GadgetLiving

It’s nice to say that you’re going to save your spare change, but then does it ever do anything but collect dust and take up space in that jar on your dresser?

This motorized coin sorter sorts, stacks and counts up to 50 coins at once, including pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars. The LCD screen displays your total as well as the total of each tube of coins. This way there’s no excuse, roll up your coins and get them to the bank!

Check price and availability at Kohls.

“A gift that makes cents. This digital coin sorter will enrich your life. Additional coin wrappers sold separately.”

GPS navigation systems are one of the handiest automobile gadgets since the remote car starter and keyless entry. Sure, you could live without one but once you’ve got it you’re a convert for life. The tricky part of buying a GPS navigation system is knowing which features you really need. Some come decked out with all the bells and whistles while other is more standard issue devices. Here we help you navigate through the available choices in order to choose the right GPS for you.

City Driver or Road Trip Explorer

Obviously your first order of business when deciding on a GPS navigation system is to decide in what capacity you’ll most be using it. From there it’s much easier to define needed features and extras you’ll be paying extra for and not using.

If the main purpose of your new GPS unit will be to simply navigate the city you live in chances are a basic, less costly model will suit your needs. Basic models come pre-loaded with maps of the United States and offer alternate routes when you find yourself stuck in traffic. Most also come with pre-loaded points of interest so you can find local restaurants and stores. While the deluxe models offer a whopping 6 million plus points of interest the standard models should have what you need providing you live in a large enough city to warrant inclusion.

By comparison, those that do a lot of travelling, be it for business or family vacations, will likely enjoy the beefed up features of the higher end GPS navigation systems. Boasting millions of points of interest you’ll be able to find gas stations, hotels, shopping malls and family attractions with ease.

The amount of maps pre-loaded onto your GPS unit can also have a large impact on its usefulness. The deluxe models offer you detailed, city and road maps of the entire United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Perfect for those that love to explore a large portion of North America and maybe their favorite vacation destination as well.

Also those who spend a great deal of time on the road may enjoy those little extra features such as Bluetooth capabilities, hands-free talking, MP3 players and audio book readers all built into their GPS navigation system. These luxury items may be unnecessary for shorter, in city travelling so be sure you really want these features before shelling out money for them.

Display and Tracking

When you really get down to it there are two features which are an absolute must in any GPS unit—good GPS tracking and a good, readable display screen. While many GPS units have upgraded to an easy to read 4.3 inch screen there are still cheaper models only offering a 3.5 inch screen. All models do come with turn by turn voice commands but the size of the display screen may be a feature you want to consider for those times when you do have to look at the display unit quickly and read directions.

Of course what would a GPS unit be without high quality GPS tracking? Surprisingly one of the cheaper models boasts the quickest GPS location locking. When it comes to performance all units reviewed seemed to receive a passing grade when it came to giving location and driving directions of desired destinations.

Below are the three units we reviewed along with their pros and cons. Remember, get the best dollar value by only buying GPS units that offer features you’ll really use. If that means you want all the bells and whistles wonderful but don’t overpay for features you won’t use.

Garmin Nuvi 660: Price $299.99

This is generally viewed as the Cadillac of GPS navigation systems. It comes fully pre-loaded with detailed city and road maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico as well as over 6 million points of interest. This model also features Bluetooth technology, hands-free calling, MP3 playing and audio book reading capabilities. It comes equipped with a larger 4.3 inch display screen.

Magellan Maestro 3100: Price $142.00

This basic model comes pre-loaded with maps of the continental United States only. It does boast the fastest GPS locating system as well as SmartDetour technology to get you out of traffic jams faster. It locates 750,000 points of interest but does not offer Bluetooth or hands-free technology. One drawback is this model sports the smaller 3.5 inch display screen.

Tom Tom One XL: Price $139.00

Sporting a 4.3 inch display screen this GPS navigation system is pre-loaded with maps of both the United States and Canada. It does offer Bluetooth technology for its subscriber based services but does not have hands-free capability. It is described as coming loaded with “thousands” of points of interest but the exact number is not disclosed. As with the other two models above it does offer turn by turn voice commands.

