Ultra Cool Gadgets

With the Parrot CK3100, you will be able to place and receive calls in comfort and safety, without ever touching your mobile phone. At a time when legislation is tightening up to restrict the use of mobile phones in vehicles due to safety concerns, the Parrot CK3100’s benefits are not just for the sake of convenience and comfort — they are fast becoming a real necessity. The Parrot CK3100 wirelessly connects with all Bluetooth phones on the market and is compatible with all brands. The display of the CK3100 provides the same visual information and functions as your mobile phone, such as caller ID, carrier signal strength, or last calls received, in large well-contrasted digits easy to read at a glance on a screen that can be clipped in the ideal position for the driver to see.
Turn on the car engine and the phone connects wirelessly to the Parrot CK3100 Car Kit. The screen unit has easy-to-navigate menu options just like your phone, and your mobile phone book is wirelessly downloaded to the car kit. Calls can be dialed either through the screen, or by using voice-recognition speed dialing. According to your phone’s model and firmware, most features are accessible from the hands free console, including one-touch redial, dual call, and auto-answer.

Customer feedback:

1. Countless pedestrians have had their lives spared by the installation of one of these little dudes in my car and another in my truck. Now I spend my road hours yackin’ away for business, family, and pleasure, redeeming countless hours for productive purposes whilst allowing innocent bystanders to get on with their lives without the tire tracks across their extremities that would certainly have resulted if I’d kept dialing and speaking through my cell phone.
2. I received my car kit in good time, had it installed, and am now enjoying the ability to use the voice activation feature to make my calls.

Product features:

* Connects to Bluetooth Enableds Phones
* Never needs charging
* Voice recognition dialer
* Uses the car speakers
* Easy to install and to use

From its full stainless steel enclosure to its mirrored LCD screen that transforms into a high-quality color screen when the phone is activated, the LG KE970 Shine is set to capture the attention of mobile users who crave the perfect balance between design and technology. The super-slim design complements its high-tech functionality, which includes a 2.0-megapixel camera and an advanced scroll-key function. Other highlights include stereo Bluetooth, an advanced media player, a MicroSD memory card slot with support for cards up to 2 GB, high-speed data transfer over GPRS, and more.
The ultra-thin, stylish slider design always keeps the unobtrusive internal antenna safely tucked away–always protected from snags or breaking, while the protective and alluring properties of stainless steel add to the phone’s durability and style. The 262,000-color, 240 x 320 display is hidden when inactive, a key feature to save battery life, or when keeping a low profile is a must. Basic function keys and media control keys located just below the display are still accessible when the slider is shut, and the slider can be opened to reveal a handsome backlit keypad.

Customer feedback:

1. Wow! This is a BEAUTIFUL phone, kicks butt of flip version of Shine from Verizon. Slider is sweet, phone feels solid. AND boy DOES it SHINE!!…. in virtually most lighting. Roll bar select key is a bit tricky at first but soon becomes very natural, AND you look so cool because of it! Has basic goodies, SIM card very accessible and compatible, battery life better than average. Standard MP3 player. Has microSD expansion slot for up to 2GB. Slight problems with reception outside of major metropolitan areas and some dead spots in small cities due to tri-band but overall pretty good (I use AT&T/Cingular). Tons of cool ringtones and sound effects.
2. This is probably the first device that excited me before I even unboxed it since I got my iBook a couple years ago. I give credit to LG for taking the time and investing the money in exciting packaging. I mean, you’re dropping $300. That’s not chump change for most of us. Give us some bang for our buck, and LG does that. Props for that. The phone itself is stunning to look at and its surprising heft is a nice change from all the pennyweight ultra slim phones out there. You’d do some damage if you chucked this phone at someone.

