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10 Water Gadgets For The Hot And Pool-less

Sean Fallon — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:00:00 +0000

No beach? No problem. No pool? No problem. These 10 gadgets will still help you beat the heat in your own backyard.

AU: So this is what it would be like to live in a world without water restrictions?

The next best thing to a pool with a diving board is a water-logged Big Wave trampoline. Water, trampoline…what could go wrong? [Big Wave]

There are commercial water mortar toys, but they won’t hold a candle in terms of firepower compared to one that you build yourself. This DIY version is easy to build, and it’s a serious piece of water fightin’ artillery. [Instructables via Link]

If you have a bit of an imagination, the Hydroglass shower is almost like snorkeling off of some pristine Caribbean island. Alllllmost. [Hydroco via Link]

Again, if you have some imagination, the Aquavolo can be like standing in a refreshing rainstorm on a hot summer day. It can also be like standing in a stream underneath a waterfall with a simple flip of the showerhead. [Bossini via Link]

It may cost $US1000, but this portable spa is still cheaper than most hot tubs and it can be drained and deflated quickly for storage. It also features five adjustable hydro-massaging jets and a 900W heating system that can be controlled with the push of a button. [Hammacher]

The Mr. T sprinkler I had as a kid did the job, but it is nothing compared to what I could have done with this remote controlled water cannon. It attaches to a standard garden hose and can shoot water up to 100 feet. And the best part is that it can be controlled wirelessly via remote control. It also includes three interchangeable nozzles to alter spray patterns. [Hammacher]

Slip ‘n Slides are a classic alternative to the backyard pool, but with a little work you can easily put one together yourself. Check out the following link to see this extreme homemade version in action. [Link]

Start waging war against the heat first thing in the morning with a DIY alarm clock that wakes you up with a squirt gun. Hit the link for instructions on how to build one yourself. [Hack 'n Mod via Link]

You may not be able to get to the beach this year, but you can still simulate an underwater experience with the Umine projector. In addition to projecting sea-like waves, the Umine features sound effects that help immerse you in an ocean experience. [Himeya via Link]

If you are looking to save a little money on your water bill, a rain barrel is a smart way to power up your sprinklers and fill your water weapons. This particular 56-gallon rain barrel happens to be butt-shaped, which will no doubt open up a world of opportunity for hilarious diarrhea jokes. [Link]

Add To Our List Of 8 Comically Enormous Retro Gadgets

Sean Fallon — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 20:00:00 +0000

We pointed out why gadgets were more expensive 30 years ago, but it is also important to note that many of these gadgets were hilariously huge. I’ve collected eight examples, I’ll leave it up to you to add the rest.

In the ’70s and early ’80s, it was trendy to offset tiny, crappy screens with enormous and ornate wooden consoles. My family had one of these when I was a kid—looking back on it, I understand why my father chose to put it on the lowest level of our house. It would have seriously compromised the structural integrity of any floor it was sitting on. [TV History]

This is what passed for a widescreen television in 1978. However, the GE Widescreen 1000 really wasn’t widescreen at all. In reality this absurdly huge cabinet housed a small CRT screen that used “a vertical deflection reversing switch to invert and laterally reverse the image, and a three element lens within a light-proof projection chamber to re-invert, magnify and project the image onto a forward projection type reflective screen.” In other words, the image was artificially enlarged through projection. Oh, and that beastly monstrosity sitting next to it is an early VHS recorder. Back in the day, video players like this one could weigh 13kg or more. [Flickr and RetroThing]

Surely you are familiar with the DynaTAC 8000X—the first commercially available mobile phone. Seriously, is Dr Martin Cooper making a call to his wife or calling in an air strike? [Puremobile]

The Walkman portable cassette player made its debut in 1979, but if you wanted a more feature rich portable player, you risked a dislocated shoulder picking up one of these ghetto blasters. ['80s Rewind]

