I like magnets & I like LED's. Here's a neat combination!

It’s about the size of a golf ball, but the resemblance ends there. The new Striker Magnetic LED Light is a powerful LED spotlight that can be used almost anywhere you need illumination. Using the 12 powerful rare earth (neodymium) magnets you can stick it to any steel surface with the LED facing where you need it.Or if there is no magnetic surface, just rest it on any surface and aim the light towards the workspace at almost any angle. The company says it’s perfect for automotive technicians, electricians, plumbers and do-it-yourselfers. A use I hadn’t thought of is to use the 12 magnets as a “pick up” tool for dropped screws, nails and hardware. It’s powered by three alkaline button cell batteries whichare included. Retails for $6.99. The company says it will be at Home Depotstores soon.

The Samsung U5 Manages to be a different kind of MP3 Player.

The Samsung U5, depending on the model, contains 2, 4, or 8 GB of internal memory. It also had a built in mic, a tiny OLED screen, an FM tuner, and an internal battery that gives (according to Samsung) a very decent 18 hours of use. The mini MP3 player market is a crowded field, but the U5 distinguishes itself by adding animated characters, which Samsung calls Popcon, (not popcorn) to the tiny OLED screen. You get to choose one of 11 Popcon characters (or you can create your own) and even name it. Your Popcon not only greets you when you boot up the U5, it becomes your workout partner. Why do you want a workout partner on a tiny MP3 player? Because there’s a built in fitness program in the U5. No, it’s not a heavy-duty program (prices start under $40!) but it can keep track of how long you work out, and once you tell it the exercise activity you’re involved in, it can figure out the estimated calorie burn. The tiny OLED screen even shows album art when available. It ships with white ear buds and a belt clip. The ear buds sound better than most, especially at this price. You can listen to podcasts using Samsung’s software, and there is a built-in voice recorder for your own recordings. The FM radio includes an FM-recording function. All in all, you get a lot of features for a player that sells for under $40 – for the 2GB version. The 4 & 8 GB model may not happen in the US, so if you like the U5, don't wait for a larger capacity model.

Be sure to see the Inside DGW page for what a Giz Wiz version of the U5 might look like. (Thanks to Alfred Chan!) http://gizwizbiz.squarespace.com/inside-dgw/

http://tinyurl.com/nzs78m

.Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw854

Probably the smallest speaker Altec Lansing ever made, the Altec Orbit.

The Altec iM-207 has been replaced by the Altec Orbit. (Model iM-237.) The Orbit is great for use in a hotel room, at the beach, on a boat, actually anywhere you want to listen to music from a portable player without wearing headphones. Or it’s a way to share your music at a gathering or party. It’s not stereo, but the music sounds like it’s coming from a much larger sound system than the demure Orbit. The iM237 Orbit has a glowing LED so you know when it’s powered on, a feature missing from the original version. It comes with a padded, zippered carrying case. The speaker cord is neatly concealed under the base where it winds around a channel where it’s neatly stored. The sound is excellent for its size. Anyone I played it for was quite surprised when I showed them what they were listening too. Most thought it was a much larger speaker. List price is $40, but I did a web search & found it for about $26 at J&R Music.

http://www.jr.com/altec-lansing/pe/ASN_IM237/

Company website: http://www.alteclansing.com/index.php?file=north_product_detail&iproduct_id=orbit_mp3

Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw849

A new flashlight with 17 LED's!

It’s the Stealth LED flashlight.

The main part of the Stealth flashlight produces a beam of bright light with its 6 LED headlight. Then there’s also a red LED light, which is designed to be used as a signal for emergencies. The base of the flashlight is magnetic which allows you to place it against metal areas of car to hold it in unique positions. There’s also a 10 LED side light bar to use as a desk lamp or to light a work area. The 10 LED side light goes on automatically when it’s lifted away from the body of the flashlight. You could use the magnetic base to stick the Stealth flashlight to the side of your car while changing a flat – assuming your not wearing your Panther Vision Cap. Under $30.

http://yhst-55459441411814.stores.yahoo.net/stledfl.html

Note: Be sure to also check: www.qvc.com and type in Stealth LED Flashlight. It is sometimes availabe there for about $20!

Drop your ring down the drain? Now you see where it got stuck!

PermaFLOW not only replaces the traditional kitchen or bathroom sink drain (aka the ptrap),but it provides a continuous swirling motion as the water drains which helps keep the drainage system clear. That means there’s no need to use drain-cleaning chemicals. The company says conventional ptrap technology hasn’t experienced any major changes since Roman times! The PermaFLOW Drain is made of clear ABS plastic, so if you drop something down the drain, you can actually look under the sink where it’s lodged. Another feature are the inlet and outlet pipes, which are angled to increase flow turbulence. This turbulence helps breakup and propel debris, which minimizes deposits and prevents the sink from becoming clogged. Inside. PermaFLOW has the “first ever” rotating paddle that can clear blockage with a turn of the outside mounted dial. This rotating paddle feature also provides users with a bypass mode to quickly avoid the blockage until you can clear the item that becomes stuck in the drain. And best of all, if you have to retrieve something from the drain with a bent hanger you can actually see how to move the hook to retrieve the lost item. It fits new & existing plumbing. Under $30.

www.pfwaterworks.com