Digital Grafitti

The Hex Bug Ushers in the latest wave in Robotics

Robotic technology has given way to the creation of creepy crawling insects. However, one does not have to worry about being bitten or picking up any ailments when coming in contact with these buggers. Enter front and center: The Bandai Hex Bugs ($16) is available in an assortment of colors and they scurry around just like the real bugs, but with the clap of the hands the toy will change direction. A small battery powers the Hex Bug and it avoids obstacles. If anything these man made insects will make for an interesting conversation piece among friends.

The Slacker Portable Mp3 Player is very Intuitive

The Slacker Portable two-gigabyte MP3 player ($150) chooses music based on your tastes and then grabs songs using Wi-Fi or in-car satellite docks. Can we say "intuitive". Too bad it can't tell one what lottery numbers to pick!

The Ultreo Toothbrush Generates Waves

Would you like to clean your teeth with the same technology that scrubs surgeons’ scalpels?  A transducer in the Ultreo toothbrush ($150) emits ultrasound waves, whipping your toothpaste into a pulsating froth of microscopic bubbles that penetrate under the gumline and between teeth.

Tech Cooking on A Budget with the Mini Kitchen

Is your living environment, shall we say, spatially challenged? Barely larger than most microwaves, the Mini Kitchen ($200) still manages to squeeze in an oven spacious enough for a whole chicken or pan of brownies along with two hot plates powerful enough for all your toasting needs. Best of all, it’s self-cleaning, eliminating the need for passive-aggressive reminders to your roommate.

Plenty of iPhones At Apple and AT&T Stores

Apparently, the hype for the iPhone may have been a bit over the top, as Apple stores were well stocked to handle the masses. Also, AT&T stores reported that the crowds were moderate and for those folks who were turned away from AT&T stores because they exhausted their  allowed allotment of only 20 iPhones, were in most cases, able to visit another AT&T store to purchase an iPhone. Thus, one could've potentially saved a vacation day. At any rate, we're glad that you got your iPhone. We also picked up one here in Maryland, and arriving after work by 7:30 pm at a local AT&T store where 8 phones were still available. It goes without saying that Americans love the pomp and pagentry in the unveiling of new technology! Let the iPhone love-fest begin!

Accessories Galore For Your iPhone

Now, that you've had the opportunity to spend some quality time alone with your new iPhone, it's time to consider donning your expensive new fangled gadget with some iPhone accessories. Apple has posted on their site a slew of accessories. Mosey on over and take a gander. Besides, you've just plunked down $500, so it's the least that you can do. And, there's no waiting in line for 24 hours! Just order, pay, and click!

The DH1 Portable Structure Home - Assembly Required

Resembling more of a elongated caboose on a train, the DH1 Portable Structure Home is designed to temporarily fit a few people. This home is made from sustainable European birch with phenolic resin finish on both sides of the structure and it is insulated/waterproofed with a plastic canvas. It measures 14' square, 30" high with a structural floor as well as a roof. This home comes shipped in boxes and assembly is easy and takes only a few minutes.

The iRiver Life Multimedia Hub Dazzles

The iRiver Life Multimedia Hub is one massive one stop entertainment unit with a smorgasbord of features that includes a DVD player, speakers, "mid-woofer," TV tuner, WiFi, a detachable touchscreen display, 78-key QWERTY keyboard, and a dock for iRiver's line of portable music players. This kubrick styled hub was created by Japanese designer Nakamichi. No word yet on the availability or the price of this stylishly chic device.

Apple Readies for iPhone Launch - Check for Availabiity

The anticipation for the iPhone is steadidly buidling and Apple seems to be doing an excellent job in
being very proactive. For example Apple has an iPhone checker on their site. However, it will not tell you how many iPhones are left at a particular store (not unless the count is zero), but it will keep you from waiting in vain.

Additionally, all 164 Apple Stores will close at 2pm and reopen at 6pm. Customers will be limited to two iPhones each on a first come first served basis (no reservations), and on Saturday, there will be geniuses available to give free workshops on your newly acquired gadget!  Apple will also be launching it's "One to One", personal training program that not only covers the iPhone, but it's for all things Apple. This will set you back $100 for one year of training which isn't bad.

Press release [Apple]

The Belkin USB Washable Mouse

There's nothing worse than an oily mouse covered with palm crud and dirt. And to make matters worse, it's not as if you can dip that mouse into soap and water to clean it! However, if you had a Belkin USB Washable Mouse ($29.99) you could. The new Belkin 1200dpi optical mouse is water and splash proof and is built to to be immersed in water and can handle spills and can take a hard hand scrubbing. Now, that's our kind of mouse! This USB wired mouse will be available in late August.