Most Wanted Smartphone 2011 By Platform

With so many choices of mobile phones, each with similar and yet intriguingly different “operating systems” on offer, which are the key phones, to look out for, on each platform? Here is my take on what’s a good bet for Apple, webOS, BlackBerry, Windows Phone 7, Android, and Symbian operating systems based on what is around at the moment. The most important thing about your next phone isn't what carrier it's on, how big the screen is, or even who makes it. So here are Most Wanted Smartphone 2011 on every platform.

Apple

There isn’t a lot of choice when it comes to Apple operating systems so the iPhone 4 is the obvious current bet. The iPhone 4 features one of the highest resolution screens currently available on a smartphone, at 960×640, and it manages to fit it into a 3.5” display. The on-board camera can record HD video at 720P with it’s 5 megapixel camera. There are a couple of internal storage items (16GB and 32GB).

However, you might want to hold off until there is news of the iPhone 5. There has been a whisper that news is due in March 2011 (but don’t hold me to it!), Source: Sky News:  iPhone 5 To Be Revealed 2 March. However, from that article the image associated with that particular announcement looks more like an iPad announcement.

What others say: Engadget: iPhone 4 review, “We’re not going to beat around the bush — in our approximation, the iPhone 4 is the best smartphone on the market right now”.

webOS

Recently picked up by HP the Palm is another one with not a lot of choice which is a shame as it has a great operating system. The current Palm Pre features a 3.1” screen with a resolution of just 320×480. The camera is a 3 megapixel and storage is 8GB. However, the Pre does have a slide out mini keyboard in its favour.

So, the Palm Pre is the one to watch – but you might consider holding off until the recently announced Palm Pre 3, featuring an all new version of webOS, is launched.

What I said: Initial thoughts on the Palm Pre, “The Pre is functional yet lacks that real WOW factor, my theory is that is probably because the App Catalog is so bereft of diverse applications – perhaps the firmware upgrade to 1.2 will open a new world for the Pre?”.

What others say: IT Pro: Palm Pre Review, “It’s slicker than using Symbian, arguably more pocketable than its top rivals the HTC Hero and iPhone and a valuable and valid alternative to the ever-expanding sea of Android phones we seem to be pelted with on a weekly basis these days”.

BlackBerry

The BlackBerry Torch 9800 boasts the latest revision of RIM’s operating system.  The Torch 9800 features a 3.2” screen (3.18” diagonally) with 480×360 pixels, similar to the Palm Pre. Talking of similarities to the Pre the Torch also boasts a slide-out mini keyboard. The onboard camera is 5 megapixel and storage is made up of 4GB inboard storage and a 4GB media card.

With the latest developments in the operating system the traditionally enterprise-centric BlackBerry range are starting to shine and could be one to watch.

What I said: A Look At The BlackBerry Torch 9800, “Overall the BlackBerry Torch 9800 is an attractive phone that is packed full of features. A little streamlining may be required on the user interface but all in all its a big step in the right direction.”.

What others say: CNET: BlackBerry Torch 9800 review, “There’s not much that the BlackBerry Torch 9800 can’t do, but it doesn’t make it easy. Pricey, chunky, and packed with features, this is a smart phone whose function beats form — and fun.”.

Windows Phone 7

There are a number of handsets on offer running the all new Windows Phone 7 (and with the recent partnership with Nokia there are likely to be even more).

NOTE! The Phone 7 operating system is in the early part of its lifecycle so be ready for a few teething problems.

However, at the moment the HTC HD7 is well worth a look. Sporting a 4.3” screen with a resolution of 480 x 800 and a 5 megapixel camera on board the HTC HD7 can record 720P HD Video. This is backed up with a 1 GHz processor and 16GB  of internal storage.

What others say: Tech Radar: HTC HD7 review, “We like the HTC HD7 as a phone – it builds nicely on the HD2 without being a complete revamp.The Windows Phone 7 experience is ace on it, and simply just works, which is all we’re really looking for at this early stage.”.

Android

Whilst other manufacturers like to fiddle with the operating system, adding layers of “functionality” here and there, the Google Nexus S keeps to the essential nature of the Android operating system and features a nifty Super AMOLED screen.

Other features of the Google Nexus S include a 4” screen with a resolution of 480×800. There are two cameras available, a front-facing VGA camera and a 5 megapixel camera. The processor is 1GHz and storage is 16GB.

What others say: Pocket-Lint: Google Nexus S review, “Some say that Android is still too raw as a consumer operating system, but we have to disagree. Android in its naked form is slick, fast and powerful; it is refreshing to come back to the basic underlying OS and get away from all the additional layers that manufacturers plaster on top.”.

Symbian

Symbian, unfortunately, is starting to feel the pressure against more modern mobile operating systems however the Nokia N8 is a great phone with some excellent video recording and it features the latest Symbian ^3 for Nokia.

