Techno trinkets triumph

By Colin D. Smith
Staff Writer

Not since the invention of the Clapper has America seen such a cornucopia of useless gizmos created for the home. And yet our infatuation with such strange and superfluous items continues to burgeon through catalogues and late night infomercials.
From the mundane to the outrageous, these technological trinkets offer yet another knick-knack for our already overflowing prefabricated shelving units. Further on, you will find descriptions of many household-devised wonders from numerous sources ranging from U.S. News and World Report to the Things You Never Knew Existed Catalog.

LimeLight: LimeLight, created by Austin Innovations, Inc. is perhaps one of the most innovative and technologically advanced nightlights on the market. It utilizes the same method which is used to backlight laptop personal computers, in order to create a small rectangle (1.5"x1") which constantly glows an eerie green color.
Theoretically, this technological marvel uses only two cents worth of electricity every year due to the fact that it cannot be turned on and off. LimeLight (which is a brand name) is sold in packs of three at Home Depot for around $18.00. These lights are also available through numerous catalogs individually, but typically are a bit more expensive.
(Word to the wise: These lights are relatively dim and three will comfortably wash a 10'x10' room with a nice green glow, hence the LimeLight name. And whether or not you actually like or need a night light, these gadgets are just nice to have.)
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Sixty-two-hour Sony Walkman: Ever been happily listening to music on your trustworthy personal portable listening device when suddenly you are left in silence when the batteries die? Worry no more with the new 62 hour Sony Walkman (WM-EX5).
Complete with state-of-the-art rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries, this latest rendition of the Walkman also requires an attached adapter that holds one AA alkaline battery supplied by the user.
However, don't rush to the store just yet, because for this tape player (yes, tape) you can expect to spend $300. One benefit of this newly revamped Walkman, however, is the ability to control the machine's functions via a remote device attached to the cord of the earphones. Just goes to show that new technology has a price, as always.
(Word to the wise: Perhaps now would be a good time to buy that stationary stereo which you've always wanted. It's probably cheaper, anyway. Almost every member of the Sony Walkman family can be found at any major electronics store.)
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Lantern SnakeLight: Why should nightlights have all the fun? The new Black and Decker SnakeLight outdoor lantern is perfect for late evenings at the campsite or the beach. While the SnakeLight flashlight has already flooded the market the new lantern, complete with a U-shaped, six-watt fluorescent bulb, offers much more light for an area the size of a picnic table. Or you can place a shield on it to limit illumination.
The $30 model (CL1) can easily fit inside a backpack and will stay lit for about 10 hours using three D-cell batteries. The $40 model (CL2) does all the same tricks, but can last up to 30 hours with a base which holds three, six or nine D-cell batteries.
(Word to the wise: Florescent lanterns have existed for years, however the ability to snake it around anything from a tree branch to car hood makes this item much more attractive than its other predecessors. The lantern SnakeLight is available at most major hardware stores.)
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Portable Hurricane travel fan: For vacationing students, no invention could sweeten hot, humid climates more than a fan, and this small (6"x6"x2") "Portable Hurricane" Turbo Mini Fan does just that.
Theorized to run for up to 300 hours on four D-cell batteries, this small fan seems almost too cool to be true for its nearly $30 asking price, plus shipping, handling, and the recommended 6 volt DC wall adapter (all not included).
(Word to the wise: While sold through specialty catalogs, it is also available for less money at travel stores and outdoor suppliers such as Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI). Also beware should you randomly flail your appendages during the night. This small appliance has no grill for the fan and the possibility of a midnight misfortune is a reoccurring concern.)
For those die-hard souls which are a-glutton for inexpensive or unique devices there are numerous specialty catalogs available such as the Things You Never Knew Existed Catalog (941 747-5566). For those with an average curiosity, however, numerous publications from U.S. News and World Report to Consumer Reports have sections dedicated to high-tech and low-tech goodies for the techno-kid in all of us.