Need some herbs? The desktop Power Plant Mini to the rescue
"Attention cooking geeks! Everybody knows that the best herbs are the freshest, that's why you have a nice herb garden, right? No? What the hell's the matter with you? No herb garden? Why not?" The Power Plant Mini Herb Garden is a tiny hydroponic reactor, capable of sprouting fresh herbs and veggies from seed and growing them using the included spongy soilless medium and nutrient mixture. Grow basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, chives, mint, oregano, thyme... you can even try flowers, or start vegetables! Just about anything you can start from seed. Requires no dirt! Grow just about anything from seed. Best uses include: Italian Sweet Basil, Cilantro, Thyme, Peppers, Mini Tomatos, Parsley. US$39.99. If you grow a different kind of herb for medicinal purposes in this, you are surely on your own.
[The Power Plant Mini - Desktop Hydroponics]
What this screen lacks in glamour it surely justified and more than makes up in its function. This 7 inch 800 x 480 'side' monitor, can be used for myriad of multi-tasking pleasure. It hooks up to your PC/MAC or even to your monitor via one USB cable. Doesn't require any additional power cable. Use it for more screen real estate, reading RSS feeds, blogging, email, 
Those having extra change to spare this Christmas can bring about some discreet audio cheer from these Bedford Smart Wall-Mounted Speaker Shelf Unlike James Bond, this shelf reveals its dual character quite evidently. Along with being a wall shelf, it touts two stereo (1" Tweeter & 4" Woofer) quality speakers that connect to your mp3 / ipod / iphone headphone jack. There's plenty of speakers in my house, but if you want to puzzle your holiday guests for a bit, you could try to hang this on your wall. US$80 (sale price).
iSerenity lets you stream any one of 31 different ambient sound tracks in-stream from your browser. You can stream these in the background while you clank away at your work or home office. Just be careful not to be doing this in the library. Not bad set of offerings for the price of $FREE. Maybe I can drown out my annoying office mates, with this.
These stick-on any surface speakers, allows for transmitting stereo sound on any thin walled high transmission surface (i.e. posters, bookcases, tables, doors). The drawback is that these are meant for permanent sticking on the chosen surface. The speakers have an impedance of 8 ohms. US$17.99. I can't imagine how good quality sound one can get out of these.
Stainless steel case with mirror electroplating, scrolling Red LED time/date with genuine leather strap. Look at this watch around your wrist, and you will make everyone's head turn. This beauty comes with 2 year warranty. US$170. This is worth the price
My favorite Built NY has just released a signature neoprene 
This 11(L)x7.5(W)x6.7(H) Inch KPC by Shuttle is a latest small from footprint, customizable, eco-friendly linux OS loaded cube computer. With its Intel Celeron or upgraded Pentium dual core, 512MB or 1GB memory, 5.1 channel high-def audio & 80GB Hard drive, it truly re-defined the cute factor. Out of the box, its not built for hard core gamers or usage, however it come pre-loaded with internet, email, instant messaging, office application (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and drawing program), media player, & photo organizer. It doesn't have WiFi but does have LAN port and perforations for installing a PCI wireless card. The front panel, like a photo frame, can accept pictures and design to match your deco. Best part, as a fully functional out-of-box computer it costs US$229 for Celeron 512mb or US$299 for Core Duo 1gb upgraded version. Grab it while supplies still last.
Ript is your computerized answer to ripping, piling, and arranging piles of information. Its a part scrapbook and part to-do list. It allows users to highlight any text or images from the internet and drag them into Ript files. You can then share (via email) and/or save these stacks in .jpeg. US$ FREE however only for Windows XP and Vista only for now.
I've got gadget envy. This article from getrichslowly.com written by JD is an interesting article, is close to my heart. Among some ideas it talks about avoiding advertising, temptation, remembering its not a competition and few others. Give it a read, you just might cure your gadget expense. I don't know it will help me though. 
