Gadgets and Cool Stuff

GE 50487 Ultrasonic Sensor Parking Alert

• Ultrasonic sensor parking alert ; Sensor detects distance of car from wall ; Yellow & red indicator lights tell when ;to slow down & stop ; Features ultrasonic, range-finding ;technology ; Choose from 3 stop zones â 1, 2 & 3 ft ; 1-year battery life; Requires 4 AA batteries;

TeleZapper TZ 900

Here's how it works: Given that more than 90 percent of telemarketing calls are placed with computer assistance, when either you or your answering machine answers the phone, the Telezapper emits a special tone that tells the computer your number has been permanently disconnected. Telemarketing companies that use automated dialing systems typically remove disconnected numbers from their calling lists, and as your phone number is eliminated from more and more telemarketing lists, you'll notice fewer calls. Of course, not all telemarketers use predictive dialing systems, and those that do will undoubtedly continue their work to evade the Telezapper, but it can be a partial solution.

Most predictive dialing systems will be fooled by the Telezapper's standard single tone. However, for newer dialing systems (presumably designed in response to the success of the previous Telezapper model), the TZ 900 offers an advance three-tone mode. To change the mode, unscrew and remove the protective case and then slide a recessed switch. (We suggest that Privacy Technologies put the switch on the outside for their next model.)

For the most part, regular callers are unaffected by the Telezapper, but it may "zap" calls from other organizations that use the same predictive dialing technology (such as charities, pollsters, and automated emergency weather systems) and from callers who use certain types of calling cards. (For more information, click FAQ, or frequently asked questions, in the left navigation bar.)

Installation takes seconds. Just plug the Telezapper into your phone line and your phone into the Telezapper. It's that simple. A built-in lithium-ion battery provides power and will likely last for the lifetime of the unit. The Telezapper includes a phone cord and instructions. Privacy Technologies backs the device with a one-year warranty. --Mike Brown

Pros

• Reduces telemarketing calls placed by predictive dialing systems
• Doesn't interfere with most normal calls
• Inexpensive, one-time-cost solution
• Extremely easy to install and use

• May "zap" some desired calls
• Annoying beep every time the receiver is lifted

Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave World Band Receiver with Single Side Band Reception

There are four options when tuning your selected radio station. With direct tuning, you input the desired frequency digits. Manual tuning allows you to change the frequency step by step. If you are unsure of what station you want, use the scan tuning option to have the radio stop at all hearable receptions. Finally, with preset tuning, you can recall a preset station with a single button press. You can store up to a hundred preset stations using Sony's My-memory tuning feature. To help you remember which station is which, this Sony radio allows you to label each station with up to six alphanumeric letters. There is also a ten-key direct access tuning function, letting you quickly access your top ten favorite stations.

If you plan on traveling with a radio, the ICF-SW7600GR is a good choice. Beyond the ability to tune into various radio bands, the ICF-SW7600GR also features a world clock feature. Simply select a city name and the radio will display that city's current time. With the dual clock function, it is easy to keep track of two time zones. The radio also has a useful turn-on and sleep timer. Choose two individual times and frequencies and the radio will turn on and tune to the selected station automatically. If you plan on listening to the radio as you fall asleep, use the sleep timer and the radio will turn off after approximately sixty minutes.

There are two options to power the radio. Either four AA batteries or purchase an optional AC adaptor.

What's in the Box
Sony ICF-SW7600GR World Band Radio, antenna, wave handbook and a ninety day warranty.
List Price: $199.99
Our Price: Too low to display
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MIDLAND 75-822 40 Channel 2 Way Radio

The Midland 75-820's design is ideal, with a push-to-talk button on the side, squelch and volume knobs, and a small LCD screen that displays the current channel, signal strength, and a variety of other useful information. Several buttons on the device can be used for scanning, whether quickly flipping between the emergency channel (9) and the standard highway channel (19) or activating the LCD's backlight. The unit also comes with a short, flexible antenna.

Overall, the 75-820's portability is excellent--comparable to a child's walkie-talkie. Unfortunately, the unit's compactness hampers its usefulness, because the relatively small antenna has a hard time pulling in distant signals. In our tests on local highways and on the interstate, transmissions rarely could be heard from more than half a mile away. However, when we connected the Midland 75-822 to a whip antenna that was several feet long, the range increased considerably. As a result, we recommend investing in a better antenna before using the device in your car, although the radio still works well for communicating with nearby semis when you're trying to find out the source of a traffic jam.

