The Classic Manual Typewriter Is Back
March 17, 2012 by mintgadgets
Filed under Office Gadgets
Back when I went off to college, and that was many, many years ago, the portable notebook computer was not the standard issue that every student brought to school. In fact, that was before the personal computer was even invented (come on, I don’t feel that ancient). Nope, when I went to college, every student had to have a typewriter. I had a dandy little Smith Corona electric typewriter and I loved that thing. Sure, today, kids just use their computer equipped with a word processor application, and turn out beautiful work, spell checker and all.
But back then, there was no better way to crank out the reports and papers than with a typewriter. Otherwise, it was writing everything with pen and paper, long hand. And there wasn’t enough time in the day to get the work done by hand. While we’re reminiscing a bit, don’t forget the typewriting services for pay. You could turn in your hand written manuscript to a typewriting service, usually some gal moonlighting for extra pay, and get your papers done that way. After all, not everyone had a typewriter or knew how to type well.
And how about Ernest Hemingway, Tennesse Williams or Jack Kerouac. Do you think they would have created the same literary works on a notebook PC with a word processor? Not likely. It had to be a manual typewriter! Some would even say that the clicking and clacking of the typewriter keys was half the inspiration for all of that creative literary invention. Well, I’m not sure about that, but it just wouldn’t feel right without the manual typewriter.
I’m glad to say, the classic manual typewriter is back! Not just a faint memory or a reminder in an old Hollywood film, you can actually get a beautiful, brand new manual typewriter. Better than ever, actually!
Let me ask you another question. Do you really think your personal computer, word processor and desktop printer is the best way to address envelopes. I don’t know about you, but it still takes me 5 tries to remember how to place the envelope in the special slot for printing to get the return address and the sender address to show up in the right place. Lets see, was that right-side up, or flush on the left, or upside-down, … oops, try again with another envelope. Definitely not green and eco-friendly wasting all that paper!
That’s where the Classic Manual Typewriter comes in handy. The manual typewriter by Royal is perfect for addressing envelopes, creating labels, or filling out forms. It’s those simple, hit-and-run tasks that can be ridiculously tedious with a computer and desktop printer. These same little tasks are a snap and a breeze with a manual typewriter.
The Classic Manual Typewriter by Royal has all the standard functions you need. Features include seven tab stops, adjustable line spacing, and a backspace key. The 44 keys type 88 symbols in 10-characters-per-inch Pica 87 font. Enclosed in a sleek, lightweight plastic housing and comes with a durable hard shell carrying case. And don’t forget the black/red spool ribbon (remember those).
The Classic Manual Typewriter dimensions are: 3 1/2 inches high, by 11 3/4 inches wide by 12 3/4 inches deep. Weighs about 9 pounds.
I want one, how about you?
Available: Hammacher
Price: $199.95
Relax In the Pool with the King Kai Floats
July 6, 2011 by Sharon
Filed under Outdoor Gadgets
For the days that one could afford the luxury of just floating in their pool and bask in the sunlight, many are turned away by their experience with common inflatable floats. Serving as an alternative, King Kai Floats have addressed the few occurring issues that have surfaced from the conventional floats.
As many of the inflatable floats are made of water proof materials, they’re not made to be breathable and sometimes leave those who use them with much discomfort. King Kai Float has come up with a simple design where the top layer is made up of a breathable fabric and the bottom layer remains water proof to put people out of their uneasiness and also worries.
Inflatable floats are also made in a fixed and rigid shape. Those who lay on top of such floats normally have to find a sweet spot on the float where they’re able to find balance and also comfort in their leaning position. In King Kai floats, the solution that has been provided is by stripping away the float’s inflexibility and replacing it with bean bags. With the use of bean bags, support is provided by taking on the shape of those lying on top. In a way, the bag is able to provide support according to the position of its user rather than having the user coordinate for the right posture.
Even though it’s comes in a rather hefty price tag, the simple design could provide the very much needed comfort for those who are looking for a quality time under the sun.