Now why didn't I think of this before. This surge protector has 6 individually adjustable socket that allows it to expand from 13 inches to 18 inches. 2160 Joules of surge protection, Six feet of power cord, Cable management channels are among other features. US$39.99
The Quik Pod is the self-photographers dream device. Its a small portable telescoping device that you attach your camera to. You extend it out hold it and take self photographs without the help of a stranger. The manufacturer claims that due to it lightweight your hand will stay perfectly stable as you shoot your self. This device has been getting a great deal of media coverage lately. They have plenty of accessories (suction cup mount, cross legs, carrying bag, etc.) even a heavy duty version for DSLR cameras. The heavy duty one is touted to be usable as a monopod. It can even be used under water. Check out the pictures and video on the product site. Starts at US$24.95. Get one for your upcoming vacation / event.
The Grabit Pack designed by a stunt man & special effects artist Louis Kiss, is a fanny pack that has been 'masculanized' and re-birthed into the 21st century. The design is similar to a tactical gun holster only it is meant to carry your gadget / every day gear that you can fit into its three pockets (cell phone pocket, wallet pocket and a top misc pocket). US$23.00. I couldn't say how fashionable it could be for daily city use (might actually scare some people), but I can certainly see it usefulness in the outdoors and in certain careers.
This underwater camera mask from Liquid Image is exactly that. This is a static focus (that means no zooming) mask that takes Micro SD card, powered by 2AAA batteries takes pictures and videos. The viewfinder is actually embedded as cross-hairs on the lenses. There are two different models to fit different age ranges. Make sure you get the right model for your age. Price: Un-announced yet. In the mean-time check out 
In the market for portable DVD players, I never found any compelling reason to buy such a unit. After all with iPods, iPhones who needs needs a giant unit to watch video plus worry about carrying additional DVDs, charge, weight etc. etch. In the case of iLuv's i1155 I have to set aside all my such feelings. This 8.4 inch portable multimedia player (16:9 aspect ratio) TFT LCD for iPod and DVD exudes sleek slim audio-video experience. Its only iPod video compatible with touch sensitive control with internal iPod housing and charging, rechargeable battery. US$249.99 might be cheaper on the internet.
The Deluxe Laser Challenge Pro Set is nothing but a cool geek toy suitable for both kids and adults alike. You could say it is laser tag brought to the 21st centruy. "Each set contains two blasters pistols, loaded with features - most importantly the LCD Screen which shows your remaining ammo and how many times you've been hit. Want to heft something a little bigger? Lock on the barrel extender and slide on the scope, and now you're holding a blaster rifle." You can play in "Deathmatch" mode (everyone can hit everyone) or in "Team Play" mode. You don't even have to wear any dorky vests. The guns keeps track of the hits. The best part of it is the price. US$49.99. Someone please buy me one of these, please!!!
This 2GB SD memory card is not your typical SD card. The sweetness to this memory card is that is has built-in Wi-Fi capability that allows it to connect to a pre-configured wi-fi hotspot and upload full resolution jpeg pictures stored on it to your pc and/or many of the social sites out there. You configure all the parameters through a software configuration tool and after that each time it comes in range of the configured network it connects to the services and uploads all the pictures. You however cannot selectively upload only certain pictures it will do the whole set. Supports sharing and printing websites, including Fotki, Shutterfly, dotPhoto, webshots, phanfare, Picasa Web albums, flickr, TypePad, Wal-Mart, snapfish, VOX, smugmug, facebook, photobucket, Kodak Gallery, and Sharpcast. US$100
In the ever expanding cable organizer market we have another entrant, The Cable YoYo. "Cableyoyo is an empty spool around which you wrap your existing cord. It will take any cord up to 5mm in diameter, and this covers all low voltage chargers, USB, firewire, data and telephone cables." Despite its thin-factor and pocket portability, I simply cannot overlook the fact that it might completely cover both outlets of the wall. One can stick it to surfaces with adhesive and swivel. I am indifferent about it. US$4.95
The Inka Pen is made with high-strength aerospace-grade stainless steel which is hardened then CNC machined and then laser engraved. Its lightweight and watertight. "The pressurized ink cartridge ensures the pen will write wet or dry at any angle, any temperature, and any altitude". Can be used in short length or full-length and even has a PDA stylus. US$20 for stainless steel or US$50 for Titanium version.
