Easy Hands Free Bluetooth & iPod Gadget

Most cars today don’t have built-in Bluetooth, making you upgrade via third party companies for a new radio or dash mounted product. In many states it’s illegal to talk and drive while holding your cell phone. Many products exist on the Market, but one came across my desk that made me smile. Alpine offers the newly enhanced eX-10 Advanced iPod Controller with Bluetooth. It makes a cool gift for someone who is always on the road, and won’t break the piggy bank.

The eX-10 on-dash solution enables you to upgrade your car or truck by adding iPod control and Bluetooth hands-free calling features, with all audio transmitted through the car’s factory sound system. The eX-10 consists of a 2.4-inch color TFT display monitor that can be installed on top of the car’s dash (via two-way tape), a wireless remote control and a power module that plugs into the car’s cigarette lighter.

Installation took 20 minuets and though it did everything advertised, I did have one problem. Too many exposed wires to connect all the devices, and looks ugly too. It should be wireless like the remote. Ok my complaint may be picky, but into today’s technology wireless connections are the way to go.

“The eX-10’s reduced price and enhanced features make it a great product for consumers who want an iPod and Bluetooth experience that integrates into their vehicle’s existing system,” said Stephen Witt, vice president, marketing, Alpine Electronics. “Consumers don’t have to buy a new car to get today’s advanced technology; they can just upgrade their current cars.”
Other features:

iPod Connection

The eX-10 connects to Gen 4 and newer iPods via Alpine’s own Full Speed™ Connection for iPod cable (included). If the iPod displays album art, this art will also be shown on the eX-10’s screen. The supplied remote control offers full control of the iPod, allowing the iPod to be safely stored away. A return dial on the side of the remote is used to navigate through the iPod tracks.

For devices with Bluetooth hands-free calling features, commands such as Phonebook list, Missed Calls, Received Calls and Dialed Calls are displayed on, and accessible through, the eX-10. The unit is also ready to meet the growing popularity of streaming music playback from Bluetooth devices.

Suggested retail price: $180, www.alpine-usa.com

Wipes for Home and Travel

Remember your mom always saying wash your hands, you never know what you touched. Well things have gotten worse; I don’t need to tell what you all ready know, about how gross germs build up on our cell phone and how our keyboards are dirtier than our toilet seats. Well forget about it, the folks at La Fresh has some easy to use solutions.

Tech Pack: a compact mini travel zip-up bag that contains individual towelettes to clean all of your tech devices. It’s a real germ killing kit for all gadgets.

This is an easy way to keep all of your digital gadgets clean while on the go. It’s great for glasses, screens, lenses, scopes, cameras, PDAs, cell phones, laptops, gaming devices etc., etc., etc. And there’s no need for a liquid cleaner and separate applicator cloth – it’s all in one!

The La Fresh Tech Pack includes four Wet & Dry Dual Action Screen Cleaning towelette packets, three Lens Cleaning towelette packets, and three Anti-Bacterial towelette packets. All towelettes are biodegradable! The entire Tech Pack is travel friendly – it meets the TSA regulations to be carried onboard a plane. This pack is perfect for the office, computer bag, car, home, purse, or school locker.
The MSRP for the La Fresh Tech Pack is $9.99.

Ok you can use the La Fresh Tech Packs for gadgets and other non-personal items. But traveling can be just as unclean, most people have no clue what personal cleaning wipes you can take. TSA is the government agency assigned with making sure our skies are “safe.” But you would do anything to lessen contact with them, I know I would. The folks from c also offer TSA friendly Travel Kits for Him & Her.

Containing nearly everything you need for overnight, weekend, and weeklong trips, the compact zip-top travel pouches are ultra-portable and everything inside is carry-on approved. All of the products are towelette-based, and packs include antibacterial wipes, mint-flavored dental mitts, deodorant towelettes, lens cleaner, makeup remover, shoe shine towelettes, hydrating lotion towelettes, shaving- and styling gel, and more. The single use wipes are convenient, biodegradable, and green earth friendly. Special Price: $8.99

