Shopping Guide and Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Coolest’

Examples:
Installed Linux on your PS3 and used it as a desktop computer?
Wrote an app for your own iPhone?
Setup a wireless network to transfer music to your car stereo somehow (obviously when the car is near your house)?
Used your desktop to record TV, then used an HDMI cable to playback HD movies/TV on a flatscreen?
etc.

Are you afraid of your kids getting into trouble and do you want to know where they have been?

Are you a business owner who needs to verify where your employees have been?

Would you like to track your time, speed, distance and miles traveled?

If you’re nodding your head at any of the above scenarios, your needs can be fulfilled with an awesome new gadget called the TrackStick. In fact, the Trackstick has various other applications, which makes it a device that can be very useful to practically anyone and everyone. If you want to know how the TrackStick can be of use to you (and believe me it will be), read on.

The TrackStick Explained

The TrackStick is a unique little GPS device, which has the ability to record its own movement and thus that of the person or vehicle it is on. It can record the date, time, location, heading, speed, and altitude of the place it is in; thereby giving you a thorough record of its movements.

The TrackStick is not a real time GPS device, but is a passive GPS recorder. What this means is that it keeps a log of every movement it makes and the data logging can be preset at intervals of 1 minute to 15 minutes.

Dimensions and Design

At 4.1 inches by 1.2 inches by ¾ inch (length, width, and thickness), the TrackStick is quite a small unit. It is extremely simple to use as it features only one button on its side that enables you to on/off the device and also change the modes between full power mode and low power mode. Thus, even if you are electronically challenged (like me), you will still be able to use the TrackStick easily.

Its outer covering is black in color, but it is transparent, thereby enabling you to see inside the unit. This is where the LED indicator lights are installed (green and red), which indicate the mode on which the unit is turned to, and also if it has locked onto the satellites for a recording. Thus, unlike other similar units, you know exactly when the GPS TrackStick is working and when it’s not.

The TrackStick also has a convenient carrying strap which makes it easy to carry on your person or hang it from something else. It also features a neat USB 1.1 connector that plugs easily into a computer’s USB port.

How The TrackStick Works

The TrackStick works like any other GPS device, wherein it locks onto satellites wherever it goes and gives its positioning accordingly. This device gets signals from as many as 24 satellites in space, thereby being able to pinpoint its location within 15 meters of where it is, which is saying a lot for accuracy.

Regardless of where you are (at any location on Earth), the TrackStick will log your movements. The latest GPS mapping technologies are at work here, thus giving you your precise location, which can be seen as graphical maps and 3D satellite pictures.

Once the data has been recorded in the memory of the TrackStick, you can then retrieve this data by plugging the USB connector on the unit to the USB Port in your computer. You can then download the recorded information by using various kinds of software.

For it to work optimally, the TrackStick should be placed in such a place that it has an unblocked view of the sky and that there is no metal between the unit and the sky.

TrackStick Software

Some would say that the software is the best part about the TrackStick; and having used the unit myself, I would certainly have to agree. The makers didn’t leave anything out in this regard. The recorded data can be outputted into different formats such as XLS (Excel spread sheets), RTF (rich text format with html links), standard HTML, and Google Earth KML (with pushpins and fly-thru both).

Every kind of data that you may require is recorded by the GPS TrackStick and can be viewed in the format of your choice. The free software that comes with the TrackStick can be used with various mapping programs and services like Google Earth, Mapquest, VirtualEarth, Microsoft streets and trips, and maps.google.com; most of which can be had for free too.

Batteries and Memory

This device has a memory of 1 MB, which essentially means that you can store months of data easily. It has the ability to log 4000 different records of time, date, location, speed, altitude, and course. If you are stationary and the TrackStick is not moving, the memory will not be in use. On full power mode the batteries can last for 16 hours, whereas on low power mode they can be used for about a week before they will require changing.

The Benefits of the TrackStick

Well, now that you know what the TrackStick is and how it works, it’s time to tell you how it can be of use to you.

1. Business Applications: If you are in a line of work where you charge per visit, or where you need to log your traveled miles to obtain tax deductible expenses, the TrackStick can be a valuable resource. By using this handy device, you can keep a complete log of all your visits, the number of miles traveled, and also how much time you stopped at a particular place for. So, no more forgetting to log your miles and not getting paid for them at the end of the year!

The TrackStick can also be given to your employees if they handle such business for you. Bulk purchase of these devices can be made at attractive discounts.

2. Tracking family members: As mentioned at the beginning, you can use the TrackStick to monitor the movements of your family members, including your children and your spouse. All you need to do is place the device in their car or in their bag and you can get a complete record of where they’ve been, how much time they spent at a particular person’s home etc. Although spying is not a desirable alternative, it has to be resorted to at times. Thus, with the TrackStick, you need not pay for detective services and can also keep your spying under wraps.