We had better luck using the radio to monitor National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio broadcasts, which we were able to receive from nearly anywhere since Weather Radio stations transmit at much higher power than mobile transmitters. These broadcasts are repeated every few minutes, are updated every few hours, and can help alert travelers to severe weather conditions. It's a nice feature to have on a portable CB and makes the Midland 75-822 a standout choice for travelers who want to be in the know. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Truly portable
• Car adapter kit included
• Ability to monitor Weather Radio is a nice touch

• Short antenna dramatically cuts down on range

Eton FR300 Emergency Crank Radio

Pros

• Compact and lightweight; ideal for emergencies or travel
• Clearly laid out functions and controls
• Excellent internal power generator; handy cell-phone charger

• Tuning dial could be better illuminated for darkened environments
• Should include an AC adapter

What's in the Box
FR300 radio, mail-in coupon for cell phone charging adapters, nylon carrying case, and owner's manual

First Alert Portable AM-FM Emergency Alert Radio

The First Alert WX-17 doesn't just keep you informed of vital situations via all seven NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather and hazard channels, but includes an AM/FM band for casual, daily radio use. Completely portable and easy to use, this unit includes a telescoping antenna, and a four AA-battery back-up for use during power outages. The WX-17 features an emergency alert siren that is sure to gain your attention, a handle for easy transport, and an earphone jack for both extremely noisy and necessarily quiet environments. The First Alert WX-17 Portable NOAA emergency alert radio is powered by the included 120-volt AC power adapter for desktop operation, and is backed by a manufacturer's 90-day warranty.

What's in the Box
First Alert WX-17 portable NOAA emergency alert radio, 120-volt AC power adapter, user's guide and warranty information.
List Price: $29.99
Our Price: $15.87
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Midland WR-100C Weather / All Hazards / Civil Emergency Alert Monitor with S.A.M.E.

In the event of special warning broadcasts, the monitor is automatically activated along with a loud tone, an LED light and an alert message on its 8-character LCD. Emergency weather bulletins include alerts about tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, ice/snow storms, and other severe weather. Other emergencies might include Amber alerts, explosions, fires, or hazardous chemical spills.

The radio uses the supplied AC power adapter or 3 AA backup batteries (not included). Batteries should give you approximately 24 hours of continuous operation; the clock will run for at least 10 days on batteries when the monitor is turned off (using the monitor on/off control).

What's in the Box
Radio, AC power adapter, and a user's manual.
List Price: $49.99
Our Price: $37.09
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Etón E100 AM/FM Shortwave Radio

Another interesting feature of the E100, and one that depends on the display for its functionality, is the system set codes function. Using specific codes, you can modify the E100's factory settings via the display and the numeric keypad. Some of the options include changing the tuning steps for AM, changing the clock format, and altering the FM frequency range for different geographic locations.

Tuning Options
Tuning the E100 is straightforward. The radio tunes MW (commonly known as AM), FM and shortwave signals, and you can choose from manual, auto-scan, direct frequency entry, or fine-tuning modes. If you're new to shortwave, auto-scan will quickly become your friend. With it, we quickly made discoveries, and heard stations from all over the world -- although our limited language skills made it difficult to always know exactly to whom or what we were listening! We found the manual, up/down button press-tuning the most laborious, but we liked the fine-tuning accuracy made possible by the E100's tuning knob.

The E100's impressive memory system also deserves mention. With it, you can set up a huge catalog of stored frequencies -- 550 of them to be exact. Once stored, recalling all these memories is pretty easy, thanks to a straightforward on-screen interface. You can also scan through your memories to rapidly find the frequencies that are currently broadcasting.

Pros

• Very compact, given the radio's features and reception quality
• Clear layout of functions on the LCD
• Fast, accurate shortwave tuning

• Knobs should be better secured to the unit
• Somewhat useless "tone" switch

Design and Controls
The E100's integrated speaker offers full-range sound while the digital frequency readout displays accurate frequency stepping for all three bands. Above the tuning information, the bright, backlit LCD screen also displays clock and alarm info. There's space on the display for FM stereo reception status, signal strength, and power level, as well. In addition to push-button tuning on the front panel -- including direct frequency entry via a numeric keypad -- there's an independent fine-tuning control knob on the right side of the device for really getting those hard-to-tune stations. You also get an antenna gain control switch, a rotary volume control, and a high and low tone control. A built-in telescopic antenna handles FM and shortwave reception, and there's a built-in ferrite bar antenna for AM.

Tuning and Bands
On the FM band, the E100 tunes from 87.0 to 108.0 MHz. AM and global medium wave tuning is supported between 520 and 1710 KHz, and shortwave tuning is offered between 1711 and 29.995 KHz. A 9/10KHz step size selector allows you to get correct worldwide medium wave (AM) reception. Meanwhile, an auto-scan function lets you surf stations quickly and 200 random programmable memories let you mark your best finds.

Connections and Power
The E100's stereo headphone jack makes it easy to listen to the radio in full stereo without disturbing others. The unit can be powered with an AC adapter (not included), or via two "AA" batteries.

