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Description

The Belkin Pivot with 12 outlets eases the pain when you have a few computers, monitors, printers, scanner, speakers, chargers which all need power. Wait, get a UPS for the computers, but the rest can plug into one or two of these.

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4 people recommended this item

Fabriclive 24 Diplo

Updated Nov 20, 2007

Description

I have a theory that somebody gave Diplo a list of a couple dozen songs that he couldn't pull together into a single modern album, especially since many of them are not good music by today's standards. He took the challenge and pulled it off, though you'll have to let the album play for a while to really appreciate it.

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Linksys Compact Wireless-G Broadband Router

Updated Aug 19, 2007

Description

The key here is "compact". This is a slim little wireless router that can easily be slipped in your laptop case and then you can set up a temporary wireless network when you arrive at your relatives. Or use it as a permanent wifi router instead of those big ugly ones.

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Sabrent IDE to USB 2.0 Adapter

Updated Jun 26, 2007

Description

This adapter is perfect if you want to access the information on old IDE hard drives you have sitting around. It's also decent for using a new, loose IDE hard drive as a way to transfer large amounts of data between two computers. Best of all, it was plug and play on Ubuntu Linux.

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5 people recommended this item

Samsung HL-S5087W 50" 1080p DLP HDTV

Updated Jan 10, 2007

1st to recommend

Description

I purchased this HD TV because it was Alain-approved, and I have been very happy with the results.

Highlights:
- 10,000 to 1 contrast ratio for fantastic pictures.
- Connects to your TiVo Series3 HD using an HDMI cable.
- Has an extra HDMI input for plugging in your HDDVD player (unless you're going to spring for an HD receiver to switch video, too).
- Speakers are not visible so you don't feel bad turning them off and using your nice 5.1 surround sound system.
- Supports resolutions up to 1080p so that you're ready for that "future" that everybody keeps talking about.

Why DLP instead of plasma? DLP has no half-life so the screen stays bright over the years.

Why DLP instead of LCD? DLP has a higher contrast ratio making for a clearer picture. Note: Don't be fooled by the over-brightness of an LCD in the store. Your home is not going to be lit up like Best Buy so the DLP will be plenty bright when you get it home. At that point, the contrast ratio matters more. (via Alain Avakian)

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Oral-B 9450 Triumph Professional Care Power Toothbrush

Updated Aug 21, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

I've looked at a bunch, owned a few and this is the winning power toothbrush. It has more power and gadgets than you need, but at least it has all you will want.

You can probably toss the "polishing" and "whitening" brushes. They can't sell a tooth producton the market today without claiming it does whitening (not even chewing gum).

I avoid the default high speed setting and push the mode button once to get to the slightly slower speed. It's still all the power I need to get my teeth clean and some day when the toothbrush starts to seem a bit sluggish (and they all do) I'll start using the high setting and feel like I have a new brush.

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Earhugger Y Adapter For Stereo Headphones

Updated Aug 21, 2006

Description

Use this to share a single audio out on your computer between your computer speakers and your headphones.

You end up playing audio through your headphones even when you're listening to the speakers, but at least you don't have to go behind the computer to unplug and replug wires every time you want to switch.

Note: Because you're splitting it, you will get a bit less volume out of the speakers as the same audio signal is driving both the speakers and the headphones.

Warning: Make sure you turn the speakers OFF before you crank up the volume with your headphones on. Your co-workers will thank you (though I guess you won't be able to hear them with your headphones on).

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Ricoh Caplio R4

Updated Aug 26, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

I don't own this yet, but I just saw one in action and am considering getting one.

It's tiny (4.7oz, 3.7x2x1"). It has a 7.1x optical zoom. These two factors alone are impressive, but when I noticed in the specs that it can take wide angle shots, I was pretty much sold. It's range is 28-200mm instead of the usual 35-105mm of your standard 3X zoom digital camera.

My only other concern is how fast the shutter response time is. I'm tired of missing just the right expression on my kids' faces and am willing to pay anything to have a picture taken when I press the button.

Hmmm... Looks like the R5 is coming out soon... (via Andreas Weigend)

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Treo 650 Li-Ion Extended Battery

Updated Aug 2, 2006

Description

Your life is in your Treo 650 and the life of your Treo 650 is in its battery. Why not have a spare on hand? They've really dropped in price, especially if you pick it up from my friend Patrick at TechBudget.com.

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Voyageur: Enigma

Updated Jul 24, 2006

Description

I like Enigma's music.

