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Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

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Entries from September 1, 2015 - September 30, 2015

Thursday
Sep172015

Giz Wiz Show #1536 September 17th , 2015, our 20th Independently Produced Giz Wiz Show.  

Here's the simpliest key chain I found. I like it because you can add and take off keys without using (or breaking) your finger nails:

It's called the Infini-Key. Here's the description from Amazon: Infini-Key is a Stainless Steel Clip Key Ring, Keep Multiple Keys Handy, Allows You To Isolate & Remove Any 1 Of Them Without Having To Struggle With A Stubborn Split Key Ring, Just Slide The Key You Need To The Narrowed Top, The Neck Keeps Your Other Keys From Following & Unlock The Simple Carabineer Clip To Remove, Can Also Be Used To Attach The Infini-Key To A Belt Loop, Backpack, Or Second Key Ring, Keeping Your Keys Secure & Handy Wherever You Go. And now back to me. In the video below I'm using the Infini-Key XL. The MSRP is only $4.99, it wasn't on Amazon as of 9/16/15. The regular Infini-Key has a MSRP of just $3.99, and it is on Amazon. But beware it seems to be selling for double or triple that price on some websites.

It's under $4 on Amazon link below - for the small version. The larger version is new and just became available on Amazon for under $6. Here's the link to the smal version.

Nite Ize KIC-11-R3 Infini-Key, Stainless, 1-Pack 

And the XL version is here:

Nite Ize KICL-11-R3 Infini-Key Ring, X-Large, Stainless

 

The Key Rack series from Niteize offers many varieties. Here's a bit of info on them, then I'll list some of the options you can get. Key Rack is made of high quality stainless steel, the S-Biner Key Rack + carabiner clip has a secure gate closure on one end, allowing you to clip your keys to an existing key ring, belt loop, purse strap, zipper pull, etc. The other end holds six different-colored plastic S-Biners, perfectly sized to hold 6 separate keys. Identify your keys by color, and attach and release them individually from the Key Rack with ease. No more fiddling with split rings or fumbling to find the key you need-the S-Biner KeyRack + is perfect for quick and easy sharing of keys with family members, leaving a key for a valet or babysitter, taking a single key when you're out on a run or ride. And they there are Key Racks with the added feature of the bottle opener, or a Key Rack with a built-in LED light, or one with a locking bar on each S-Biner clip. That one is called KeyRack Locker. There's an all stainless-steel Key Rack with non-color S-Biners to hook your keys to. They start under $10. Check the varieties at the company website by typing: “Key Rack” in search.

http://www.niteize.com/  

 

Giz Wiz Unique Key Chains Video: https://youtu.be/rxeDEGJN52U 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1536  

Thursday
Sep172015

Lots of unique stuff, (other than keys), you can hang on your key chain.

Powerkey Mini Power Cord. $15 to $25.USB ports seem to be everywhere, yet somehow that connecting cord is always missing, or inconveniently tangled in the bottom of your bag right when you need it most. The PowerKey is here to save the day! Durable and sleekly designed to attach to your key chain, simply pop open the protective cover, plug in to charge or sync. There's a micro USB version for most Android phones and a Lightning version for Apple products. Apple Lightning connector $24.99, Micro USB $14.99. These are brand new and were not on Amazon yet as of 9/14/15, but they are on the company website. Once PowerKey is in wide distribution, I think discounts will be available. PowerKey is available in four colors which you can learn about here:    

http://www.niteize.com/product/PowerKey-Mini-Power-Cord.asp 

 

INKA Mobile Pen + Stylus. Under $12. Made of durable nylon and carbon fiber that's tough, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant. One of the device contains a pressurized cartridge of blue waterproof ink, the pen writes smoothly and consistently in extreme temperatures, upside-down, and at any altitude - even underwater. The cap at the opposite end of the Inka Mobile opens to reveal an easily accessible touch-screen stylus - perfect for everything from quick notes to business presentations. There are two models- one clips to your key chain, the other offers the option of a pocket clip, plus biner S hook so it can also hang from your key chain if you wish.  

You can see all the color options at: http://www.niteize.com/

Wow, this link on Amazon is for an e-retailer selling the clip-on key chain version for under $7. (I did not buy mine here.)

Nite Ize IMP-M3-R7 Inka Mobile Pen - Retail Packaging - Lime

The pocket clip/key chain version is here also for about $7.00

Nite Ize Inka Mobile Clip Stylus Pen - Retail Packaging - Black

Giz Wiz Gadgets For Your Key Chain Video:

https://youtu.be/0IjeSinUqTg

See or hear this show:  

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1536  

Thursday
Sep172015

World's Smallest LED light?