Also you can buy the Travel Wipes for Him and for Her Combo Set for $40.00

Travel Wipes for Her includes:
• Female Hygiene towelette x 6
• Makeup Remover towelette x 6
• Hydrating Lotion towelette x 6
• Lens Cleaning towelette x 12
• Nail Polish Remover pad x 6
• Dental Finger Mitt x 6
Travel Wipes for Him includes:
• Hydrating Lotion towelette x 6
• Anti-Bacterial towelette x 6
• Deodorant towelette for Men x 6
• Shoe Shine towelette x 6
• Lens Cleaning towelette x 12
• Dental Finger Mitt x 6

Vacuuming your troubles away

Vacuuming has always been a dreaded chore and a real back breaker. We all grew up with Hoover vacs which by the way is celebrating its 60th Anniversary.

But like a Mustang, you sometimes want more power and maneuverability, the Dyson DC25 model gives you that and more.

For years vacuums could only move back and forth, turning them was a chore at best. A ball can turn on the spot, get the idea.

Dyson DC25 model has like all Dyson vacuums; the Dyson Ball with patented Cyclone technology, which spins dust and dirt out of the air.

Though it’s rather loud, it doesn’t lose suction, as you clean the floor or rug. My daughter and I used it, and we were amazed how much it picks up. Our dog Lucky sheds like cat and it’s a daily cleanup around our house.

My daughter said it made one of her least favorite chores, a little more fun. The Dyson Ball glides along the floor with a flick of the wrist. It also looks like something from a Back to the Future movie.

The motor is inside the orange ultra light-weight ball, gives the machine a low center of gravity making it even easier to use. Unlike wheeled vacuums that can only go in a straight line, Dyson Ball turns on a dime.

Other Features:
• Air expelled from a Dyson has up to 150 times less bacteria and mold than the air we breathe.
• Washable lifetime HEPA filter designed to trap microscopic allergens such as pollen and bacteria. No bags, belts or filters to buy.
• One-touch hygienic and quick-to-empty bin – just press the button at the top of the cyclone and the dust empties from the bottom.
• Five-year warranty for parts and labor guaranteed by Dyson.

DC25 weighs only 16 Ibs. And comes with a single-action wand with instant 16ft reach for stair and high-reach cleaning.

DC24 is 2/3 the size and only weighs only 11.6 lbs. Comes with a Quick-draw Telescope Reach reversible wand that instantly releases and extends to clean awkward areas.

Suggested retail prices begin at DC24 $399.99 and DC24 $499.99. www.dyson.com

Next week: Hoover Platinum Collection Hand Vacuum and Stick Vacuum.

Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins Trailer

“I’ll Be Back!” It can’t be bargained with. It can’t be reasoned with. And it absolutely will not stop, ever. You got it, the fourth Terminator film official trailer is out.
Batman’s Christan Bale assumes the role of civilization’s savior John Connor with the release of Terminator: Salvation on May 22, 2009.

In the mean time watch Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins on Monday’s on FOX. It revolves around the lives of characters Sarah and John Connor, following the events of Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

http://rss.warnerbros.com/terminatorsalvation/motionposter.html

Talk about a blockbuster May 2009, Star Trek opens May 8, 2009. See Trek page click here.

Preliminary concept art for post-judgment day Los Angeles Copyright © Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Christian Bale stars as John Connor in Warner Bros. Pictures' Terminator Salvation (2009)

Christian Bale stars as John Connor and Sam Worthington stars as Marcus Wright in Warner Bros. Pictures' Terminator Salvation (2009) Copyright © Warner Bros. Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

Stress free file transferring gadget

You’re probably just like me, you dislike having to transfer files back and forth, from your laptop to your PC, just to back them up or to use them on the road.

The ATEN Technology – Laptop USB KVM switch, $99.95, might be the ideal tool for those traveling or anyone else who needs to transfer files from a work laptop to a home desktop PC.

I call it the GoToMyPC “real fast” local solution!

The switch connects two computers via USB ports and allows individuals to manage both PCs with the laptop. The unit is bundled with built-in file transfer software that gives consumers the ability to drag and drop files or create backup copies between machines.

For PC gamers, the switch can be used to connect a desktop PC (that has the latest high-tech NVIDIA GPU and other upgrades) to a less-powerful but efficient laptop (a desktop PC can be used as well) while playing War Rock.