Extras
The E100's digital clock can be set to display in 12 or 24 hour format. It also lets you wake up to your favorite station, while a sleep timer automatically shuts the radio off after a preset interval so you can drift off to sleep to the sound of the radio.

What's in the Box
E100 radio, earphones, carrying case, 2 AA batteries, and owner's manual.
List Price: $149.99
Our Price: $49.50
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Eton E10 AM/FM Shortwave Radio

Another interesting feature of the E10, and one that depends on the display for its functionality is the system set codes system. Using specific codes, you can modify the E10's factory settings via the display and the numeric kaypad. Some of the options include changing the tuning steps for AM, changing the clock format, and altering the FM frequency range for different geographic locations.

Tuning Options
Tuning the with E10 is pretty straightforward. The radio tunes MW (commonly known as AM), FM and shortwave signals, and you can choose from manual, auto-scan, direct frequency entry, or fine tuning modes. If you're new to shortwave, auto-scan will quickly become your friend. With it, we quickly made a lot of discoveries, and heard stations from all over the world -- although our limited language skills made it difficult to always know exactly to whom or what we were listening! We found the manual, up/down button press tuning the most laborious, but we liked the fine tuning accuracy made possible by the E10's tuning knob. With it, very meticulous tuning is possible, thanks to selectable fast or slow tuning modes.

We didn't have a chance to test the E10's two interference reduction methods -- the IF set control and the bandwidth selector -- but advanced users will surely find these functions highly useful. Another feature for advanced users, the antenna trimmer, effectively "matches" the antenna to the tuner for optimum performance in shortwave mode.

The E10's impressive memory system also deserves mention. With it, you can set up a huge catalog of stored frequencies -- 500 of them to be exact. Once stored, recalling all these memories is pretty easy, thanks to a straightforward on-screen interface that stores up to 50 memories across 10 memory "pages." You can also scan through your memories to rapidly find the frequencies that are currently broadcasting.

Pros

• Very compact, given the radio's features and reception quality
• Clear layout of functions on the LCD
• Fast, accurate shortwave tuning

• Knobs should be better secured to the unit
• Somewhat useless "tone" switch

Design and Controls
Weighing in at just a hair over one pound, the E10's sleek, modern cabinet is 7.5 inches across and just 1.5 inches deep. A built-in antenna on the top of the device handles AM, FM and shortwave reception. The front of the unit features a large LCD display that clearly shows all the radio's modes and selected functions. An evenly lit backlight enables display viewing under all lighting conditions, and the LCD's calibrated signal meter gives you a clear view of signal strength. A keypad below the screen allows illustrious shortwave listeners to directly enter their shortwave band of choice, giving instant access to known broadcasts. There's also a stereo/mono selector, a rotary volume control, and a rotary shortwave antenna trimmer.

Tuning options abound; you can choose from a digital tuning knob with a frequency lock and fast or slow settings, the aforementioned direct keypad frequency entry method, or automatic scan tuning. And when you have your station locked in, you can tweak the sound quality with a high and low tone control. And for AM and FM stations, there's even an automatic tuning system that enters receivable stations into the radio's memory so you can browse them later.

Tuning and Bands
The E10 is designed to receive shortwave, AM, AM medium wave, and FM signals. FM reception is robust, with tuning available in the 87-108 MHz ranges. shortwave signals can be received in the 1711 to 29999 range. A 9/10KHz step selector is provided for medium wave reception, as is a 1/5KHz step for the display of shortwave. Plus, there's a shortwave intermediate set feature that shifts the intermediate frequency to minimize interference during shortwave reception. While you make your broadcast discoveries, you can add them to the E1XM's programmable memory, which features 550 frequency entries, and a memory scan function lets you quickly browse your programmed entries.

Connections and Power
In addition to an external antenna jack for boosting signal levels, the E10 sports a headphone jack for private listening. The unit can be powered with the included AC adapter, four "AA" batteries, or via the built-in rechargeable battery.

Extras
The E10's digital clock can be set to display in 12 or 24 hour format. It also lets you wake up to your favorite station, while a sleep timer automatically shuts the radio off after a preset interval so you can drift off to sleep to the sound of the radio.

What's in the Box
E10 radio, earphones, carrying case, retractable antenna, AC adapter/charger, 4 rechargeable batteries, and owner's manual.
List Price: $179.99
Our Price: $57.85
More Info!

WowWee Roboreptile Robotic Reptile

Roboreptile moves in many ways. He can be controlled directly with the remote, programmed to perform a sequence of functions, placed into guard mode, or put into his "Normal Mode" where he will roam the environment. A full array of sensors - vision, touch and sound - allow him to freely roam and interact with his surroundings. When he gets overly aggressive, he can be calmed with a push of the "feed" button on the controller. And when its time to rest, place the cowl over his eyes to put him to sleep.

