Victorinox s.beat MP3 Digital Audio Player

Just when we thought we'd seen it all with the USB thumbdrive-in-a Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox has again surprised us. Taking off from its first digital foray, the company has now added an MP3 player with remote to its arsenal of tools. The s.beat, just out, comes in 1GB and 2GB flavors, with a 4GB version in the works. There's support for MP3, WMA and--yet more surprises--OGG Vorbis, a voice recorder and FM radio with six presets. Amazingly, the entire package is only slightly larger, in a handy 74 x 22 x 24mm size. Of course, this being a Swiss Army Knife (duh), you also get a blade, a pair of scissors and a nail file/screwdriver. But just in case you plan to take your player onboard, the Swiss have thought up a flight version, too, sans tools. All that's needed is to remove the player from the knife body in one step and, voila. Comes with a protective cover for the USB connection. And we know just the song to play on this multi-tool device. Hit it, Rockwell. Oh oh oh oh oh... knife, cuts like a knife...

Click to see larger image | accessories | being worn

Price: US$276 for 1GB, US$415 for 2GB, 4GB no pricing details
Availability: More info at homepage
Device: MP3 player + Swiss Army Knife
Specs: 1GB / 2GB, metal knife body, earphones with adjustable neck strap and anti-dangling mechanism, remote control with 3.5 + 2.5 earphone plug, protective cap for USB plug, adjustable rubber arm strap, clip to attach to belt, USB extension cable, multi-language quick install guide, drivers and application CD-ROM, Lithium-polymer battery, 32g

Kodai Djinns

If you're stumped for ideas this festive giving season, these Kodai Djinns could just be this season's boy toy for your geek pal. It took us a while to figure this out, but it's essentially Tamagotchi meets yoyo with a battle slant that should appeal to gamers. Gameplay involves spinning the yoyo to power up and train your warrior (one of 12 random virtual fighters based on the Chinese Zodiac). Lots of flashy lights in red, yellow or blue LEDs and sound effects pile on the fun factor. There's a random 1-in-150 chance of scoring your own super-warrior, though your trembling arm would probably have dropped off by then. Just don't take on a yoyo-meister, though. Battles are fought with seven video games played on the LCD display using four built-in buttons. These include a follow-the-leader-style yo-yoing game, a scissors/paper/stone-style challenge and a monster vs warrior battle. A wireless option (infrared) lets players go head-on with rival yoyo warriors, with an online game expected to spin off soon. There's already a comic series, so don't be surprised to see the Kodai Djinns get big-screen treatment, if the more-dead-than-alive DOA: Dead or Alive can make it to Hollywood.

Check out the warriors | the yoyos | the packaging

Price: US$28.80 for single, US$53.20 for pair
Availability: At firebox.com

Device: Gyro-charged, seven built-in games, infrared, LEDs illuminate while spinning with sound effects

USB Cannon

Whip out the big guns. It's the battle of the Alamo all over again. Get 'em before they get you. It's not the first USB weapon of mass destruction we've seen (remember the USB-Powered Air Darts?), but the USB Cannon is no less fun. This one shoots out not only foam Babes as missiles, it comes with prerecorded sound effects to add to the atmosphere of nukes whizzing overhead. Better yet, you can download your own sound effects and add them to your program. Allows you to lob three foam Babes at up to 20ft at an extremely fast rate, which might annoy the hell out of your colleagues enough to turn this into an all-out inter-departmental Alamo. Blast a Babe at your boss only if you reckon life is short.

Click for larger image

Price: US$35
Availability: At Brando
Device: USB accessory
Specs: No batteries required, uses USB power, compatible with Win XP, CD software, user guide, quick start guide, three foam "Babes" and a circus net to catch them, 10ft of USB cable

Easy Desk Aluminum

Just when we thought the the Rainbow Book Stand was the ultimate sloth machine, here comes the notebook companion. Who says a laptop has to sit on your lap or even on a tabletop? The Easy Desk Aluminum puts it exactly where we like to be--flat out horizontal. Fortunately, it's a little more flexible that that. Pressing a button on the joint lets the legs rotate 360 degrees, so that even those who can't see their toes easily can adjust the table over their generous six-pack.

Click to see Easy Desk upclose | usage

Price: US$58.17
Availability: At Rare Mono Shop (Thanko)
Device: Notebook stand
Specs: Top board 48 x 24cm, leg 30 x 3cm, can be adjusted into a portable desk or folded away for storage

Portable Ice Rink

Online store Hammacher Schlemmer continually amazes us with the stuff it stocks. There's virtually nothing it won't sell, from transparent kayaks to hydrogen fuel cell cars, short of doing a Harrods where it's said you can even buy an elephant. This time, HS has in its catalog a portable ice rink. And none too soon for Christmas in the colder climes where a couple of days' freezing temperature plus the Portable Ice Rink gives you an instant playpen to hold your own ice hockey tournaments or ice-skating skids. For those celebrating the festive season in the tropics and Under, stick to ice lollies for some cold fun. Coz that's all the chilly Christmas you're going to get.

Click for larger image

Via Luxist

Price: US$699.95 (37ft size)
Availability: At Hammacher Schlemmer
Device: Instant hockey rink
Basic specs: 15ft to 26ft ice rink size

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