Product features:

* Unlocked for use with your existing Triple band GSM/GPRS/EDGE 900/1800/1900 service provider and SIM card.
* High-Speed Data GPRS for increased data transmission rate and improved data transmission reliability
* With the expandable memory slot, 2 megapixel camera, MP3 capability and video clip, the Shine is packed with features
* The Shine is a fully metal bodied super-slim handset with a trendy tricky mirror LCD on the front that magically transforms into a high-quality colour screen when the phone is activated
* As the second handset under the Black Label series, LG Shine is set to capture the imagination of mobile phone users who crave for the perfect balance between design and technology

The Motorola ROKR E6 is the ideal mobile device for classy professionals who wish to balance business efficiency with portable entertainment. The quintessential blend of form and function, the MOTOROKR E6 is compact in size and jam-packed with features. Dedicated music keys, expandable memory, movie watching and making capabilities, arm users with an arsenal of entertainment options. The sleek device doesn’t stop there–combined with the business tools necessary in rapidly growing markets is just the beginning. Engineered with over-achieving prosumers in mind, the MOTOROKR E6 is the perfect complement to fast-living individuals. This unlocked cell phone can be used with a GSM network service provider and it provides quad-band connectivity (850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz).

Customer review:

1. The ROKR E6 is a linux based phone, but you would not know it when you turn the device on. If you wish to get the Linux command line, you have to go hunting for the terminal emulation program for it. I’ve not found it yet. One nifty feature is the handwriting recognition, having been a Palm user, I had no problems adapting to it, there are some differences in the handwriting recognition versus the Palm, but they should not pose a problem for experienced users. The recognition setting comes initially set to slow, I switched it to medium but it still is slower than my stylus skills, so I might have to set it to fast and see if that improves it rate of recognition so I can not have to wait between writing one letter before writing the next.
2. I recently upgraded to the ROKR E6 from my RAZR v3. This is a great little all-around phone and I’m very happy with it so far. It may not be the best choice for power users who need really high-end PDA functionality, but it’s solid in the basics.
As mentioned in other reviews, when you get the phone its menus are in Chinese; to change this to English you must tap the icon in the upper left corner of the screen to bring up the menu icons. Scroll down and tap the settings icon which looks like a wrench. Tap the 5th option from the top to see language choices and you can then select English. The documentation is also in Chinese, but if you search online you can find an English version in .pdf format.

Summary of Key Features

* Premium entertainment PDA at only 14.5 millimeters thick
* 2-megapixel CMOS camera with 8x digital zoom to capture the moment
* CIF and QVGA video capture for up to five hours
* Full screen video playback
* Integrated MP3 player with dedicated music keys and built-in FM radio
* PDA featuring Business Card Reader, POP3 e-mail, document viewer to view Microsoft Word, Excel, etc., PIM
* Connectivity includes integrated stereo Bluetooth wireless technology, HTML browser, hi-speed USB 2.0 EMU, 3.5 millimeter stereo jack
* Removable memory card slot, up to 2GB full SD card support; 8MB dynamic user memory
* Extended 1000mAh battery life for long usability
* Brilliant 2.4-inch 240 x 320, 262K colors TFT external display with the latest touch screen technology

Time to smarten up that smartphone of yours by adding powerful GPS navigation and hands-free calling capabilities. The Garmin Mobile 20 is a Bluetooth-enabled wireless GPS navigation system that supports Nokia, Windows Mobile, and Treo smartphones, allowing you to navigate and make calls while you and your smartphone are on the go in your vehicle.
The Mobile 20 consists of an integrated phone mount, called the GPS 20SM, that accommodates nearly any size phone. The mount features a built-in, highly sensitive GPS receiver with the powerful SiRF Star chipset for fast acquisition times and accuracy, even when you’re traveling under heavy foliage and near city skyscrapers. Meanwhile, the included mapping software provides wireless mapping and navigation to deliver you directly to your destination. A Bluetooth wireless interface, powerful speaker, and noise-canceling dual microphones let you drive and talk hands-free without using a headset.

Customer feedback:

1. This is a nice GPS to use with your PDA phone.
Positive: Four devices in one, “a smart mount” which means that the GPS sensor is embaded in the mount also included are charging cables to charge the phone battery for long trips, the mount can also be used as a speakerphone for hands free calling. The other best feature that i like the FREE! Garmin online service as long as you get a data plan from your service provider. You get wheater, traffic, hotel, and gas price at your current location, This is awsome!! right? and the good thing about it, it’s free!!
Negative: The volume is too low when using the device as a speakerphone and the Garmin maps could me more up to date, when i am supposed to be their latest updated maps. other than that i would rate it with a five stars.
2. Some of the problems I encountered were experienced by the other reviewers. Originally, it would not work in New York City but was just OK at home. My solution was to call Garmin support. The person I spoke with resolved all the issues over the phone in a through and professional manner. It works really well, in fact, much better than the Street Pilot I own and almost as well as the GPS in my car. I requested the free map update online -and it was delivered by USPS in about a week.
This review, if rating only the Garmin support, would have been 5 stars.

