Novotable

This would look smashing next to that pinball machine and Coke dispenser in your living room. If you had one. Totally Back to the Future, this retro tabletop arcade is a piece of yesteryear's PacMan and Galaxy consoles. If you're feeling the nostalgia bug bite hard and would like one, be prepared for sticker shock as the Novo Infotainment Table is expected to cost a premium. Otherwise, stick to PlayStation 2. It's far more portable, and you can lean back comfortably rather than lean over your console in a backbreaking game of video.

Take a look at the full setup | the control keys

Price: N.A.
Availability: see Web site
Device: Game machine
Basic specs: 32-inch LCD screen, subwoofers, arcade controllers, auxilary scart video input, auxilary video output, built-in picture card reader, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, external USB ports, Shuttle PC

Food Loop

Sometimes, loopy ideas make great ones. From a company whose tagline says "Use your imagination", this one doesn’t need much brain juice to get the drift. Hotspot's flexible silicon Food Loops snap together to form loops around any food you wish to keep closed and compact during cooking. Beats using twine and is even arthritis friendly, though there seems to be just the one color choice.

Watch the video | get some recipes | see Food Loop | package

Via CNET News.com blogs

Price: US$14.95 for set of six
Availability: Currently in the US, although there are plans to retail it internationally.
Device: Food trussing tool
Basic specs: Heat resistant up to 675°F / 357°C, non-stick, flexible and adjusts from 1 to 4 inches or larger by linking several loops together, reusable, arthritis friendly

Astone Mobile Washer

Here's a crazy idea, a portable washer that you can bring along on your next great outdoor adventure. Here's why it won't work. 1) You have hordes of kids who use up shirts and socks faster than you can hang them out to dry; and 2) you're supposed to be relaxing, not thinking of washing dirty laundry. Still, if you're a clean freak or closet OCD, this baby should prove a lifesaver. Don't plan on giving this gizmo an early spin, though. It's not due out till May, according to Astone Hong Kong's Web site. It also holds only 6.5l of water in an inflatable washtub, and gives no indication if it can run off mains or not.

Get upclose

Via Gizmag

Price: US$70
Availability: From May, Astone
Device: Portable washer
Basic specs: 2kg, holds 6.5l water

LED Writing Light

Hopefully your clients won't cough politely when you present the LED Writing Light as a door gift. Not another pen! And what's with the ugly bulbous orb? Actually, it's a whole lot more useful than it appears, being both a writing implement and flashlight. We can see how that comes in handy for writing in the dark or doubling as an emergency torch. Oddly, the makers of the LED Writing Light have made it waterproof as well. Maybe this ought to convince the boss to hold the next office meet by the poolside. Er, write on.

See its options

Via News.com blog

Price: US$9.95
Availability: Check MyLight Brand Lighting
Device: Pen-light combo
Basic specs: Two LED bulbs which need not be replaced, runs about 40 hours on two 3V Lithium batteries, emits 8,000 mcd of light, steel pocket clip, replaceable ball point, swivel mount, shock resistant, waterproof, comes in blue or pink, 5.8 x 1.6 x 1.6 inches

Nomad

In a paranoid world, this GPS tracker-on-a-lanyard would be standard issue. Fortunately, we haven't reached that sad stage yet (one hopes). So Nomad, as this SOS device is called, is really more of a lifesaver for those working in potentially dangerous situations, and for peace of mind for the elderly and vulnerable. It's a simple unit that works on the GSM network. You can preprogram it to speed-dial directly to a contact center or send alerts of up to three contacts in the event of emergencies. There's also GPS built-in for location tracking and remote activation, which is a relief if you're lost in the big beyond. Upclose, the Nomad looks a tad plasticky. But if it can save lives, who cares?

See upclose | three views

Price: N.A.
Availability: Nomad
Device: SOS tracker
Basic specs: Lithium-ion, 90-min talktime, 100-hr standby, SAR 0.3w/kg, triband model, 97.5 x 62 x 28mm

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