This travel adapter works with USB or AC-powered gadgets in over 150 countries throughout Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Caribbean, and Australia. And it takes up almost no space, it can even fit into your pocket.

The adapter has an AC outlet as well as two USB ports so that you can charge up to three devices at the same time. And since the it has both AC and USB, you only need to pack the Travel Adapter, there’s no need to take up room with multiple chargers.

Check price and availability at Hammacher Schlemmer.

“The adapter’s plug configures to fit a variety of international sockets, and its AC outlet and two built-in USB ports allow you to power or charge three devices at once. The USB ports eliminate the need to carry multiple charges for USB-powered cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, and more. An integral surge protector protects electronics from potential power spikes.”

With this electric knife you can quickly and smoothly cut crusty breads, roasts, and even delicate tomatoes. Ther’s no force on your part required, no sawing strokes, just let the knife do the work.

The knife comes with interchangeable stainless steel carving and bread blades. Both have pointed, razor-sharp serrations that grasp food as they cut. The carving blade is 6 3/4″ and the bread blade is 7 1/2″ long, meaning they’re both long enough to cut through large loaves of bread or a large turkey breast.

Check price and availability at Hammacher Schlemmer.

“The best electric knife recorded a perfect score for maneuverability; it was lighter than other units and the ergonomic handle proved to be easier to hold than competing knives. The hardwood storage block protects the dishwasher-safe blades.”

This mini digital camera is only 1/2″ thick and barely wider than a credit card. The camera has all the features found in larger cameras like built-in flash, 10.1 megapixel image sensor, 3X optical zoom lens, and cropping and other image enhancements.

The small digital camera has both automatic and manual picture settings - including exposure and white balance. As well as instantly adjusting to the ambient light for great pictures indoors or out, sunny or overcast.

Check price and availability at Hammacher Schlemmer.

“A digital MPEG-4 movie mode lets you record high-quality videos and audio at up to 30 fps with a resolution of 848 x 480 pixels. The rechargeable battery lasts for up to 280 shots per charge. It has 12 MB of built-in memory and accepts SD/MMC cards.”

This robotic sentry can be controlled by any remote device capable of browsing the internet, so if you really wanted, you could monitor your home from anywhere in the world.

The sentry can take still pictures as well as stream audio and high-resolution (640 x 480) video in MPEG4 format, and then email both to you. You can program up to 10 paths for the sentry to patrol. While doing its patrol the sentry’s infrared sensor will even detect and avoid obstacles. To run the sentry you’ll need a PC running Windows® XP or Vista (or Macintosh with a Wi-Fi card), a broadband internet connection, router, or other type of wireless access point.

Check price and availability at Hammacher Schlemmer.

“It operates for two hours from its rechargeable battery which draws power from the included recharging base (the sentry can locate its base using its built-in infrared sensor when you command it to re-charge remotely); full charge requires two hours.”

It’s not enough to just have a patio or an outdoor space nowadays, now you need and outdoor “room”. I kid, but having what is essentially another room outside your house really is great. and it means you get to decorate a whole new room.

This stainless steel outdoor fireplace doesn’t need any venting and can be installed almost anywhere. There’s even an optional remote control is available so that you can just sit back on your weatherproof outdoor chair and bask in the warm glow of your 40,000 BTU natural gas fireplace.

Check price and availability at CSN Fireplaces.

“* 100% stainless steel construction
* Protective stainless steel cover included
* Up to 40,000 BTU’s and 99.9% efficiency
* Stainless steel upper and lower louvres
* Millivolt remote control valve with built-in adjustable flame heat control
* Zero clearance to combustibles
* Piezo ignitor
* Exclusive PHAZER® glowing log set and glowing embers
* Liquid propane or natural gas
* Standard safety screen”

Having your photos printed once involved filling up an entire roll of film, taking it into your local photo lab and waiting patiently for it to be developed and returned. In today’s world of cool gadgets and instant gratification the waiting is now over thanks to the digital camera printer. Yet, with so many on the market, how do you know which one is best for your needs? Today we help you match up your digital printer needs with the perfect solution.

How Technical are You?

For some the thought of even using a digital camera leaves them a little befuddled. With so many modes and options, not to mention an instruction booklet that resembles a Hemmingway novel, it just all seem too complicated.