Product features:

* Receiver: High-sensitivity WAAS-capable GPS receiver by SiRF
* Interfaces: Connects to Nokia Symbian, Windows Mobile and Palm OS Treo smartphones with Bluetooth wireless technology.
* Voice prompts: yes
* 3D or 2D map view: yes
* Hands-free calling with Bluetooth wireless technology: yes

Add wireless navigation to your Bluetooth-enabled laptop, smartphone, pocket PC or PDA with the Garmin Mobile 10, a GPS and Bluetooth wireless package that includes a portable receiver along with navigation and map software. By connecting to your laptop, Pocket PC, Palm OS, or compatible smartphone via Bluetooth wireless technology, this system makes it a snap to find your way through North America.
Convenient and easy to use, the Mobile 10 includes a portable, high sensitivity, WAAS capable GPS 10x receiver by SiRF for clear, reliable navigation. It also combines all the software you need on just one DVD: the Garmin Mobile XT and nRoute help with navigation, while the City Navigator NT supplies detailed street maps, including a hefty points of interest database, to help make sure you get where you’re going as quickly and safely as possible.
Getting started with the Mobile 10 is incredibly easy–simply download included maps and navigation software to a data card for your mobile device or insert the DVD into your laptop to put navigation at your fingertips. In seconds you’ll be able to easily look up addresses and services and receive voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions to your destination. Thanks to saved routes and tracks, automatic off-route recalculation, and an auto sort function that handles multiple destinations, you’ll have access to the most direct route possible, even when there’s traffic or other unexpected delays. If you prefer to personalize your travel options, you can also select the route with the shortest distance, offroad, or one that avoids highways and tolls. Voice prompts and 3D and 2D map view (laptops excluded) help keep you on track.

Customer feedback:
1. The Bluetooth receiver is battery powered and can use a car adapter for recharging and normal use. The receiver is nice and small and has rubberized feet so that it stays in place on your dash without any kind of mounting necessary.
The idea of having my phone, PDA, and GPS in one small device was something that I absolutely wanted, but I also did not want to spend a ridiculous amount of money for it. Even though the actual GPS receiver is separate, it is small and easily gets placed in my glove compartment.
2. This device is very small and picks up satellites very quickly. Once it has acquired a satellite signal, I put it in the center console in my car, which is covered. It is nice to not have to have a line of site to see the satellites. My husband has a garmin pda and it easily takes 4 or 5 times longer to acquire satellite signals and loses them much more easily. The only time I have not been able to get a good signal was inside a large concrete condo in a hurricane zone. The battery life seems to be great.

Product details:

* GPS and Bluetooth wireless package helps you find your way through North America
* Connects to your laptop, pocket PC, and palm or compatible smartphone
* Includes a portable, high sensitivity, WAAS capable receiver along with navigation and map software
* Convenient and easy to use; simply download included maps and navigation software to a data card for your mobile device or insert the DVD into your laptop
* 1.65″W x 3.04″H x .7″D (42 x 77 x 18mm) Weight: 2.1 ounces (60 g)

