Anycom SCK-1 Solar Powered Hands Free Car Kit

I just got a tool that may be of great use to most folks. This is a little device that works as a bluetooth  hands free unit, but the interesting thing is that it self recharges, well; actiually it recharges with a little help from the sun. It comes with its own mini-solar panel and when you leave it in the sun, the device will charge itself. I got it from CompUSA for only $59.99.

When I saw it, I though it looked like a great idea for an in-car device. I installed it in a snap, it comes with a suction-cup plastic pocket (similar to the older devices that hold the toll transponder) (see third picture in this article). The windshield holder is made of clear plastic, but to avoid blocking the sunlight, it has a cutout large enough to let sunlight into the solar panel.

[Read more]

i-Kit iPhone FM Hands-free car kit & FM transmitter

I should probably let you know that I am the master of Jerry-rigging stuff. A few examples: I have a  screw/ring that I use to tune one of the broken machine heads on my 1939 Johann Nurnberg double bass… I have two broken guitar pedals that that I use to balance and  prop up the front feet of my 1970 Fender Rhodes organ (that is missing one of the leg extenders)… For years, I used a toothpick to hold in the bass boost button on my home stereo… the list goes on and on.  It’s just who I am and how I operate. I am cool with it.

Even though I am fairly practical about form/function and am usually forgiving when it comes to aesthetics, I also don’t want you all to think that  I am not capable of appreciating something that is beautiful or works well. On the contrary, I’d pimp any Harold Van Doren object, any day of the week. I can appreciate something that is elegant or makes it easy on you, while not always requiring it. I’m kind of “Jekyll and Hyde” like that. Dig?

So when I received the MediaGate i-Kit FM Hands-free car kit & FM transmitter to review, at first I think I questioned if I needed it, but after about 2 days, I really began to appreciate it. Now, I am not trying to say it’s beautiful, like a Van Doren scooter or anything, but for $50-$60 it looks reasonably good and works pretty well. It definitely makes it easy on you, if you want to screw around with your iPhone/iPod in the car.

In a nutshell, the i-Kit is an FM transmitter for you iPhone/iPod that transmits the output of your device, wirelessly, to your car stereo, while at the same time keeping it charged. It has a couple of other extra features too, so lets just go ahead and list them all.

[Read more]

Sextopus: a solution to universal frustrations

My life was a mess; Sextopus has saved me from embarrassing, inexcusable, inappropriate, unmanageable, and extreme entanglements. It was love at first sight. The sinewy appendages, the inviting receptacles, and the penetrating blue eyes were irresistible. Instantly, I knew I couldn’t live a moment longer without Sextopus.

Sextopus is so amiable and highly adaptable; its only purpose is to conform to the master’s needs graciously without complaint. It’s just a matter of appendage adjustment.

Similar to the octopus, a distant cousin with eight tentacles, Sextopus only has six. But oh what it can do with those six appurtenances. It is a wonder to behold.

A characteristic peculiar to the echinoderms of which the Sextopus must be related is the ability to regenerate severed appendages. Lop off the arm of a starfish, and it will grow a new one. A Sextopus has the same ability, but even better. You can just rip one off, and it can be instantly replaced with one more suitable to your liking and special needs.

Are you beginning to think a Sextopus might be right for you too? Let me tell you a little more about what this little beauty will do for you.

[Read more]

New! Proporta Dual Power Car Kit

I am always impressed with what Proporta, my favorite accessory supplier, comes up with next. This time it’s a dual car charger. You plug it into your cigarette lighter receptacle; it has two USB ports for charging two devices simultaneously.

It comes with two cables. One has a standard USB connector on one end and a mini USB connector on the other. The second cable has a standard USB connector and a plug that will fit into a variety of adapters that come with the set.

You get three adapters that connect to iPod, Sony, and Nokia. None of these are of any interest to me, so I just pulled out a spare USB cable, and I’m set to charge up any two devices in my car and keep them topped off ready for use.

If none of the supplied adapters work for your specific devices, Proporta has a vast array of connectors. You need only ask, and there’s an excellent change they will have what you need. By the way, you get one free extra adapter of your choice with this bundle.

Personally, I try not to acquire any devices with goofy proprietary connectors so that I can just use a standard USB mini cable and that’s that. I apply this rule to my Windows Mobile devices, Bluetooth headphones, car kits, GPS receivers and units, camera, and any other juice-thirsty critter I may acquire.

There’s not too much more to say about the charger kit except that it comes in a nice velvety black bag with a drawstring. I guess I should mention that it has an orange interior giving it a sort of Halloween feel. Actually, it’s reversible if you want to turn it inside out and have an orange exterior. It seems Proporta anticipated this behavior because Proporta is printed on both sides. On the black side there’s a magnetic cable holder thoughtfully attached. You can also use the bag to protect one of your devices.

Aw, one more thing, I found tucked inside the bag two, red, window decals with the following inscription, “No GPS Stored in Vehicle.” This is a nice touch that could give a potential thief pause and save your windshield or windscreen as I’m sure the folks at Proporta would put it.

This handy accessory can be yours for $36.95, and shipping is free for the rest of the month. Check it out at http://proporta.com/F02/PPF02P05.php?t_id=3937&t_mode=des