WildCharge accompanied by device adapters for your specific device, provides you with a wireless charging solution. In simple terms it is a pad upon which you lay your device that has adapters attached. These adapters have certain contact points, that make contact when laid on the charging pad. Regardless how you lay your device on the pad, your device battery is charged through such contact method. Gone are the days of needing to plug in all the charging cables of your various gizmos. Currently on Motoroal RAZR, and iPod Nano 2G adapters are available. However the manufacturer promises release of Blackbery and other popular devices in early 2008. US$89.99 for charging pad with each adapter going for US$34.99.
Mophie Juice Pack for the iPhone is an external thin factor battery for the iPhone. It is a rechargable lithium ion battery pack that connects directly to the iPhone's dock port. Very nice features, "Rubber inserts and soft-touch finishes", "Integrated iPhone holder", Uses the same charging cable that comes with the iPhone to charge the battery and iPhone, "Intelligent Power Distribution", "4 Light LED Battery Status Indicator". All this for only US$99.00. I say this is a steal of a deal. It is touted to 
Finally instead of using a plastic index card box to store my stash of various batteries, I found these nifty caddies. These Personal Battery Caddy from tools aviation. They come in various configuration & color, allowing you to hold combination of battery types or one type of batteries. These come in 'Original Glow in the Dark', 'A9 Pack', 'DC Pack', '12 Pack', and 'Slim Line' versions. Prices vary depending on configuration but generally range between US$6 to US$19. 
This rubbery CordHog, with its 2inches diameter body can beat 12 feet of wire in submission, by allowing you to wrap around its body. 
This eight legged Space Nine star explorer robot kit is a DIY kid's play heaven. Remote controlled by an infrared transmitter you can control its moves and turns. Space Nine can walk on rough surfaces, turn left and right, and even cross rocks. The kit comes in two DIY flavors - Non Solder and Solder versions. Requires basic hand tools to assemble the parts. Solder version requires soldering iron and solder. Costs US$34.95
decTOP is a fanless personal computer that weighs in at 3 pounds and runs off of 8 watts of power. It comes without any operating systems but supports Windows CE and any flavor of Linux. Although it comes with low level specs (128 MB RAM, 10 GB hard drive, 366 MHz processor), its hard drive and RAM are both upgradeable. If you're looking for a cheap computer for the kiddies, a Linux server, or to create a remotely controlled torret server or internet communication center, then this is for you. Contains 128MB SDRAM / 10GB HDD, V.92 modem / Ethernet, 4 USB / VGA Video Out (up 1600x1200), Microphone In (audio in) / Headphone Out (audio out). Sells for US$100 and includes a mouse and keyboard. 
Don't blame me if you get funny looks or people pointing at you and calling you a geek. Forget the plant or flower arrangement on your desk, instead get this tentacular USB Hub from Ora-Ito. It comes with LaCie Hub; USB fan; USB light; 2 x USB 2.0 cables; 1 x USB 2.0 cable; 2 x USB 2.0 cables; 2 x FireWire 6-to-6 pin; 1 x FireWire 4-to-6 pin; USB extension cable; FireWire extension cable; external power supply; Quick Install Guide. US$95 I am proud to be a Geek.
If you don't mind carrying about a yellow bulky flashlight, then this Oval Flashlight called Nightlighter is just the thing. In the least it is certainly a conversation starter and shines area around your feet and the ahead. Now if someone could combine this with one of those dog leash handles. US$26.95. I'll save my money for something else.
