By JR Raphael
Contributing Writer, [GAS]
This month, we’re talking cool gadgets – the kind that are so cool that you’ve just gotta own them. We introduced our first 10 last week, and today we continue our list with a shocking little invention.
So long, Calvin Klein – I have found the coolest new fashion trend ever invented. Behold the USB Air Conditioned Shirt. USB-powered fans shoot cool air into the places you need it most. Just sit down, plug in, and cool off. Or hook up optional AA batteries for on-the-go cooling. The only size available is a “Japanese XL,” so I’m guessing this baby may run on the small side. You can snag your own for about $160.
This one’s become a bit of a geek classic, but I couldn’t get away with not at least mentioning it. ThinkGeek’s come up with a shirt that actually detects wi-fi and displays the signal strength on the front of your shirt. Great for alternating with the USB air conditioner shirt for maximum fashionability-functionability.
Put these shades on and you’ll give Bond a run for his money. The 1.3 Megapixel Spy Camera Sunglasses look snazzy, but their best feature is one only you will see. The glasses have a tiny built-in camera that’ll capture still images every time you click the accompanying remote. They also, for some odd reason, play MP3s. Great for capturing criminal evidence, or, um, other revealing acts.
Tiny PDA keyboards, be gone. The Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard projects a QWERTY image on almost any surface, and then lets you type on it. It even makes little clicky sounds to go with your desk tapping. Just plug it in to your PDA or regular cell phone, aim it wherever, and fire away. I don’t recommend you project on any stranger’s various body parts, though, no matter how appealing the idea may seem (believe me, I was thinking that too).
Mark my words: I will have one of these one day. The Toshiba ApriPoko Robot is without doubt royalty among gadget peons. ApriPoko, still under development, is an 11-inch tall, doe-eyed robot that will learn to do your stuff for you. Its artificial intelligence ability allows it to literally watch and internalize infrared-related tasks such as controlling your TV. The robot will see you do something – say, turning on your TV and flipping to a certain channel – then ask you what you’re doing. It’ll then memorize the sequence of infrared commands involved and learn to do them for you via voice command. This one definitely falls under the category of “completely unnecessary,” but hey, so do countless good gadgets. Now if only it could bring me more Cheetos.
So there you have it: a dozen more cool gadgets to add to your birthday list. This just barely scratches the surface of the sweet stuff out there, so add on your favorites below. And feel free to send a complimentary ApriPoko my way, if you are so inclined. Or at the very least, some crunchy snacks.
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