The Nokia N8 features the most impressive camera in this list offering a 12 megapixel (and it has a secondary VGA camera for video calls) whilst the 3.5” screen has a 16:9 nHD resolution of 640×360 AMOLED pixels. Standard storage is 16GB.

What others say: What Mobile: Nokia N8 Review, “HD video, a 12-megapixel camera, a great display, good battery life, loads of connectivity options and a great design. As long as you can accept minimal apps and games, the N8 is great.”

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How To Have All The Latest Gadgets Without Going Broke

Gadgets have become the part and parcel of our life. Hardly any of us can imagine our life with different gadgets. The gadgets help to promote the quality of our life and thus the budget plan for buying gadget should be done under the purchase ability of an individual. So, here some tips How To Have All The Latest Gadgets Without Going Broke.

Warning
Before we begin, a word of caution: Go down this road and you will lose money. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. That said, if you're smart about timing, anal about upkeep, and diligent with your documentation, it's possible to attain bleeding-edge bliss without leaving a trail of financial havoc in your wake. The truly adept upgrader can even come close to breaking even. Here are some guidelines to follow in your new never-ending quest to remain current.

Learn Your Life Cycles and Laws
Moore's Law, Bell's Law, Kryder's Law—someone's always pronouncing them dead or obsolete, but many of these guiding tech principles are the main reason you're continually playing catch-up. The relevant ones also exert tremendous influence over when, how, and why your gear evolves. If you plan on leveling up at regular intervals, you'd do well to familiarize yourself with all of them. Having even a basic understanding of these informal laws can give you a sense of why the laptop you bought two years ago seems old and busted now.

Beyond that, they also shape various tech industry roadmaps. Companies like AMD, Intel and others are all fairly transparent about their update cycles. But figuring out how those plans carry over to actual gadget updates can take some work. For those devoted to Apple products, tools like MacTracker will help you divine specific product release date patterns and pricing history. Unfortunately, PC users don't have anything as useful.

Still, you can also start tracking company announcements and specific release dates yourself by going back and reading gadget sites and company press releases. Once you have a year or two's worth of data, spreadsheet those numbers to look for patterns. Macrumors has already done most of the heavy lifting for Apple upgraders. But you can also set up your own calendar alerts if you're feeling ambitious. It may seem like overkill, but staying one step ahead of new product announcements is paramount to earning top dollar for used gear.

Also, keep in mind that the end of November through the beginning of January (that'd be right now…) is the absolute worst time to sell your gear. With Black Friday/Cyber Monday/X-Mas/CES in the mix, we're right in the middle of new product announcement season. This is also accompanied by heavy discounts from retailers looking to clear inventory. Wait at least until mid-January before you even think of putting your gear on the market.

Save Everything
Resist the urge to toss out receipts, boxes, warranty cards, and other seemingly useless pieces of paper and cardboard. Nothing is more reassuring to a new owner than receiving a gadget that's neatly packaged with all its original materials. Also keeping all your materials will assure potential buyers that you're not a crook. You not only buy yourself a ton of pricing leverage when you save everything, but things like a receipt will also facilitate the transferal of warranty and registration info. If you have unused space in a closet or garage, start constructing your box tower now. Grab a Rubbermaid bin or two for storing everything else. If space is at a minimum, gadget boxes also made into makeshift bedside tables, desks or bookshelves.

Brands Matter
A lot. Just as some cars retain their value better than others, so do some gadgets. If you're going to swap your gear every year, it's best to focus the stuff that'll fetch the highest price in the second-hand market. To get a sense of which brands retain their value, keep an eye on completed eBay auctions. eBay Pulse gives you access to the top 10 most popular searches, popular stores, popular products, as well as the highest priced and most watched items on eBay. It doesn't hurt to do a specific searches for the item(s) you're selling on Craigslist, either. Like it or not, Apple products tend to retain their value much better than other brands. Other big brands like Sony and HP are also proven performers.

…But So Do Categories
Just like brands, certain product categories are always easier to traffic. Don't wast your time on items like printers, external hard drives, HDTVs, or any other gadget that is either already relatively cheap (new) or exceedingly awkward to transport. Laptops, desktops and smartphones, on the other hand, are usually in demand and easy to unload on the unsuspecting masses.

The Configuration Dilemma
If you're reading this, chances are you'll be itching to spring for the tippy-top-of-the-line gear. That can be a mistake. Always think of your target market when buying a new product. It may be the case that your potential customers won't share your affection for the latest Core i7 processor or your propensity for massive memory reserves. Here, it helps to pay close attention to company earnings calls to figure out what the most popular items are in a given quarter. Then use that info to make an informed choice. While it's possible that certain high-end or flagship models will be in great demand, people shopping the second-hand market are usually looking for bargains. Just keep in mind that a re-seller's sweet spot isn't always the priciest item.