MiniCards are little cards photos or designs on one side, and textual details on the other. They are like little calling-cards; cards you hand out to keep in touch with friends, or new people you meet (did someone say pickup lines?). The image side of each card can be different, so if you are making a MiniCard 100 pack, you can choose up to 100 different photos (upload, or get from various photos sharing sites like Flickr) or text designs to put on your cards. US$16.99 for 100 cards.
Got your shiny new iPhone or iPod, want to show it off or give it a prime spot on your desk? Why not do it in style with the PED2 from thoughtout.biz The elegant design of the PED is not only compatilble with iPod but many other devices too, including the iPhone. While the PED2 works with every generation full size iPod it also works with the iPod mini and Nano (optional Nkit required for the nano). Not only does it cradle all of these devices bare, it will also work all with a case or skin too. Cable management provided by the rubber grommet allows the PED2 to keep your sync and charge cables where they are needed and ready for easy use, not on the floor or behind your desk. Formed from steel, not plastic. The PED2 will is a stable fixture on your desk. I want one. Comes in black US$44.99 or white US$39.99
Handle-it by Case-mate is the ultimate fashion to carry your Apple notebook virtually anywhere. Designed exclusively for the MacBook & constructed of resilient aircraft aluminum (in either black or white). It is accented with Case-mate’s trademark embossed, Italian Pebblestone leather for added style and comfort while carrying. In use, it doubles converts to a passive heat sink which folds underneath the laptop allowing better airflow and promoting cooling. US$49.00 is fashionable worthy. Pair this is one of the colorful Sleeves you got an all around protection. Sleeves for go $99.99 each.
Everyone needs to do grocerry shopping and everyone needs to make a list for such shopping. Gone are the days of little scraps of paper for listing over the weeks or having to copy your list from a dry erase board sticking on your fridge, thanks to SmartShopper you can digitize your list. You speak your item into this gizmo, it recognizes your voice and adds the said item to a list in its memory. When you are ready to go shopping simply print out the list and go. The creator uses a catch phrase Say it, Print it, Go get it. Check out the site. The US$149.00 price tag is well worth the investment.
Screencast-O-Matic provides an invaluable service for FREE. They allow you to create a screen cast (an animation of your computer screen that you would like to share, complete with audio). You can do this without needing to install any software and they even host your screencast for you. You can make it public or keep it private. They even allow you to export your screencast to quicktime. Where have this been all my life. No need to spend hours trying to explain screens to the other party anymore. Simply screencast it. Check out 
Be Bond, James Bond; wearing this almost futuristic US Coast Guard approved life vest has an integrated 14 channel 2 way radio, waterproof until 3' of water. A pocket in the chest of the life vest holds the radio in place and the zipper closure allows for rapid removal. The life vest's exterior is made from neoprene, the same material used in professional scuba diving wetsuits for its elasticity and durability, while the 100% PVC foam interior is segmented and beveled, allowing ease of maneuverability while swimming. US$129.99. I want one that's for sure.
What makes this product eye-catching is the who is showcasing it. One would be hard-pressed to come by such a hottie toting about such a product in real life. Back to the product, with this mobile Take-a-Belt Booze Belt, you'll be the most popular host(ess) in town. It includes two holsters for tequila, Jack, Jagermeister, etc; and six molded ammo slots for shotgun shell shot glasses (included). Thermally molded foam liquor carriers and nylon web belt. Adjustable sizing fits most. US$89.99. Model NOT included. Check out more details and pictures after the jump.
Help reduce road-rage with 'Sorry' and 'Thank You' or brighten up some other driver's day with this Rear Deck Digital Message System. It features single remote button-press changes of messages. You can program your messages using remote control. US$31.01. Driver's use this on your own discretion. Please don't be rude! 
This PCPAL made 3-in-1 jack of all trade Slim PC/Laptop is an RF Remote Control, Mouse, Laser Presenter that fits into PCMCIA Slot. Plug and play, no need to install software. Plug in the RF transmitter to an available USB port and you are good to go. US$39.99 + US$5.00 for S/H
This Du Pont made smoke alarm screws into your light socket and it uses your house electricity to power itself. It also allows you install a light bulb in it, so are not left in the dark. Perfect. Self Charging smoke detector from Du Pont - $39.99 on your mastercard, never having to change its batteries - priceless. 