This tiny LED light is called the NanoLite. It’s so small you actually stick it on the side of a key, pretty much, just about any key. Using it is a one handed operation. Just squeeze your thumb against the NanoLite button as you put the key into the lock and you'll be able to see the opening clearly. It can also provide a nice bit of light when opening car and home door locks. Actually it's good to open any lock that is normally in a darkened area. It uses a bright red LED to avoid night blindness that is often associated with a bright white light. There are other mini flashlights and key chain lights but with Nanolight you don't have to remember to carry them with you. NanoLite is smaller than a penny and a bit thicker. It easily attaches to a key with high-bond 3M adhesive. I’ve been using a NanoLite for about three years now and even though it hits up against other keys on the ring, it’s stayed perfectly in place all that time. The Lithium battery is not replaceable, but a spokesperson at the company said it should last for about 3 years. 

No longer available.

Thursday
Sep172015

Chad's Crappy Corner and his 3rd get for September's theme, Spy Gadgets.

Chad polled our Patreon supporters and for his September theme they selected “spy gadgets.” 

Chad's 3rd spy gadget of the month is: The Trademark Home Dictionary Diversion Book Safe.

 

Here's what Amazon says about it: Looks and feels just like the real thing. Need a place to store extra cash, jewelry, etc. Doing some traveling. Diversion safes provide the perfect hiding place and allow you easy access to your valuables. Why use a diversion safe. Most burglars spend less than six minutes inside a victim's home and only have time to check the most obvious places for valuables. These unique safes allow you to hide valuables inside common household products - one of the last places a thief would think to look. According to the chicago police these units are better than a locked safe and a thousand times cheaper. $11.75 and Amazon Prime. So free shipping if you're a Prime member. (Price as of 9/17/15)

 

And Chad's take? Chad said the Trademark Home Dictionary Diversion Book Safe does look like a book when it's placed on a shelf with the binding facing out. But he said looking it from the front the pages do look a little bit like they're made of plastic. (Which they are.)Chad showed us it is a locking safe that comes with two keys. The price is pretty good too.  

 

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TOBM1K?ref_=cm_sw_r_awd_.wZ-vbS4C7HPY  As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1536  

Thursday
Sep172015

Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How to Submit Your Viewer Video.

This gadget has been around for a long time, I showed one on the air nine years ago. So it's certainly Dick's Gadget Warehouse worthy, but it turns out it's still for sale after all these years. I figured a lot of people probably didn't know about this gadget, so I'm showing it again. As reporters say: “If you never saw it before, it's a 'new gadget'!)” It's called Key Buoy. Work near the water, or own a boat? Never lose keys in the water again! When keys fall in the water, wait about 30 seconds to a minute and your keys come bobbing back to the surface! Once you see that inflated orange tube breaking the surface you have approximately 25 minutes to grab them. (It starts to deflate after about 30 minutes.) Tube carries keys to the surface for easy retrieval. Suitable for keys or items weighing up to 2.8 oz. I wondered how it worked and the guys at the Davis Instrument booth were happy to explain. When you drop the Key Buoy in the water, a tiny piece of sponge inside the device expands and forces the plastic clam shell to open. When it opens, a tightly folded 14” plastic tube is released. Then a small tablet which contains baking soda dissolves. This creates a gas that fills the tube that floats your keys. The package says the Key Buoy is suitable for items weighing up to 2.8 ounces. That's about as many as 5 keys. Davis Instruments said you can even attach them to other things that often fall in the water like the water fill or gas cap key providing it doesn't weight more than 2.8 ounces. There single use devices, but cost only $7. And if it brings your keys up from the bottom, I think you'll say it's worth it!

Giz Wiz Key Buoy Video: https://youtu.be/ZuS95Jv5wtI 

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

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1536   

                                      *******************

 

We’re looking for more Viewer Videos! We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show, so here's what we're looking for! Your home shot video – 2 to 3 minutes long, in 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. No professional ads please.

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 a new gadget you just bought too. 

Post them on YouTube and send us the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long! Low production value is fine, but we should be able to hear you and see you! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you’ll a tiny amount of fame (hopefully), an autographed MAD magazine and a 35-year-old Alfred E. Neuman picture. So that's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video! IMPORTANT: We'll just shower you with praise for your video if you live outside the US or Canada since we can't afford to send stuff outside of those two places. (Thanks for understanding.)

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv  

 

************************

Letter of the week: 

 

Joe Isgrigg

 

I just discovered these neat pencils called Sprout Pencils. You may have heard of them. They contain seeds and when the pencil becomes too short to use, you stick it in the ground or soil and it grows into a plant.

 

Here is the amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/Sprout-World-Herb-Pack-Pencil/dp/B00F1Z7TTE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442258300&sr=8-1&keywords=sprout+growing+pencils

 

P.S

I love the show Dick and Chad! Keep up the good work!

 

Thanks,

Joe Isgrigg aKaJoE