You cannot go anywhere on campus today without seeing a smart phone, iPod or laptop. Companies are constantly putting out new and innovative products to feed our growing need to make life on-the-go easier and more enjoyable. Check out these five products that make us curious; save on three, and splurge on two.
Splurge
1. Sharper Image Literati
Price: $159
(plus 150 free public domain books
with special offers)
www.sharperimage.com
If you have extra cash after buying all those expensive textbooks, consider buying an e-reader to lighten your bookload. Sharper Image Literati, released in October, is one of few readers to bear a 7-inch color screen (unlike Amazon’s Kindle, Barnes & Noble’s Nook and Sony Reader, which are all in black and white). Its Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to download books anywhere directly from the Kobo bookstore.
2. Flip SlideHD
Price: $279.99
www.theflip.com
Flip has one-upped its previous compact video recording devices with the new Flip SlideHD. The mini-camcorder allows you to shoot in HD and records up to four hours of video, which you can immediately watch on the slide-up widescreen. You have the choice to customize your camcorder using the online design gallery or with a pattern generator. You can also upload your own photo to impose on the device. With the ability to hold 12 hours of videos, pictures, movies and Flip Channels, this device is a must-have for anyone looking to capture those special and random moments of life.
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Save
3. iBottleopener Case
Price: $19.95
www.ibottleopener.com
Cell phones do so much these days, so why shouldn’t your case be just as dynamic? Your iPhone cover can do more than just protect your phone from those unfortunate drops; it can even protect your teeth by doubling as a bottle opener. This advancement in phone covers merges your favorite gadget with your favorite pastime. It will fit your iPhone 3G/3GS/4.
4. USB Beverage Cooler
Price: $19.99
www.thinkgeek.com
This tiny cooler plugs right into any USB port in your computer. It is lit internally with a blue LED light and keeps your 12-ounce drink perfectly chilled. There is no longer a need to get a cup of ice or to run back and forth to the refrigerator if you have this nifty gadget. Now, you can spend more time studying — and drinking.
5. Nokia Bike Charger
Price: $18
www.nokia.com
Give your phone’s battery a quick boost while riding your bike to the gym or class with this resourceful cell phone charger. An electrical generator is powered by the front bicycle wheel as the rider pedals, transferring electricity to a charger attached to the handlebar, which plugs into the phone. A 10-minute trip at six miles per hour can produce about 28 minutes of talk time, or 37 hours of standby. Though this cheap charger is only compatible with Nokia phones, you can find multi-brand chargers for higher prices online.
