Guess battery companies are finally waking up to the fact that disposables of yore aren’t the way of the future, especially where the environment is concerned. Since that realization, rechargeable batteries have been released but those have not really caught on with the masses since disposable batteries are much more convenient, and you don’t need to bother with charging them to maximum power once they′re exhausted. Well, the Fuji EnviroMAX digital alkaline battery might not be rechargeable, but this is a disposable battery with a green conscience. After all, it does not contain any cadmium, mercury and PVC, and is packaged with recycled materials to minimize its carbon footprint. Not only that, Fuji claims the EnviroMAX digital alkaline battery is on par or exceeds most competitive alkaline batteries in its class - hopefully what they claim is true. This could be huge, assuming the price and battery performance lives up to the public’s expectations. I′m currently running on Sanyo Eneloops for my devices - how about you?

Permalink: Fuji EnviroMAX Digital Alkaline Battery from Ubergizmo (US, FR) | Good deals | Hot: CES 2009, Jan 6-11

Let’s face it - the cell phone is not going to be your primary portable gaming device anytime soon, but that doesn′t mean it can′t offer a decent alternative to the DS and PSP, especially with the iPhone’s graphical capability. What about other powerful handsets that could also prove to be viable gaming platforms, if only they had the proper controls? The BGP100 Bluetooth gamepad for phones aims to fill up this niche, supporting a fair number of smartphone platforms including Windows Mobile, PocketPC and Symbian UIQ. With a special twisting design, you can attach the BGP100 to a range of phones as long as they do not exceed 55mm in width. If your handset is unfortunately too large to accommodate the BGP100, you can use it as a standalone gamepad when folded up. Powered by a solitary AAA battery, you can get up to 3.5 hours of non-stop, thumb-bruising action. The BGP100 can be yours for $88 thereabouts.

Permalink: BGP100 Bluetooth Gamepad For Phones from Ubergizmo (US, FR) | Good deals | Hot: CES 2009, Jan 6-11

Now this is definitely something James Bond have played with, albeit not the same model (although the idea is similar). The PenCam DVR from Swann Communications looks and works like your average writing instrument, but it also boasts the capability to record more than 3 hours of color AVI video footage. Features include 2MB of internal memory and the ability to record audio conversations within a 3-foot radius thanks to its integrated microphone. Data can be transferred via its USB connector over to a desktop or notebook for future reference. Each PenCam DVR is able to last up to 90 minutes or so on a single charge and will retail for $120 a pop.

Permalink: Swann Communications PenCam DVR from Ubergizmo (US, FR) | Good deals | Hot: CES 2009, Jan 6-11

If you have a great love for 8-bit gaming and Mario’s fancy adventures, the these 8-bit flowerpots will definitely be right up your alley. Imagine a Pirahna plant growing right smack in the middle of the garden - oh, and how about a flower pot (not pictured) that resembles a block that could possibly contain a power mushroom when bonked? Fun stuff to have in the garden, and they could possibly ignite the inerest of gardening in your kids when they chance upon Mario relics at home.

Permalink: 8-bit Flowerpots To The Fore from Ubergizmo (US, FR) | Good deals | Hot: CES 2009, Jan 6-11

Monster is a company that has its fair share of detractors and fans, so it is no surprise that its $150 in-ear headphones have received both bouquets and brickbats concerning the question of “The world’s best-sounding earphones?” on its package. Monster claims that the Turbines are the “world’s first high-performance in-ear headphones with specially engineered drivers that deliver impeccable audiophile-quality sound”, and any layperson will know that’s not true - after all, something that good certainly can’t be that cheap, right? For folks who have tried out the Turbine, what is your take on it? Does it deserve all the flak or glory?

Permalink: Monster Turbines Hung Out To Dry from Ubergizmo (US, FR) | Good deals | Hot: CES 2009, Jan 6-11

Before you get too excited about First International Computer (FIC) and it pushing boundaries with its netbook, let me be a wet blanket and let you know the innards are pretty much standard as the only line they’re about to cross is the size department. After all, most netbooks won’t pass the 10″ display size mark, but FIC’s upcoming offering will feature 10.4″ of viewing real estate at 1,024 x 600 resolution, apart from the usual including :-

• Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor
• 2.5″ SATA II hard drive


• Wi-Fi connectivity


• Bluetooth support


• Up to 2GB RAM


• ExpressCard slot


• VGA output

No idea when FIC’s netbook will hit the market and under which brand, and neither do we have an inkling about the price. What do you think?

Permalink: FIC Netbook Pushes Boundaries from Ubergizmo (US, FR) | Good deals | Hot: CES 2009, Jan 6-11

Asus is on a roll with its Eee product line and this time round they have rolled out its rather feeble Eee Box B201 that will be powered by an Intel Celeron processor. You won’t find any hard drive action here since the B201 will rely on a 16GB SSD to store all your data. Folks who are heavy duty data users need not fret as they can always take advantage of Asus’ Eee Storage online or get an optional 160GB hard drive instead. Apart from the inclusion of solid state memory, the B201 carries pretty much similar features to other models of the Eee Box. There is no word on pricing or availability as at press time.

Permalink: Asus Eee Box 𐊙 To Get SSD from Ubergizmo (US, FR) | Good deals | Hot: CES 2009, Jan 6-11

Let’s call a spade a spade and not make any excuses for the iPhone’s crappy 2 megapixel camera. While that is suitable for the occassional shot, it definitely isn’t ready for heavy duty, everyday use. We don’t think these add-on camera lenses from USB Fever will go very far in helping you turn the iPhone into an exquisite digital photo device, but it is better than nothing by offering proper zoom, thanks to a variety of lenses including wide-angle lenses, 2x telephoto lenses and even fish-eye lenses. These can also be used in other camera-equipped devices but take note that adding any lens will add considerable bulk which could reduce the desirability of your device in public.

Permalink: Camera Lenses For The iPhone from Ubergizmo (US, FR) | Good deals | Hot: CES 2009, Jan 6-11

Everybody seems to be pretty clueless at the moment concerning breaking news that 30GB Microsoft Zunes have malfunctioned and stubbornly refuse to boot up. It doesn’t matter which country you′re at - as long as you own a 30GB Zune, those people have discovered that their portable media player does nothing but freeze at the boot up screen. Guess this is another reason on why an iPod is better, but don’t tell that to die hard Zune fans. Just when we thought that all this was supposed to happen at the turn of 2000, and hopefully Microsoft will come up with a solution of sorts to calm the growing, frenzied horde.

Permalink: 30GB Microsoft Zunes Start Dropping Like Flies from Ubergizmo (US, FR) | Good deals | Hot: CES 2009, Jan 6-11

Brando has gone off the fashion scale to come up with its Jewel Bracelet USB thumb drive that features decorative crystals which are (surprisingly) tastefully placed all over to provide fashionistas with another method to adorn themselves with some tech. The wrist belt will come in silver or gold colors, and either will cost you $33. Something unusual from Brando this time round as it is tasteful and not tacky or garish. Keep up the good job, guys!

Permalink: USB Jewel Bracelet Thumb Drive from Ubergizmo (US, FR) | Good deals | Hot: CES 2009, Jan 6-11