Care for Your Precious
It goes without saying, but a scuffed, dinged or otherwise flawed gadget will command a dramatically reduced price. When you purchase your new gear, invest in cases, covers, furry linings and whatever other prophylactics you think will be useful. You don't need anything fancy or stylish, just enough to keep your gear safe. And hey, when it comes time to sell, you can always offer these protective cases and charge a little extra.

Warranties
Remaining current means you'll be dumping your gadgets back into the market after a year—often less. You should also seriously consider extended warranties. Don't worry, you can usually recoup the price of these plans when you sell you gear. Note: This is especially important if you're selling stuff online, where a buyer won't be able to test drive or physically inspect the item. Their peace of mind = money in your pocket.

Preserve Your Batteries

Cosmetic appearance is important. But proper internal maintenance should be high on your priority list too. Since most our mobile gear is powered by fickle lithium Ion batteries, you'll want to do everything you can to keep them healthy and happy. If laptops are your thing, software like Coconut Battery (for Macs) will help you stay on top of load cycles and internal temperature. Most companies also offer strategies and tips for keeping your batteries healthy. Follow them.

Get to know Trade-in/Recycling Sites
They should be last resorts if you truly want to maximize the amount of money you can get for your gear, but combing through sites like Gazelle and YouRenew will give you a good idea of just how fickle the gadget resale market can be. Want to know how quickly your fancy smartphone depreciates once the new version is announced? Take a look at the payout rate for the 3GS.

Timing Is Everything
Once you've figured out what you can sell, the next question you need to ask is when. Here's the answer: Right before the announcement of the next-gen version. Days make a huge difference here; selling at the right time can mean as much as 10- to 20-percent more cheddar in your pocket. It doesn't hurt to read gadget blogs to stay on top of all the latest news. We recommend gadgetmostwanted.blogspot.com, but there are apparently others. Just remember, falling behind on news is not an option. Something as innocuous as a rumor can send other like-minded upgraders scurrying to the Web and flooding the resale market.

The Art of Pricing
This is definitely more art than science. But do it right, and you can walk away with close to what you originally paid. In rare instances, even more. Ever notice all those ridiculous Craigslist ads asking for triple the retail price? Don't do that. But depending on the item, it can be smart to start high—particularly if you are selling a hard-to-get or high-end item. Even in the second hand market, people still equate a higher price tag with higher quality item. It can pay to make that gamble. If the timing, product, and condition is right, you can frequently get away charging retail (minus tax). Bam, you just rented a gadget for 8-percent of its retail price. In the end, there is a subtle dance to arriving at a fair and attractive price without short selling yourself. With practice, you will learn it.

Hone Your Salesman Skills

Your gear is in pristine shape, everything is in order, and it's time to write your ad. If you're funny, be funny. If not, just be straightforward and comprehensive. "Here's this Used Thing, Gimme Money" will not do the trick. When you get responses or enquiries, try not to appear overeager or desperate. But don't be vague or elusive, either. Spend a little extra time and effort to list your gadget's meaningful specs and take some nice (flattering) pictures. Answer questions in a timely manner. It's also a good idea to use one or two representative shots and then link to a Flickr gallery with better, higher-rez pics. People like to see effort.

Act Locally
Sure, PayPal's convenient, and eBay and Amazon gets you tons of eyeballs. But if you really care about squeezing every last penny out of your used gadgets, nothing beats a good ol' fashion face-to-face transaction. And that's why Craigslist should be an upgrader's first stop. Yes, spam and scams tend to abound here, but there are also tons of decent, respectable people simply looking for good deals. The added benefit of selling locally is that the person can actually see what they're getting, minimizing the risk that you'll get caught up in some endless online dispute. Oh, and there's also no transaction or shipping fees. Just remember to always insist on cash.

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Top Best Gloves for Touchscreen Gadget Must Have

As many of you will know, capacitive touchscreen devices (such as the iPhone, iPod touch, Droid, Pre, Storm, etc.) require tiny amounts of charge from your fingertips to operate. Because of this, sticking a great big glove between your finger and the screen kills the conductivity. Check this Top Best Gloves for Touchscreen Gadget Must Have will get you those problems no worry at all.

Never fear! An entire industry has sprung up to stop you from getting cold hands when using your touchscreen phone outdoors. We’ve hand-picked (see what we did there?) the best six pairs of gloves for gadget-lovers this winter, so have a look through our choices below and let us know your faves in the comments.

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1. Freehands Mens’ Gloves

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Arguably the market leader in gloves for gadgeteers, Freehands offers a wide range of styles including cashmere, wool, ski styles and these warm-looking recycled, fleecy efforts. Every pair of gloves has a fold-back tip for the thumb and forefinger, and rather cunningly boasts a magnet to stop the tip from flapping around.

Cost: From $18

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2. The North Face ETIP Glove

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Perfect for those in really cold climates, The North Face’s contribution to the gadget-glove marketplace boasts fingertip-replicating “Xstatic fingercaps” so you don’t have to expose even the tippy tops of your fingers to the cold. With a gripper palm to ensure you have a firm hold of your favorite gadget, the ETIPs are available in a range of sizes, for men and women.