Available: Amazon
Price: $249.95
Adjustable Temperature Outdoor Shower
June 28, 2011 by Sharon
Filed under Outdoor Gadgets
Don’t you think it would be a convenience to have an outdoor shower near your swimming pool? Would it just make things easier for your children to have a short shower outside after having a muddy game of football? Doesn’t it irritate you that you have to go inside the house just to wash off the dirt after a tiring gardening session? Thanks to the technology developed today, an adjustable temperature outdoor shower is available to make your life easier! On top of that, the adjustable temperature makes it a whole lot better too!
An Adjustable Temperature Outdoor Shower is a state of the art invention that provides a temperature-adjustable shower that you can put anywhere outdoor. In other words, while you are showering outdoor, you may adjust the temperature of the stream of water as you please – a hot shower right after a dip in the pool or a cold stream of water after a tiring game of football to let you feel fresh instantly. Besides that, these adjustable temperature outdoor showers provide personality for your outdoor décor, a unique and elegant designed compared to your typical outdoor shower.
In addition to that, the shower’s housing is also very eco-friendly. The shower’s housing operates as a greenhouse which heats water from the hose. As you turn the shower handle, it combines the cool water from the hose and the heated water. As a result, a stream of soothing flow of water is produced which has a temperature from 60º F to 130º F.
Moreover, the strong water pressure exerted from the hose is capable of cleansing and rinsing off dirt and chlorine. The swivel feature of the hose allows you to tilt the shower head for optimal positioning. Without a doubt, adjustable temperature outdoor shower makes your life easier.
Available: Hammacher
Price: $199.95
Play Texas Hold’em in Your Swimming Pool with the Inflatable Poker Set
June 27, 2011 by Michael
Filed under Outdoor Gadgets
I like swimming and relaxing in a pool and I like playing poker but I would never have thought about combining the two. Someone obviously has as you can now buy an Inflatable Poker Set on Amazon. Now I know there are not many people out there who own their own swimming pool, I definitely don’t, the only time I am in a pool is if I am on holiday or down the local leisure centre however for those of you that do this could be a neat outdoors gadget.
Imagine it’s a hot day; you and your pals are relaxing in the pool, surprise them by pulling out this poker set and watch their reaction. I guarantee they will love it.
Included in the inflatable poker set is four floating chairs and a waterproof poker set (chips and cards included) All this for only $45. I had to check the price twice as it seems like you receive an awful lot for your money.
Available: Amazon
Price: $79.99
The Floating Bean Bag Toss Game
June 11, 2011 by Sharon
Filed under Outdoor Gadgets
Do you ever feel bored, doing or playing the same game over and over again? The old fashioned Hide and Seek or treasure hunt games that seemed just so dull and less interesting?
To make things more interesting this summer, why not try something out of the ordinary? Introducing the floating bean bag toss game! Instead of the good old fashion Hide and Seek game that you play down the backyard, this is a newly developed water sport, a game or friendly competitions that you can move from the lawn to the pool.
This floating bean bag toss game has a length of 30 inches with the width of 20 inches and is made from a light weighted polyethylene fabric that is attached to a plastic frame with plastic pegs. In order to ensure that the target is suspended above water level, two buoyant form rolls are attached at the front and at the back of the legs. In addition to that, a net is also placed under the hole for easy reclamation of the 4 ¾ inches square beanbags.
Furthermore, any bags that missed the target will remain buoyant and in addition to that, you also get 6 weather resistances, polyester / cotton beanbags filled with plastic tablets that are resistance to mold/ fungus growth. The bean bags come in two colors; three yellow and three blue bags available for both sides of players of the game. Apart from that, this beanbag is also easily assembled and it is suitable for children from the age of 8 onwards.
Just because it floats does not mean it has to be used in water, this would be ideal as a camping game, holiday, or backyard game.
Available: Hammacher
Price: $39.95








