you work. Find this clever computer rodent at Thanko’s RareMono Shop for a price of $35.67.
4. USB Gadget Keeps Beverages Cool or Warm - There are cup warmers and then there are beverage coolers. USB.brando has managed to combine the two. Simply plug it into your USB connection, set it to chill for a 13 degree decrease or warm for a 29º increase, then wait 10 minutes. The gadget has a built-in fan and comes with a 98cm cable so you don’t have to worry about your coffee spilling into your keyboard if you're only mildly awake. Available at USB.brando for an inexpensive $24.00.
5. Kodak Easyshare AIO Inkjet Printers - The folks at Eastman Kodak are coming out with their own line of Easyshare All-In-One inkjet printers. Claiming to save up to 50% in professional printing costs, this translates into a 4x6 inch image for as inexpensive as ten cents a print. Kodak’s ink cartridges will cost you a mere $9.99 for black and $14.99 for color. You can get the 5100 and 5300 models at Best Buy beginning in March for $149.99 and $199.99 respectively. The deluxe 5500 will be available in April at the Kodak Store for $299.99.
6. Missile Launchers Cure Cubicle Boredom - Feeling claustrophobic in your Dilbertesque space at work? One alternative to hanging out at the water cooler is this missile launcher. With 3 feet of USB cable, this plug-and-play can move horizontally or vertically and comes with 3 foam missiles. It can shoot up to 20 feet, is compatible with Windows XP, and comes with sound effects software. Get two and not only will you save a few dollars, you can have wars with the cubicle next to you. The launcher can be found at Latest Buy for AU $39.99 (US $31.56) and the Twin Battle Pack is available for US $59.21.
7. ION Audio iTTUSB Turntable Converts Analogue to Digital - What top 10 list is complete without a musical gadget? The plug-n-play ION Audio iTTUSB Turntable connects to your PC or Mac and turns your vinyl collection into digital CD or MP3s. It will work with 33 1/3, 45, and 78 rpm records, and features high-speed recording, adjustable pitch, and anti-skate capabilities. It even includes an auxiliary line in to convert audio cassettes, and RCA outputs to play records through your speaker systems when you are done converting. The iTTUSB comes with stylus, 45 adapter, and 90-day warranty, and can be found at Sharper Image for $199.95.
8. Wood Contour Peripherals - This line of peripherals just oozes your inner CEO. Wood Contour offers luxury wood and stone keyboards, monitors, and mice. Each one is custom made from one piece of hardwood such as cherry, oak, ash, and mahogany, or Corian stone. You can even request personalizations such as your company’s logo or initial engraving. Class does not come cheap, but if you cannot afford a whole set, you can compromise with the company’s overstock of individual peripherals from prices beginning at $129.95. If you want to look like YOU should be the boss, visit Wood Countour for your own set of wood-be peripherals.
9. USB Lava Lamp - For a change of pace, hook up this nostalgic lava lamp to your computer. At a height of 6-inches and in colors of white, red, or blue, you can rest your eyes from the glare of your monitor for at least a few minutes. LavaWorld also carries USB glitter lamps, computer vacuums, and lava fans. The groovy gadgets are available at LavaWorld and various retail outlets at prices starting at $6.99.
10. Star Wars mimobots - Your new favorite USB storage keys just have to be mimobots. Launched in 2005, Mimoco has basically turned a simple concept into a collection with a cult following. In limited editions of 250 - 500 units, all are hi-speed and come in 256MB, 512MB, 1GB or 2GB capacities. You'll dig their Star Wars collection with Chewy and Darth Vader, now that they've recently added a Storm Trooper and R2-D2. Prices start at $79.95.

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