crapgadget
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Crapgadget: "Wow... just, wow" edition
A buffalo USB speaker? Really? Someone thought this was a good idea? How's about a completely unlicensed Mickey Multifunction Webcam? You know, for doing lots of random crap, just not very well. Or what about an MP3 pen that helps you learn Mandarin? Yeah, 'cause that's totally beneficial in more than three locations on Planet Earth. Or, if you're still not sold, how's about a USB bamboo fountain that'll be a surefire catalyst for adding mold and mildew to any room? Believe it or not, all of these are real products that you can exchange hard-earned dollars for, though obviously we wouldn't recommend it. Cast your vote below for the most jaw-dropping of all.Read - Buffalo USB SpeakerRead - MP3 PenRead - USB Bamboo FountainRead - Mickey Webcam %Poll-27321%
ITOI children's interactive toilet concept is terrifying
We're not so sure you should be teaching your children to shake hands afterwards.[Thanks, Adam]
Crapgadget: let's get this year started wrong edition
Now that CES and its wide range of goodies and garbage are behind us, it's time to take a look at the first roundup of Crapgadgets in the year 2009. Not surprisingly, the creators of crap are kicking things off in extraordinary fashion, with an actual "bust warmer," cassette tape-turned-USB hub and a handset leash making the cut. Those kings of catastrophe are being joined by a $100 spy pen that might be worth a nickle and a Painted Dot iChair that could cause retina damage upon seeing it. Have a glance at the links below and cast your vote for the lamest of the lame.Read - Thanko Bust WarmerRead - 4-port USB hub / wannabe cassette tapeRead - Highly functional spy penRead - Painted Dot iChairRead - Mobigrip device leash %Poll-25297%
Engadget Podcast 129 - 01.16.2009
Yes! Engadget is back from CES and ready for action. We thought this week might be a little quiet, but it's been quite the opposite. Listen in to Josh, Paul, and Nilay discussing the hot button items of our time: Steve Jobs, Windows 7, and Crapgadgets. Seriously, this is pressing stuff, people.Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Paul Miller, Nilay PatelProducer: Trent WolbeSong: Popcorn01:56 - Steve Jobs is taking a leave of absence from Apple due to health reasons27:45 - Microsoft temporarily removes Windows 7 Beta download limit57:00 - Crapgadget Crapdown, CES: the best of the worstSubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)Contact the podcast1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.
Crapgadget Crapdown, CES: the best of the worst
We didn't notice nearly as much crap at CES 2009 as we did last year, but what we did see was pretty stunning in its mediocrity -- and then there was the amazing Dragon gamepad, which in our opinion was single best product of the show. Pick your favorite of the contenders below, then hit your local dollar store to see 'em in person.%Gallery-42120%The nominees:Crapgadget CES, round 1: Elvis Presley Plug 'n SingCrapgadget CES, round 2: Stereo Bluetooth SunglassesCrapgadget CES, round 3: The iCapCrapgadget CES, round 4: kinetic energy chargerAwesomegadget CES: Dragon Fire BreatherCrapgadget CES, round 6: New Generation Video Game SystemCrapgadget CES, round 7: the furry phoneCrapgadget CES, round 8: Remote Control CoolerCrapgadget CES, round 9: pimped Segway KIRFCoby's MP836 hands-on%Poll-24983%
Crapgadget CES, round 9: pimped Segway KIRF
Four wheels, custom rims, a fold-out DVD player, and a metallic paint job? Eat your heart out, Woz. Couple more after the break.
Crapgadget CES, round 7: the furry phone
Engadget HQ: now 85 percent more fabulous.
Crapgadget CES, round 6: New Generation Video Game System
Palm ain't got nothing on this new-ness.
Awesomegadget CES: Dragon Fire Breather
The commotion in the room when we found out the eyes light up was seriously louder than for the Pre announcement.%Gallery-41742%%Gallery-41744%
Crapgadget CES, round 4: kinetic energy charger
You have to hold it vertically.
Crapgadget CES, round 2: Stereo Bluetooth Sunglasses
We are ready.Max Headroom action after the break.
Crapgadget CES, round 1: Elvis Presley Plug 'n Sing
Nothing says value in Vegas like 30 bonus Elvis Christmas songs.