Cost: $40

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3. Dots Gloves

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Made from 100% merino lambswool, the Dots Gloves range is small but perfectly formed. Available in men and women’s sizes in just four colors, the classic-looking gloves are indistinguishable from “ordinary” gloves. However, they cleverly boast thumb, index, and middle fingertips that operate touchscreens with “skin-like responsiveness.”

Cost: $20

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4. Etre Touchy Gloves

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The funky, unisex Etre Touchy range is all about what isn’t there, namely the “missing” thumb and index fingertips, leaving you free to touch away while keeping the bulk of your hands warm. This design is best suited for climates that are “cold,” rather than frigid or frostbite-inducing. The range includes some great contemporary colors so it’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to sacrifice style in the name of functionality.

Cost: From around $32

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5. Freehands Women’s Gloves

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Freehands offers an equally diverse women’s range of gloves including wool, fleece, softshell, cashmere and these “microfur” options that were the most popular version for women in 2009. Available in a range of colors and sizes, if you’re looking for a glove with a flip-back index finger and thumb flap, you’re not going to go wrong here.

Cost: From $18

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6. AGloves

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Although they may not be the most fashionable offering, the affordable, unisex “Agloves” are ideal for anyone with an iPad or other touchscreen tablet, as the silver-coated nylon fibers knitted into the fabric put the conductivity back in your touch for every single digit. Stay cool!

Cost: $17.99

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Top Best iPhone Accessories for Travelling

So you want to take your iPhone to a different continent? Taking your gadget for a long trip requires you to have the proper accessories with you just in case you are stuck in a foreign country. You never know what could happen in a foreign country. Besides, you want to make sure you have everything you need to enjoy your iPhone wherever you are. While I am not a big fan of carrying too many accessories around with me when I am traveling, here are Top Best iPhone Accessories for Travelling that you want to look at if you are taking a trip to a foreign country.

Over the past ten years taking a gap year has become increasingly popular, with thousands of restless young travelers set off to go travelling around the world, many of them armed only with a backpack, a toothbrush and a copy of Kerouac’s ‘On the Road’; this is all very well and good, but what about your iPhone?! Obviously you won’t want to leave home without your most treasured and trusted possession, so we’ve compiled a list of the best iPhone accessories that you can take with you on your travels, so go on Gulliver, give it a read!

Jivo World Power International Travel Charger

iWorld Price: £12.99
Buy From: Jivo World Power International Travel Charger

First things first, the last thing that you want after you have set off on your travels is to be stuck with a dead battery because the charger that you have been using at home doesn’t happen to be compatible with the plug sockets of the particular country that you are in, so you are going to need a good travel charger. The Jivo World Power International Travel Charger seems like the best bet for all budding backpackers as it is sleek and small enough to fit into the teensiest of bags and comes with four international plug adapters, (US, UK, AU & EU) which will cover most of the countries on the typical trekker’s route map. It can also charge your iPod at the same time, as it has dual USB connections; perfect for when everybody is crowding round the only working plug in the hostel!

JBL Ontour iPod Speaker System

Amazon Price: £29.99
Buy From: JBL Ontour iPod Speaker System – White

One of the most common icebreakers in communal hostel rooms, (after, “Is the queue for the toilet really this long?!”), is, “So, what sort of music are you into?” Obviously you will get a wide variety of responses, ranging form the staples of indie rock and roll through to hip hop, jungle and drum and bass and maybe even a bit of world music, (but let’s hope just a little of that…), so you will need some good speakers for everybody to play iPod DJ on. The small and manageable JBL Ontour iPod Speaker System is fairly cheap at £29.99, and it comes in both a black and a white design, (n.b., go for black, it is more forgiving with mud and dirt stains!) It can sound a little tinny when it is played at its highest volume for too long, however, with the cramped living quarters that you will be sharing, anything above a medium setting will sound like a party!

iFlyz

Price: $29.99
Buy From: iFlyz

If you are dotting from country to country, the quickest and easiest way to get around is by plane. Catch a flight to Kuala Lumpur and the world is your oyster, with Asia on your doorstep and Australia just a quick hop across the pond. However, seeing as you will be taking so many flights around the globe, you are bound to get stuck watching the same old Rom-Com where a quirky but cute Jennifer Aniston character just can’t decide which man to go for…well, not anymore! IFlyz can clip onto your seat tray and will prop your iPhone up at eye-height, enabling you to watch whatever movie is playing in your iPhone's library. OK, so it’s not the most essential piece of travelling equipment, but as iFlyz can also clip onto other objects, you can just sit back anywhere in the world and watch whatever you desire, with or without Ms. Aniston!

