Mint Gadgets

LaCie have unveiled a new set of USB powered speakers providing digital audio for laptop, desktop, or Mac computers. Normally most notorious for their external drives, LaCie have produced a very capable set of USB speakers delivering clear sound when playing music, movies, and games.

Features

- High quality digital audio speakers
- Portable: bus-powered with built-in cable
- Plug & play and driver-free (PC/Mac)
- Low power consumption

Specifications

Interface :  Hi-Speed USB 2.0
Output Minimum :  2W audio; 1W per channel
Amplifier :  Class D
Driver :  High excursion neodymium driver (2 inches/5cm)
Signal Processing & Frequency :  16-bit / 48kHz
System Requirements :  • Mac or PC with a USB port • Mac® OS X 10.3.5 or higher / Windows® 2000, - Windows XP, Windows Vista
Frequency Response :  90Hz - 20kHz
Size :  5.31 x 3.94 x 3.54 in. / 135 x 100 x 90 mm
Warranty :  1 Year Limited Warranty

Available: LaCie
Price: $60

For quite a while now USB solar chargers have been around. They come in different shapes which are all generally squarish and straightforward in showcasing utility in their design. Little wonder then that we got all awestruck hearing about one of these gizmos donning a totally unorthodox twist – the Solar Bonsai Tree USB Charger.

As its name suggests, yes, it’s a tabletop mechanical tree alright. The novel concept is made up of numerous “tree parts” that connect together through 3.5mm headphone-style jacks. A large trunk provides plugs for its three branches, which in turn accommodate nine smaller branches. Twenty-seven even thinner limbs make up the ends where the tree leaves connect. There are fifty-four leaves in all that are actually small solar cells responsible for fetching power. The look of the bonsai tree can be customized through the simple twisting of the plugged branches and limbs in different directions. The neat-looking tree base that resembles a well-kept plant box takes care of concealing the gadget’s cables and other sensitive mechanism. At the moment, no power generation specs have been measured.

As the Solar Bonsai Tree USB Charger is still in the concept stage, very little information is available. If this contraption ever makes it to the market, it wouldn’t be surprising to see it gracing a good many desks and tables everywhere.

Another day another remote controlled gadget, this time a radio controlled car called the Zero gravity Micro R/C Car. Nothing special about remote controlled cars you might think, except this car gadget can perform gravity defying moves along a wall.  I can remember when Racing R/C cars on a floor were all the rage, however those days are long gone. With this latest Remote Controlled gadget you can hold races on a horizontal or vertical wall, and even upside down.

Featuring an advanced Venturi suction system the Zero Gravity Micro Car is able to create large amounts of down-force through the use of special fans which results in sticking the car to the wall. Powered by a rechargeable battery, the Zero Gravity Micro R/C Car makes an ideal birthday present for kids.

Check out the video of the Zero Gravity Micro R/C Car in Action

Colors: Black, Red
Available: Firebox
Price: £29.95

Wondering what to do with your collection of VHS tapes? Well rather than throw them out or let them gather dust in your loft why not convert them all to digital files using this USB VHS Converter? This really handy gadget is a breeze to use, simply plug the USB cable from the VHS Converter into your PC, insert a tape and install the EZ VHS Converter Software and press record.

The USB VHS Converter allows VHS recordings to be converted into digital files which can then be saved to a computers hard drive. Once saved on your hard drive you can convert VHS to DVD assuming you have a DVD rewriter.

Features

- Convert VHS tapes to digital files to view on PCs, iPods, PSPs, DVD and other media players
- Includes Easy Video Conversion software to customize movies and burn DVDs
- Software allows you to take still images from videos
- Capture video at resolutions up to 720 x 576
- Can convert videos from camcorder to PC, via AV sockets on the front of the device
- Works as a regular VHS player for TV playback
- Auto-tracking, variable speed slow motion, playback, and rewind
- USB output
- Scart output
- Auto tracking and tape playback
- Soft touch backlit buttons
- Software has a trimming feature

Included in price is USB cable, EZ VHS Converter software and Mains power cable. The EZ VHS Converter Software is compatible with Windows XP and Vista.

Available: Firebox
Price: $249.95

Pictured above is the retro designed USB Microphone available from Brando.  As if having a USB mic which looks good is not enough it also features a wireless design capable of working up to three meters away. Looking at the picture of the USB Microphone you may think it looks a bit bulky and I would have to agree, nevertheless it is lightweight weighing only 149g.

Features

- Supports Windows XP, Vista, Mac OSX
- On/Off button design
- No driver require for Windows XP/Vista
- Dimension: 80 x 80 x 160mm (approx.) (Microphone)
- Weight: 149g

Included with the Wireless USB Microphone is a USB Receiver Cable and 9V Battery.

