A fair amount of attention has been paid to the idea of solar-powered laptops as a perennial source of energy on the go, but there's no reason that the concept shouldn't be applied to desktops too as the greening of homes continues worldwide. Canada's Intelligent Forms Design addresses this need and--much to our liking--does so from the patio at the same time.
Its weatherproof SOlo Lounge
Table (not a typo) not only charges the computer with built-in solar panels, according to Boing Boing, but it can also keep you updated on
its status through Bluetooth signals sent indoors. The charging will continue
even if the table is partly shaded, albeit in a diminished capacity, because
other parts of the solar array will keep working.
None of this comes cheap, of course--US$14,000, to be exact. But if you plan on
expanding your solar ensemble, there's a natural matching lounge chair in the
Power Cube 600.
Depression among household pets may be worse than originally believed.
We thought the issue was more isolated last month upon learning of the Fauna
Sauna--its name doesn't exactly scream credibility--a device that uses
radiant heat "to bring healing to your pet right in your home". But now it has
competition in the SunSpa,
another product that claims to control mood swings by simulating sunlight "for a
warm and soothing heaven for your pets", according to Luxurylaunches. We're not
sure about that, but it does look considerably more comfy than its
competitor.
To calm the savage beast's nerves (and your pet's as well), the 150-watt
light keeps the bed at a toasty 80 to 85 degrees while promising to last 5,000
hours. The bed itself is covered with "Crypton Fabric" that is odor- and
water-resistant, two qualities that would probably improve any pet's disposition
with or without any lights at all.
Usually when clothing and technology intersect, it's for purposes of or communication, even
when physical activity is involved. But the VitalJacket made by Portuguese company BioDevices wants the combination to focus on your health.
Rather than rely on cumbersome devices that need to be worn on the arm or strapped to the chest, this smart shirt
tracks your heart rate and electrocardiogram levels with built-in technologies.
The VitalJacket comes in two
versions, according to Coolest-Gadgets: One that stores data on a removable
SD card that can be transferred to a computer, and another that features "online
visualization" through a smart phone.
If you have particularly nosey bosses, however, be careful if they start issuing new uniforms that resemble these.
People ascribe great healing powers to LED lamps and are
willing to make some notable sacrifices to
use them. But the Med Spa Clinic in England has taken the concept to its
therapeutic extreme.
The Oxy-LED Light Spa
Capsule isn't directed only at the face as are other products, instead
spreading its magic wavelengths over the entire body. The reason: Not
only is it an emotional enhancer, but the pricey full-body spa supposedly
promotes weight loss when combined with other therapies by causing intense
physical stimulation, according to BornRich. With claims like that, it
might run afoul of some vice squads if it ever gets to the States.
Stoves do not immediately come to mind when you think of cool gadgets. That perception could change when you see the Izona CookSurface from New Zealand-based Fisher & Paykel.
The colors alone make it look like something out of the sci-fi movie Tron. An LED indicator tells you how hot the burner is and beside that, you have dials to control the flame. But the coolest thing has got to be this--the pan supports retract. Yes, when not in use, the CookSurface looks entirely flat. This gives you more bench surface area to do stuff like cut your vegetables and best of all, will impress anyone touring your kitchen. Check with your local Fisher & Paykel dealer to see if you can buy this in your country.