Nitrox iConn Plus Extended Battery Case

Amazon Price: $69.98
Buy From:Nitrox iConn Plus Extended Battery Case for iPhone

Some travelers are braver than others and there will be certain jungle treks and mountain climbing adventures where bringing a plug adapter will be about as useful as an underwater hairdryer. But what about all the amazing pictures that you want to take with your new Hipstamatic App?! The Nitrox iConn Plus Extended Battery Case is designed for iPhone 3G and 3Gs and doubles your iPhone’s battery life, thanks to the Li-Polymer battery. With a sleek leather case, this Apple certified product gives you that little extra window of time when you are away from a power outlet, should you want to make a call, take a photo or finish that game of ‘Angry Birds’…

Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot
BestBuy Price: $49.99
Buy From:Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot

Wherever you are in the world, you will always appreciate a good Wi-Fi connection. Whether it is to update Facebook with photos and videos of your exploits, email your friends back home to make them turn green with envy or book the next flight out of whichever country you are in, a decent Wi-Fi connection will be incredibly beneficial. The Verizon Wireless MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot uses a 3G signal to share Wi-Fi with anyone with your personal access code, (a great way to make new friends in hostels!) and is compatible with iPhones, touches and notebooks. It certainly isn’t cheap, as you have to pay for the monthly line rental which can be anything up to $60, but it does mean that you can cut frustrating rants at dilapidated computers in Thai internet cafes out of your trip.

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Most Wanted iPhone Accessories for Music Lovers

Most Wanted iPhone Accessories for Music. “Music is power…” Ah, Richard Ashcroft, that fine lyricist, poet, and all round cool rock star who was sitting on top of the world as the front man of The Verve, before the Rolling Stones’ manager drained every penny from the band’s bank account for nicking a loop from an old Stones song…anyway, I digress. Over hundreds iPhone Accessories out there, we present you the Most Wanted iPhone Accessories for Music here.

What Richard is singing will ring true in the ears of any music fan, who will agree that there is nothing quite like the awesome power of music that can transport you away from humdrum of everyday life. However, if you are always on the go, it can be hard to truly appreciate your music if it is coming out of tinny radios or old car speakers. So, why not use your iPhone to harness the power of music and check out these top 5 accessories that can help you listen to the music that you love wherever you are in the world?!

iPhone and iPod Bubblegum FM Transmitter
Link: iPhone and iPod Bubblegum FM Transmitter
iWorld Price: £12.99

Whether you’re a fan of X Factor or think that is the tool of the devil, you just can’t beat that countdown on Radio 1 to see who is going to be Christmas number one…will it be the latest manufactured pop star or will it be a subversive rock band, like 2009? (Well, this year it was a mixture of the two, but let’s not go into that…) Well, wherever you are in the world you will never be far from the radio if you have your iPhone and this handy FM Transmitter with you, with its ability to tune your phone into any FM frequency. Great if you want to keep up with the charts, or listen to static in order to drown out Matt Cardle’s latest TV appearance…

Wiki Wireless iMusic Pillow
Link: Wiki Wireless iMusic Pillow
iWorld Price: £24.99

If you have trouble drifting off to the sound of the traffic outside or your partner’s snoring, then this is the iPhone accessory for you. Instead of wearing headphones in bed to make sure that your dreams are soundtracked by the music that you love, then replace your old pillow with a Wiki Wireless iMusic Pillow that will gently pump tunes into your ears as you lie down to sleep. As this is the wireless version of the innovative sleeping accessory, then you can transmit your music from any audio source, ensuring that you don’t push your music tastes on other people joining you in the land of slumber!

WESC Headphones
Link: WESC Headphones
Price: £25-£90

Any music fan will tell you that sound quality is the most important element of the way in which you play your music; being able to hear the depth, ambience and correct tone of any style of music is paramount to an optimum listening experience. Plus, it’s also important to look cool. That’s why I recommend WESC headphones; not only do they get the balance of the audio output just right, you also look uber-cool wearing the enormous wrap-around headphones as you strut down the street, even if what you are actually rocking is Daphne and Celeste’s Greatest Hit(s). They can be a little on the pricey side, but hey, accessorize any old outfit with this and you will be the cat’s pyjamas!

Goodmans Clock Radio Alarm iPod Speaker and Dock
Link:Goodmans Clock Radio Alarm iPod Speaker and Dock
iWorld Price: £27.99

Sure, sure, the radio alarm clock is nothing new, especially in this wonderful world of ever-changing technology…however, this is a neat little accessory that will charge your iPhone while you sleep and can wake you up to the sound of your favourite tunes. No more will there be that frantic battle between plugging your alarm clock and your iPhone charger in the same socket while you think of some dramatic new excuse as to why you are late for work…just hum along to your iTunes collection as you enjoy your breakfast!

iDuck Floating Wireless Speaker
Link: iDuck Floating Wireless Speaker
iwantoneofthose Price: £24.99

Now, playing with a rubber ducky in the bath may not seem like the ultimate cool thing to be doing when you are past the age of, say, three; however, this little rubber ducky has a difference. The iDuck Floating Wireless Speaker will play the tunes that are loaded on to your iPhone while joining you for a dip in the bath, all the while ensuring that your iPhone is a safe 10 metre transmitting distance away from you. A wonderful little extravagance…quack quack!