If this sounds like you your best option may be to buy an all-in-one camera and digital printer system. While the digital camera still has all the picture taking options to give you complete control, they are much more user friendly that the earlier models and come with auto settings that still give you great pictures.

Combine this point and shoot technology with a digital camera printer complete with docking station for your camera and you’ve got a simple system for taking and printing your photos. Software loaded onto your computer makes the task of choosing, editing and printing your photos super simple and you’ll get the gratification of being able to instantly print your photos without having to pull your hair out in the process.

Photos to Go

If portability and affordability is your wish try one of the streamlined, portable digital camera printers on the market. These mini printers give you the same or close quality of the bigger printers but with the option to take your printer with you where ever you go.

You also get a great deal of versatility with these printers. Hook up your digital camera straight to the printer to access your photos for printing or grab them from a memory card or camera phone. This type of printer is perfect for those on the go who want to share their photos instantly in print form. Imagine being at a family gathering and being able to hand out printed photos right there. No need to email them later or mail printed copies to everyone. Just hook up, select and print.

With today’s technology most digital camera printers offer high quality, crisp pictures. Your best bet is to choose a printer that will make the process easiest for you based on your abilities or needs. Remember, you’re more likely to get your money’s worth out of a digital camera printer that you actually enjoy using and use often. So make sure the one you choose will live up to your needs and expectations.

Recommended Products:

The Kodak Easy Share digital camera and printer system makes shooting and printing your digital photos a breeze.

Need a portable printer? The Cannon Pixma is both affordable and portable for your on-the-go printing needs.

Get rid of the sticky, soapy mess on the bathroom and kitchen sinks with this automatic soap dispenser. Simply pass your hand underneath the dispenser and the perfect amount of soap is released into your hands. Great for the kitchen when you’ve been handling raw meat. It’s also good for kids because the dispenser controls the amount soap.

The stainless steel finish will look good wherever you put this dispenser, and it can even be used with your favorite hand, body, or facial lotions.

Check price and availability at Brookstone.

“It’s also perfect for handymen and mechanics who routinely come in with very grimy hands. Great in the bath or kitchen, this dispenser is handy for hand, body, and suntan lotion, too.”

You don’t have to have a piano to enjoy the classic feel and look of this Antique Brass Piano Lamp in your home.

The lamp has a traditional brass finish with a brass base and brass cover. It stands 15″ high, making it perfect for a side table or mantle.

Check price and availability at CSN Lighting.

“Its smooth lines and elegant look will make it an eye catching accent to any room in your home.”

Want to be a hero at the Sunday morning breakfast table, or at the water cooler on one of those dreary, never ending Wednesdays? Just serve up some freshly made doughnuts. In less than one minute the Dough-Nu-Matic forms, fries, and drains scrumptious mini-doughnuts.

All you need to is make the dough and sprinkle the cooked doughnuts sugar, cinnamon, cocoa, or anything you’d like. The enclosed oil fryer means cleanup is as easy and fast as making the doughnuts.

Check price and availability at Amazon.

“Piping hot mini - donuts in less than 60 seconds. Scrumptious delights! Dough-Nu-Matic automatically forms, fries and drains delectable mini-donuts in about 50 seconds. Machine makes easy-to-sell “treats” for just pennies apiece. Great for large parties, fundraisers and garage sales. Turns out a dozen donuts in under 6 minutes. Just add dough and this zippy unit does all the rest.”

If your family eats a lot of rice and you’re still cooking it in a pot over the stove, you’ve been missing out. Rice cookers make cooking rice beyond simple, idiot proof even.

With this Zojirushi 10-Cup Rice Cooker all you have to do is measure out the right amounts of rice and water, flick a switch, and let it cook. The nonstick inner cooking pan means your rice won’t stick, and the automatic warming setting means that even if you’re not ready to eat your rice right when it’s finished cooking, it will still be warm when you are.

Check price and availability at MoreKitchenAppliances.

“The Electric Rice Cooker & Warmer features an easy-to-use single switch control; just add the rice and water and hit the button. That’s it. The condensation collector on the side makes it easy to clean, and the recessed handles on the bottom easy to carry. Also features automatic keep warm.”