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Sabrent SATA to USB 2.0 Cable Converter

Updated Jun 28, 2007

Description

This cable lets me access my internal SATA disk drives by plugging them into a USB port (instead of shutting down the computer, opening it up, installing a drive, closing it up, and booting).

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Razer Pro v1.6 Mouse

Updated Jun 17, 2006

1st to recommend

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Description

Billed as a gaming mouse but makes my programming easier, too.

This high performance mouse is extremely sensitive and accurate and I no longer get frustrated trying to get my Dell optical mouse to move the cursor to the right place on the screen.

If I set the Razer mouse to the highest accelleration (under Linux), I can accurately get the cursor to any spot on my 3200x1200 screen (2 displays) by physically moving the mouse less than an inch. Though I don't work in that mode, it shows how accurately the mouse senses movement across a surface.

Warning: It claims to have 7 buttons, but numbers 4-7 are absurdly placed and you should not expect to use them. (via Woot)

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3 people recommended this item

Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000

Updated Jun 17, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

As they say in the Linux community, Microsoft makes great computer hardware accessories. I've been using the Microsoft Natural keyboard series for years and the 4000 model is the best I've tried.

The angles are even stronger which makes for more natural hand positioning; the wrist pad is soft; and the keys have great travel and are almost silent (nice when you're in a room with other developers).

Now if I could only get a mouse that clicks silently.

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6 people recommended this item

Kill-a-Watt Electricity Usage Monitor

Updated Aug 22, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

Plug this unit into the wall. Plug your appliance into this unit. Instantly know how much elecricity the appliance is using (and calculate how much it is costing you to run).

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Globalsat BT-338 Bluetooth GPS Receiver

Updated Jun 20, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

Combined with a Treo 650 and the TomTom 5 Navigator software, a bluetooth GPS receiver is an important part of a complete breakfast--er, navigation system.
I'm not sure it matters too much which bluetooth GPS receiver you get, but it's probably a good idea to make sure it has the latest SiRF III chipset, and this particular model recommended by Joe is working well for me. (via joe)

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6 people recommended this item

Dyson Vacuum

Updated Dec 21, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

Ian raved so much about this vacuum cleaner I had to purchase one, and have not been disappointed. Dyson's customer support was very helpful in sending out a part that had failed (free) (twice) and it has worked solidly for over a year since.

The suction is all it is claimed to be and you never have to replace bags. Emptying into a garbage bag is surprisingly easy once you find the right levers to pull. (via Ian)

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10 people recommended this item

Canon Powershot SD400 5MP Digital Elph Camera

Updated Nov 9, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

Small, flat size fits easily into a pocket. Advanced Canon quality features and a fairly fast response time.

The SD400 model is smaller than the SD500, and has the same processing, so if you can get away with "only" 5 megapixels, it's a better choice.

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SCREENGUARDZ Screenguard for Treo600/650

Updated May 8, 2006

Description

Best deal on screen guards for Treo 650.
Best to buy a Treo 650 first.

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Luxeon V 5-Watt LED Aluminum Hand Torch

Updated Jun 23, 2008

1st to recommend

Description

[UPDATE: Flashlight technology has made dramatic progress since this review was originally written. You can get better, cheaper LED torches today.]

Blinding white light (120 lumens) in a compact hand-held torch. If you're going to spend over $100 on a small flashlight, this is it. Warning: They claim the LED bulb can't be broken if you drop it, but I dropped it on concrete and *something* broke. If you're going to spend over $100 on a flashlight, don't drop it.

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6 people recommended this item

Uniden TRU8865 Cordless 5.8 GHz Digital Phone

Updated Jun 17, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

It's got all the features you need in a quality cordless home phone and you can add more handsets.

Dual line versions and versions with answering machines are also available from Uniden.

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5 people recommended this item

Sandisk Ultra II SD Plus USB

Updated Nov 9, 2006

1st to recommend

Description

It's the smallest 1GB USB memory stick that I've found. And, that's because it's the size and shape of an SD card. And, that's because it *is* an SD card!
This means that you can use it in your Treo 650 and/or your Canon SD400 as a standard SD memory card and then (after hinging part of the card down) plug it into your computer's USB port to transfer pictures or data.

Yes, it really works and I've had no problems with the USB connection even though it doesn't have all of the bulk of the normal USB plugs.

The only drawback is that it is a little wide when plugged into the USB port, so it may prevent adjacent USB ports from being used at the same time.

This replaced my existing SD card and eliminated my need for two other devices: my SD card reader and my USB keychain memory stick.

This card also comes with a slim keychain holder so that it doesn't get lost in your pocket if you don't have a phone or camera.

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