Today we have camcorders built into our tiny mobile phones. In the ’70s and early ’80s you had to deal with beasts like the Sony SL-F1 Betamax camera. Before the advent of the Betamovie BMC-100P personal camcorder in 1983, the camera and the portable recorder were not integrated into a single unit. [Wikipedia]

The JVC HR-4100 was the first ever “portable” VHS recorder, but this woman appears to be in over her head. This is definitely a “team lift” situation. [Rewind Museum]

We bitch about gas guzzling SUV’s now, but get a load of this ‘73 Thunderbird. Seriously, there is enough metal between the cabin and the grill to take on a locomotive. [Corral.net]

Microwaves in the ’70s were big enough to crawl into. According to the owner, this particular model weighed around 36kg. [Forty Two]

Bonus: Glasses are not really a gadget, but honestly, what the hell was going on in the ’70s? I have to admit though, Wonder Woman still looks great with those telescopes attached to her face. Anyway, thank God for contacts and Lasik. [Blurbomat]

10 Gadgets For Instant Game Rooms

Sean Fallon — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Have you always wanted a game room but lacked the space? These gadgets will give you all of the fun without using up all of the real estate.

This compact games table is actually 20 games in one. [Argos Sports]
Pool tables can take up an entire room—a problem that can be remedied by installing it on a hydraulic lift that disappears under the floor. [YouTube and Link]
A good game room always needs a bar. This James Bond-esque custom version is hidden behind a wall-mounted HDTV in a revolving cabinet. [YouTube and Ballerhouse]
Like anything in a game room, you are going to need some space to install a ping pong table. This version features a mini table installed in a door frame that can be flipped up and down as needed. [tobiasfraenzel via Link]
If you are into a more robust ping pong experience, this modular table allows you to set up crazy games for up to 12 players. [Link]
Sure, a round pool table is going to take up space, but this version features a stripper pole add on that means you can scratch plans for a dedicated stripper section. [JM Billard via Link]
If you don’t have the space (or the cash) for a full-size air hockey or foosball table, these palm-sized versions might fit the bill. The air hockey versions even feature a fan that keeps the puck elevated for a more realistic experience. [Link]
This billiard cue bench keeps all of your equipment tucked away and out of sight while providing additional seating in the room. [Pool Table Portfolio via Link]
If you are looking for a gaming experience that is a little more extreme, the N Range shooting system packs an actual firing range inside of an armoire. Using a special type of non lethal, low noise, low smoke round, users can fire their guns whether they are at home or the office (although I would strongly recommend against the latter). [Ballerhouse via Boing Boing Gadgets]
If you are going to have a coffee table in a game room, it might as well do more than just hold drinks. This version features an embedded Blu-ray player, 19-inch touchscreen and a PC. [Retro-Tech via Link]
Bonus gadget: Some couches pull out into beds. This particular couch happens to pull out into a snooker table. [Link]

This 21-Gun Salute To America Blows Fireworks Away

Sean Fallon — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:00:00 +0000

You want fireworks for the Fourth? Oh, I’ve got some fireworks for you—21 crazy boomsticks, in fact. All in honour of our nation’s 233 birthday.

Get fired up

A note about your second amendment rights
[Busted Tees]

Superweapons

Metal Storm takes you down in a hail of gunfire [Link]

The Navy’s Railgun fires a projectile at 5,640 mph—one-third of its potential power. [Link]

The Cornershot does exactly what you think it does.

Boeing recently conducted a successful test with an advanced tactical laser mounted on a modified C-130. [Link]

Hacks

The Rubber Band Gatling Gun takes out co-workers with 40 band per second firepower. [Link]

Set your phasers to 1080p. [Link]

Vietnam shotgun bong is one shot, one kill for glaucoma.

The Doing Da Vinci team builds Leonardo’s 11-barreled cannon for the first time.

The MythBusters paintball gun creates instant artwork with 1100 barrels. [Link]

The Toilet paper cannon is the ultimate weapon in the prankster’s arsenal.