This is a great phone. Form meets function as you open the u740 in portrait mode to take and make calls, then switch to landscape mode to type messages, check email or surf the web. Sending text messages and emails is a breeze with a QWERTY Keyboard. Open the u740 in landscape mode and type. Download and view video on the multimedia capable u740 and while you are at it,download and play music and more with V CAST Music.
Customer feedback:
1. The u740 is a dual hinge phone. It opens two ways: one like a standard flip phone and two like a laptop, from the side. When you open it like a standard flip phone, you’ll see a nice D-Pad with a big “OK” button in the middle accompanied with two gray pre-set buttons to access Menu and Contacts or choose options while using the camera, etc. You’ll also see small numbers with the standard texting system (pqrs, etc.) highlighted in gray. These buttons are also on the keyboard once you flip it the other way, revealing a full-scale QWERTY keyboard. When you’re not typing a text message or in memo form, the gray buttons will act as numerical buttons in order for you to call people from the sideways-opening feature.
2. I have had this phone for about a week, and I have been impressed overall. Since I don’t use my phone for texting or music, some of its best features are probably wasted on me.
PROS:
* The 2 ways to flip it open make it totally unique and cool.
* The battery lasts longer than other phones I’ve had.
* The call quality is consistently good.
* It’s slim like a RAZR in spite of the full keyboard perk.
* You can use voice recognition to compose a text message.
CONS:
* Many features only work in 1 orientation or the other.
* The smallest digit dial font is still huge - privacy issue.
* The Samsung calendar application has limited functionality.

Product features:

# Bluetooth Wireless Technology** - headset, hands-free, serial port and dial up networking profi les supported; OPP (for vCard only)
# 1.3 MegaPixel Digital Camera with Flash, Auto Focus and 10 Step Digital Zoom
# Directional Navigation Key for Ease of Use
# T9™ Text Input and full QWERTY keyboard for Easy Text Entry

RESPeRATE is a portable, computerized electronic device that guides you through sessions of interactive, therapeutic breathing powerful enough to lower blood pressure.
Using a breathing sensor, RESPeRATE automatically analyzes your individual breathing pattern and creates a personalized melody composed of two distinct inhale and exhale guiding tones, delivered through comfortable earphones. Simply listen to the melody through the headphones and synchronize your breathing to the tones. By prolonging the exhalation tone RESPeRATE guides you to slow your breathing and reach the “therapeutic zone” of less than 10 breaths per minute.
The physiological result? The muscles surrounding the small blood vessels in your body dilate, and relax. Blood is allowed to flow more freely, and pressure is directly, significantly lowered.

Customer feedback:
1. My blood pressure gradually crept up over the years, and the diagnosis of “labile hypertension” changed to simply “hypertension.” Saw this device online, and decided to give it a try. It has made the difference between starting medication and not having to take one. TWO YEARS LATER, I’ve maintained the gains and then some. As a resulted I still don’t require meds for hypertension–a diagosis my MD has dropped.
Yes, this IS pricey. But so was the non-generic medication my cardiologist was considering. I have prescription drug coverage, but copayments quickly add up, especially for non-generic. (NOTE: Many of the newer meds are not yet available as generics.) So, I bought the Resperate, knowing I could try it and return it if I didn’t like it and/or it didn’t have the desired effect.
But overall, I do like it–a lot. And it has had a beneficial effect on my blood pressure. After less than two weeks using this, at my next MD visit I learned that my systolic blood pressure (top number) had dropped 14 points, the diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) had dropped 3 points. Two years later, I now average 110/70.
2. I bought the RESPeRATE as a preventative to a slightly elevated BP reading in January. It did exactly what is was supposed to do - it decreased my PB significantly (13 pts) within a few weeks. But the other effect I noticed was a general feeling of well-being and increased positive outlook on life. There is considerable evidence now that mindfulness training has positive temporary and possibly permanent effects on brain function (see http://psyphz.psych.wisc.edu/). Using the RESPeRATE seems to be having this effect for me as well. As a mental health professional, it is critical that my mind and body be in an optimal state so that my patients can achieve a similar state within themselves. Congratulations to InterCure for making such a terrific device.

Product features:

* Clinically proven to lower blood pressure within weeks
* A device, not a drug
* Doctor Recommended
* Has zero side effects other than relaxation
* Includes: RESPeRATE device, respiration sensor, headphones, user manual, and 4 AA batteries

The Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator. It’s the latest in essential safety equipment. Fire extinguishers. Seat belts. Airbags. Home security systems. All essential safety equipment to protect yourself and your loved ones. You know they are there, silently standing by, just in case. They give you peace of mind so that you can focus on life’s good things.
When sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) strikes, the electrical system of the heart short circuits, causing the heart to quiver rather than pump in a normal rhythm. It typically results in the abnormal heart rhythm know as ventricular fibrillation (VF). It usually happens without warning and the majority of people have no previously recognized symptoms of heart disease. And it most often happens at home. For the best chance of survival from SCA caused by VF, a defibrillator should be used within 5 minutes. Yet, less than 1 in 20 people survive largely because a defibrillator does not arrive in time.
Just as seat belts or airbags do not save every life in a traffic accident, a defibrillator will not save every person who suffers a sudden cardiac arrest. Yet many lives could be saved if more people could be reached more quickly.