The laptop could then be used for instant messaging, downloading music/videos, and other tasks instead of taxing the busy desktop’s CPU and RAM. With the click of a mouse, gamers can switch quickly between displays.

Next week I will give a full review and let you know if it does what it says it can do. In the meanwhile check the pictures I posted with this preview.

Raul Bassave: The Original Cuban Gadget Guru

RAUL BASSAVE: THE ORIGINAL CUBAN GADGET GURU

Raul Bassave, Jan. 8, 1914-July 18, 2008

My Dad Raul Bassave, passed away this past July, 2008. He worked with Philco & Philco Ford for 40 years in the US and Cuba. Here is a quote from his tribute page that I wrote in August, 2008.

“I went along with my dad, over many summers, as he visited TV technicians shops, I was privileged to have been exposed to technology that not too many kids would ever see up close. This exposure gave me years later, the bug about electronic gadgets, that led me to start writing consumer electronics stories/reviews in the Miami Herald back in the 90s.”

My dad inspired me for my love of technology and gadgets. I hope you read below about him, and how he made a difference during the birth of B&W analog TV. It dawned on me, that he passed away just as the TV technology he worked with was also dying.

Raul & Alice Bassave, cira 1942

Raul Bassave, passed away on Friday, July 18, 2008 at the age of 94 after an accidental fall that ended with his heart giving out at Baptist Hospital. He was a loving, devoted husband to his wife of 65 years, Alice, 96, who he met in New York, and married on August 28, 1942. He was a loving and fantastic father and grandfather to his only child, Roy, (daughter-in-law Zuly) and two grandchildren Kiara and David. Raul was born January 8, 1914 in Niquero, Cuba to Raul and Matlide Bassave, had one sister, Antonia.

He attended the RCA Technological Institute in Electronics Engineering, class of 1946. After graduation he was the first student to which RCA granted the privilege to acquire practical experience in their TV studio in the operation and maintenance of TV cameras at NBC. At the same time he would also climb the radio tower of the Empire State Building to take radio signal readings. Yes the same place that King Kong climbed.

Raul working on his homemade TV and camera system, 1947

In 1947 during his spare time he designed and built a TV camera, transmitter set which he operated in closed circuit at home in Brooklyn, NY.

This equipment he took to Cuba and was operated and exhibited at the Marti Theater in Havana for a month, televising the public to a paying audience. This occurred before TV arrived in Cuba in 1948. In 1948 at the inception of commercial television he began work for Philco Corp who sent him to Cuba in 1950 along with his American wife. In Cuba he trained hundreds of technicians and dealers on how to sell TVs fix them and what parts are needed to do so. Philco distributors from Central and South America sent people to him for training since his teachings were considered cutting edge. Alice loved Cuba so much; she learned Spanish and taught others English.

Alice said after hearing that Raul died, “he was a wonderful husband, we never argued over anything, we always got along, I miss him terribly”.

Dad working at his desk at Philco, 1974, in Miami

Raul left Cuba in 1960 with his wife and son to return to America. Here he continued the same line of work for Philco in Califorina and finally settled in Miami in 1964. He retired from Philco-Ford in 1977.

My dad was proud to be an American citizen, and appreciated the chance to achieve the American dream.

Raul sanding a classical guitar he is making, 1974

From that point on he lived a peaceful life with his loving wife Alice, sharing his knowledge of TV electronics with all and making 12 Classical guitars by hand, his son has the first and last one he made. His son Roy went along with him, over many summers as he visited many technicians and was privileged to have been exposed to technology that not too many kids would ever see. This exposure gave him the bug about gadgets that led him to write consumer electronics stories/reviews in the Herald back in the 90s, and on his website www.gadgetsandguifts4u.com

Mom, me and Dad, @ Mom's 95th BD

My dad was and is still my hero, if it was not for him I would not be the man I am here today.

He will also be missed by his big family on his wife’s side – (sister-in-law Catherine Frank and her children), (sister-in-law Millie Frank), Nephew Ed and Diane Mohlenhoff (Ed was influenced in the field of electronics by Raul), his brothers Hank and his wife Laurie and Carl and his wife Verna, all their children and grandchildren. He is laid to rest at Flagler Memorial Park.