National Flashlight Day is on the same day as Winter Solstice, which this year is on December 22nd. It is the shortest day of the year. And that would make sense why you would need a flashlight, since you going to be in the dark a lot sooner and longer than any other day.
This day even has its own hashtag - #NationalFlashlightDay
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If you found this page useful in your gadget search, please recommend us:
"A new way to harvest footfall energy could someday let shoes generate enough power to keep cell phones and laptops topped up.
University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have come up with a microfluidics technique that scavenges considerably more energy from human footfalls and converts it into electric power. Previous attempts to make energy-harvesting shoes have yielded less than a watt of power, but the new approach could lead to a shoe-mounted generator that produces up to 10 watts... Cell phones and smart phones need about one to two watts, while small laptops need 10 to 12 watts. Power-generating shoes could be an important breakthrough for soldiers, who currently carry heavy batteries to power their radios, GPS units, and night-vision goggles...."
The first time I came across the Knee Defender, I thought it was an interesting idea that might be useful. Though at the time I did not know/understand how beneficial it could be to have this gadget along with you on a plane. That is until I had to flight several times on business.
Most of the time, flying for pleasure, I try to get ready to relax and have no need to drag the laptop or anything like that. So even though the space in the seat is small, I manage well enough. However, flying during business hours, I had to get some work done while in-flight. Out comes the laptop. And flying economy class, you already have little room between you and the seat in front. That room seems even smaller once you open up the laptop. And then it happens. The person in front is thinking what I am usually thinking on such flights and that is relaxing. So they press the button and push their chair backwards. Some passengers even assume there is no one behind them nor care and try to push it all the way. Making it very uncomfortable for the neighbor in the back and forget about one trying to see things on already half closed computer. This is also the moment when, thinking back to it, it would have been great to have the Knee Defender.
So scanning the web for cool travel gadgets, I once again came across it. This gadget seems to be too good to be true. It is simple in design, just a couple of pieces of plastic, and is quite small in size as seen in the picture comparison to a house key size.
Knee Defender™ helps you stop reclining seats on airplanes so your knees won't have to. It is adjustable to help provide as much protection as you need. This gadget has been selected as an effective and even essential product from the large pool of available travel gadgets.
Another gadget for airplane travel featured on GadgetDuck is the Scanner Bag. There are quite a few things to consider when packing your carry-on. Most importantly make sure it abides by all TSA Regulations and Recommendations. With all of these things to consider, going through the security check point can be never racking and bothersome. The Scanner Bag makes it a bit easier by keeping all of the things that you would need to take off and pull out of your pockets and dump somewhere in one spot. Your cell phone, keys, jewelry, pen, iPod, iPhone, coins, Blackberry®, and whatever else that might set off the detectors can all be packed safely in the bag. Moreover, since it attaches to carry-on there is no chance of leaving anything behind. The bag stays with the rest of your stuff before and after the scan so you can just pick up your carry-on up and go without delaying to put everything back where it was.
Why good to have on a trip:
- Keep what little space you have in airplane seat
- Save your knees and your eyes when working during flight
- With Scanner Bag, speed through beginning of security check
- And get out of there just as fast
"Travel Tip: Outdoor GPS Gadgets" an article by Peter Greenberg on PeterGreenberg.com:
"Even if you like to get away from it all, no one wants to actually get lost in the wild. The good news is with GPS technology out there, outdoor experiences have gotten a lot more manageable. A handheld GPS is probably your best bet for staying safe in the wilderness. One of the more affordable and reliable options includes the Garmin eTrex Venture HC. Or check out the SPOT Connect Satellite Communicator. When out of cellular range, it links your smartphone to a global satellite network to send messages and track your location.
If you’re looking to keep track of where you’re going and where you’ve been, North Face now has a free app that helps find hiking, biking and skiing trails. You can see your progress on an interactive map, and share advice with other users.
But never rely entirely on your electronic devices when heading into the great outdoors.
