Gadgets and Cool Stuff

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

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: $32.99
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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: $14.99
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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

Grundig M300R Mini300 Handheld Shortwave Radio (Metallic Red)

LCD Display
The Mini 300's LCD display is crisp and clear, with a clean layout that makes it easy to control the radio's tuning, clock, and timer functions. The display has icons that indicate when the alarm and sleep function are turned on -- a small loudspeaker and a bed, respectively. And as you flip through bands, the display indicates AM, FM, or shortwave selection.

There are two minor downsides to the display. First of all, there is no indication of which shortwave band you've selected. The Mini 300 is equipped to tune an array of bands -- 49, 41, 31, 25, 22, 19 and 16 meters -- but regardless of your selection, the radio consistently displays a single "SW" for shortwave. Also, you cannot see the time of day when the radio is turned on; time is only displayed when the unit is powered down. Nonetheless, important data, such as band and tuned station, are easy to read, and the size of the radio certainly outweighs the limited information presented on the LCD display.

Tuning Options
Tuning the Mini 300 is very straightforward. The radio tunes MW (commonly known as AM), FM, and shortwave signals. If you're new to shortwave, you'll have to take your time to find just the right frequency, as the Mini 300 does not offer an auto-scan function. Yet, even with our limited knowledge of shortwave broadcasts, we made several discoveries, and heard stations from around the world. Unfortunately, given our limited language skills, we did find it difficult to always know exactly to whom or what we were listening! Even though the tuning dial is a simple, traditional design, meticulous tuning was easy and reliable.

After a little research and a good amount of time spent playing with the tuning options, we did discover that our best opportunity for tuning shortwave broadcasts was in the evening. AM and FM broadcasts sounded strong and clear, day or night, and we enjoyed listening to the radio on the bus and at the park. The Mini 300 runs exclusively off of two AA batteries (included).

Pros

• Compact, pocket-sized, and colorful
• Easy, one-handed operation
• Fast, accurate shortwave tuning

• Too easy to bump the tuning dial and disrupt the frequency
• Cumbersome "stub" antenna

Design and Controls
The Mini 300 is designed for simplicity and ease of use. The antenna housing extends above the device, and it contains a long-range antenna for receiving distant broadcasts. Four buttons below the large, easy-to-read LCD control time, alarm, sleep timer, and power on/off functions. The LCD display shows frequency, time, sleep time, and symbols for sleep timer and alarm activation. Meanwhile, tuning, volume, and band selection are handled by controls on the side of the device. A small speaker below the control buttons produces pleasing sound, or you can hook up a pair of stereo earbuds (included).

Tuning and Bands
Thanks to the Mini 300's reception of AM, FM, and seven shortwave bands, you can use the analog tuner to tune into your favorite local stations, as well as far-flung international broadcasts from around the world. The shortwave receiver operates on the following bands: 49, 41, 31, 25, 22, 19 and 16 meters. In addition to the telescoping FM and shortwave antenna, the unit contains an internal ferrite bar antenna for AM reception.

Connections and Power
The Mini 300 operates on two "AA" batteries. A 3.5 millimeter headset jack is provided.

Extras
In addition to a digital clock, the Mini 300 also boasts an alarm clock and a sleep timer. It ships with a handsome protective carrying case, batteries, and a pair of earbud headphones.

What's in the Box
Mini 300 radio, earphones, 2 AA batteries, and carrying case.
List Price: $50.00
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WowWee Robosapien V2 Full Function Humanoid Robot with Remote Control

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.

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