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Money Saving Tips to Buy Gadgets

Save money and saving money more to buy gadgets.  Read on the article for some effective tips for right approach toward the plan to buy gadgets. The main issue about purchasing gadgets is purchasing comfort, economy, and health; therefore, it is required to have some green tips for enjoying green effect in life with about these gadgets. Gadgets have become the part and parcel of our life. Hardly any of us can imagine our life with different gadgets. Great Money Saving Tips We all can use extra money.

Money Saving Tips to Buy Gadgets. Read on the article for some effective tips for right approach toward the plan to buy gadgets. Campus on a Budget: Money Saving Tips For College Students. While at $109000, this isn't exactly a money saving gadget. It's really helpful and, like your tips, shows us all great ways that we can use discredit yourselves to buy labeling what should really be side notes.

While purchasing gadget we should consider the features of the said gadget first and accordingly need to think about the utility of the features of the gadget for the purchaser. For example, before purchasing a mobile phone, one has to see if all the features of the phone are really required by the users or not. Those who are simple user should not go for hi-end phones for the sake of fashion or status only.

Energy saving factors is of great importance while the purchase of a gadget is concerned. It is always wise to buy gadgets with 5-or 7-star ratings because these ratings ensure the energy efficiency of the said gadget. More the gadget is energy efficient; it is proven as more economic.

While we purchase a new gadget we often consider the features and price but we forget to consider the after sales service and warranty section of the gadget. It is true that quality gadgets hardy gets damaged during first 2-3 years and that covers the warranty coverage of the same provided by the manufacturer. However, after- sales service efficiency should be one of the prime factors in selection of a gadget and before purchasing it should be verified if the service center for that gadget is located at near by location. It will not only save money but will also save time.

Another deciding factor to buy gadgets is the availability and price of the spare parts of the same. If spare parts of a gadget are not available or it is too costly, it is better not go for that item. Otherwise, in case of damage the whole investment will go in vein. Those who are concerned about output of the gadget and at the same time is running on tight budget may consider the option of purchasing refurbished or open box items. Refurbished items are retailer repaired products and open box products are sold-back products. Both of these items are available against lesser price than the new one but they render service as new products. However, before considering purchase of repaired or refurbished items, it is always wise to verify the reputation and background of the retailer so that in requirement the customer may ask for his assistance for servicing.

It is always good to go for branded items while purchasing a gadget. This may incur little more investment, but it will prove ultimately big saver of money. Online shopping to buy gadgets is a great idea because some of the online stores offer huge discount around the year. If one can avail these discounts, it will help in saving considerable amount of money.

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Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets 2011

Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets 2011 Every cook loves kitchen gadgets. Hey, that's part of what makes cooking fun. Here is a list of my top ten favorite gadgets. From a microplane grater to a kitchen. Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets for your 2010 Wish List | Kitchen Who needs toys when you can have high-powered kitchen tools that satisfy both your inner Tim Allen and Julia Child? I have to admit that I'm kind of. In this post we've listed the top kitchen gadgets for 2010 and this Top Kitchen Gadgets. Inspired by the legendary Susannah Wesley

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• Our Kitchen Gadgets section has a number of kitchen gadget related posts.
• And Our Gadget section has a number of electrtonics gadget-related posts.

Acme Natural Top/White Kitchen Cart - Portable Kitchen Island Acme Natural Top/White Kitchen Cart - Portable Kitchen Island. ... Kitchen Gadgets, Kitchen Garden, Kitchen Radios & TVs, Kitchen Robots There are days where having a 20"W 20"L 36"H kitchen cart would just help in our kitchen Best New Kitchen Products - New Kitchen Gadgets 2010 - There is always a new gadget to add to the kitchen to brighten up the decor, ease cooking prep, or store things more efficiently. Check out our cool new kitchen gadgets online Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets 2011

Who needs toys when you can have high-powered kitchen tools that satisfy both your inner Tim Allen and Julia Child?

I have to admit that I’m kind of having fun making these lists, and at the same time, I feel that tug of anti-materialism that makes me want to scrap the gadgets and just talk food. Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets 2011

I’m not a huge proponent of over-spending and letting kids get the gimmies and department store ridiculousness and door buster deals that require a sense of animosity to obtain. On the other hand, if your life is anything like mine, if you don’t put some practical things that you want and will use on a Christmas list, your mother-in-law will buy you something anyway…and she may not be so intuitive about the “want” or the “use” as you’d like.

I actually keep a running list in my computer for the whole family, all year long, just so I’m ready for the inevitable: “Where’s your wish list???”

Today’s list is full of kitchen gadgets with motors, cords, moving parts, and generally a high price tag (although I’ve got a few goodies under $50). Don’t worry, the stocking stuffer variety comes next Wednesday, just in time for your deal shopping on Black Friday.

