MicroFridge $425
Combo Microwave-Refridge-Freezer -- and dual outlet charging station for tech accessories -- saves energy and can be plugged into a single 110 outlet -- perfect for small apartment, shop, dorm, bedroom, in-law apartment, garage, cabana, game room, den.
Schlage Link System $300 for starter kit
Easy to install home management system--receive text/email alerts when children arrive home--open door with cell phone from anywhere--add on features include wireless camera ($180), thermostat ($150) and more. Available at Radio Shack.
Panasonic 360 Quick Iron under $50
Makes ironing fun (well, maybe less like work)-- works in all directions--new shape--cuts ironing time by up to 25%--has built in recess to make ironing around buttons easier--steam around total iron area--can also use vertically as steamer--if no motion it automatically shuts off.
LifeTone Alarm Clock Under $180
This alarm clock "listens" for your smoke detector to sound, which triggers its own very loud alarm and bed shaker device. Standard smoke alarm sounds with 3100 Hz--when Lifetone hears that alarm it sounds with 520 Hz Square-wave alarm which has been proven to be most effective in waking people with hearing loss.
HydraBrush Under $100
A strange new electric toothbrush that brushes top-bottom-cheek-and tongue side of teeth--all at the same time.
Mouseless Touchscreen PC MSI Wind Top AE 1900 $530-590
No mouse needed--80% less power than trad PC, never more than 50 watts of power used--super quiet--sleek design.
WebAround Under $35
No need to clean up your office before going on your webcam--webAround creates a clean neat background for your head shot.
FACE OFF CHALLENGE: Electric Toothbrushes
Two electric toothbrushes both around $70; guess which one consumers loved (#1 pick) and which one they wanted to give the brush-off? (Bottom 10%)
-- Philips Sonicare Essence 5500 Sonic Toothbrush w/Quadpacer
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About Gadget Nation: A Journey Through The Eccentric World of Invention
Americans love their gadgets--and Gadget Nation takes you behind the scenes and introduces you to the men and women who have spent countless hours and money, (in some cases cashing in their 401(k)), trying to turn their gadget idea into a gadget bonanza. Author Steve Greenberg, dubbed The Innovation Insider, travels the country seeking out clever off-beat new products. His journey through the underbelly of American invention has brought him face to face with hundreds of garage inventors. Steve has spent years exploring and observing this often bizarre slice of Americana. And while most of us might look at these products and wonder, "Why didn't I think of that?" Steve will tell you why these people did.
Featuring more than 100 quirky innovations from garage inventors across the nation, this visual showcase captures America's can-do spirit and creative energy. Sure, there are some scary examples of gadgets that have gone terribly wrong, but others will amaze you, and still others will make you laugh. One fascinating aspect of each story is learning which inventors have achieved some degree of financial success. In this world, logic doesn't enter into the equation. A product that most people might look at and think, "Who needs that?" might be raking in millions and yet another product that seems truly ingenious might be drowning in red ink.
Every inventor dreams their invention will be the next the Thigh Master, Chia Pet, Hairagami, or Pocket Fisherman. Sure, we all love our gadgets--and after reading Gadget Nation, you will start developing a deep affection for the inventors behind those gadgets.
Gadget Nation is available at area bookstores and on-line. For more information, visit gadgetnation.net/ or www.sterlingpublishing.com
About Steve Greenberg
Steve Greenberg is an invention groupie. Born into a family of patent filers, Steve has always respected and praised America's inventors. It was that fascination that caused Steve to write a book about garage inventors. Steve travels the country looking for innovative products. That's why he has been dubbed "The Innovation Insider."
For three years, Steve demonstrated innovative products on the Discovery Channel's Your New House. For six years Steve was on HGTV's very popular DreamBuilders, traveling the country showcasing the latest in home design, construction and trends. For 5-years, HGTV also used Steve's reporting skills to cover the hottest new home improvement products at NAHB's International Builders Show. Steve has also been a judge for Hammacher-Schlemmer's Search for Invention Contest.
Steve writes for several magazines, newspapers and websites. His "Innovation Insider" features appear in the Miami Herald, ROOMS magazine, Smart Homeowner magazine, Backyard Living, HomeToys.com, Log Home Living, and others.
