This is a handy gadget - and that's on the level!

Hanging pictures or book shelves drive you crazy as you try to make sure they’re absolutely level?  (Say “yes!”) Well Black & Decker’s BDL100AV all-in-one SureGrip laser level can help make that chore really easy. Now you can hang items straight without leaving smudges from writing utensils. The SureGrip features a rubber suction cup with silicone ring for easy attachment to most nonporous surfaces. It’s a two-part device. A magnet lets you flip the laser line left or right, projecting a clean and clearly visible line use to hang items. The integrated vial automatically changes color from red (not level) to green (level). There’s an optional audio signal alert great when you need to know something is level, but the device is out of view. (Like when you’re trying to level a washing or a table and you’re down below.) A large switch let you choose the level along, or the level and the laser line. If you need to use a pushpin for extra support of the device, there is one provided and it locks into the back of the SureGrip laser level. Although the MSRP is about $45 you can find it online for much less.

THE VIDEO OF THE WEEK: http://youtu.be/ch19LkOtQIw  

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1329

A simple gadget that costs just five bucks and works really well.

This is a clever little device kids will love. Parents will love it too, because it will mean far less glasses to wash, or paper cups to buy. For about $5, Tapi can turn your water faucet into a drinking fountain. Yes, it’s a way to hygienically drink or just rinse your mouth straight from the tap with no more worry about dirty hands or cups. Installation takes about 15 seconds. Just slide Tapi on your water faucet and it’s ready to use. As the water runs through it squeeze the bottom and the water will shoot up through it and come out just like a drinking fountain. It's so much fun, your kids will want to brush their teeth just so they can use it. Constructed of water-safe rubber that will never affect or change the taste of the water. Tapi fits onto almost any tap with a straight spout. It’s available in a rainbow of colors, which SpoonSisters say will be back in stock toward the end of August. Currently only the silver color is available, but I think that matches the faucet and makes it almost invisible. Measures just 2.48 inches. A set of 2 is $9.95, plus S&H.

http://www.spoonsisters.com/product/74403.html

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1327

During hurricane Irene I'm watching my boat via my dropcam.

The Dropcam is a small easy to install, and easy-to-use webcam. The setup is simple because there’s no software to install. You connect the camera to AC and your router. Then you go to the Dropcam website, register and enter the code from the camera. Within a minute or two you’re up and running. Now you can monitor your home or business while traveling. If you want, you can receive automatic alerts to activity while you're away. The Dropcam automatically detects motion to record important events that happen when you’re not around. (You need an optional recording plan for that.) When something happens, you receive an email or text immediately. Leo set his up at the TWiT Brickhouse all during construction so anyone could watch the progress. You can also watch your Dropcam via iPhone or Android devices. It’s pretty neat. No matter where you are in the world, as long as you can get on the web you can see video from your Dropcam. All Dropcams come with free email alerts and viewing on your computer and iPhone. If you like, you can add online recording starting at $8.95/month. The basic color Dropcam has no audio and costs $199.00. You can get an audio enabled version for $279.00. Watch a demo and see actual video from various Dropcams (including TWiT) at the company website: 

www.dropcam.com

My boat wecam: http://dropc.am/p/xsIXNn   

 

An iPad, iPod, iPhone dock with some unique features.

The Stem TimeCommand dock for iPhone, iPad and Ipod is one of the more unique iOS device docking stations. I didn’t quite understand why the Stem Innovations decided on circular design. But after hearing it, I think I know one of the reasons. Because the sound doesn’t come directly at you, but aims to your right and left, you really hear excellent stereo separation out of a device with a diameter of less than eight inches. You may not know the name Stem Innovations, but you probably know the name XtremeMac. Stem Innovations was started by the former CEO of XtremeMac, Gary Bart. There are other features that make the TimeCommand more than your basic iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone dock. There’s SafeWake, a back-up battery alarm that will sound at the preset time even if the power goes out. If there’s a power failure, instead of showing the time on a steady display, it will blinks every 10 seconds or so to alert you that there is no AC power to the unit. There’s also a 5-band graphic equalizer and bass enhancer to customize the sound. I was also surprised to find there was free Internet radio with about a dozen music style choices. Great if you get tired of the tunes on your iOS device. When I saw the large power plug had an AC outlet on the side I thought it was an AC pass through for another device. But it turns out that it’s designed as a place for you to plug in your bedroom lamp. Once plugged in, you have the ability to dim your light as you fall asleep and even ‘wake to light’ if you want. This feature is only for lamps with incandescent bulbs – and I assume for the new ‘clearly marked dimmable LED bulbs’. When setting up the unit for the first time, the digital clock doesn’t have to be set because it syncs with the clock time on your iPad/iPhone/iPod when it’s docked. But wait, there’s more! The Stem Connect App (free from iTunes) lets you control the brightness of your bed lamp, set alarm times and sounds, and set nap/snooze controls. The curved LED display is fully dimmable up and down, at the touch of a button on the unit itself. And something else unique is the pivoting dock connector, which can accommodate devices even if they’re in their protective case. TimeCommand is compatible with devices running iOS 4.2 and higher. Available from Apple Store at about $100.

http://tinyurl.com/476yozs

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1323

The Virtual Keyboard Becomes Real!

At CES about five years ago reporters where given a look-see at the keyboard of the future. It was laser projected onto any flat surface with a tiny cube. I got to try it and it interesting, but using it was tricky. If you didn’t hit a key dead center it would type a letter you didn’t want. It took quite a bit of time, but now the Cube Laser Virtual Keyboard is ready for prime time. It’s very accurate and this I love –as you type – every keystroke is accompanied by a simulated key click.  (You can adjust the volume, or turn it off if you want.) On an airplane you'll get a lot of attention when you set this little cube on your tray table and start typing away on your Android phone or iPad.  With 63 keys and a full size QWERTY layout, the Laser Virtual Keyboard can approach typing speeds of a standard keyboard. Yet the Virtual keyboard projector is on about 1” X 3” in size. Connects wirelessly via bluetooth to iPhone, iPad, many Smartphones and most Laptops. But wait, there’s more! Mouse mode allows you to use your finger as a mouse rather than typing when using with a laptop. The rechargeable battery lasts for 150 minutes of continuous typing. It charges via USB. $169.95.  

http://tinyurl.com/3waok6q