Griffin iBeam

Now why would anyone whip out their music player and snap on a flashlight or laser pointer add-on--all this just to look for something in the dark or as an office presentation tool? Unless it's to show off your iPod. Given the Apple community's almost ferocious brand loyalty (anti-Apple comments earn snarls from our Mac-o-phile creative designer), this group's likely to go bananas over the latest offering from Griffin. Both devices come in a set, with protective caps that can be attached to a keychain. To use, simply plug into the speaker socket of your iPod or iPod Mini.

Price: US$19.95
Availability: End October
Device: iPod accessory
Basic specs: N.A.

Talkin' First Aid Kit

Fancy a First Aid kit that gives you lip? No, not mouth-to-mouth resuscitation--although if it came in the shape of Italian goddess Monica Bellucci, the CNETAsia guys have said they are volunteering. But a medicine box implanted with a Johnny Mneumonic-like audio chip, which enables it to verbalize step-by-step instructions to users on how to manage common injuries. Developed by Intelligent First Aid Kit in partnership with the US National Safety Council, this Talkin' First Aid Kit will even pause and repeat when necessary for accurate response. Hopefully, the makers have also included a panic button for good measure.

Price: US$149.95
Availability: Late fall, sold online
Device: Intelligent first aid kit
Basic specs: Supplies and visual instruction cards in both audio and written forms, for the most common injuries--separated into individually labeled and color-coded packs

Glanz X-Board

Surfboards have now joined the league of All-In-One toiletries and gizmos proliferating retail shelves. Japanese company BE-S has developed a polyurethane board light enough to carry, yet is sufficiently versatile for body boarding, surfing, and even snowboarding. Unfortunately, the only place those of us in tropical Singapore are ever going to be able to test the board's snowboarding competence is down 60m of gentle, well-trampled slope out at Jurong's Snow City center.

More pictures here

Price: ¥5,980 (US$54) for X-Board; ¥6,980 (US$63) for X-Board2
Availability: Japan
Device: 3-in-1 surfboard
Basic specs: 52.5 x 104cm (X-Board), 52.5 x 134cm (X-Board2)

Mood Light Objects

Imagine the surprise on your guests' faces when you whip out a remote, dim the lights and your wine chiller or pot holder lights up. Traxon's remote-controlled color-morphing containers make great conversation pieces. Plus, you can do a David Blaine by presetting 30 different mood lights, on pulse, fuse or blink, either rapidly or slowly. And with the Mood Lights using just 5 watts, you won't be slapped with a rude hike in your next PUB bill. Of course, it's just as effective and cheaper using scented candles. And sweeter smelling, too!

Click here for: Rotondo with remote | Wine Chiller

Price: From US$179.95
Availability: Mood Light Web site
Device: LED lighted containers
Basic specs: 30 Mood Light settings, pre-programmed Random, Fusion, Pulse, Chill, Motion functions, 4 AA LiMH rechargeable batteries and charger, RF remote control

Perific Wireless Dual Mouse

Kiasu mums with children that have grown computer arms, and office execs suffering repetitive wrist syndrome, have gotta love this mouse. The two-in-one Perific Wireless Dual Mouse is a Russian Doll of possibilities. Snap on the shell, and you get a regular wireless mouse. Remove it, and voila, a grip-friendly input device you can hold any which way--even wear it! However, the US$208 sticker shock is gonna hurt a hellava lot more than your overstrained wrist.

Click here: for the full rodent | to reveal your inner mouse | for front view | to wear the Perific

Price: £116 (US$208)
Availability: Perific Web site
Device: Wireless mouse
Basic specs: Trackball, USB port, 1.5m range, 96g (excluding cover, including batteries), 70g receiver, 2 NiMH AAA batteries rated to last one week, 800dpi optical sensor

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (575)

» Digital Cameras (356)

» Notebooks (367)

» PC & Peripherals (372)

» Handhelds (213)

» Printers (37)

» Home AV (394)

» Music & Play (358)

» Gadgets (844)

» Future Tech (124)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads