Protect your spine and your vision!

If you’re a member of the “terrible posture group”, you might like this next gadget, the Visomate USB Vision and Posture Reminder. It might not fix your posture instantaneously, but it’s probably worth a try. Or you could just stay hunched over the computer your entire life and end up with 20/1,000 vision. It’s your choice.

The little pod-ish device sits on top of your monitor. It will gently remind you to keep your distance, you know, monitors need their personal space just like you. Don’t worry, it won’t beep obnoxiously, spray you with unremovable ink, or turn off your computer. Instead, a simple LED will start flashing. Once you’ve leaned to close, you’ll notice a red LED flashing and sit back. Once back in the “safe zone” a solid blue LED will go on. I just hope you can actually read the text when you realize you’ve been to close to the screen for the past few years. If you’ve got USB ports to spare, why not get this? I mean there’s a possibility it’ll end up helping you. Admittedly, I’d like this a lot more if it had a few more features, namely have a USB hub built in. I thought everything had one of those these days.

$26 will get you the Visomate USB Vision and Posture Reminder. Sure, it’s a tad pricey for something you could do yourself, but unlike yourself, the Visomate won’t forget to remind you unless you unplug it.

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Mousetrapper Advance

This is an interesting extension to your keyboard, a way to physically use your mouse without physically touching it, the Mousetrapper Advance. The aim of the Mousetrapper is to help prevent (or at least relieve the pain of) RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).

The Mousetracker attaches to your keyboard and your mouse slots into a special cradle at the side. Now to move the mouse you use special scroll bars that are located below the keyboard, this should in theory reduce the amount of movement between keyboard and mouse (I know when I’m blogging my right hand is forever moving between the two).

To me it looks like an interesting idea but does have the drawback of only working with a Microsoft Mouse. The MouseTrapper website looked professional enough however the order form (which strangely accepted credit card numbers without disclosing the price) had no security at all.

Spy with your Tie!

If you're the types who likes weilding exclusive gizmos, no matter how outlandish they may sound, the Spy Tie is definitely for you. Or you may need it if you're a full time detective or a business executive or hot shot who's prone to receiving threats.... recorded evidence you know! Or maybe as a gift for a gadget freak who already has so many that a mundane iPod would sound lame for him!

This unique piece of fashion is melded with the latest technology to create a Bond-like aura whenever you put it on. Sure, it is no piece of haute couture but then again, how many ties do you have in your wardrobe that comes with an extremely high resolution CCD pinhole camera that is discreetly hidden and is capable of recording up to 280 minutes’ worth of video, depending on the size of the memory card used?

In addition, the video recorder also boasts an integrated monitor and a remote control unit. The 2.4″ TFT LCD monitor makes it possible for you to review what you have just recorded, and there are up to 4 recording modes to choose from. You can either set it to automatic, manual, motion detection, or scheduled. This Spy Tie accepts SD cards as the recording media of choice, supporting up to 4GB worth of data. Unfortunately, the device has a battery life of only 1 hour so having so much space is pretty pointless. Oh yeah, another major stumbling block would be the price - you would have to fork out a cool $1,300 for the Spy Tie!

Taser C2 delivers shocking surprise

You can never be too safe these days when walking around, which is why it is prudent to get this Taser C2 for the lady in your life. It looks like a shaver at first glance, but when one’s eyes glaze over the lightning flash symbol, it definitely spells trouble. The Taser C2 is touted to be the next wave in citizen defense, enabling you to stop a threat that is up to 15 feet away to keep you and your family safe. In case you are assaulted, the C2 can also be used as a contact stun device to repel the assailant.

Additional features include an Anti-Felon ID system that deters misuse as it performs a computer background check on the would-be purchaser beforehand, while the integrated LED light at the bottom works great as an impromptu torchlight in emergencies. The lithium power magazine is good for 50 firings, so be prepared to use it wisely instead of recording a home video edition of Jackass which will be uploaded later onto YouTube. The Taser C2 retails for $300, while the model with a laser targeting system will set you back by an additional $50. Laws in certain states in the U.S. prohibit the sale of the Taser C2. Shipping will begin this April.

One of the misgivings I’ve always had is the fact that the assailant could easily knock the Taser C2 out of the victim’s hands and turn the tables on the victim instead. Perhaps future iterations would include a biometric reader of some sort that activates the taser only when the fingerprint matches.

Source: Ubergizmo

Fully Working Miniature Brass Steam Engine

I’ve not seen one of these in ages, a fully working minature steam engine (and I’ve never seen a model engine with so much shiny brass).

The classic Locomobile is works like a real steam engine but is 1/8 the size. You fill the boiler with water, light a dry spirit tablet and when the boiler is hot enough the steam powers the engine (and the all important whistle).

This is one of those toys that as well as being fun and educational is also a pretty good investment IMO (though bear in mind I have a shed full of 2000 AD comics that I thought would be worth something one day (Sylvestor Stallone (Judge Dredd) has a lot to answer for)). You can get the Classic Working Steam Engine Locomobile for $549.95 from Hammacher.

Mini Desk - Go the Xtra Mile!

So you think that you have actually given your all when it comes to work, but how about a desk that has actually clocked up way more mileage than you ever had throughout your 30-year career? The Mini Desk takes one of the most iconic vehicles in the last century, merging it with office functionality to produce a piece of furniture that will definitely set tongues wagging the moment anybody lays eyes on one. This Mini Desk is hand built from scratch, where one half of the Mini is left intact, while the interior is stripped and replaced with a fully functional working desk. It is also nice to see the creators add a subtle touch by throwing in a number plate that reads “Mini Desk”.

By far it is not the smallest desk available, but trust designer Glynn Jenkins to come up with something special. This is a highly customizable desk, as you can choose from the top of your choice, ranging from leather, wood, and metal to virtually any color vinyl. It doesn’t really matter what type of office set up you’re looking at as the Mini can be sprayed to complement the working environment instead of the other way round that is often the case with other furniture.

The Mini Desk also boasts fully working headlamps, hazards, and spotlights. This means you can now signal your colleagues opposite you whenever you spot the boss coming down the aisle. If only the horn was included - it would’ve made a great stress reliever. Additional functions include a stereo set that has been integrated into the dash and speakers in the parcel shelf. The choice of rims and tyres are also left entirely up to you, so why not take this opportunity and bling out a piece of furniture? There is no mention of pricing, but I’m guessing it won’t come cheap!

Source: Ubergizmo