Customer feedback:

1. I have taught CPR for almost 35 years and currently head up an American Heart Association Training Center. My instructors have had access to the top 4 AED trainers for over 5 years, but every one of them prefers to use the Philips Medical Heartstart. The other trainers gather dust. The Philips line of AEDs began as HeartStream in the late 1990s and were the first on the market with FDA-approved biphasic (2 directional) shocks, first to put AEDs on airplanes (American Airlines), first with FDA-approved Pediatric Pads,the first and currently only AED officially approved by the American Dental Association, and the first to be able to be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. And considering that just a few years ago, AEDs cost almost $5000, the price makes it a steal! If you have a loved one in your home with a heart condition, this is the device for you! Be aware that no device guarantees success, and this machine will not help a heart attack, but it is the best chance for someone who experiences a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (complete heart stoppage). But if you buy it, please also take the time to get trained in its use by attending a HeartSaver AED training course - use of an AED is only 1 of 4 links in the AHA “Chain of Survival”. You can find a course near you by going on the American Heart Association Webpage and locating a Training Center or Training Site near you, or call Philips Customer Service.
2. Since my husband’s family has a history of heart disease, I thought I would look into getting one of these. In researching the topic at the Consumer Reports website, I found that they reported that the resuscitation rate nationally is 2 to 5%. With a Home Defibrillator, the rate jumps to 40 to 50%.
In researching further, I found that the Phillips is the only Home Defibrillator available to buy without a prescription. The website for this product, www.heartstarthome.com, has a wealth of information. They offer assistance in finding out if insurance or Medicare will cover some of the cost of this product. I was very impressed with the amount of on-line support at www.heartstarthome.com, including a video and a demo. The demo shows exactly how the product works. It removed all doubt about whether I would be able to use this product. (Obviously, taking the American Heart Association class is highly advisable!)

Product features:

* The first and only defibrillator available over-the-counter that can be used by virtually anyone with the materials included
* Easy to use with guided interactive voice instructions
* Safely delivers a shock only if needed
* Reliably runs daily self-tests for readiness

The revolutionary new Eye-Fi Card looks and works just like a standard 2GB SD card except it has a tiny secret: Wi-Fi is built in. Now, docking your digital camera, connecting cables, and fumbling with card readers are a thing of the past. The Eye-Fi card will wirelessly upload your photos from your camera onto your computer and the web.
Eye-Fi also supports photo sharing and printing websites including Kodak Gallery, Snapfish, Shutterfly, Wal-Mart, Photobucket, Facebook, Webshots, Picasa Web Albums, SmugMug, Flickr, Fotki, TypePad, VOX, dotPhoto, Phanfare, Sharpcast and Gallery. It will automatically take care of log-ins and passwords, and it will even resize your photos if necessary for your chosen site.

Customer feedback:
1. I have been using the eye-fi card on and off for a while now (beta and gamma programs). Overall it works very well and increases the convenience of digital photography a lot. In my mode of use, I shoot with it around the house and then the let the photos float up wirelessly to phanfare (disclosure: I am CEO of Phanfare). With Phanfare it works especially well because I can still get to the fullsize original images from the desktop client and from my Phanfare website.
You configure the card in two places. First, you have to configure it communicate with wireless networks you trust. Second, you need to configure your account at Eye-fi to transmit to the online service of your choice. That means telling Eye-fi your username and password, for example, for Phanfare. You do this once. After the initial provisioning, which is the most difficult step, the card just works. Because the camera sees the card as a standard SD card there is absolutely no increase in complexity from the camera side. You shoot and the images show up in your online account. The good folks at Eye-Fi set an option for Phanfare to allow you to suppress publication of new images by default. That way I can shoot, and then go into Phanfare and choose what to publish, shoeboxing the rest.
2. I love to take photos of friends, family, and scenery, but never remember to get them out of the camera and uploaded to someplace where I can share them from. This card is wonderful! If I’m within reach of one of my wireless connection at home or in a hotel I’ve set up, I just leave the camera on for a couple of minutes while I’m doing something else and the card takes care of the rest. All I need to do is click on my Picasa or SmugMug account and share the photos with whomever I want.

