GeekSugar

Are These Gadgets Real or Fake?

GeekSugar — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:45:51 PDT

In this age of technology, smarties everywhere are inventing things to make our lives easier and more productive. A lot of these inventions either sound too good (or weird) to be true, and sometimes that's just what they are. Can you identify what's real and what's just concept? Take this quiz of our Real or Concept gadgets of the past to find out!

Question 1 of 10

Hailing from Japan, the Thanko Mailbox Sentry is a device that notifies you when you receive snail mail. A sensor is attached to the inside of your mailbox, and when the box is stuffed with actual mail, it sends a signal to a handset inside your home. If you're waiting for something important, this gadget would certainly cut down the amount of time you spend trudging back and forth to the mailbox, but is it real?

How-To: Clean Up Chargers and Cords

CasaSugar — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:30:00 PDT

If you're anything like me, then you've got several drawers that look much like the one in this picture. Every electronic comes with at least one cord (though usually there are more), and it's not always in use. That brings me to my biggest issue with electrical cords and chargers: storage. What on earth do I do with all these wires? More times than not the ugly chargers end up in a tangled mess in a few drawers throughout the house or, even worse, hanging out on my counter tops. A super organized pal recently told me her no-hassle solution to my problem, and I decided to give it a try. Want to see what my cords look like now? Then

read more. Ta da! I'm smitten. If you look closely you'll see that all you need to have perfectly organized cords is an inexpensive, clear, over-the-door shoe organizer ($15) and a few sticky labels. Simply insert the cords in the slots, add the labels, and you're done. Honestly, the hardest part was figuring out which cord went with what gadget (I'll admit I still have a few unnamed compartments). Never again will I be muttering profanities as I frantically search for my video camera charger. What's that you say? You need to charge your BlackBerry? Turns out I've got three chargers for that!

The Name Says It All: Bluelounge's Refresh Charging Station

GeekSugar — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:41:00 PDT

In case you haven't noticed, I have a thing for charging stations. I just can't get enough of 'em. Call it my OCD for cable management, or the fact that between my boyfriend and I combined, we have more gadgets than a small country, but I love a nice and neat desk where my gadgets can refresh and recharge. This is why I love Bluelounge's Refresh charging station. Coming in three colors (black, white and pink), the Refresh boasts mini and micro USB cables, and has room for five of your most coveted gadgets: iPod, BlackBerry, iPhone, camera, or whatever you need juiced up.

Although I have much love for this simple and stylish charging station, I do have a gripe: the $90 price tag. Whoa? Whoa is right. Sure, this baby keeps all your cords out of sight and managed, but how much are you willing to pay for a sleek pink plastic box? Ponder that, my friends.

Daily Tech: Solar Sunglasses Charge Gadgets on the Go

GeekSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:00:38 PST

Would you wear solar sunglasses to charge your gadgets on the go? - Unplggd
Google may have just revealed enhancements to its Android mobile platform, but there are rumors circulating that we may soon see a new Android device. - Crave
It looks like NPR Mobile is the first NPR application for the iPhone. - Gizmodo
Twitter has achieved a chilling first: a plane crash covered by a survivor on the site. - Switched
The fake image of the Mac mini may not be fake! -Boy Genius Report
Where in the world is Steve Jobs? - Wired

Last Minute Gift: Stylish Gadget Chargers

GeekSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:00:53 PST

If you're still in search of the perfect gift for the person who has everything consider picking up a stylish gadget charger. Sure, it's not the sexiest gift out there, but virtually everyone with a cell phone, iPod, PDA or handheld gaming device could use a couple of extra chargers. Tack on some added style and eco goodness and you've found the kind of stocking stuffer that will keep the ohhhs and awwwss coming.

I'm in love with the Solio Solar Powered Battery Charger, $125. It's a bit pricier than other models, but the small universal "hybrid" charger can recharge virtually all your electronics. You can pre-charge the Solio in a wall outlet, and the power can be stored for up to a year. Who wouldn't want that?

Mile High Charger ($20)	Turbo iPod Charger ($24)
Turbo Cell Phone Charger ($24)	FreeLoader Solar Charger ($50)
Wireless WildCharge Bundle ($80)	Solio Solar Powered Battery Charger ($125)

Juice Up For Free: Solar Powered Chargers

GeekSugar — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 10:00:29 PDT

While power from the sun is readily available, its usage and practicality are still a mystery to many. Solar chargers allow you the freedom to unplug from the wall and use natural light. Many battery chargers are continuously recharged via an array of photo-voltaic panels that convert light into free energy - meaning you can charge your devices whenever, wherever.