Available: Brando
Price: $29.00

Thinkgeek have another great gadget for gamers, especially the millions of people who like playing on the Nintendo Wii.  This gadget is a portable 16:9 LCD screen with an integrated Wii sensor.  Positioned at the rear of the portable LCD screen are cable ports that are compatible with a normal TV screen meaning the Wii can easily be connected.

The latest Wii Accessories screen features a ball and socket design allowing for repositioning of screen for optimum playing and viewing angle. Stereo speakers are incorporated into the side of the screen which prevents the need for headphones.

The Portable LCD Screen for the Nintendo Wii is a smart little gadget which folds down over the top of your Wii not only preventing damage to the screen but also making it more compact and perfect for travelling.
Product Features

- Portable LCD screen for Wii features a built in sensor bar
- Simply clips on. No modification to your Wii is needed
- Screen: 7 inches TFT LCD
- Resolution: 480(W) X 234(H)
- PAL/NTSC (auto switching)
- Aspect Ratio Adjustability
- Flip picture upside-down for creative mounting options
- Adjustable Picture Settings -contrast, brightness etc.
- Fan Grill Hole so your Wii Won’t Overheat.
- Nintendo Wii Direct AV connection
- Auxiliary Stereo AV Connection (3 x RCA)
- 2 x USB for Nintendo Wii
- Built-In Stereo Speakers
- Power Source: 12 VDC (Car Cigar Lighter Adaptor Included)
- When not using in your car, you can use the standard power supply that came with your Wii
- Dimensions: 258×62x156mm (LxWxD)

Available: Thinkgeek
Price: $109.99

Mintgagdets can quietly but confidently disclose that the Xbox 360 arcade station T2 is currently in development and being tested for future release. Not too sure how much different the arcade Xbox will be to the normal household version other than being housed in an arcade cabinet. Nevertheless the Xbox 360 Arcade will feature two controllers and will contain preinstalled Xbox games such as Fifa 08, Assassins Creed, or even Halo 3.  The arcade station will also allow memory cards to be slotted in and possibly even allow local link gaming.

Who is going to pay to play on an Xbox arcade rather than play on their own Xbox or go and play on a friends Xbox? Well my thoughts are that there are probably quite a few people out there who would rather play on the arcade game before going out and buying the game.

Payment wont be in the form of per game, more likely time based so make sure you have a good supply of quarters if your into your gaming!

NEC are proud to announce their new all-in-one 12″ and 15″ touch panel PC. Powered by Intel’s Atom Z530 1.6GHz processor, 512MB/1GB RAM, and a 80GB hard drive the touch panel have a reasonable hardware configuration.  Included in the NEC PC’s is either Windows XP  or Vista Business Embedded operating systems.

There is no pricing or availability news on NEC all-in-one Touch Screen PC.

The Intel Health PHS5000 from LG, also known as Dr. Touch is an home internal health monitor piece of kit which can monitor and diagnose various diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. The Intel Health PHS5000 is no substitute for visiting your GP and it is always recommended to visit a trained physician nevertheless it can be used as a helpful gadget. The Intel Health PHS5000 has a simple to user interface with help features including videos.

No news of pricing or availability of the health monitoring gadget currently.

The new Ex100 Digital Projector from Epson provides great clarity and detail. Utilizing 2700 lumens for its light source, razor sharp quality images and High Defintion capability with XGA resolution this HD Projector is a quality gadget. The Ex100 multimedia projector is fairly small and lightweight at less than 4lbs, however quality of the product has not been compromised.

Features:

- Features & Benefits
- Ultra bright — 2700 lumens for use in any lighting
- Featherweight portability — only 3.5 lb (carrying case included)
- Full-time color, no color breakup, no rainbows — 3LCD, 3-chip optical engine
- Razor sharp quality, HD-ready — native XGA resolution (SXGA+ compatible)
- Outstanding support — two-year limited warranty, next-business-day road service
- Simple setup — 1.2x optical zoom and auto keystone correction
- Convenient control — Instant On, Instant Off®, and Sleep Mode
- Security anywhere — password protection and Kensington® lock bar

Supplied Accessories

- Soft carrying case
- Component Video Adapter (VGA to 3 RCA)
- Audio Adapter (3.5mm – 2 RCA)
- Power Cable
- Computer Cable
- Projector Remote Control
- Batteries
- Cable Cover
- User Manual CD
- Quick Setup Sheet
- PrivateLine Support Card
- Password Protection Sticker

Available: Epson
Price: $999.00