This water balloon bazooka can fire 12 fluid-filled rounds at once. [Balloon Bazooka]

People Who Shouldn’t Be Around Weapons

Watch and laugh as Poncherello gets tasered.

Grandma is armed to the teeth, and she’s got her eye on your toodles.

Skinny girls and big guns don’t mix.

Toy Guns

This hacked Nerf Vulcan Chaingun shoots 500 rounds per minute. [Link]

This fully automatic gun fires Lego ammunition.

This realistic Halo 3 Plasma Rifle features lights, sounds and recoil. It even vents when overheated. [Link]

Infrared Duck Hunter brings the classic NES game to life. [Latest Buy]

Weird Guns

The G.R.A.D 22-cal knife gun is two kills in one. [Link]

The world’s smallest pistol fires 2mm blank pinfire cartridges.

Grand Finale

Hot girls with guns.

[Image via Flickr; special thanks to Don the Intern for research assistance]

10 Tips and Gadgets For Line Camping Pre-paration

Sean Fallon — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:00:00 +0000

As you know, the Palm Pre is set to make it’s debut tomorrow. If Best Buy’s stock is any indicator, supplies will be short. With that in mind, it is a good time to revisit our tips on line camping.

The list provides tips for effective line camping as well as survival gadgets—in short, everything you need (outside of a fierce will and determination) to emerge victorious from a highly anticipated product launch. Speaking of that, these techniques will also be helpful in the likely event that a 2009 version of the iPhone 3G is launched sometime after the kickoff of WWDC on June 8th. [Line Camping Tips]

10 Gadgets That Will Keep Computer Users From Turning Into Quasimodo

Sean Fallon — Fri, 29 May 2009 20:00:00 +0000

There are throngs of reality shows devoted to documenting dangerous professions…but what about professional blogging? Like other sedentary, computer-focused jobs, we are faced with the prospect of turning into deformed freaks from years of hunching and typing. If you face a similar fate, these gadgets can help.

Posture and Eye Strain:

USB Vision and Posture Reminder: With each passing day, I can feel my posture slipping further and further into the realm of Quasimodo. In order to prevent a full-on hump, this USB vision and posture reminder can be employed to nag you back to health. Just set it atop your monitor and it will sound an alarm / flash LED lights when you get within 13.7-inches of the screen. [USB Geek via Link]

Gunnar Optiks Eye Strain Glasses: Another way to prevent eye strain and headaches from staring at the computer all day is to wear a pair of these yellow-tinted glasses from Gunnar Optiks. According to our own tests, they actually work pretty well. [Gunnar]

Chaise His and Her Chairs: There are plenty of comfortable chairs out there that can be used to help posture, but these Chaise chairs are among the most unique. As you can see, they mold to the human form—lifting, separating and, in most cases, enhancing. [Amateur DeDesign via Link]

Gaining Weight:

Trek Desk: Another consequence of using the computer all day is weight gain. The Trek desk provides a cardio workout by fitting a treadmill in with your workspace. This particular version also features a stability ball chair accessory that will work your core and promote better posture. It’s also bouncy—and bouncy equals fun. [TrekDesk via Link]

Springflex UB: The Trek Desk dealt with cardio and core, and now the Springflex can jump in and handle the strength training. According to the product page, 120 exercises can be performed by simply attaching the arms to your desk. [Skymall via Link]

RSI and Carpal Tunnel:

Foot Mouse: One way to eliminate the risk of developing injuries like RSI and Carpal Tunnel is to avoid using your hands all together. As the name illustrates, the Foot Mouse lets your feet do the surfing. The footpad on the left has programmable buttons, while the right pad is used to move the cursor. Unfortunately, you will probably need the coordination of a drummer to make this device practical. [Bili Inc via Link]

Fit Fingers GripGlider: This bizarre-looking contraption claims to reduce the pain associated with RSI and carpal tunnel by strengthening the wrists with “dozens of exercises.” [Link]