If you’ve had your eye on any blogger e-products lately, by the way, you may want to plan to log on before you get in line next Friday morning. I won’t leak any secrets or sales…but I’m just sayin’. Watch Wednesday’s post.

The Disclosure

Usually this little FTC mandated thingy goes at the end of my posts, but I feel like talking a bit more up front about what’s behind all these links. Many, if not all of them, will take you somewhere that will give me a tiny kickback for sending you to them. My goal is that the agreement works out well for everyone, if in fact you’re spending some money anyway and ordering online anyway. I explained a bunch about how bloggers make an income back in August, if that helps you understand what’s going on here.

I do have to say that you ought to check local prices and availability first, and I don’t promise that I’ve found the very best deals. I’ll leave that to the deal bloggers, quite honestly. I’d just like to show you what kinds of things I find helpful in my kitchen and you can go from there.

Now here’s why I’m talking disclosure up front: until a few weeks ago, I included a lot of links to Amazon.com in my posts. They’re not always the least expensive, but they sell everything and make it very easy for bloggers to link to their stuff. They were called out on the carpet recently, and rightfully so, for selling an awful, immoral, illegal book. I don’t even want to tell you about it, but Lisa will, if you want to know more. Many people, including me, boycotted and are still boycotting. I took my Amazon store down and deleted the link from the sidebar.

Now, Amazon did take the listing off their site, but they haven’t (as far as I know) issued an apology or any sort of statement, nor have they guaranteed they won’t reinstate the book once this all blows over.

It’s been a conflict in my mind all week whether or not I should utilize any Amazon links or continue with a full boycott. I’ve noticed some bloggers I trust and admire continuing to post Amazon links, while others continue to speak out vehemently against the situation.

I guess I’m taking a middle ground today. I found some other online sites that sell cooking equipment, so I’ll try my best to link to them. However, I may also include Amazon links here. If you feel strongly about the boycott continuing, please do not follow them. If you’re shopping at Amazon anyway, for whatever reason, then I truly appreciate you starting with KS (did you know you don’t even have to buy what I recommend for me to get commission?).

If you end up shopping Amazon anyway, you might as well use Swagbucks – I’ll get a bunch of gifts for free this year because of it!

Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets

Now for the fun part! Some of these items I have and love, some are on my personal wish list. I’ll try to make that clear in the description, if it makes a difference to you. I don’t always know the perfect brand, either. I bought my last blender (the one that smokes sometimes when I make butter) at a garage sale, so that tells you a lot about my standards!

Toaster Oven

We’ve had two toaster ovens, and both are indispensable for what they do for me, but I have no love for either. My first, a Cuisinart, had excellent features but was buggy and died too quickly for my liking. The new one, purchased out of necessity when the former died an early death, is an Oster and has some features I absolutely dislike. Here’s an upper end Calphalon that might do the trick and a lower range Black and Decker.

When purchasing a toaster oven, I’d recommend looking for: 6-slice capacity, ability to bake a whole pie/8×8 casserole (at least), multiple heights for the tray, auto-shutoff timer, easy controls (ask yourself how many buttons or dials you’d have to touch just to make toast, for example). Convection cooking may be nice, but I don’t think it gets anything done any faster. Watch out for metal on the door (ouch!) and dials that children can’t turn, even if they’re taught how.

Food Dehydrator

Sometimes I’m not sure if the dehydrator is worth the space, but I do use it a lot. If you want to have a raw foods lifestyle, preserve a lot of seasonal product, make crispy nuts, or beef jerky, it’s helpful and nearly necessary. Although you can do a lot of the same things in an oven, many ovens don’t go below 170F and thus will kill enzymes (not “raw” foods), and sometimes you can’t tie up your oven for 12 hours and still survive the day!

I had fun hosting a CookWare’s Plus giveaway last June, when I asked you to make a Christmas wish list from their site. Now you can check them out for your real list (thank you, CWP, for being a sponsor of KS this month!). I happen to have an Excalibur dehydrator, but there are less expensive options. Check out my comparison dehydrator review to help you make your decision.

Grain mill

Sometime soon, I will offer a giveaway sponsored by Pleasant Hill Grain for a Nutrimill grain mill. I’ve been fiddling with mine since spring, but it’s been pretty dormant lately as we went grain-free as a family. (That postponed things, sorry about that!)

A grain mill is a super huge investment and commitment. It definitely takes longer to make baked goods, just “one more step,” but the nutrition and cost savings of grinding your own grain, along with the reassurance of being able to store bulk grains, is unsurpassed.

When I get to a grain mill series (probably January), I will discuss a bit about the differences in mills. You definitely want to do your research to make sure you get what you need out of a mill. Two other bloggers I respect have written about various mills and comparisons: Nourishing Gourmet andHeavenly Homemakers.

