Back To Dick's Gadget Warehouse & An All-in-One PC from 14 years ago!

That Lenovo all-in-one computer at the top of this page got me thinking about my first all-in-one computer. It was from Gateway and it was quite a break through at the time. The Profile line was probably one of the 1^st all-in-one PC’s. I can’t remember the specs exactly, but here’s the Gateway Press release from the year 1999 or 2000. You’ll get a smile out of a lot of “cutting age” specs of the day! 

     Despite its slim size and small footprint, the Gateway Profile 3 features  state-of-the-art technology, while Gateway's built-to-order model allows  systems to be configured to accommodate specific budget and performance requirements.  Clients can chose from a range of Intel Pentium III and Celeron  processors, up to 20GB of hard disk storage, memory capacity up to 512MB and choice of CD-ROM or DVD-ROM players. The 15-inch TFT flat panel display provides crisp, clear images, delivering more vibrant, detailed and life-like colors and images than traditional CRT monitors, making it ideal for a variety of graphics applications, including business presentations, Web page design, games and photo editing.  With Ethernet or v.90 modem support, the Gateway Profile is ready for immediate out-of-the-box access to company Intranets, university networks and provides for easy home Internet connectivity.

      The Gateway Profile 3 is available in several standard configurations, with prices ranging from $1,699 to $1,999. 

And now back to me. There were also a lot of options available, including a 17” and 19” LCD screen. And you could see them in person at the over 300 Gateway stores. OMG, remember Gateway stores?? There were two in Manhattan. Later there was a Profile 4 & 5, even a 5.5 as I recall. If you still want a Profile 5, check out ebay, where I found that photo. (I gave my Profile away a long time ago.) This place (link below) has 7 of them for sale for about $120 each, used of course. And of yeah, they come with Windows XP. 

www.ebay.com/itm/GATEWAY-PROFILE-5-PENTIUM-4-3-0-GHz-19-LCD-MONITOR-80-GB-HD-1-GB-RAM-PCMCI-/251425151921

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Letter of the week:

From: Gregory Katz 

Subject: You must review this thing!

Hi, My name is Gregory and I am a long time listener of your great show. 

Found this bacon scent alarm clock online.  It will be cool if you guys will review that. 

http://www.wakeupandsmellthebacon.com 

Best regards, Gregory Katz

Sent from Mars. 

The Giz Wiz, Week of March 19, 2014, Netcast 1460

The new V-Tech Connect to Cell is a versatile phone, great for a home office. It lets you use one cordless handset with a regular landline, plus you can pair it to two different cell phones. Eliminate cell phone dead spots at home by placing the cell phone(s) where cellular reception is best; then take and make calls at the most convenient place at your work space. Also you'll be able to call out (and answer calls) using the full sized handset, while using your cell phone minutes. Keep in mind that the cell phones connects via Bluetooth, so the range is about 30 feet. The V-Tech Connect to Cell can store 200 records from the two different cell phones. There's also a built in digital answering system, speakerphone, plus Caller ID/Call Waiting ID. $59.95. According to the V-Tech website, this Model DS6751 is an online exclusive. There are a lot more features you'll find info about at the company link below.

www.vtechphones.com./products/product_detail/2504

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The Giz Wiz Video of the Week. It's a smart phone stand. It's a speaker system. It's both!

I’ve reviewed a lot of smart phone holders, and lot of smart phone Bluetooth speakers. But the Boomerang Mini is the first combo Bluetooth Speaker/Smart Phone holder I’ve reviewed. It measures 5.91 x 6.12 x 1.49-inches and has 4 watts of output power. In addition to Bluetooth it has built-in NFC technology for fast pairing. It also has a line-in input for playback from devices that don’t have integrated Bluetooth. The Boomerang Mini folds for storage or carrying. Unpacked it resembles a pair of headphones, but it’s not for wearing over the ears. It seems strange, but in addition to holding your smart phone at various angles and providing excellent sound for its size, the Boomerang Mini can be worn around the neck. After wearing it that way I found I like the idea. You can carry your music with you and listen to it, but still hear the phone, the bell and other sounds in the room because nothing is covering your ears. But wait, there’s more! The Boomerang Mini also features an integrated microphone so it also functions as a speakerphone. On a full charge the folks at Favi Entertainment say you’ll up to ten hours of playback. The Boomerang mini is $59.99. There’s a larger version for tablets, that I haven't heard or seen in person. That's the Boomerang, which retails for $79.99.   

Giz Wiz YouTube Video: http://youtu.be/1nIIGR2h0YQ

Company website: 

http://www.favientertainment.com/Boomerang-Mini-p/boom02-sm.htm  

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You can always use more USB ports. This device adds nine 3.0 ports!

The Satechi 10-Port USB 3.0 Hub adds nine additional USB 3.0 ports and one iPad-charging port to your PC or Mac. This allows you to connect and use USB devices such as digital cameras, external hard drives, flash drives, and printers, all from a single hub. Three switches control each group of three USB 3.0 ports and each group is lit with an attractive blue LED when powered on. The 10-Port USB hub’s on/off switches help users save energy for devices not in use. Instead of turning off the whole unit, it lets you turn the power off for a set of devices. Don't forget it has to be connected to a USB 3.0 port on your computer to provide data rates of up to 5.0Gbps. Shipped with an AC power supply, the Satechi 10-Port USB 3.0 Hub features electric current stability of the connected USB devices. It does not require any software, or drivers, just plug and play. Slim, strip-shape design the Hub saves  desktop space. The 10th port, located on the end of the hub, is capable of charging your iPad and features an On/Off switch. iPads are typically unable to charge from a computer's USB ports, so theSatechi 10-Port USB 3.0 Hub provides unique functionality compared to similar hubs. Portable enough to move between systems or take on the road. MSRP $69.99. As of 3/17/2014, it was on the company website for $59.99. 

http://www.satechi.net/index.php/computer-accessories/usb-hubs/satechi-10-port-usb-3-hub

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Chad's Crappy Corner! But it might be good. (Might be.)

This week Chad tries three different sandwich cutters. Which one does he like best? Here are the three he bought via Amazon:

Evriholder Dynobytes Sandwich Crust Cutter. CRST-D Features: -Dyno byte.-Easily de-crusts sandwiches and cuts into dyno shapes.-Great for back-to-school promotions and year-round.-Top rack dishwasher safe.-BPA free.-Patented. Dimensions: -Dimensions: 1.2'' H x 4.5'' W x 4.25'' D., Assorted Colors $6.00 

The Tetris Sandwich cutter. This is from Fred, a company known for a lot of whimsical gadgets. The Tetris sandwich cutter trims the crust from the bread and cuts it into  shapes fan will recognize. Although non-Tetris fans will think this was made for kids, adults will enjoy it too.

Munchkin 3 Piece Silly Sandwich Cutter Set

The 3 piece Silly Sandwich Cutter by Munchkin makes fun shapes out of sandwiches, pancakes and more. Kids will be delighted at mealtime when food is cut into an elephant, penguin or puzzle. Ships one of each shape, one of each color.

And what did Chad have to say after using all three sandwich cutters? Well he thought the Munchkin 3 Piece Silly Sandwich Cutters for $7.49 was the best deal because you 3 different shapes for the one price. And he found after making five sandwiches to test the cutters on that you need to buy bread that has large slices. You won’t get the full shape with some cutters if the slice of bread is on the small side as you'll see as Chad demonstrates each of the cutters in this week's show. Outside of that, they were all fun, especially for kids - of all ages! 

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