by: Dean Jensen

I teach a computer seminar at my local library twice a month. As part of that seminar, I create handouts from PowerPoint for the attendees. They are usually 3-5 pages long and I print out about 20 copies for each class. While I do have manual staplers, I prefer my electric stapler for this routine job. After separating each printout, it quickly staples the sheets together.

If you have never used an electric stapler, here is how it works. When a pile of papers is inserted into the stapler (kinda like a punch clock), a motor drives the stapler down creating a clean, crisp staple. Inside the stapler is a small arm that slides back and triggers the motor. There is a wonderfully loud “thunk” as the staple is driven through the paper.

The model I have only staples about 20 standard sheets of paper. There are larger, more heavy duty electric staplers available. I found many models available ranging in price from $30 to over $300, depending on your needs. Check your local office supply store or online at: www.officemax.com, www.officedepot.com, www.staples.com.

Here’s the “3D” experience made easy. No need for those red and blue pencils, with this 3D pad all you have to do is draw with a black pencil and put on the 3D specs to see your lines float above the page! Pad has 50 sheets. Measures 5 7/8” x 8 ¼”. Do not draw in blue or red; black provides best results.

[via Coolest Gadgets]

by: Dean Jensen

I think Norbert does a great job at finding unique items to include in his podcast. It has become apparent that I cant keep up with all the great stuff he finds. So, I have decided to take a little different approach to my blog posts. I am going to create Top 10 (or so) lists. I will do a different list every month and the posts will appear between two and three times a week, with a wrap-up at the end of the list.

For my first list, I took a look around my house and found 10 gadgets that met the following criteria. They had to be low tech and singular purpose. What follows in the next couple of weeks, is my list of favorite low tech gadgets that I own.

If you have any comments, suggestions or ideas for new lists, please post a comment on any of the Top 10 blog posts.

The luminous 3/4″-thick phosphorescent glass top glows in proportion to the ambient lighting in a room — the darker the space, the more intense the glow.

The light changes as objects are placed on the table or removed, the piece acts like a light installation in addition to its table functionality. Now you can order this as a desk or have something unique made. The cost is only $150-$200/square foot. You can get more information at info@sndbx.com.

[via Coolest Gadgets]

Using extremely quiet dual-fans at the foot of the bed, cool air is pulled in from behind your head and circulated through the soft membrane which also acts as an air-cushion to support you. Best of all, the bed uses extremely low power, costing only $.24 per month if used eight hours a day! Only $400.

Specifications:

• Size: 92cm x 200cm (36in. x 79in)
• Weight: 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs.)
• 3 fan speed settings
• Power use: AC adapter 100v - 240v
• Fan power: 4.5w
• Timer: Set by the hour
• Includes a convenient and compact storage bag

[via Coolest-Gadgets)

Back in 1992 I thought up a way to eliminate or at least reduce the number of high speed car chases for law enforcement. My idea was to use a small animal tracking type of radio transmitter in a flare gun type shell that had a highly sticky and putty like tip that would stick to a vehicle after being fired at by a police officer. then law enforcement could back away and follow them by tracking the signal. Well that could have been a million dollar idea if I had patented it back then. Oh well.

Now we all know that high speed car chases are dangerous. In fact, there are more than 100,000 high-speed pursuits in the U.S. every year, endangering everyone involved in the chase - the suspects, the police and the public. And it’s an unnecessary danger; up to 85 percent of these pursuits are initiated by non-violent offenders. Plus, the economic impact is staggering, with hundreds of millions paid out in the U.S. annually due to insurance payouts, medical bills, workers’ compensation and lost wages.

The StarChase system is a commercial off-the-shelf solution comprised of a miniature GPS receiver, radio transmitter and power supply encased in a tracking projectile, and a launcher which can be hand-held or mounted on a police vehicle.

1. A compressed-air launcher, mounted behind the grille of a police cruiser, uses a laser to target the fleeing vehicle. It discharges a projectile containing the GPS receiver, transmitter and power supply.
2. The projectile adheres to the suspect vehicle and transmits coordinates back to dispatch.
3. The dispatcher then views the location and movements of the tagged vehicle in near real-time on a digital roadmap via a secure Internet connection.

Through the efficient use of technology, a high-speed chase has been replaced with a safer interdiction strategy.

This first mini DVR Camcorder Pen Recorder in the world which is both a camera and recorder in the shape of a Pen that actually writes.. Durable constructed pen with smooth writing with ink that can be changed with standard refills. Simply plug into a standard USB port to watch the video. No drivers or outside power source needed. $200 (2GB) - $250 (4GB).

Specifications:

• Video Compression: AVI
• Video Format: 352*288
• Internal Memory: Yes
• Flash: 2GB/4GB
• Video File Size: >500kb
• USB Interface: USB2.0
• Per Min Recording Mode: Continuous recording unit memory is full or manually turned off
• Adaptor Type: USB adaptor charging cable
• Battery Type: Lithium-ion 180mAh
• Record Up to 30 hours(4GB)
• Battery Use Time: About 2h
• Dimension: 150 x 15 x 15 mm
• Weight: 30g

Features:

• One button recording
• Compatible with Windows98/98SE/ME/2000/XP/ MAS OS / LINUX
• Internal memory 2GB or 4GB
• Color video with voice lets you clearly see who’s there & hear what they say.

Includes:

• 1x Pen Recorder
• USB charger/transfer cord

[via EverythingUSB.com]

Still sick, but recovering. I’m sneaking onto the computer enough to answer emails and such but the wife will not let me record. So until I get a clean bill of health from her, the “airwaves” will be quiet from Totally Cool Tech.

I expect that you will hear a podcast on Friday morning.

Strep throat has the best of me. I’ll be back tomorrow.

My 10th Wedding Anniversary today and my wonderful wife presented me with a bright and shiny new 32GB iPod touch. This was wonderful as I was wondering how I was going to ask to get one of these since I’m still trying to get back my iPod Video from the thieves. Well imagine my surprise when she presented me with this wonderful bundle of tech joy.

Now not to be out done, I gave here an eternity band with stones all around that matches herr wedding set and 5 year Anniversary band. So I did well in that respect too.