The Giz Wiz Show, Sept 17th, 2013, Netcast 1434

Hear here! (Another 'as seen on TV' gadget.)

You don't need to buy this from the TV Ad. It's also online. Here’s the pitch you’ll find on Amazon with comments in brackets from me: Bell and Howell Micro Plus Personal Sound Amplifier new ultra micro design. Powerful amplification up to 50 DB. It's the latest advancement in high-tech hearing technology that lets you hear sounds you ordinarily wouldn't. It is smaller than the latest cell phone technology (That's good. I doubt a hearing aid bigger than cell phone would be a big seller!), yet it lets you hear everything even from clear across the room. Perfect for watching TV without disturbing others, theater, and nature walks. Ideal for conversations, lectures, theater, hiking, sporting events, watching TV and more. It’s very discreet and resembles a cell phone earpiece, so you no longer have to hide it. (That sounds better.) Flexible ear hook easily adjust to fit all ear shapes and sizes and converts for right/left ear war. (There is no ear hook; but I saw one on a different model!) Microplus (Now they make it one word) is equipped with a volume control to adjust the level to your individual needs. Micro sized, actually smaller than a quarter. (That’s good, because a quarter won’t fit in my ear!) Fits right or left ear. Includes: 1 x Bell and Howell Micro Plus Personal Sound Amplifier 3 x Silicone Ear tips 1 x Button Cell Battery. And now back to me. I love where I found this device filed on Amazon: Tools & Home Improvement › Kitchen & Bath Fixtures › Water Filtration & Softeners › Under-Sink Filters. (Strange!) For some real testing I asked a friend who had lost his hearing aid to try this while he was waiting for his insurance to get a replacement. My friend said it was pretty useless trying to hear what people in the room were saying. But he found it “a blessing when watching TV” (His exact words). It turned out his hearing aid wasn’t replaced for 4 months, so he was really happy to have this device for TV viewing. Unlike other reviewers, he only went through two batteries in 4 months, but he used it just a few hours a night. Replacing batteries requires patience because the unit is small, and the batteries are tiny. I tried this device too. None of the 3 earpieces supplied fitted my ears comfortably. I found it does boost TV volume, but there is some minor hiss too, but it’s very low. This is not the best recommendation, but I will say this device is better than most “as seen on TV” devices I’ve used.

Links outdated.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1434  

I can see the heat! A mini-portable heater with a hypnotic display.

The Comfort Zone Fireplace is a portable ceramic electric heater, which, according to the box, offers "3D Flame". Actually, the moving flame effect is quite nice, especially on a cold evening. You can have the flame effect alone, or use it along with low or high heat. It got 4 out of 5 stars from 29 customers. (I said about 45 customers in the video.) I’d give it 4 stars too. Feature wise, it will shut off it if tips over, and the company says it also has an "overheat protection system". There is one shortcoming, however, that you should be aware of. It does not have an automatic thermostat to turn it on and off at a preset temperature. I plan on using on my Comfort Zone Fireplace on my boat so it will only be on when I'm sitting there. And if you're planning on napping with the unit on, it does make more noise than other electric heaters I've used, but it’s not a deal breaker. I bought mine on Amazon for under $56. It’s on Amazon Prime which means it ships free in two days.

Comfort Zone® Mini Fireplace CZFP1   As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

Giz Wiz Comfort Zone Video: http://youtu.be/pmn3nRdnJig

 See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1434

Add wired Ethernet to a lot of devices that don’t have it now!

I never knew such a gadget existed until I starting using the super slim, super sleek, Acer S7 notebook computer. This machine is beautiful, but like many slim machines has wireless WiFi, but no port to hook up the more secure and reliable wired WiFi. Then, while setting up the machine for the first time, I found a dongle in the box that let me add wired WiFi via USB! It works great. (I prefer hard-wired WiFi for all things TWiT.) That got me wondering if I could buy a dongle like that for other devices that don’t have a way to use wired WiFi. A web search at Amazon showed me other devices like this are available. Here’s a bit more info via Amazon: The Plugable USB 2.0 to 10/100 Network Adapter adds a Fast Ethernet (RJ45) capable port to any supported system. It uses the ASIX AX88772 chipset for widest possible compatibility. Note the adapter is not for network enabling USB devices, rather it's the other way around - it's a USB device that adds a fast wired network interface to supported computers, consoles, and mobile devices running network-capable operating systems. The unit features a compact external design. Two LEDs monitor power and link activity. Powered by USB (no external power adapter needed). Drivers built in. (Check the link below to read A LOT MORE about compatibility.) Wired Ethernet via this adapter provides faster and more reliable network access than typical 802.11 wireless networking (up to 2-3x as fast). Useful to replace a broken network port, participate on multiple networks, or give virtual machines their own physical network connection. The Plugable USB 2.0 Network Ethernet adapter is $13.95 on Amazon. I bought mine at the link below. Do a web search and you can find a faster version too.

Old links removed.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1434

OMG CHAD FILLS IN FOR LEO. WILL HIS PICK BE CLASS OR CRAP?

Chat’s pick for this week’s Giz Wiz Show was a leftover from Jeff Needles stack ‘o crap. It’s the Tool Logic KSLP2 Survival Tool. This key ring accessory features an LED flashlight housed in a Zytel sleeve with a diamond sharpener at the end. Unfortunately the batteries arrived DOA, so Chad couldn’t show us how bright the flashlight was. It’s powered by four 1.5 Volt button cell batteries, and the company says it’s waterproof for shallow immersion or for use in wet environments. Here’s a bit more from Amazon: Made from tough anodized aluminum and less then one ounce, the KSLP2 is the perfect the tool for any outdoor enthusiast. With a fire starter rated for 1,000 strikes and the capacity to throw off a shower of sparks at over 2,500 degrees even when wet conditions, the KSLP2 makes a perfect outdoor survival accessory. (Chad showed us that it does make an impressive amount of sparks, but it wasn’t enough to ignite a paper towel.) At less than one ounce, this lightweight, compact tool is easy to carry in your pocket or backpack. Overall Chad thought this was a decent survival tool for someone on a desert island. But make sure you check those batteries before you go into the woods, or to that desert island.

Old links removed.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1434

Back to Dick's Gadget Warehouse! With another viewer video & how to sumbit your video!

A video submission starts with a note to us after you post your video on YouTube. Here's the note that came with the video we selected for this show:

Jason, Here is a viewer video for the Giz Wiz.

http://youtu.be/mjiwcFpHhsk

Let me know if you are interested in listening to or seeing any of the other music, mad minutes or video clips from the software.

Thanks, Ken Kovar

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1434

                             +++++

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 - 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! Did 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