3. Personal Travel Records: With the TrackStick, your backpacking adventures and travel tales need not be told only through some pictures. Instead, you can record your actual course and see it in real time with graphical mapping and even have access to satellite pictures. Another great use for this device is to people who are interested in radio controlled hobbies. The speed and altitudes of your planes, boats, and cars can easily be recorded with the GPS TrackStick.

In addition to the above, another advantage of the TrackStick is that it is an economical buy ($249), considering that it is a one time cost. You need not pay any monthly airtime fees like with other GPS devices, nor do you have to spend hundreds of dollars in buying expensive software. All this definitely makes the TrackStick a great buy. You won’t know it unless you try it!

James Bond is no Superman. Though this may be true, his propensity for saving the world can rival that of any popular superhero we know. With his martini-toting allure and appeal that every man wants to have and every woman wants, James Bond has become the very epitome of masculinity on and off screen. No one can deny it. James Bond films are a phenomenon in Hollywood box office history with millions of ticket and merchandise sales under this franchise’s belt. Almost 45 years of BONDage gave us 22 007 films. In every offering, we James Bond actors put on their moves to channel the Bond suaveness. In these films, we found ourselves awestruck by action-packed scenes, galvanizing gadgets and vile villains that made the viewing experience more exciting. So relive the excitement and reminisce as we look back at some James Bond films that made our jaws drop.5. Dr. NoThis film first launched the Bond fever on the silver screen that’s why it made the list. Aside from that, this film has introduced us to the world of suaveness as Bond takes care of the deed to save the world from megalomaniacs. The exciting storyline brings Bond to the depths of Jamaica to look into the suspicious disappearance of another British spy. He faces the sinister Dr. Julius No, a demented scientist who schemes on firing rocket missiles to destroy the western world. In this film, we do not only see Bond duke it out with the vilest nemeses. We also see him bag the very first James Bond girl, Ursula Andress. 4. From Russia With LoveThis 007 film has introduced us to a lot of fascinating James Bond villains like the SPECTRE, our favorite spy’s worst archenemy. Not only that. This is the film where we first catch a glimpse of Ernst Stavro Blofeld…well, even if it was just his hand, and his Persian cat. This is the first 007 movie focused on the secret agent’s love ventures and action adventures. The plot is basically about the Russians sending a voluptuous female spy, Daniell Banachi, along with other antiheroes to annihilate Bond and stop his conquest to save the world. 3. Diamonds are ForeverJames Bond goes on a cat-and-mouse chase to foil his vilest enemy, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. He goes to countries like Japan, Egypt and Maui to finally put an end to the man who is responsible for the death of Tracy, one of the many women he has gotten himself involved with. The most fascinating thing about this movie is that we see Bond suffocating the bald evil of a man, Blofeld. Just when you think the chase between these two is over, the plot thickens. Bond goes on a spying-spree to investigate a diamond-smuggling operation in South Africa. The mission takes him to the City of Sins where he meets the voluptuous villain, Plenty O’toole, and foils the scheming she was trying to pull. Then, there are the cool gadgets like the moon buggy and the submarine that the characters use in the race against time to save the world. When he is already about to do the final kill to finish the mission, he is surprised to find out that Blofeld is indeed alive and now has a clone! As always, our spy survives the mission and goes on doing the things he’s best at—spying and womanizing.2. Die Another DayJames Bond is trapped in North Korea after a failed mission that almost cost him his life and honor. Being a true spy, he survives all the torture and when a prisoner trade has been done by Korea and the world peace forces, he goes back to England accused of being a traitor for spilling secret information. Bond pursues the enemies and once again, is commissioned by the government to go on a mission to stop terrorism. The story, soundtrack and the overall appeal of the movie are awesome, although this movie might be too long for some audience to stomach. However, I admit that what made this Bond film join the roster of top Bond films, are the gadgets. That invisible James Bond vehicle is just stunning. With a technology like that, it is no wonder that Bond is able to dodge the fastest bullet and survive the harshest explosives. 1. Tomorrow Never DiesTomorrow Never Dies revolves around a demented media mogul trying to make superpowers of the world clash against each other to create pandemonium. Together with Wan Lin, the tough Asian chick portrayed by Michelle Yeoh, Bond fights the mastermind and brings world peace back. The plot may be common, and the ending a usual mission accomplished for Bond. However, this movie boasts of ass-kicking fight scenes that we haven’t seen so beautifully captured on camera. The James Bond girls in this movie are tough and believably lethal to boot. The gadgets are a big plus, as well. The BMW0il and BMW1200 motorcycle are eye candies especially when Bond rides them and had an uncanny car chase scene with Michelle Yeoh. No doubt about it, this movie is the definitive piece among the 22 James Bond films.

Examples:
Installed Linux on your PS3 and used it as a desktop computer?
Wrote an app for your own iPhone?
Setup a wireless network to transfer music to your car stereo somehow (obviously when the car is near your house)?
Used your desktop to record TV, then used an HDMI cable to playback HD movies/TV on a flatscreen?
etc.

Many companies are launching a lot of eco friendly or green gadgets which are not hazardous to our environment. It is wonderful concept introduced by companies as we have got so much used to certain appliances and gadgets that it is impossible to think anything without them. Now you can make use of all of these gadgets without being bothered about the power bills. Slick looking Television monitors with are flat screen are being introduced with stand by modes which are saving energy without you compromising on your viewing experience. Just can’t think about moving without your ipod, opt for an ipod dock. The Vers Mamboo dock is handmade with eco friendly bamboo. The amount of energy required is very low to generate great sound from both the speakers and both the rear subwoofers. Nokia has recently launched an eco friendly model which features touch screen which is low in energy and is made out of plastic extracted from plants. People using mouse while operating laptops can also switch to a DORmino mouse which converts heat generated from all the laptops around it. The green brigade is just not limited to technology savvy gadgets but has also moved on to kitchen appliances. Slow cookers are efficient in work and come with smart exteriors giving you a pleasant cooking experience. These slow cookers are designed with lids, which hold the heat resulting in minimum consumption of energy. Can you imagine your detergents, whiteners etc getting replaced with soap nuts. It is possible. However this is quite popular in India compared to any other country but if practiced it can save tons of energy and also money. E-wash system from Electrolux is designed keeping these soap nuts in mind instead of detergents. About of a kilo of soap nuts can last for an year, it will certainly make up for the cost of this high tech washing machine and not to forget saving your hard earned money from buying expensive detergents and whiteners.A Kettle which is efficient is saving energy can be used to prepare your daily soups, tea or coffee. Water can be heated in this energy saving kettle at a given temperature and then added with your choice of tea or coffee powder. This process saves at least a quarter of electricity than any other conventional methods. So just go ahead sip the eco friendly coffee. I am sure it shall taste great. Your bedroom can also be great place to maintain your eco friendly approach towards appliances and gadgets. The organic latex mattress, this is not made with any metals or added chemical. It is not eco friendly but also recommended to people who are prone to allergies while sleeping. It not over yet, Few companies who are following the green brigade are using cardboard boxes which are recycled.It overwhelming to see the awareness developed amongst people in the last couple of decades on the importance of eco friendly gadgets. After coming cross such products you are convinced that the world is heading to the right direction.

Name a few gadgets or electronics that you think are cool.

I love electronic gadgets and cool things. I feel like it’s time to buy something new. Please list as many things as you can think of because I might already have some of the things you say.

I guess I have to choose between my toaster and cellphone at present, but wanna do some buying comming Saturday!
What is the coolest gadget for you?

There are a lot of motorcycles today that dominate the market. You can customize all you want to get the best motorcycle your money could buy. Sure you can add flair, paint or extra parts on your motorcycles but these are the things that require research, which leads to better performance and a fast motorcycle. At the same time, they are durable and will break your body even before you will be able to break the inner parts of these things. Imagine paying for one of the best motorcycle manufacturers out there to get something really cool and you will be able to grasp the price on those machines. We are giving you a list of the four best in the world.

Let us start with MV Agusta F4 CC. CC stands for the director of the company Claudio Castiglioni. The Italians might not look good in manufacturing cars but they certainly can say a lot on motorcycles. This motorcycle features 1078 CC that can command a whopping 315kph. Near the top of the steering column you will be able to see the number of the motorcycle in terms of the order of production. Claudio Castiglioni created only 100 of these things which make it even a better catch if you have one. To get your hands on one of these, prepare at least $130,000 USD.

MTT Turbine Super bike will make you feel like you are riding a bullet. This motorcycle currently holds the record of being the “Most Powerful Motorcycle Ever to Enter Series Production” according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Parts of the engine of this motorcycle can be found in some parts of the Rolls Royce as well. Imagine the power of the car transferred into a motorcycle. In this motorcycle you get to enjoy at least 300hp. Aside from power, you should be drooling over the gadgets: LCD color displays if you want to know what is in your back and the fairings are made of carbon fiber. For protection, it has a radar detector that will tell you if something is really, really, close to you. If you have seen the movie torque, this is one of motorcycles featured in it. Price? $150,000 USD

At first glance you might think the Macchia Nera Concept Bike is nothing but a very big bike that boasts of something really big and expensive. In my opinion the idea is too simple. The motorcycle boasts of a Ducati 998RS engine with further components for development. Too bad that it is not in production but you can still have one of these if you have $201,000 USD.

We reserved the best for last and that is the Dodge Tomahawk V10. This super bike is anyone’s dream bike. 8.3 liter engines, 400mph, 1500lbs, four wheel (yep two wheels virtually stuck together) suspension…the features just keep going on and on. From zero to 60mph in only 2.5 seconds. What makes it even more expensive is that there are only a hundred of these. What is the current market price? $250,000 USD. Bragging rights? Priceless.