droolicious : computer

Amazon Deal Alert: Epson Perfection V300 Scanner On Sale

Chris Ford — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Saving digital memories is a job for parents that (either thankfully or not) our parents never had to deal with. But what's the best way to save those non-digital memories, digitally? The Epson Perfection V300 Scanner is the same scanner I've used to convert many photos and negatives of my family's memories with great success - and it's on sale now at Amazon.com.

The Epson Perfection V300 Scanner is a basic flat-bed scanner that will scan any flat piece of paper (photo, kids' artwork, written document) as well as photo negatives and slides. It also comes with Epson's software that will take your scanned image, correct the color and remove dust and other imperfections. The software suite you get also comes with something called "optical character recognition" software, making any documents you scan readable and (more importantly perhaps) searchable by your computer.

In my experience it worked very well under all conditions. I was able to scan many, many negatives as well as photos without hardly any hiccup.

But the most important thing about this blog post is that it's available now from Amazon.com for only $93.24, which is 33% off the regular price. So if you've been putting off this chore, now might be the right time to start archiving. (Oh, and once you do, don't forget to back up your hard work - but that's another blog post.)

Epson Perfection V300 Photo Color Scanner, $93.24 from Amazon.com.

CES 2009: Road Mice - Muscle Car Computer Mice

Chris Ford — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 13:00:00 GMT

One of the cool things about a show like CES is checking out all of the smaller vendors - the people with an idea and a product to sell. One of those was this company that was selling what they called "Road Mice." Computer mice in the shape of cars is definitely a novelty, but if your kid (or his father) is a gear head it might make a good gift.

Road mice come in both cordless and wireless versions, and have LED headlights and a click wheel that light up when they're being used, and each mouse has an individual VIN number that you can register online at roadmice.com. You can also buy what they are calling an insurance policy on each mouse - for $19.95 they will replace the mouse if it is lost or stolen.

There are all kinds of models of American cars to choose from, and depending what you pick it will cost $49 or $45 (for the cordless) and $35 for the wired mouse. To check it out or to buy online check out RoadMice.com

CES 2009: NVIDIA Brings 3D To PC Games WIth GeForce 3D Vision

Chris Ford — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:00:00 GMT

See those two dudes playing Guitar Hero with the funny 3D glasses on? They're rocking out in 3D thanks to the new NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision. And you thought it wasn't possible to look geekier playing Guitar Hero.

The GeForce 3D VIsion is a box that hooks up to your computer monitor (it's only for PC gaming) and works in conjunction with software you install on your computer. The cool thing is it doesn't require any versions of the games you want to play - as most all video games are created in 3D "space" anyway. NVIDIA has confirmed it works with 358 PC games, but it may work with others as well.

NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision - $199 from NVIDIA.com

The Babble Review: BOB The Screentime Controller

Chris Ford — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:54:00 GMT

If you're looking to limit the amount of time your children spend on any one electronic device (like a video game machine, television or computer) without fighting them about it all the time, BOB from Hopscotch Technology might be something you should check out. The idea is simple - control the power to the device and you can control how much your kid can use it. My full review is after the jump.

The way it works is, you plug the power cord of the device you want to limit into the BOB, where it gets locked up with a key. Then you plug the BOB into the outlet, and BOB determines how much power flows through to the device. Everyone who wants access gets their own password and account on BOB, and the parent sets usage time limits for each account. You can also set up blocks of time when the device can't be used at all as well as add time on the fly if you want to reward your child (or let them finish a movie for instance).

I was able to use one for a couple of days and, although my children are still too young to use it, I have to say it works pretty well. When the time limit is almost up it gives a loud annoying beep for a minute, warning you to finish up what you're doing before it shuts things off automatically. There is even a feature that allows for devices that need to have power running to them all the time (like a computer). In that mode BOB monitors the power flow to the device, and if there is an increase (when you turn the device on) it sends a minute warning and then shuts the power down if you don't log in. It will even report back to the parent that the device was turned on without permission.

With usage reporting for the parent as well as the ability to add flex time, I have to say it seems they've though of every feature a parent could possibly want. Keep in mind the device will only work with things that need to be plugged in (so it won't work with a Nintendo DS or a PSP for instance) and it only works with the power cord. If the device you're using has a removable power cord (like a video game system), it would be possible for an enterprising teenager to just buy another power cord and keep it hidden. But other than that extreme scenario, if you're looking to let your child manage the time you give them with a television or similar device, BOB might be for you.

BOB from Hopscotch Technology is available for $78.87 from Amazon.com

CES 2008: Belkin Washable Mouse

Chris Ford — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 03:28:00 GMT

Of all the things I saw on the first day of the Consumer Electronics Showcase in Las Vegas, one of the most useful things for a parent of young children was this Washable Mouse from Belkin. The name says it all really. It's a computer mouse that you can scrub, and even put under a running faucet (a picture of which I took, above). Sure, we all pretend that our kids don't touch our computer, but at least with this, sticky hands on daddy's computer or (heaven forbid) a marker or a crayon can be dealt with. Unfortunately they didn't have a washable keyboard.

The Belkin Washable Mouse has an MSRP of $29.99.

Penguin USB Mouse for Your Future Linux Geek

Aaron Burgess — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:35:00 GMT

Of course, you don't need to be running Linux to enjoy these penguin-shaped USB optical mice ($15 from USBGeek.com), but extra geek points if you are. Available in pink, blue and black, they conform nicely to small hands (and imaginations) despite being less than ergonomically comfy for adults, and they also make a nice second mouse for those of us who'd prefer our junior programmers didn't get jelly and Goldfish crumbs in the cracks of our work gadgets.

Brave New Baby: BRIO Network

Karen — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:04:00 GMT

BRIO wooden toys have taken the classics and gone high tech, all without using a computer. Deliver messages via "E-Mail Central" (a modified train set), search the Network with Detective Dex and his Search Pod, or my favorite: Attack the network with The Attacker and Viruses! It all sounds more imaginary than the traditional train set, and I do wonder if it will catch on with the kiddos.

The Attacker and Viruses, shown here, is $24.99 on Brio's website, where you can find the whole collection.

She May Be Ready for a Big Computer, but She Needs a Mini Keyboard

Mir — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 16:03:00 GMT

Just because your precocious tot is ready to while away the hours online doesn't mean that she's suited to the ergonomics of a keyboard and mouse meant for full-grown adults. Consider picking up a mini keyboard and mouse for kids from Ergoguys; they come in four pleasing color-combinations, yes, but they're also designed for little fingers. The keyboards are 1/3 standard size with a slightly slanted key arrangement for ease of use. Corded optical mouse is designed to fit in the palms of small hands. Just $34.95 for the set.

HP TouchSmart PC: Computers Designed for Families

modmom — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 11:02:00 GMT

A computer screen that's okay for your kids to write on? Get in touch with technology + keep your family connected, organized + entertained with the HP TouchSmart PC. Touch the screen to get instant access to the internet, television, music, movies, photos, family schedules + information on your PC. It’s easy enough for the whole family to use. Manage your family’s schedule by updating calendar events + creating your choice of voice, written or typed messages. The 19" flat panel monitor space-saving all-in-one design looks great in any décor. ($1,849 here) See it live! Click here to watch the video!