Of course, if there's no light available or you're in a terrible rush companies like Voltaic, which makes the battery packs for the backpack on the right, also include automobile and world voltage AC charging adapters. You will have to spend a bit more for solar powered bags, but the small single device chargers (say for your smartphone or iPod) cost about the same as regular travel chargers and will save energy, time and money in the long run.

Solar chargers used to be clunky devices that were best for home use, but now there are some great, moderately priced chargers that are small enough to fit in your suitcase and chic enough that airport security won't think it's a homemade bomb. If eco chic is your thing you can even charge your gadgets with a solar powered swim suit. Talk about hot.

Sierra Solar Systems Laptop Charger	Solar-Powered Bikini
Solar Charger For iPod and Phone	PDA Solar Battery Charger
Solar Cell Phone Charger	Solar iPod Charger
Voltaic Solar Powered Messanger Bag	Voltaic Systems Solar Powered Backpack	Soldius 1 Solar Charger

Savvy Links: 4 Crucial Steps Women Must Take With Their Finances

Emily Co — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:20:31 PST

4 crucial steps women must take with their finances - HuffPost Women
Make every morning easier with these tips - LearnVest
Use solar power chargers to lower your energy bill - Tecca
15 fun things to buy for under $5 - Wise Bread
Tried and tested tricks to save more on groceries - AllYou
To tip or not to tip? - Real Simple
6 ways to save on home heating - Bankrate

9 Quick Tips For Better iPhoneongraphy

Kristy Korcz — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:20:39 PST

After sitting in on the photography session at Macworld, I'm even more committed to following through on my New Year's resolution to take better photos. This includes iPhoneography. If you've become obsessed with capturing images on your mobile phone, here are nine quick tips from Stephanie Roberts to maximize your shooting style, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Discover your go-to shooting app and keep it within thumb reach on your home screen.
Get comfortable shooting with one hand.
Play with lighting and exposure effects by tapping on different areas of the screen.
If the image is well composed, don't delete it! You can work wonders with apps!
Capture different patterns and textures and consider using them as layers in various apps.
Few apps meet all your creative needs. Use multiple apps to create your own personal style.
Back up your photos often and keep your apps up to date!
Go to "Settings" to adjust photo app settings for maximum image quality on capture and save.
Keep a charger or battery pack handy. Taking photos and editing in multiple apps is taxing on the battery.

Source: Instagram user KristyKorcz

Winter-Proof Your Gadgets: 6 Tips You Need to Know

Kristy Korcz — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 06:21:48 PST

Winter is in full effect, and I don't know about you, but it's getting pretty cold in my neck of the woods. While I do travel with my gadgets quite a bit, I've learned that cold weather is not always tech-friendly. You may not realize it, but freezing temps can be just as dangerous - if not more so - to gadgets than the Summer heat since there are hidden dangers you can't see. Check out these six Winter weather tips that will help ensure your gadgets see the light of Spring this year.

Keep them out of the trunk - Keep your laptops, cell phones, and tablets out of the trunk for extended periods during cold days to prevent damage to screens and to keep your hard drive from freezing.
If you must trunk it, keep it bundled up - If you absolutely must leave your gear in your car in freezing temps, wrap it up in layers - like a jacket or sweater - to keep it warm. You can also find laptop warmers (which are specifically made for laptops) to keep them from getting icy if you live in cold conditions.
Turn them off - Letting your laptop or tablet remain in sleep mode may keep it warmer (since it is still working), but it also increases your chances of damage if you're on the move. Be sure to power down all the way to keep your data safe.
Warm up before booting up - If your machine is on the cold side, let it warm up to room temps slowly before turning it on. This will keep condensation and dew at bay, which can ruin your computer's sensitive guts.
Carry a charger - Cold weather sucks the life out of your batteries, so be sure to carry extra chargers in your car for emergencies.
Watch out for sensitive screens - Cold weather makes a smartphone screen extra sensitive, so be sure to keep it close to your bod if you're out in the snow, or consider a warm accessory - like a smartphone wallet, sock, or sleeve - to keep it cozy.

A Cute Gadget Pouch to Keep Your Carry-On Neat and Tidy

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:21:20 PST

Fact: things can get a little messy in your carry-on when traveling with headphones, chargers, cables, and other tech accoutrements. Keep your bag tidy with the Anya Hindmarch Gadget Pouch ($90) that stores your essentials neatly so you never wonder which cables you put in which bag. Travel can be stressful enough on its own, but keeping your gear organized has proven to save time in the airport security line. If you must compartmentalize, you might as well do it in something cute like this. Just sayin'.