Gadget WEEKENDS

[mouser]

I propose we have a thread where we can recommend gadgets that we like, but I suggest we follow some strict rules to make things more interesting.

Here are the rules:

• 1. You may ONLY post about ONE gadget per week, and only on a FRIDAY WEEKEND.
• 2. Every gadget item post must include an attached image of the gadget.
• 3. Every gadget item posted about should be for sale somewhere; you may include a purchase link with an affiliate/referral id.
• 4. You must personally OWN the item you are posting about.
• 5. The goal is to introduce gadget addicts to new discoveries.

NOTE: You can make posts on this thread on any day to discuss the items posted about by others - the rules and restriction above only apply to making new posts introducing new gadgets.


The first Gadget FRIDAY WEEKEND starts in 3 hours!
(remember, you can't post on any other day except when forum time, in upper-right corner of page, says it's a Friday).

[Renegade]

Sounds like a fantastic idea!

I think it would be a bonus to post a picture of the gadget you have, but that could be a PITA.

Due to timezones, do we just start on our own? I'm in GMT +10, and it shows Friday for me.

[mouser]

Hmm I didn't realize local time zone affects what is displayed, perhaps I should fix that.. But the answer is *no* -- we are enforcing a single timezone rule here, so you have to wait for Friday as defined by Central Standard Time.

[Renegade]

Ok. Looks like 5 pm here then. Thanks for the clarification.

[Ath]

I propose we have a thread where we can recommend gadgets that we like,

Gadget to be read as in 'totally generic gadget', or does it have to be software-ish?

[AbteriX]

What exactly is considered to be a "gadget" ?

Something like this?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gadget
In the software industry, "Gadget" refers to computer programs
that provide services without needing an independent application
to be launched for each one, but instead run in an environment
that manages multiple gadgets.

[mouser]

I was thinking NON-software gadgets.

[AbteriX]

I was thinking NON-software gadgets.

  are there such? Really?

[Renegade]

I LOVE kitchen gadgets! And things with motors. And moving parts. Even things that don't have moving parts but are novel. Like my skull ashtrays. But they're not gadgets. Gadgets do things. Nifty things. Things that make you go oooooh~! 

[mouser]

Looks like I'm the first to make a Gadget post.

Here's mine for this week, a Vacuum Food Sealer:



The idea of a vacuum food sealer is to remove the air and thus preserve foods for longer, and keep frozen foods from developing ice crystals.

Do they work? Consensus on the web seems to be yes they do prolong life of foods, and my personal experience backs that up -- but I wouldn't say they are miracle workers and I wouldn't say you are guaranteed to save money using them unless you store lots of bulk food.

For the irrational gadget lover they are wonderful things, because they make noise, require the purchase of accessory supplies (bags), and give you a serious gadget satisfaction when you use them.

I have had one for a few years and use it regularly.  I tend to make food in batches and freeze some and it's very satisfying to use the device.

I have a FoodSaver brand, forget the model but it's middle of the road.

Links:

• FoodSaver comparison page.
• Amazon search for vacuum food sealers.
• Cook's Illustrated brief comparison of a few models.

[ewemoa]

I recently got a foldable tablet/phone/notebook stand:



Tried it with a couple of tablets oriented horizontally and vertically with no problems.  Currently being used as a stand for a notebook pc (though with some anti-slip material as insurance).

FWIW, the image doesn't show it, but the legs can be extended further out.

Think there's some OEM-ing going on with this as I see multiple similar offerings online.  Some examples include:

 http://www.amazon.com/Foldable-Stand-Kickstand-Extendable-Aluminimun/dp/B0043NH28S/
 http://www.amazon.com/Kickstand-Adjustable-Handheld-Electronics-computer/dp/B003KGZTKW/
 http://www.amazon.com/KB-Covers-Stand-iPad-Black/dp/B003VFALEQ/

More pics can be seen via the above three links

Might get another one or two for other devices here, but am thinking of waiting a bit to see how the existing one fares.


Thanks to mouser for posting a link to another stand -- that link helped to find the three above

[Renegade]

I was trying to think of a fun gadget that I have, and then I turned my head to my left. BINGO~!

The Young Living home essential oil diffuser! I LOVE IT~! We have 2 of them!

[attachthumb=#]

Young Living essential oils are therapeutic grade, so the diffusers can be used either recreationally/aesthetically, or for practical use. e.g. Diffuse Thieves oil to clean the air/room, or lavender oil to relax or fall asleep. etc. etc. etc.

You have to have the oils to diffuse, but YL has a huge selection. It doesn't matter what you diffuse, as long as you like it, though I'm not sure that you'd want to diffuse pure essence of ginger, or black pepper.

One of the cool things about it is a lot of the oils you can use medicinally or therapeutically. 20 years ago I thought this stuff was all pure bunk, but after actually seeing it in action, well, I'm sold on it.

I also have the Essential Oils Desktop Reference (embedded affiliate link purely because mouser said it was ok, and I am really really curious to see if anyone actually buys one! ), which is excellent, and explains a huge amount about what different oils do, and how to use them. I also have the smaller version of the book as well: Essential Oils Pocket Reference. It's also very good, and quicker for some things.

Today I was diffusing an oil called "Abundance", which smells just gorgeous. It's the same oil I diffused for my wife when our daughter was born. (The bottle in the middle above.)

Other oils I like are Clarity and Purification. Those are blends, but if you want pure cedar oil, or wintergreen, or orange, tangerine, lemon... there are TONNES!

While I don't diffuse peppermint oil, I drink it in water. Same goes for lemon.

You can find the diffuser here:

http://www.youngliving.com/oil-diffusers/Home-Diffuser-US

That's actually a newer model though. I bought my first one from a friend in Penang between 3 and 4 years ago, then bought a second one here a year or 2 ago.

DISCLOSURE: However, in order to buy, you need to find a distributor (e.g. me), or sign up through a distributor (e.g. me - PM me if you are interested either way) (i.e. it is MLM). I do NOT sell Young Living products (I've never sold any in fact), and I don't sign people up. I just signed up to buy them because they're just really, really good. A friend of mine introduced them to me.

You can use them with other oils as well. I would recommend Young Living oils because I know a lot about them, about the company, and about their general philosophy. So, while they're a bit more expensive than some others, they're therapeutic grade, and extremely high quality.

BTW - I also cook with the oils! Even sometimes in my kangaroo tacos~! (Usually oregano, black pepper, or basil there.) I also use ginger oil sometimes, especially when cooking chicken stir-fry. (Others as well, but that's an idea of the versatility.)

Here's a list of their oils. I'm highlighting the ones I normally diffuse in RED and the ones I really like to diffuse in BOLD RED. I'm including the full list to give people an idea of what they can do, but it's long, so in a spoiler.

List of oils

Single Oils
Balsam Fir (Idaho)
Basil
Bergamot
Blue Cypress
Cedarwood
Cinnamon Bark
Cistus
Clary Sage
Clove
Copaiba
Coriander
Cypress
Dill
Dorado Azul
Douglas Fir
Elemi
Eucalyptus Blue
Eucalyptus Radiata
Fennel
Frankincense - But not too often as it is expensive
Galbanum
Geranium
Ginger
Goldenrod
Grapefruit
Helichrysum
Hyssop
Jasmine
Juniper
Laurus Nobilis
Lavender - Usually to relax or sleep
Ledum (Seasonal)
Lemon
Lemon Myrtle
Lemongrass
Marjoram
Melaleuca Alternifolia
Melissa
Mountain Savory
Myrrh
Myrtle
Nutmeg
Ocotea
Orange
Oregano
Palo Santo
Patchouli
Pepper, Black
Peppermint
Petitgrain
Pine
Ravensara
Roman Chamomile
Rose
Rosemary
Sacred Frankincense
Sage
Sandalwood
Spearmint
Spikenard
Spruce
Tangerine
Tarragon
Thyme
Tsuga
Valerian
Vetiver
Wintergreen
Ylang Ylang

Blended Oils
3 Wise Men
Abundance - I diffuse this most
Acceptance
Aroma Life
Aroma Siez
Australian Blue
Awaken
Believe - A friend of mine makes a very good living doing FX trading, and uses this oil when he trades and researches.
Brain Power
Christmas Spirit
Citrus Fresh
Clarity - LOVE this stuff!
Common Sense
Di-Gize
Dragon Time
Dream Catcher
En-R-Gee
EndoFlex
Envision
Forgiveness
Gathering
Gentle Baby
Gratitude
Grounding
Harmony
Highest Potential
Hope
Humility
ImmuPower
Inner Child
Inspiration
Joy
Juva Cleanse
JuvaFlex
Longevity
M-Grain
Magnify Your Purpose
Melrose
Mister
Motivation
PanAway
Peace & Calming
Present Time
Purification
R.C
Raven
Release
Relieve It
RutaVaLa
SARA
Sacred Mountain
SclarEssence
Sensation
Surrender
Thieves - I use this to clean the room/air.
Transformation
Trauma Life
Valor
White Angelica

[Renegade]

Here's mine for this week, a Vacuum Food Sealer:
(see attachment in previous post)
The idea of a vacuum food sealer is to remove the air and thus preserve foods for longer, and keep frozen foods from developing ice crystals.

I must confess... Every time I see one in a store... I drool... I've wanted to get one of these for a LONG time. But, as I need to move in a year, I'd just have to get rid of it. So, I can't justify the expense.

For the irrational gadget lover they are wonderful things, because they make noise, require the purchase of accessory supplies (bags), and give you a serious gadget satisfaction when you use them.

THAT'S ME~!

(I'd mention that I did this post in Editplus with the help of Text Editor Anywhere, but that's a software gadget post. )

[tomos]

I'm not sure that you'd want to diffuse pure essence of ginger, or black pepper.

I got black pepper oil somewhere a few years back - it actually smells lovely (it is spicy, but not at all peppery like freshly ground). Dont know would it work well in the humidifier (maybe in a mix) but it's really great in the bath if you've got aching muscles.

PS Renegade

[mouser]

Seriously, no more gadget lovers here to post about their favorite gadgets?

[4wd]

I'll sneak one, (well three), in:



Top is the original Gerber Multi-tool that you could open by flicking your wrist and the jaws would slide out plus the optional 1/4" hex drive and bits.  No longer available, it's about 15+ years old.

Bottom right, (I meant my other right ), is the Gerber EVO Multi-tool and the other is a Gerber Shortcut Mini-tool.

The top one is probably my most used version due to the hex drive but it's absolutely lethal to use as pliers if you're not watching what you're doing - the handles close to a gap of about 2mm and if you happen to catch the skin of your hand, (or a finger), when the jaws slip off whatever you're using them on....IT F'N HURTS!



I'm partial to Gerber but I also had a Leatherman Micra....which got left on the bus between Cusco and Puno    

Honestly, a tech without a multi-tool ?

Heresy  

[x16wda]

I'm partial to Gerber but I also had a Leatherman Micra....

I use my Micra all the time!  It lives on my keychain, along with the flashlights, tape measure, usb stick, and my emergency supply of Xanax...

[mwb1100]

I'm partial to Gerber but I also had a Leatherman Micra....

I use my Micra all the time!  It lives on my keychain, along with the flashlights, tape measure, usb stick, and my emergency supply of Xanax...

I used to have a Squirt P4, but lost it somewhere - I loved that thing.  Leatherman no longer sells the P4; they 'combined' it with the S4 (which had scissors instead of the P4's pliers) and took away a couple other tools to make the PS4.  I don't like the compromises made to add the scissors on the PS4. I'll have to get a used P4 replacement on eBay one of these days.

[Renegade]

I got black pepper oil somewhere a few years back - it actually smells lovely (it is spicy, but not at all peppery like freshly ground). Dont know would it work well in the humidifier (maybe in a mix) but it's really great in the bath if you've got aching muscles.

