Gadgets I Trust - a list by esh

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About this list:

Electronics, tools, office supplies, and other cool and useful things.

Qualifications:

Willing to spend money for geeky convenience

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Viewing 21-30 of 58 Items

Palm Treo 650 Smartphone

First to recommend

36 people recommended this item

Description

Popular for good reason.
Great screen resolution, full PalmOS PDA, pretty good reception (at least on the Sprint PCS network in major cities), usable web browser, bluetooth capability, DateBook, Contacts database, MP3/Audible player, and so on.

Camera is somewhat usable if you have a still, close subject in bright light but otherwise you can forget about it.

Note that the screen resolution is *better* than the Treo 700 models.
This is the phone to get if you would like PalmOS. If you want Windows CE, you'll have to get a recommendation elsewhere.

Updated Jun 17, 2006

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Sony Ericsson Akono Bluetooth Headset HBH-608

First to recommend

Description

Positives: Tiny, light weight, good volume.

Negatives: So light weight you'll forget you're wearing it and you'll walk around looking like a person wearing a bluetooth headset.

Disclaimer: I actually have the HBH 600, but I tried the 608 and liked it even better.

Warning: It took me a while to figure out how to wear this headset. The speaker portion does not fit tightly in the ear, but once I got it settled it works very well for me. A friend bought this model and never got it to fit quite right with his ear shape.

Updated Sep 15, 2006

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Globalsat BT-338 Bluetooth GPS Receiver

First to recommend

2 people recommended this item

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)

Updated Jun 20, 2006

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TomTom Navigator 5 for Treo 650

First to recommend

3 people recommended this item

Description

We left home late to meet relatives at a restaurant, but thanks to the TomTom navigation software, we were provided with quick, clear directions, saving us even more time hunting around for our destination.

Combined with a bluetooth GPS and a Treo 650, this software provides a complete in car navigation system, complete with real-time updated maps and voice driving directions.

In my limited use so far, I've been a little disappointed that the voice instructions haven't been quite enough to figure out exactly which turn/exit to take, but combined with the onscreen info I had no trouble figuring out where to go.

What's really cool about the TomTom software is that if you miss a turn, it quickly recalculates the route based on your new location and direction and gives you the new best directions.

You can also ask it to avoid certain parts of the route, notify you when you are near a gas station or restaurant, and much more.

Tips:

- Make sure you buy the correct version of the TomTom software (one that will run on your Treo 650 PalmOS).

- Make sure you download and install the latest software upgrade from TomTom.com before trying to install this on your Treo 650. Following that tip would have saved me a half hour of wasted effort. (via joe)

Updated Jun 20, 2006

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Treo 650 Li-Ion Extended Battery

First to recommend

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.

Updated Aug 2, 2006

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SCREENGUARDZ Screenguard for Treo600/650

First to recommend

Description

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

Updated May 8, 2006

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DateBook5

2 people recommended this item

Description

I need floating events on my Treo (via joe)

Updated Jul 24, 2006

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NukAlert Radiation Monitor and Alarm

First to recommend

Description

The hype about potential dirty bomb threats has died down a bit, but for about $150 you can still own this nifty gadget that detects radiation and alerts you to the approximate danger level. How cool is that?

I was trying to figure out how to test this device. I considered taking it up in an airplain which is where we are exposed to the most radiation in normal life, but then had second thoughts when I pictured trying to explain to the security fellows about the quietly ticking device with the nuclear symbol on it.

Note: Though the marketing material depicts this on a keyring, it's really too big to carry in your pocket all the time, and given the risks and likely stigma it would generate, it's probably not necessary. But as a gadget lover, it's pretty cool to own one.

Updated Oct 15, 2006

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Oral-B 9450 Triumph Professional Care Power Toothbrush

First to recommend

2 people recommended this item

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.

Updated Aug 21, 2006

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Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000

First to recommend

4 people recommended this item

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.

Updated Jun 17, 2006

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