Say what you will about Nintendo and the Wii, but the company and console have had a very good year. From selling out before it was even released to being labeled a key part of the "exergaming" craze the Wii Sports has revolutionized gaming and brought in fans of all ages - from people in old folks homes to yours truly.
So clearly, it was no shock to me when I heard Fortune Magazine had decided to put the company - and more specifically the semi-controversial Wii-mote - on its cover. The cover story, "Wii will rock you," looks at how the Wii "beat the pants off Sony and Microsoft." Here's more:
While game consoles typically attract youngish males with an antisocial streak, the Wii is bringing people of all demographics together: in nursing homes, for Wii bowling leagues, on cruise ships, at coed (!) Wii-themed parties and, of course, in lines - as hordes of consumers clamor to buy the impossible-to-find $250 machine. Nintendo is churning out over a million units a month and still can't meet demand.
The article goes on to shed some light on Nintendo's legendary videogame designer Shigeru Miyamoto, who at 54 is still as hip and tuned into gaming culture as ever. It also divulges that the word "Nintendo" is an amalgamation of three symbols: nin, meaning "leave to"; ten, for "heaven"; and do, "company." The most common translation in Kyoto is "the company that leaves to heaven." Coincidence? Source
I know I talk about USB Drives more than people actually use or purchase them, but the Zip Zip LEGO drive was just too exciting not to share. It's a regular 1GB Memory Stick that's Windows and Mac compatible and includes a lanyard. They're no Brickwall LEGO ring, but I say they're pretty chic.
Coinciding with the announcement of the release date, Apple has premiered a series of TV ads showcasing all the features of the device, including how it allows you to flip through music and search Google maps.
For those of you who have been living on Mars, the iPhone will run on the Cingular network and use a mini version of OS X. The iPhone is 1.16 cm thick and has a 3.5" widescreen touchscreen display with multi-touch support, 4GB or 8GB of onboard RAM, Bluetooth, WiFi, and a 2 megapixel camera. Check out my coverage from the last few months for more information. To check out one of the new ads, read more
Today seems to be the unofficial week of LEGO love here on geeksugar - or maybe I just have a crush on Nathan Sawaya, so I figured I'd test your love for the iconic geek toy by measuring your love and adoration, or lack there of, of the Transparent Lego Cufflinks created by Etsy user Numpty. The cufflinks are made of regular LEGOs attached to silver plated cufflinks. The maker, Numpty, says the links allow you the chance to "hang on to a piece of your childhood with these Lego brick cufflinks." I say I can't remember the last time I saw links in use, but next time I see them, I hope they have LEGOs attached.
I am going to have to ask Bella what she thinks of this because I am speechless. The Mpion is an MP3 player that gives users a facial while they listen to music. According to Digital World Tokyo, for the equivalent of $170 the mpion delivers a 1998-style 128MB of memory device that can hold about 32 tracks. The upside? A negative ion generator on the back of the player supposedly cleans your skin and pores better than your average soap and water, a notion that isn't exactly scientifically proven. I'd say this one falls in the negative section of the chic meter, but it's a humorous concept nonetheless.
With all the positive feedback I received about the USB ladybug mouse post, I just knew I had to share another cute critter gadget. This two button, ergonomic USB Frog Mouse is not only adorable but very user-friendly. All you have to do is plug it into your USB port and you can start surfing immediately. It only costs $15 and yes, the matching frog pad is included!
To check out some more close-ups of this mouse just read more
Welcome back to Wedding Season on the Sugar Network. Now that I've given you inspiration for creating your own wedding website, provided you with registry tips and imparted my ideas for geeky bachelorette parties it's finally time to plan the big day. Assuming you've found the right videoographer and photographer, the only last minute techie issue you have to tackle is what gadgets you will need on the big day.
If you have hired a professional photo and video team, I suggest you still stock the tables in the reception hall with inexpensive digital cameras or even the new Kodak Disposable Camera, which has recently gotten a makeover and looks like a small digital camera. The Kodak Disposables are inexpensive (seriously, they are $9.99 and available at food and drug stores) so you can purchase a couple dozen without breaking the bank. If you do opt for real digital or film cameras consider making one of the bridal party members the official "camera keeper" and have them pass them out to the dependable, bored looking crowd members. While the professional photos will likely be the ones you'll keep on your mantel for the rest of your life, there's no telling what candid moments your cousin Betty might capture.
For additional ideas for wedding day gadgets, including tips for entertaining the under 21 guests, read more