I've not tried it in a bath. Interesting... Didn't know that. It's freaky what some of these things can do. Headaches? Wintergreen. Who'd have thunk it?

I cook a lot with black pepper oil, and man... does the kitchen ever smell GOOOOOD~~~~!

PS Renegade

Ah. Didn't see that before! Thanks!

I'll sneak one, (well three), in:
(see attachment in previous post)
Top is the original Gerber Multi-tool that you could open by flicking your wrist and the jaws would slide out plus the optional 1/4" hex drive and bits.  No longer available, it's about 15+ years old.

Bottom right is the Gerber EVO Multi-tool and the other is an earlier version of the Gerber Splice Mini-tool.

The top one is probably my most used version due to the hex drive but it's absolutely lethal to use as pliers if you're not watching what you're doing - the handles close to a gap of about 2mm and if you happen to catch the skin of your hand, (or a finger), when the jaws slip off whatever you're using them on....IT F'N HURTS!



I'm partial to Gerber but I also had a Leatherman Micra....which got left on the bus between Cusco and Puno   

Honestly, a tech without a multi-tool ?

Heresy 

I love those things! I bought a super-uber-cheapo one on the subway or somewhere, and it served me quite well. Then when I couldn't find it, I got another relatively cheap one (from Thermos). Someday, I do want to splurge on a good one though.

I use my Micra all the time!  It lives on my keychain, along with the flashlights, tape measure, usb stick, and my emergency supply of Xanax...

Ah... Xanax... I don't take it except when I need to fly. err... I mean on airplanes, like at the airport. If you're going to fly, might as well be flying~! (But seriously - a few Xanax and a quick guzzle of about a half dozen of those tiny airplane drinks, and all of a sudden flying is much better. Makes time just fly by. I think next time I'll try the quick guzzle & Xanax before I get to security clearance though. But not sure what dosage would make that tolerable... )

[4wd]

I'll have to get a used P4 replacement on eBay one of these days.

Make sure you try searching for NTSA - all those happy people that had them seized at the airport because they forgot they were on a keyring, then the NTSA sell them off to people who flog them on ebay

[Stoic Joker]

I've carried a leatherman for years. I originally hand the slim one that they gave away for the Marlboro Miles promotion, but I lost the damn thing (left it onsite actually). I currently have the Leatherman Blast.

Interesting bit of trivia...they have a 25 year warranty.

[NigelH]

If you're stuck in the past using a stovetop kettle
http://www.amazon.com/s/?&field-keywords=Stovetop+Kettle

Try one of these!!
http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=289753

I'm really baffled as to why people still use non-electric kettles.

[ewemoa]

I'm really baffled as to why people still use non-electric kettles.

Have you tried measuring the temperature of the water that you heat in an electric kettle?

[Renegade]

I'm really baffled as to why people still use non-electric kettles.

Have you tried measuring the temperature of the water that you heat in an electric kettle?

Boiled is boiled. No? I'd figure that it's at 96 C, give or take a bit, either on the stove or in an electric kettle.

[ewemoa]

Some people like to have their water boiling for a bit (decrease dissolved gases for example), and AFAIU that doesn't necessarily happen so well with some (many?) electric kettles.  IIUC, some (many?) models stop / turn off shortly after reaching 100 C (I've heard but not verified that some don't even reach 100 C) and this is not as effective as boiling (maintaining temperature at 100 C) for longer.  Excuse the inaccuracies for not taking into account pressure and such

Plastic electric kettles are a bit of a concern for me too for reasons having to do with heating plastic (too much for too long) that's in contact with a liquid that one is about to ingest.  Non-plastic ones I've looked for tend to be a bit less safe because of pilot error (unwariness leading to skin contacting heated metal) -- on a stove top for just the period of boiling I am more wary than when an electric kettle is sitting on a tea table for longer periods.  I'm an ex-user.

Just trying to point out here that depending on what you want to do with the water (in my own case it's green tea preparation) and what sort of water you get, the type of kettle may make a difference.