The Giz Wiz, May 14th, 2013, Netcast 1416

Giz Wiz Video of the week #1 -- from the National Hardware Show 2013.

At the National Hardware Show 2013, I met Big John. Big John was showing his Big John Comfort Seats, which are oversized toilet seats designed to fit any round or elongated toilet. At first it sounded like a joke, but Big John explained that the oversized seats are ideal for larger framed people, senior citizens, or anyone who might be physically impaired. Being a good salesman Big John added it’s also great for anyone who just wants a sturdier, more comfortable toilet seat. And talk about sturdy – Big John Comfort Seats are rated for over 1200-pounds. It‘s 2” higher than a standard toilet seat and 19” from side to side. There are three models; the most expensive comes with stainless steel hinges. Big John pushed on the seat to show how the stabilizing bumpers grip the bowl to eliminate any shifting. It’s simple to install, with a wrench or pliers, just as you install any standard toilet set. It’s ADA compliant and made in the USA. They’re available to Amazon for $65 to about $130 models depending on the model.

Company website: http://www.bigjohntoiletseat.com/

Giz Wiz Big John Video: http://youtu.be/tW7lk-z9tSI

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1416

New from Coast -A high tech flashlight that recharges via AC, USB, or 12 Volt DC.

Coast, which makes some very high-end flashlights and lanterns, was showing their recently introduced Coast A22R. This is a built to last, stainless steel rechargeable flashlight designed especially for technicians and other professional users who require top-notch performance from their tools. The Coast Flex Charge Dual Power system allows you to charge the A22R using AC, DC or USB power sources. It can also run on an ordinary AA alkaline battery, so you can continue using your light, even without access to charging power.  The kit includes a second rechargeable battery pack, which can be charged outside of the flashlight so you can always have a battery ready. The Coast A22R also features an unbreakable LED and rubberized O-ring for reliable water resistance and durability. It’s expensive, but it’s backed by Coast's lifetime guarantee against defects in materials and workmanship. And it’s tested and rated to ANSI/FL1 standards by an independent laboratory. Here’s are more specs from Coast: The A22R is equipped with Coast’s Pure Beam Focusing Optic with Speed Focus that allows the user to choose between a broad flood beam and a focused Bulls-Eye Spot beam for long distance illumination. The beam can be locked into any position, from full flood beam to spot beam. The 241-lumen light output has a runtime of 3 hour 30 minutes. (However, I’ve read reviews of runtimes up to five hours) / 370 foot beam distance / Switch for high, low and off. It can also be operated in “momentary” mode by partially depressing the on/off switch. Kit includes flashlight, 2 Lithium Polymer batteries, plus 1 AA battery, adapters to charge via AC, DC (cigarette lighter) or USB, and a belt carry case. Flashlight Dimensions: Length: 4.625 in. / 11.75 cm. Weight: 4.6 oz. / 130.41 g Diameter: Body - 0.725 in / 1.84 cm; Bezel - 1.016 in / 2.58 cm. MSRP is $129.95, but it’s selling for Amazon for under $114. That’s a TWiT link. You pay the same, TWiT gets a pittance.

Amazon Link: http://amazon.com/dp/B00BHVNMXI/?tag=twnene-20

Coast webpage: http://www.coastportland.com/a22r-rechargeable-led-flashlight.htm

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1416

Grillbot! It's like a Roomba for the BBQ.

Someone else I met at the National Hardware Show 2013 was Ethan Woods, real estate agent, turned inventor. The idea for his automatic BBQ grill cleaning Grillbot came to him when he put a wire brush into his electric drill to make cleaning his backyard grill easier. Like many others with want to bring something new to the market, the road from the basic idea to something people can buy took about two years and a bundle of money. He said that people telling him it can’t be done, made him keep going forward. And now Grillbot has launched. Grillbot is simple to operate. Press a button to set the amount of time you want it clean and place it on a hot or cold grill. (A built in alarm tells you if the grill is too hot for the device.) A built-in mini-LCD screen lets you to choose a light or deep clean. Three motors power three wire brushes. The brushes should be good for one complete BBQ season and are replaceable. The Grillbot comes with a rechargeable battery pack, charger, AC adapter and a hanging storage case. It’s available in four colors and can be pre-ordered now for $99.95. It should start shipping in the next month or two. (Written May, 2013.)

www.grillbots.com

Giz Wiz Grillbot Video: http://youtu.be/8owcqhTLHYw

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1416

Leo finds a piece of crap that turns out to be a good, inexpensive, useful piece of furniture.

With Sky Mall out of the picture – well, actually out of the Giz Wiz – each week it’s a surprise to us all what Leo will show.

Looks like a table, but it can be a lot more. Read on.This week it’s the Lack Table from Ikea. Leo talked about it at the top of the show and announced he would build the Lack Table – without tools – during the show. He opened the flat Ikea pack, which contained four legs, the tabletop, and four screws without heads. And during the show he did build it, with a bit of help from Burke and Jeff of the TWiT staff. The table is decent looking and strong, as Leo proved when he decided he should climb up and stand on it!! It has a couple of other advantages too. It can be used as an electronics storage rack as Leo discovered via the Lack-Rack-Hack website. (Link below). Best news -  the Lack Table only costs $15! For some reason when I went to the Ikea site, it seems to be on sale for under $8, but I don’t know for how long! It’s pressboard, not wood, but Leo thought it was still a good, strong value!  

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20011408/#

http://www.ikeahackers.net/2010/01/lack-rack-hack.html

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1416

Gadget Warehouse Time! And it's another interesting viewer's video! (Learn how to submit yours too!)

This week’s Gadget Warehouse Viewer Video started with this email:

My friend goes to a lot of Estate Sales & Auctions and came across this and sent it to me.

It is The Sharper Image Audio-EX SM701

I thought it was brand new, but it is used.

Here's a video of me unboxing it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqa3k74m2-Y&feature=youtu.be

Jim Nichols

Grand Rapids, MI

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1416

We'd love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show. Here's what we're looking for:

Your home made Videos -- two to three minutes long - (four maximum) in the any of the following categories:

I bought a piece of crap! Did you buy something you ended up hating? We won't get you a refund, but we might be able to give a platform to vent your disappointment. Remember, "family friendly" language applies.

I Invented This! Do you invent something? (Or did a friend or relative invent something.) We can't market it for you, but we can help get the word out. Show us what it is, and how it works. Even if it's a prototype, you can get our (and the audience) reactions.

My Gadget Warehouse! Okay, so you don't have a warehouse. It doesn't matter. Just tell us about your favorite old gadget(s). When and where you bought it, and why you're still hanging on to it. 

My favorite gadget of all time! Show us what it is, tell us what it does and why you love, or loved it! It can be something you just bought too.

Post them on YouTube and send our producer, Jason, the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long, 4 MAX! Low production value is fine. Even welcomed! That way our stuff doesn't look bad by comparison. We've set the bar low. Don't trip over it.

NEW! NEW! NEW! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you will now be awarded with some sort of prize. It's Leo's way to get rid of all the "crap from Sky Mall" he's collected. So there's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video!

All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv