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[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.

Updated Jun 23, 2008

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Etymotic Earphones

17 people recommended this item

Description

I now work in an environment that can get pretty noisy with the thump of the bass in the music from a retail store downstairs, up to 3 street performers at a time on the street out the window, and a dozen co-workers occasionally in lively discussions in our large shared office with brick walls. It's a fun environment, but sub-optimal for concentrated software development.

I surgically insert my Etymotic earphones (yes, it's a procedure) and I am suddenly all alone in absolute silence except for the pure sound of the Canadian Brass and English Chamber Orchestra, or Nora Jones, or Orbital, or Fatboy Slim, or ...

I'm still not able to use the Etymotics for long periods of time because of the pressure in my ear canal, but I'm getting used to them and working up to it. (via joe)

Updated Jan 17, 2007

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Sandisk Ultra II SD Plus USB

First to recommend

6 people recommended this item

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.

Updated Nov 9, 2006

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Vacu Vin Wine Saver

13 people recommended this item

Description

I'm not an expert, but this seems to help the wine last a bit longer. It was also recommended to me by a bartender.

Updated Nov 28, 2006

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Ziotek Power Strip Liberator Plus

First to recommend

Description

This solves the problem of losing more than one outlet in your power strip when you plug in a bulky power adapter. Not only does it save the space that was previously taken up by that adapter, it turns the single outlet into two (one at the end of the cord and one right on the back of the plug).

Updated Nov 16, 2006

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LaCrosse Technology Atomic Analog Clock

First to recommend

Description

It only works in the contiguous US, but I think an automatically updating clock is the only way to go for a standard wall clock in your home or office. There are different designs and one might even fit your style.

I got tired of changing our living room clock for daylight savings time twice a year. Then we noticed that it was 20 minutes fast and it the whole family got used to doing time arithmetic for a while. I bought this LaCrosse clock in the hopes that I would never have to update the living room clock again (one down, several more to go).

It took a while (overnight) for it to pick up the radio signal from the broadcast in Colorado (we live in California) but it's ticking away as accurate as can be down to the second with the clock on my cell phone.

Updated Sep 12, 2006

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TiVo Series3 HD

First to recommend

3 people recommended this item

Description

I've been a loyal TiVo owner since 1999. I refused to upgrade to HD TV until TiVo came out with an HD unit. Today, my excuses have run out with TiVo's release of TiVo Series3 HD.

Now, I have to buy an HD TiVo, an HD television, upgrade my cable service to HD, and consider an HD receiver for switching video sources. There's no other option, right?

Bonus: If you already have lifetime subscription TiVo unit, use this link: tivo.com/vip

Updated Nov 20, 2006

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Samsung HL-S5087W 50" 1080p DLP HDTV

First to recommend

5 people recommended this item

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)

Updated Jan 10, 2007

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Dyson Root 6 DC16 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

10 people recommended this item

Description

This has got to be one of the most impressive hand tools of any category, at least as far as looks go. And, though you may be disappointed to learn it cannot atomize steel, it does do a great job of vacuuming as you would expect from any product with the name Dyson on it. It's somewhat larger and heavier than the standard dirt devil and dust buster toys, but when you pull the trigger, feel the torq, and see the green and red LEDs glowing, you know you're in charge and that mess is history.

Updated Dec 27, 2006

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IKEA ANTIFONI Work lamp

First to recommend

2 people recommended this item

Description

Best feature: heavy base and very long arm. This lets me direct light where I need it while having the lamp set out of the way on the back of the desk (good 20-30 inch horizontal stretch).

The look of this desk lamp reminds me of one my grandfather had back in the day.

Updated Jul 25, 2006

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