Always keep extra copies of maps and contact information, and always alert a friend and/or ranger to where you’re headed." (PeterGreenberg.com)
Did You Know?: GPS stands for "Global Positioning System." As a lot of cool gadgets, it was originally developed by the military. It is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day. There are no subscription fees or setup charges to use GPS (don't let anybody tell you otherwise :) )
- The first GPS satellite was launched in 1978.
- A full constellation of 24 satellites was achieved in 1994. - Each satellite is built to last about 10 years. Replacements are constantly being built and launched into orbit.
- A GPS satellite weighs approximately 2,000 pounds and is about 17 feet across with the solar panels extended. - Transmitter power is only 50 watts or less.
Great video with great tips on what gadgets to bring on your travels:
In this video:
- Netbooks and Tablets
- TuneBug portable speakers
- Mobile phone that is unlocked to avoid huge charges overseas. Call your service provider for a special unlock code. Also a pre-paid sim card is a good idea.
- JuiceBar Portable Solar Charger
- Built Cargo Travel Organizer and Laptop case (both available at Amazon)
- TSA 311 rule (more info)
It is almost that time. School is back in session in a few weeks. Time to pack up and go off or return to college. Do you have all the chuchkies, accessories, and most importantly gadgets?
This year, I think more than ever, students are getting back to their dorms and studying with a lot more technology in their packs. And it is way beyond the standard supply of pens, paper, folders, and USB flash drive. The 'new' student needs gear for backing up important work, printing out reports, keeping in touch and waking up in time for class.
Some of the gadgets that college students are getting equipped with are tablets, e-readers, smartphones, external hard drives with a lot of storage, and of course music media. Speaking of music, which can help you relax and study hardy, you would also need some decent noise-canceling earphones to tune out distractions and concentrate on task. We have discussed in previous posts, such as Noise canceling headphones - life saver for travelers?, the benefits and cool features of these type of headphones. There are some really nice light and small in-ear headphones that are also pretty good at canceling out the noise. You can find a list of some of these here: More on making travel fun with cool headphones. Tigerdirect.com offers a list of earphones that are bit less pricey: Earbuds
Students looking to save money and avoid lugging around heavy textbooks are now able to rent textbooks on their Kindle eReader devices through Amazon. This service recently launched and offers savings up to 80% off the list price of the print textbook: Kindle Textbook Rental No smartphone can go without some apps on it and hopefully quite a few of these include apps that can actually help in studying and performing research.
Top 10 Student Apps: Evernote - take notes and organize them on your phone Wikipedia Mobile Dictionary.com - The free app delivers trusted reference content from Dictionary.com and Thesaurus.com Facebook Mobile Google Mobile WHERE! - Get personalized recommendations for places around you gFlashPro - flashcard app, create flashcards, share, tests, and trivia Groupon - 50%-90% off deals on the best stuff to do, eat, see and buy Zoho Docs - online document management application for individuals and businesses
Moreover, cannot forget to pack other essentials such as the reusable BPA-free water bottle to re-hydrate the body and mind, rechargeable batteries and battery charger, Bedol Water Clock that does not need batteries, and a stainless-steel wallet
Another useful gadget is ZOMM Wireless Leash for Mobile Phones.This gadget wirelessly connects to your mobile phone via Bluetooth and alerts you when you are more than 30 feet away from your phone. It's a perfect device for those prone to leaving the dorm without their cell phones. ZOMM also has a built-in panic alarm that can be activated with a simple press of a button. Continue to hold that button, and ZOMM will automatically call any emergency number of your choice. It comes with fully functioning speakerphone with a noise-canceling microphone, belt/bag clip, instructions manual, wall charger, and USB cable.
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. The 'new' student needs gear for backing up important work, printing out reports, keeping in touch and waking up in time for class.
that does not need batteries, and a 
.This gadget wirelessly connects to your mobile phone via Bluetooth and alerts you when you are more than 30 feet away from your phone. It's a perfect device for those prone to leaving the dorm without their cell phones. ZOMM also has a built-in panic alarm that can be activated with a simple press of a button. Continue to hold that button, and ZOMM will automatically call any emergency number of your choice. It comes with fully functioning speakerphone with a noise-canceling microphone, belt/bag clip, instructions manual, wall charger, and USB cable.