Posted Feb 3rd 2008 3:38AM by Ryan BlockFiled under: Misc. Gadgets You thought the goggles did nothing before? Shine the 38-million-candle Maxablaster and watch as faces melt Raiders of the Lost Ark style under its concentrated mercury arc plasma bulb powered by a 54 battery pack. Right now it’s just the pet project of a Dutch engineer by the name of Ralf Ottow, which is probably for the best, since this would be far more effective at boring holes in concrete than lighting any scene.[Thanks, Trev]Tags: gadgets, sat-nav, ipod, toys (Read the full post about ‘Maxablaster mega-flashlight is a step away from lightsaber’…)

Do you wish to own a HD projector without having to spend a fortune on it? Well, Sony has great news for you! Now, you can become the proud owner of a high-quality HD projector, without having to be a multi-millionaire. Presenting the all-new VPL-VW40, the ‘affordable’ picture-spitter from Sony. On its screens that have a maximum width of 300 inches, this device can play full 1920 x 1080p HD pictures. The VPL-VW40 is also provided with a Bravia Engine and Sony’s SXRD tech, to capture that perfect cinema vibe. This unique and stylish HD projector has a contrast ratio of 15000:1. The ratio is certainly not comparable with some of the more expensive projectors; but then, the ratio is good enough, and that too at a much lower price than its rivals. (Read the full post about ‘Finally, An ‘Affordable’ HD Projector! VPL-VW40 from Sony’…)

XtremeMac Airplay Boost FM Transmitter for iPod Video

A clear signal, no strings attached.Presenting the ultimate wireless solution for linking your iPod nano to any stereo.Airplay Boost streams your music over any FM frequency. By tuning AirPlay Boost and an FM stereo to the same open frequency, you get an instant, wireless connection. Making that signal as strong as possible is AirPlay Boost’s external antenna. This design element significantly increases how clear the transmission is. Using Airplay Boost couldn’t be easier. Three easy-access buttons right on the front of the sleek aluminum case make controlling the unit a snap.

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IT Reviews has a review of the Nokia N8 8GB and writes, “It all sounds very swish, but there are some issues. If you want a good camera on your mobile then the N81 8GB isn’t the phone to provide it. The 2-megapixel unit lacks autofocus or macro modes, and shoots only average quality images.” Read more about the Nokia N81. Tags: robots, design, hdtv, hi fi (Read the full post about ‘Nokia N81 8GB Review - IT Reviews’…)

The Original Snoopy Sno-cone Machine For now there is a Snoopy-branded gadget to make flavoured ice. And your children - or just the big child within - will go bananas for it. You will, I’m sure, remember the irony-laced Peanuts from your childhood. See price Tags: lcd, home theater, gizmos, digital (Read the full post about ‘The Original Snoopy Sno-cone Machine’…)

Posted Feb 2nd 2008 9:54PM by Darren MurphFiled under: Cellphones, Robots, Wireless We know just how attached humans can become with their robots — particularly ones they have had a hand in creating. Thankfully, the advent of mobile broadband is allowing us to stay closer and closer to our mechanical critters, even when we’re away. All gushing aside, the homegrown TeMo is indeed a pretty swank concoction — it’s constructed primarily from Lego Technic blocks and features five servo motors, an arm (you know, for doing stuff), a microcontroller and it’s very own cellphone, complete with an unlimited data package. (Read the full post about ‘TeMo robot carries mobile, takes orders from anywhere’…)

In Japan, where having central heating means breaking bank every month, something like this is of the essence. But the Japanese won’t take the mundane-looking, run-of-the-mill heaters — definitely not! This digital space heater doesn’t only save your life during frigid winters, it can pretend it’s a real fireplace too. Complete with a screen which shows off burning embers, this heater with a monitor measures 79.5 × 23.5 with a depth of 62 cm. Weighing 14.3 kg, and made of ABS resin, aluminium, and glass; this digital space heater goes for £121. Check out the product page (Japanese). (Read the full post about ‘Digital Space Heater Thinks It’s a Real Fireplace’…)