Crapgadget: Dead Santa edition
Nothing celebrates excess like a holiday murder immortalized in 10 bucks of USB-powered plastic. The Mini X'mas Desktop Snowman USB Aquarium Office Gift (really, that's the name) features a built-in motor that keeps Santa's corpse and undelivered package in constant motion. Festive, sure, but only if you share The Snowman's contemptuous glee at becoming the number one pitch man for the holidays. Hurry, only two left.
Journal finds that consumers prefer vague product specs to utter ignorance
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research has confirmed something we suspected all along: consumers love specs, even vague ones, and when deciding between two products people will gravitate towards the one for which more specifications were given. According to the journal, the research sheds light on both how preferences are formed in theory, and on how marketers can sell you more crapgadgets and KIRFs. Of course, if you've begun your holiday shopping only to find yourself frightened and confused by all of the meaningless data floating around, you might want to take a peek at our Holiday Gift Guide. One hundred percent of Engadget editors agree that it's the best Holiday Gift Guide on the site, this year.[Via Physorg]Read - The Blissful Ignorance Effect: Pre- versus Post-action Effects on Outcome Expectancies Arising from Precise and Vague Information (Warning: subscription required)
Crapgadget: thanks for nothing edition
Here in the US of A, we dedicate today to shoving copious quantities of food down our throats, meeting / greeting long lost family members and -- most importantly -- counting our blessings. Here around the Engadget table, we've found five "gadgets" (we're being gracious here) that we're absolutely grateful to not own. In fact, we're thankful that we don't even have to look at these if we don't want to. 'Course, we're betting that you're curious enough to give up that right to ignore in order to see just how pathetic these crapgadgets really are, but we'd recommend waiting at least an hour after your last gluttonous indulgence before clicking the links below. Obviously, we cannot be held responsible for any upchucking.Read - Scale mouseRead - Dual holster windshield mouseRead - Disney's Pixie Hollow ClickablesRead - Monkey USB hand warmerRead - Red Piggy mouse %Poll-23013%
Crapgadget: how to ruin a gift-giving experience edition
Especially in North and South Dakota, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Disgustingly, that also means that the onslaught of horrifically crappy gadgets to celebrate the occasion are making their way out in full force. In this episode of the world's lamest excuse for gadgets, we see a smattering of gizmos that you should never -- under any circumstance -- give to anyone you love (or like, or don't loathe). On the other hand, these are all perfect for gifting someone you aren't particularly fond of. Check out the catastrophes below, and toss in your vote for most pathetic in the handy poll down there.Read - USB animal hand warmer / massagerRead - Ornament ball digital photo frameRead - Santa stocking USB driveRead - Dog mat mouse padRead - Banana peeling simulatorRead - Santa / Snowman digiframes %Poll-22095%
Crapgadget: not-even-suitable-for-gag-gifts edition
We all know the holiday season is coming up, but even if you're on the hunt for a gag gift for your fav-o-rite prankster, we can't not recommend the following turds enough. Up first is the absolutely unbelievable Night Sweat Alarm watch, which actually wakes you up if it detects that you're perspiring. Why? Legend has it that no one knows. Moving on, we've got the USB Volcano -- a perfect mix of your first-grade science project and your college-era infatuation with all things USB. Things start to get really absurd when viewing the self-explanatory Glass of Milk Light and the Retro Handy Handset, but even those are potentially topped in stupidity by the Air Flow Mouse and cake-shaped USB drives. Have a look at each below before casting your vote, but keep that barf bag handy.Read - Sweat Alarm watchRead - USB VolcanoRead - Glass of Milk LightRead - Retro Handy HandsetRead - Air Flow MouseRead - Cake-shaped USB drive%Poll-21440%
Crapgadget: this BlackBerry Bold dock is just for effect
Let's be straight: nothing says "I'm a successful businessperson" quite like a dock for your smartphone. You know, smack in the middle of that solid oak desk of yours -- the one in the corner office. What, you say your fancy new BlackBerry Bold doesn't have connections for a proper dock? Well, hell, you've got hair plugs, spray-on tan, and a house in the Hamptons you can't afford, so why not take the charade to the next level? USB Fever's fabulously generic $20 cradle for the Bold will at least charge the thing, but if you want to get all crazy and sync up with your PC, you've got to suffer the indignance of a USB cable (coiled for your convenience) flopping off the side. Should look real professional next to the red Swingline and that stupid "Teamwork" perpetual motion rowing thing of yours, sport. You know what we're talking about.[Via Gear Diary]