High-powered blender

Blendtec

Another super big ticket item, the Blendtec and Vitamix seem to be the top two high-powered blenders out there. Many, many people listed them first on their “wish list” during the dehydrator giveaway. These machines take the place of your blender, food processor, AND grain mill.

I want one. Working on that!

You can find BOTH of them to compare atCookWare’s Plus. Someday, I’ll let you know which one I think is best (I hope).

Berkey Water Filtration System

I’m becoming more and more interested in theBerkey system. I’m telling you, no one has anything bad to say about it (except that it takes counter space, which is my holdup. I’ve got 9 feet of counter, total. Cannot. Spare. A. Foot.)

The Berkey filters chlorine, fluoride (with an extra filter), plus 99% of all nasty contaminants. Good stuff. It doesn’t need electricity, so it will save you in an emergency, too. For more, check out Lisa’s humorous Berkey review.

KitchenAid mixer

Now we get to my ultimate favorite kitchen gadget, one that I use nearly daily. Ok, I don’t really bake that much, but I bet it’s 3-4 times a week! Sometimes I use it 3 times in a day. My KitchenAid mixer has a prized place on my 9 feet of counter, I’m telling you. The fact that it will knead my bread dough allows our family to have homemade sourdough bread. I don’t knead bread by hand. Period. I also love that I can get out and put away ingredients while my batters and cookie doughs are mixing themselves. Indispensable! This link will take you to the KitchenAid outlet, where I hope you can find the best deal possible

Food processor

I don’t actually own a food processor, but thanks to my mom who decided I’d use hers more than she does, I bet I drag it up from the basement once or twice a week. I try really hard to make more than one recipe at a time, because I’m lazy and hate dishes!

The food processor I use is nothing special, similar to this one from Amazon for $100. I might wish for a slightly bigger one, although right now I’m shooting for that high-powered blender to have fewer total gadgets to store. Here’s a KitchenAid 12-cup at cooking.com (less expensive here than the KA outlet!)

Mine stays busy shredding cheese, making power bars from my Healthy Snacks to Go book, and grinding nuts into fake-o almond flour, lately.

Stick Blender

 

Here’s a lower budget item that still is a super fun gadget and gets constant use in my kitchen. Stick blenders make blending soups like my garlic soupsuper easy, and I make thin applesauce with the skins right in the pot! I also use the stick blender (also called a hand blender or immersion blender) to make perfect homemade mayo, every time. (That’s a vlog, if you want to see how it works.)

Some people like the chrome version to avoid plastic (here is is without extras). Mine looks just like this but is a Braun (I can’t find it anymore), and I LOVE the mini bonus food processor – I use it to make Caesar dressing all the time (same one is $10less at Amazon, sigh). Sometimes you just want cheap – here’s one for under $20.

Food Chopper

For some reason I forgot how much I love myPampered Chef food chopper until recently. It’s SO much faster than a knife for chopping onions, garlic, and anything else for soups and casseroles when the slicing look doesn’t matter. Here’s the second one I have, dedicated to chopping nuts and chocolate. I don’t wash it much!

One word of caution: it you don’t have a lot of hand strength or dexterity, you may not be happy with this item. I have two because I got one for my mom for Christmas one year and she decided it hurt her hand, and she preferred a knife.

Mandolin Slicer

Not to be confused with the musical instrument, which is spelled the same way, a mandolin helps you slice a lot of food, evenly and quickly. It makes homemade potato chips a snap, and I also love it for these California chicken wraps, which have a number of sliced vegetables. I don’t use it often, but when I packed it up to “set” our house to sell, I missed it! Absence makes the heart grow fonder (and more hungry).

Here’s a very inexpensive one like I have (under $20), one step up with various guards (can shred cheese), and a bit higher end (can slice tomatoes). If you want to spend $60 and more, you can find those, too.

Is anybody hungry? I just want to go play in my kitchen now, excuse me. If you’ve got any winner ideas to add, join in the comments, or feel free to ask me questions about my personal experiences with the items I own.

Every cook loves kitchen gadgets. Hey, that's part of what makes cooking fun. Here is a list of my top ten favorite gadgets. From a microplane grater to a kitchen. Top 10 Kitchen Gadgets for your 2010 Wish List | Kitchen Who needs toys when you can have high-powered kitchen tools that satisfy both your inner Tim Allen and Julia Child? I have to admit that I'm kind of.

Acme Natural Top/White Kitchen Cart - Portable Kitchen Island Acme Natural Top/White Kitchen Cart - Portable Kitchen Island. ... Kitchen Gadgets, Kitchen Garden, Kitchen Radios & TVs, Kitchen Robots There are days where having a 20"W 20"L 36"H kitchen cart would just help in our kitchen Best New Kitchen Products - New Kitchen Gadgets 2010 - There is always a new gadget to add to the kitchen to brighten up the decor, ease cooking prep, or store things more efficiently. Check out our cool new kitchen gadgets online

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