Product features:

* Uploads photos automatically from Eye-Fi Card inside your camera. Built-in Wi-Fi connects to your home network
* Provides free and unlimited photo uploads to your computer and your favorite photo or social networking website. Photo transmission is secure and private
* Supports sharing and printing websites, including Fotki, Shutterfly, dotPhoto, webshots, phanfare, Picasa Web albums, flickr, TypePad, Wal-Mart, snapfish, VOX, smugmug, facebook, photobucket, Kodak Gallery, and Sharpcast
* Handles full-resolution jpeg images and intelligently re-sizes photos if limited by your chosen photo or social networking website
* Fits digital cameras that use SD memory cards and offers 2 GB of memory to store photos on the card

For the ultimate in wireless freedom, look no further than the Plantronics Voyager 510 Bluetooth Headset, which represents a generational leap in Bluetooth headset technology. The 510 is comfortable and light enough for all day wear, and it offers unprecedented clarity and sound quality. These are great features, but the real revolution involves Plantronics’ exclusive “Multipoint” technology, which allows the headset to function as a powerful communication solution for up to two Bluetooth devices. With Multipoint technology you can switch between your voice-enabled Bluetooth mobile phone, PDA or laptop. The headset’s “smart” technology knows which device you are using and allows you to take calls from any device at the touch of a button. With the optional Plantronics Bluetooth Deskphone Adapter you can even switch between your office phone and your Bluetooth mobile phone. You’ll never need to use a dedicated “landline” phone headset again.
The 510 features a noise-canceling microphone for clearer conversations, and it folds for easy storage. The boom also swivels for perfect positioning on either ear. One-touch call control buttons are placed for easy access, and you can easily redial the last number dialed and initiate voice-activated calls from the headset. Because the 510 is Bluetooth-enabled (it supports the Bluetooth 1.2 specification) you can roam up to 33 feet from your Bluetooth device. Meanwhile, the 510 supports adaptive frequency hopping (AFH) which helps avoid interference from wi-fi networks. Ample talk time is provided by the built-in rechargeable battery; you’ll get up to 6 hours talk time and up to 100 hours of standby time.

Customer feedback:

1. At last I have found a usable headset, the Voyager 510. The audio quality of this headset on the user end of things is absolutely phenomenal. It is several magnitudes louder than any other bluetooth headset I have tried. I have good hearing so I don’t expect a headset to be super loud, but most bluetooth headsets are so low that conversation from a caller can almost be unintelligible. This Plantronics headset produces clear, loud, largely static free sound.
The headset also transmits audio extremely well. I spoke to several people on the streets of Manhattan and they couldn’t tell I was even on a headset. I also left several voicemails for myself and the audio quality was quite good. Moderate wind is not a problem for this headset at all. However, I don’t believe that this headset employs the same type of DSP as the the nXZEN or Jawbone, so if you are on a noisy street the person you are talking to may hear the background noise. However, even with back ground noise you will be reasonably easy to understand—the headset just doesn’t actually block the noise as much as one that uses DSP as much as the nXZEN or Jawbone does.
2. I’ve been using this headset for about two weeks with a Blackberry 8700C. The headset has a very comfortable fit and the volume is nice and loud. The downside is that the battery life seems a bit sub-standard. I have been caught several times using it and running out of batteries. I also have some random disconnects with my Blackberry. Tough to say whether these disconnects are phone or headset related. I think this is a great value for the money though and prefer it over the Motorola’s and Jabra’s (better fit, louder sound). There is some difficulty pressing the buttons on this headset too - nothing that I could not work around though.

Product features:

* Windsmart Technology allows you to seamlessly switch between two Bluetooth® devices
* Noise-canceling microphone for superior sound quality
* Up to 6 hours talk time and up to 100 hours standby time
* One-touch call answer/end, last number redial and voice activated dialing
* Compatible with Bluetooth devices supporting the headset or hands-free profile