Swiftpoint Triped Mouse: The Triped mouse is designed to combine the mouse, touchpad, and the digitizer pen into one ergonomic device. It’s also a great way to flex those penmanship muscles. Seriously, cursive is becoming extinct—and when forced to actually write something down, for most of us it looks as though we did it with a hook hand. [Simtrix via Link]

Neck Pain and Other Physical Ailments:

The Cool.con Reflexology universal remote claims to relieve pain from just about anywhere on the body using spines that stimulate pressure points on the hand. [Funshop via Link]

Vertical Traction Kit: If you have neck pain from slouching over the computer all day, this rather frightening device helps to ease pain by stretching out muscles and the spinal column. [Link]

10 Creepy Machines From Robot Hell

Sean Fallon — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:00:00 +0000

When machines behave deadly, they are forced to spend eternity tortured by robots like these 10 monstrosities.

10 ‘Instruments’ That Have No Business Playing Music

Sean Fallon — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:00:00 +0000

As part of our week long tribute to music tech, it’s fitting that we honour artists that challenge our definition of musical instruments. Here are ten examples that shatter our perceptions (and eardrums).

Best of TGIF Lists 2008: The Best Friday Ever

Sean Fallon — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 20:00:00 +0000

The weekly Thank Giz It’s Friday lists are about unwinding and having fun. I hope you have enjoyed reading them as much as I have enjoyed writing them. Here is the best of the bunch.

10 Gadgets For Building a Winter Suit of Armour

Sean Fallon — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:00:00 +0000

Damn it’s cold out there. If only I had an obnoxious and impractical super suit of armour that protected me from the freezing temperatures. Fortunately, there are gadget garments that can make that happen.

Core:

Wine Rack and Beer Belly: These wearable bladders are intended to smuggle alcoholic beverages into forbidden areas while enhancing bust size or making your six pack look more like a keg. For our winter suit of armour however, I suggest filling them with your favourite hot beverage. You could stick with alcohol of course, but the accepted wisdom is that it actually lowers your core temperature. Still, fresh boob booze will make you feel warm. [Wine Rack and Beer Belly]

WarmX Electric Underwear: WarmX’s line of undergarments feature special conducting thread woven directly into the cloth that keeps you warm using power supplied by lithium-ion batteries. A charge will keep you toasty in even the coldest conditions for 2-5 hours. [WarmX via Link]

Ardica Jackets: As a final layer of core protection, these Aridica Jackets generate enough energy with a lithium-ion battery to keep you warm for 3-9 hours (depending on the settings) and even charge your portable gadgets. [Ardica via Link]

Legs and Feet:

USB Warming Kneepads: Okay, USB gadgets mean that you will need to carry around a laptop as part of your winter armor—just think of it like your version of an Arc Reactor. When plugged in, these kneepads will keep that trick knee of yours limber and ready for action. [Link]

USB Slippers: Like the kneepads, these slippers will keep your feet nice and warm when plugged into a USB port. Yeah, this is not so great for mobility, but your not chasing after criminals in this suit. In this case, your mortal enemy is old man winter—and he is a crotchety old coot. [Brando]

Hands:

Aevex Gloves: Like the Ardica Jacket and the WarmX Underwear, these gloves keep your hands warm using battery power. A charge gets you about 4-6 hours of warmth, and the gloves are smart enough to allocate heat where you need it the most by taking temperature readings on various spots of your hand. [Aevex via Link]

Head:

iLogic Sound Hat: Not only is the iLogic warm, it can also plug into your mp3 player to pump tunes into your brain via speakers located in the ears. [iwoot]

USB Eye Warmer: If you really want to get crazy with this suit, these USB-powered eye warmers will keep your eyeballs warm at the expense of your vision. Sounds stupid, but there is nothing worse than a pair of chilly eyeballs. [Thanko via Link]

USB Shawl: What good is a flamboyant super suit without a cape? It’s worthless, that’s what. Plugging in this USB heated shawl should do the trick. Embroidering it with your own personal superhero logo is optional. [Brando via Link]

[Image via infowidget]