Mark my Time are kid friendly digital bookmarks. The manufacturer claims that these will interest kids to read more. Powered by changeable watch battery, these colorful bookmarks have a countdown timer. You set the minutes you would like the child to read, and once it counts down to zero it beeps. A well trusted teacher tells me these can be used for improving reading fluency thus helping build comprehension. You can also keep track of minutes read over multiple reading sessions until you delete it. US$8.95 each. Comes in green, blue, and purple.
Although not meant to be a discreet bluetooth headset, this Jawbone is one sexy and sophisticated piece of technology for your ear that kills noise. Check out the noise samples and video on their web-site. The strength of this headset is its ability to compensate for ambient noise and perform incoming audio enhancing while doing noise canceling on outgoing sound. The manufacturer claims this is the same technology used by military operators and forces. The US$119 is a bit hefty but if it does what is claimed I would happily shell out the bucks. Comes in Silver, Black, or Red
Rejoice oh women & men of many shoes. No more are you in need of shelves and shelves of your many colored fancy shoes. Rakku is a revolutionary storage wheel made from tough polymer, for your shoes. This mobile shoe wheel has 20 expandable pockets that can accommodate 30 pairs of shoes depending on the type. The shoes are inserted into the pockets through elastic bands that secure them in place. The adjustable pockets can fit sneakers, high heels, and flats. The shoe wheel comes in Silver, White, or Black. US$65.00
Artists, Freelancers, Small-business owners, take note of this web2.0 web site, it allows you to design your own business card (from an ever increasing set of templates) customize it with your own information and generate a pdf. Print out the pdf on card stock and you are good to go. The numerous designs are categorized in Splashy, Ornate, Simple, and Geometric categories. US$FREE. 
Check out these newly released laptop CushTop, PocketTop and SleeveTop. These laptop accessories / cases come in silver, green, or orange. They have special compartments for the bulky power adapter and cord so you don't have to keep taking them out each time you want to use plug in your laptop. They are made up of durable hand-washable material. Comes with lifetime warranty. Prices start at US$34.99
Scene: My favorite new gadget just arrived in the mail all wrapped and sealed in plastic packaging. Can't wait to dig in and start handling it. I start to cut with the scissors, the stubborn packaging requires box cutter or chicken shear. After needing to totally destroy the packaging, scraping my hands a few times, I realize the gadget is broken. The seller requires original packaging to consider a valid return. If only I didn't have to destroy the packaging. 
The art of 
To my fashionable readers out there, check these hand beaded earphones aptly titled Sparkle Ear Drop Earphones. These dynamic full range earphones are ultra light with silicone ear bud design have high-fidelity 10mm drivers connected by a gold-plated stereo mini-plug. Basically, they are good enough quality inside but its the outside appearance these headphones are going for. They come in Blue Hearts, Blue Studs, Crystal Spheres, Pink Hearts, Pink Studs, and Sapphire Spheres. With that price tag buy a pair for the favorite friend or girl in your life. Get a pair if you'd like to be notices. US$24.95.
For the hard-core campers like me out there, the Kelly Kettle is the re-birth of the Volcano Kettle, has been an essential piece of kit for Irish fishermen for generations. This ingenious kettle allows for boiling water rapidly with virtually any fuel in some of nature's most harshest of conditions. This kettle has a buil-in combustion chamber that heats a larger surface of the liquid contained in the kettle. It is hard to describe the process in words to peep the website. The kettle comes in 2.5 pints or 1 pint sizes. The producer has added 'Cook Set' and 'Pot Support'. Starting at $66.50 
This Solar Night Sunflower is a night light for your lawn or patio. You heard it. The center of the flower has solar panels that charge by day and light up the light with fiber optics cable at night. Now you can show your geeky pride to the whole neighborhood. US$29.99
