From the monthly archives:
The shocking pen is ideal to lend to someone who keeps bugging you because they forgot their pen. They certainly wont ask you to borrow another pen after witnessing the shocking pen. As the name suggests, the pen sends out a small electric shock which is enough to make the user jump, but not dangerous. It sound cool to be honest 
Unfortunately the source of the article doesnt mention where the pen is available from… but when I find the link I will post it right away.
The flexible keyboard isnt new, but it seems like Yahoo are now branding some, making them purple and selling them from the online Yahoo store. You can pick up one of these full rubberized QWERTY keyboards, which also has a keypad, for $52. It measures 13.75 x 5.25 inches and can easily stow away when not needed. Yahoo doesnt mention how it connects up though, so I am unsure if it is USB, Bluetooth or Wireless. It looks quite cool, but lets hope the keyboard is responsive when typing.
FieldLines have created detailed instructions on how to make your own LED light bulb. They say it takes a while to make, but the time spent building it is well worth the look and cost savings of the lower power consumption.
You need a halogen bulb (dead or not dead), some resistors, lots of LEDs (they recommend no more then 22) and other tools like solder to put it all together. The results are quite cool but it does look like a fairly complicated task putting it all together like can be seen below.
Rather then me going through all the steps again, you should go visit FieldLines to get the full instructions on what to do and how to calculate the resistors needed.
The Font Clock has 12 different font with which it can tell the time. The inside mechanisms are set to display random, mixed up displays of time in different fonts. I wonder if they have windings in there… that would make for a cool excuse why you were late for work (not being able to tell the time).
Three sizes of the clock are available which are the G270 which measures 47.6 x 16.2 x 56.6 CM and this one displays the time, date and day of the week. The next size is the G225 which is slightly smaller measuring 42.2 x 11.8 x 31.8 CM and shows just the time and date. The smallest clock is the G100 which measures 29 x 11 x 14 CM and displays the time only.
Costing a hefty 810 GBP (about $1600) for the large version, I think I will be giving this one a miss. The clocks are available from thorstenvanelten.
The Gotcha box is basically what its description implies… its a box. There is no actual working product inside, although the box is made up of nice graphics and photos to make the gift receiver think other wise. The box is just a decoy to store another present in side which will hopefully not disappoint too many people.
The box that you will be buying is 12 x 9 x 4 inches and perfect to fit in a variety of presents… just not the USB toaster that someone thinks they will be getting.
The Gotcha Box costs $7.50 and is available from TheOnion.
Swiss Army Knifes have been around a long time and come with a number of knifes, gadgets and other items. The Giant Swiss Army knife is built by wenger and has over 100 functions. It measures nearly 9 inches wide and has knifes, tweezers, laser pointer, saws, wrenches, screwdrivers and more. For a larger list of features you need to check out firebox.
Who knows how you are supposed to cart this knife around… but I am sure it will make some happy that they have all the tools they ever need on a pocket knife.
The shower radio is waterproof and also features caller ID so that when someone calls your phone you can see in the shower if its worth getting cold to go answer the call. It measures 5.5 x 5.5 x 1.25 inches and is powered by 4 AA batteries for the radio with 2 more AA batteries for the caller ID feature. Also, if you get a number of calls in the shower it will also memorise up to 10 numbers for you to scroll back through. The waterproof shower radio will cost you $49.95 from GadgetUniverse.
A modified Kawasaki ZX10R has been built which has 12 speakers around its body which have an output of 1500 watts. To make use of all this power needed to be heard, you have two iPods, a Sony PSP, flat screen with DVD and remote control as well as an input for electric guitar. This is a crazy bike and gives out a lot of noise. I am just not quite sure yet who gets to watch the movies on the DVD player and flat screen when the biker is riding around At least he will be heard a few more miles off.
Via: Seihen-World
RC planes, helicopters and cars are cool. I have seen a few RC planes and jets, but not actually seen scale models of real planes such as RC 747s, RC Concordes and others. Over at funny pictures you will see a bunch of planes that have been made, scaled down and actually being flown around.
Toshiba are launching a wireless docking station for their Portege R400 notebooks. It is a wireless port replicator which also allows the video signal to be transmitted wirelessly and up to SXGA resolution. As well as the monitor being replicated, the keyboard, mouse, speakers, extra hard disk drives and optical drives can be connected. The docking station will cost around $499. The video above shows a demonstration of a similar model at CES 2007 in Las Vegas.
A docking station is very handy to use as it allows you to use your laptop while on the road and yet use it as a desktop while in the office. Not having the hassle of wires makes it far more convenient for you to connect up and get running.
Via: Vnunet
This calculator is made of wood and works with marbles. It can do a number of types of sums by dropping marbles down from above. When the marbles drop down the rockers move in to position and then the marbles fall in to the correct place which gives the answer to the sum. I some how dont think that you will be allowed to take this in to an exam though. Still cool though and well worth checking out.
Via: Woodgears
The LED flashlight is to be used more for security. The Department of Homeland Security are funding LED flashlights to be created which are very high power and are to be used to disorient those causing trouble. It is actually more then a standard LED torch though. It uses a device to measure the range between the torch and eyes and then uses flashes that continually change in colour which throw the person off. The device will not hurt anyone, but will provide a great help to the police when trying to stop someone as it means no force or weapons are needed.
It sounds like an interesting device. Hopefully it wont cause temporary blindness to the innocent bystanders, although as long as the bad guy goes down it would be safer for those around even if they are also caught by this LED light.
Via: Wired
The idea behind the concept Magnetic Keyboard is to make for a better natural and constant typing feeling by the use of magnets making each key levitate. The magnets are opposing each other forcing the key to float just above. When pressing the key, it makes contact and records it on screen. According to Embotec who are behind this idea, it is ideal for both typing and gaming. The good news is that it is due out in the second half of this year, so it wont be concept for too long.
More pictures available over at Aving.
Via: Aving
This tie features a small pocket behind it so you can hide your iPod while walking around. I cant say its the best of ideas I have come across.
Via: Gadgets
In most PCs you will find a spare 5 1/4 inch drive bay that is empty. The EX-Bake Oven is set to fill that hole with a device that can cook small cakes by using power from your PC. The power comes right off your PSU on the PC just like any other device would. Also sensors inside allow you to use the supplied software to monitor how hot the oven is and when the cake will be ready. More details after the jump.
