Smart Home Lifestyle

December 16, 2006

3 high-tech gadgets to get the 'procrastinators' going with their Christmas shopping

If you’re like me, “procrastinator” and “planner” are your yin and yang - a problem, especially when it comes to buying Christmas gifts. So, if you’re shopping down to the wire this year, here are some gadget ideas sure to make your last minute “take” look more like cutting edge hi-tech.

Raindrops and roasted

Mad about your morning coffee and morning weather report? Check out Melitta’s Smart Mill & Brew- a little coffee, a little weather and a whole lot of convenience. Just put in your coffee beans, select one of the 7 grinds of coffee and Mill & Brew 10-cup coffeemaker does the rest- no fuss, no muss.

So, what about the weather? Mill & Brew displays weather updates on its blue screen via MSN Direct. There’s no set-up fee, no subscription, and no Internet connection needed. Just plug in Mill & Brew for fresh coffee and fresh weather update including current temperature, 3 day forecasts and chance of precipitation. Mill & Brew updates about every 10 minutes or so, and has a built in clock that automatically resets for time changes.

Mill & Brew costs just under $200 and can be purchased online through www.amazon.com or www.sharperimage.com. For more information, check out www.yourgrindredefined.com.

iPod, schmiPod

Nothing says chic better than Bang & Olufsen, makers of sleek phones, loudspeakers and video displays. Even their MP3 player, BeoSound 2’s got sexy style.

BeoSound 2 uses SD flash cards instead of a hardrive for storage, a plus when it comes to better sound, improved shock resistance and decreased power usage. Since there are no moving parts, no matter how active you are, you won’t have to worry about vibrations.

BeoSound 2 supports SD cards up to 2 GB, which means you’ve got access to about 400 CD-quality sounding songs for up to 10 hours on a fully charged battery.

BeoSound 2 costs $460 and comes with a charging docking station, headphones and travel pouch. Measuring in under 3 inches, this disc shaped unit comes in silver or black. It can be purchased at the B&O store in Phipps Plaza in Atlanta or online at www.bang-olufsen.com.

Talking on the fly

Like the convenience of hands-free talking but hate being strung to your cell? Oakley solves that problem, combining sunglasses and Motorola wireless Bluetooth technology into a functional and fashion-forward accessory.

RAZERWIRE gives a wearable link to your cellular phone, allowing you to answer quickly with a touch of a button- no purse digging required. Since, the module is attached to your glasses, your hands are now freed up while you talk on the phone.

And since the phone rings in your ear, you can avoid that public ringing, especially for those of you who have opted for “Back in Black” or words of wisdom from “Larry the Cable Guy.”

RAZRWIRE gives 6 hours of talk-time, and allows some advanced functions like voice dialing, hold and redial. Plus, when you’re tired of talking, the module can be removed for standalone sunglasses. And the lenses can even be changed out for prescription sunglasses.

RAZRWIRE starts at $225 and can be ordered online at www.oakley.com or through local retailers found on their website.

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec