04. 3.2009
Though it stumps me as to why we like to surround ourselves with computer peripherals that resemble animals, I would like to make a little argument in favor of the Turtle USB hub simply because of the fact that it looks rather sincere (and lovable) as it lies on the desk, faithfully connected to the PC. And I am perhaps also subconsciously inspired by the fact that all turtles represent the idea of endurance, living out hundreds of years as symbols of calm and poise.
Well, to cut out the poetry, the Turtle USB hub is a cleverly designed 4-port USB hub with the USB ports hidden within the limbs of the e-reptile. The shell is functional as well, and can be lifted up to store away the tiny items on your desk such as paper clips, post-it notes, and so on. A handy contraption that also looks good on your desk. Head on to USBFever.com to get your turtle at $13.99.
Via Pocket-lint.
Posted by kanchana
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Tags: usb hub
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04. 2.2009
I don't expect employees of LEGO would be too generous in distributing their out-of-the-ordinary business cards. Nor do I expect lucky recipients to toss them in carelessly with their other unglamorous brethen, to be yellowed and forgotten.
Because LEGO business cards are printed on minifigs - little toy figures that even look like the individuals who carry them! The front of a minifig spells out the employee's name while additional details are printed on to the back. Is that creative or what?
It would be difficult enough for me to keep a straight face handing out one of these to an unsuspecting business contact, but carrying a hundred-pack to a conference would also be bad for my back.
Via Shiny Shiny.
Posted by kanchana
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03.26.2009
I still love Muji and feel fortunate that I work around the block from their Soho store. On the Muji website, I just discovered their "Fun in the Bag Math" which is great set of wooden tiles that demonstrate fractions, in a visual and tactile way. The tiles show the relative size of fractions. Muji's elegant design sensibility balances the math geek part of my brain with the design geek part of my brain.
I'm a firm believer in the importance of building mental math models as well as the need for lots of practice, but that doesn't mean aesthetics have to be sacrificed. I wonder if people wouldn't be as afraid of math if we grew up with more toys like this example which presents math as play.
Posted by Ray
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11.21.2008
I never tire of humidifiers in the shapes of animals and characters - why not bring a little whimsy to an otherwise mundane product? Runa Net will soon launch the Stitch Humidifier (in the shape of the Disney character). This one connects to your PC through USB or AC adapter, and keeps the environment around your desk/cubicle moist. (Just why are offices so dry anyway?)
Via Trends in Japan.
Posted by lydia
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11.11.2008
Talk about a perfect gift for the tadpole in your life. ifrogz Boxed Tadpole set includes a protective iPod case for kids, so parents can convert their own video iPod into a portable children’s entertainment device.Though the company doesn't recommend dunking it in a swimming pool, judging by the testimonials, toddlers have done some pretty extensive product testing!
The colorful child-sized headphones are designed specifically to work with the ifrogz Tadpole case. Now compatible with the 120 GB iPod Classic too.
On sale for $14.99 until they run out at ifrogz.
Posted by Evan
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11. 3.2008
The classic Russian stacking dolls have been around for ages, and kids never tire of them, generation after generation. If you're nostalgic for these dolls, the new Mathmos Babushka Light might strike your fancy. It's Babushka with a modern twist, Russian dolls meet lava lamp. The light, which sells for $75, is made form mouth blown glass and mirror coated plastic, and the LEDs change from red to blue. See it in action here.
Just what is it about that shape that calls to me?
Posted by lydia
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10.14.2008
Of all the crafts I've ever tried and spectacularly failed at, carving Halloween pumpkins has to be in the top ten disasters. Add that to the fact that I love technology, and you can imagine how thrilled I was to see this decorating idea highlighted on the Crafty Crafty blog (which I read to discover more things I should never, ever try).
I'm showing it to you a couple of weeks early in case you're inspired and need the time to source a Mac Classic (I have no idea what happened to mine, but I loved it so much.)
The instructions are here.
Posted by Diane
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10.13.2008
Why bother poring over dozens of books when the rest of the world is gaining an unfair advantage by going digital? That is the very concept of this cramming aid from Leapfrog – the Crammer.
Compatible with both Windows and Mac systems, the Crammer is a digital cramming aid which provides answers to more than 16,000 popular questions on mathematics, science and social studies – all compiled from leading school textbooks. The device can be programmed via its USB port through the Leapfrog Connect software that runs on your PC. Keeping in mind that all work and no play can make you a dull-head, there is also the option to play music on the Crammer – it has 8GB of built-in memory to load your music, and a headphone jack. Plus a couple of games and a Spanish translator.
Priced at $60, the device is great value for the money. It's primarily aimed at kids between 8-14 years old, but can also be a great aid for grown-ups who need to brush up on their basics too. After all, who wouldn’t want to be smarter than the 5th grader next door?
Via Crave.
Posted by kanchana
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10.13.2008
This isn't like the art setup you had when you were a kid. As an artists' daughter, I was lucky - big rolls of paper with beautiful inks and oil paints, even when I was a toddler. But I would have loved this - the high-tech creative toy from VTech called KidiArt Studio.
With KidiArt Studio, kids can do all the basics, but then plug into a PC to take drawing and art lessons, create their own printable posters and cards, or use the digital camera - smartly located on the arm of KidiArt Studio - to make stop motion animations. Probably the most fun feature is the ability to add silly art to photos. Also, when in PC connect mode, your child can save their creations, create custom e-Cards for friends, and print anything they've made. It even connects to the TV, so little ones can show off their creations.
Easy to set up and connect to the PC and TV, it's the new generation of art studio for munchkins. The recommended ages are 4-7 but I know some "big" kids who would love this too.
Winner of the prestigious 2008 Toy of the Year Award, it's available now for $79.99 at VTech and Amazon.
Posted by Evan
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Tags: kids
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09.17.2008
Let's take a small breather from serious technology and talk about mobile phones that look a little goofy, . . . well, Mickey. It's called the Mickey IT2, a mobile phone with a Disney-Mickey Mouse theme.
The Mickey phone looks adorable and has quite a few features packed into it – a 2.0-inch 262k TFT touch screen, 1.3MP camera, Bluetooth, microSD slot, FM radio, multi-language support and capacity to store 6 kinds of user profiles. Additional functions include currency converter, to-do list, world clock, unit converter, health test, and calculator. The phone is available for around $143.
Via Slippery Brick.
Posted by kanchana
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