Roboreptile includes more than 30 preprogrammed functions, all handled through the remote. Requires 9 "AA" batteries (not included). Measures 33" long. Colors may vary.

Control issues aside, it is genuinely alarming--in a Jurassic Park sort of way--when this little beast lunges at and tries to bite your foot.

From Satisfied to Hungry in 60 Seconds
Roboreptile can be operated in direct control, free roam, and program modes. Direct control is its natural state, where the user becomes puppeteer, moving it with the remote control. There is a surprising range of motion for this robot. It can walk forward on four legs or two, jump, swipe its tail from side to side, bite, shake, and even look dizzy, as though it had just been smacked by a bigger dino. It even has different walking gaits: fast, slow, big steps, small steps.

It'll go into free roam mode after a few minutes without controller input or if the "touch sensor" (actually just a button) on its back is pressed. It avoids obstacles by backing up and trying a different angle and exhibits three different moods: Hungry, Satisfied, and Hooded. Hungry is its natural state, agressive and snappy. Satisfied comes after it's eaten--in this case, gone through a feeding animation cycle where it crows and snaps its jaw--and this makes it lethargic for about a minute before it's hungry again. Using the included hood, or cowl, to snap over its vision and hearing sensors and effectively put him in sleep mode.

There's also a program mode where you can enter a series of up to 20 steps. Think of it as dance choreography, only with tail swipes and biting. You can put Roboreptile into guard mode, where it'll sit upright, poised for attack. If anything gets picked up by its sensors (passes within inches of its face), it will let out a growl and lunge in that direction. Its hearing is better than its sight (wasn't that the case with dinosaurs, too?), so in the guarded state, it'll react to a slamming door or a whistle with a howl and swinging its neck from side to side.

Parents should note that Roboreptile comes with two volume settings: loud and soft. We tested it on a hardwood floor and kitchen countertop and noticed that, even on the soft setting, its hard plastic thumps and servo motor whirs still created a sizeable ruckus. --Porter B. Hall

WowWee Chimpanzee Alive Animatronic Life Like Chimp Robot Monkey with Remote

Remote Control Puppeteering
Direct control mode lets you operate the monkey with the included remote control. Anyone who has played a video game system in the last 10 years will be instantly familiar with the remote's thumbstick design. Toggle buttons on the shoulders of the remote simplify the many different control elements into a simple design. For example, in one toggle position, the left thumbstick moves the jaw, and in the other position, it moves the eye lids. Control mode essentially turns the chimp into a puppet. The remote also has six buttons that, when used with the toggles, can go through preprogrammed animations of his moods.

The Wowwee Chimp can make a wide variety of gestures. His head can nod up and down and turn from side to side. His eyes can move similarly, and his eyelids can close and open. His mouth can close and open, but his lips don't move, which is a little disappointing. I'd be a lot more excited about the programming feature if I could teach him to lip sync to a Britney Spears song.

Program Mode permits the user to store a routine of the chimp's movements and sounds up to 20 steps long. This is easy and fun to do, though you can only store one program at a time. Setting the monkey into Guard mode will make him respond to stimulus by executing the program steps you've put in.

One consideration for the Wowwee Alive Chimpanzee is where in your home does he belong? I suggest on top of the piano. After all, as the Three Stooges taught us, music soothes the savage beast. --Porter B. Hall

WowWee Robosapien V2 Full Function Humanoid Robot with Remote Control

Unlike the prior generation, Version Two talks in English, interacting with humans and fellow "Signature Series" robots (Robopet and Roboraptor, sold separately) in surprisingly smart ways. The bigger, better body of Robosapien V2 strides with impressive biomechanical fluidity -- he can sit or lie down and get up again all by himself. Simply aim the wireless IR wireless controller at his brain and you're in command of scores of functions. Requires 6 "D" batteries and 7 "AAA" batteries, not included.

He also has hearing sensors that help him detect people in his proximity, tilt sensors that interrupt most functions to prevent damage should he fall, and grip sensors that tell him whether he's been successful in picking up an object.

Programming
RobosapienV2 can be programmed to move in many different ways. You simply enter moves into the program using controller commands, and RobosapienV2 will remember them in order. You can enter walking steps, arm and upper body movements, demos and animations, and even program subroutines. Once he's in guard mode, RobosapienV2 will execute the program if he hears a sharp noise or senses movement in front of him. The little guy faithfully remembers his program, even after being shut off, until he's reprogrammed or reset.

Robo Companions
RobosapienV2 can interact with other Wowwee robots, such as the Robopet and the Roboraptor. Just have the robots face each other and watch for surprising interactions.