For a long time, you probably pooh-pooh’d getting a better TV. However, it is a fact that once you go high-def, it’s hard to go back. The same can be said for Blu-ray.

If you haven’t replaced your old DVD player yet, you may not notice a difference. However, once you’ve made the upgrade to Blu-ray, you’re going to want to take that movie magic everywhere and anywhere. Panasonic’s DMP-B500 makes that possible.

Boasting 3.5 hours of battery life, this portable Blu-ray player features a nifty 10.1-inch screen so you can catch a movie on a plane, in the car, or just out in by the pool.

However, it will be hard to hoard this kind of image to yourself for too long. For those times when you need to share (and they WILL happen), this unit can be easily hooked to any HDTV, via the player’s HDMI output. Using HDMI means one cable for a quick, easy connection. That means there’s no need to fumble around weaving that wire clutter.

Aah — but for $699 (on sale!), you didn’t just expect to watch movies in and out of the house, did you? The DMP-500 isn’t just a portable Blu-ray player, but it’s your key to all sorts of other entertainment. One of the key features on the unit is VIERA Cast. This is Panasonic’s own service, which provides easy, instant access to content providers such as Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube and a slew of other services.

The excitement is dying down for Twilight: Eclipse. OK — at least the lines at the theater are dying down. However, you still have plenty of time to show people what a frothing fan you really are. Just slap one of Skinit’s Eclipse-themed skins on any of your favorite electronics.

Yes! Now you can wrap your laptop or portable in your love for Twilight. The manufacturer actually has an Eclipse skin for every device you’ve got. There’s a laptop skin, a Kindle skin, a DSi skin, and even a Wii remote skin. Wow wee.

While it may seem silly to those that haven’t pledged allegiance to Team Jacob or Edward, it’s actually sort of practical. See, all of those brooding faces are actually protecting your devices from wear and tear.

Of course, all of this protection is due to a high-quality photo. These aren’t the kind that you print on your printer at home. Skinit actually uses some souped-up equipment to create a nice graphic on 3M vinyl. In fact, it’s so nice, it might just last longer than your actual laptop, phone, or other favorite piece of electronics. That’s right; this covering is easy to peel off, in case you want to swap out the graphic or move it to another device.

When I was a kid, I loved the beach and the occasional round of mini golf. Overall though, the great outdoors didn’t seem all that great. Maybe that’s because I didn’t have a ginormous TV to keep me entertained.

Now, backyard theaters seem to be popping up every summer. Well, not just in the summer. I actually have a nearby neighbor that uses his for a Christmas display. If that doesn’t wow the kiddos, this surely will. It’s not just a movie screen, but it’s an Inflatable Mickey Mouse Movie Screen.

If you don’t have kids, there are a few different types of inflatable screens on the market. Still, this would be the one I’d want. Who couldn’t use a touch of Disney magic? Set it up for movies or a slideshow of vacations or other special moments. It’s also great for life-sized video games.

This 130-inch movie screen self inflates (thank goodness!) for fun under the stars. It’s a freestanding unit, which means you won’t have to build a rack, mount or any other structure. Then, when the show’s over, the screen is easy to wipe down and stuff back into its included storage case.

Just remember, you’ll still need a projector and speakers, or something like Epson’s MovieMate, which combines both. Oh — and don’t forget the popcorn!

Why do these bears look so sad? Well, maybe they aren’t fond of your taste in music.

See, they are Juicy Couture’s Mini Bear Speakers, which actually look like the perfect snuggling partners. However, this set of cuddly cuties actually allows you to crank music that you’ve previously been hoarding on your portable music player.

Just take the included black cord and insert it into your device’s headphone jack and these bears can belt out all of your favorites. I’ve seen some funky iPod speakers in my day, but these definitely rank as the most snuggly.

Made from plush velour, the product comes as a pair — and of course, they are pink. One is adorned with a golden logo-charm necklace, the other with herringbone bow tie. Cute, huh? If you really want them to get down, the arms can swivel at the shoulders and the legs do the same at the hips.

You can pre-order the pair now for $68, but don’t expect to take them to the beach or any summer bonfires. They aren’t expected to ship until the end of the summer.

This heat is killing me. Whenever I see a pool, I immediately have to go for it. I will hop fences, if necessary. Of course, this means I spend very little time cleaning out my pockets. Occasionally, I may sacrifice a few bucks, but at least my video camera is safe — the Kodak Playsport.

This camera isn’t just waterproof. We’re not talking sprinklers or a few playful splashes. Instead, it can be completely submerged into water, up to 10 feet under.

Of course, taking video underwater leaves a lot of room for error. The device probably can’t make you a better swimmer, but it can correct some of that shaky effect, via the electronic image stabilization. Other features include full 1080p HD video (the good stuff!), as well as 5-megapixel still images.

Available in black, blue or purple, this $150 camera is pretty affordable, especially considering some of its other perks. Those include smart face-tracking technology, a 2-inch color LCD, and built-in editing software. Then when your day is done and your cornea is burning from chlorine, you can choose how you want to share content: through the computer or a big screen; Kodak has included both USB and HDMI cables for easy viewing either way.

Thanks to digital cameras, you have thousands of memories at your fingertips. Still, I always love whipping out the old photo album to get nostalgic, even if my hair had its own zip code.

Looking at some of those old photos makes me sad. It’s not because of my hair or my clothes (although that doesn’t help). However, those pics always look a little faded, and frankly, they aren’t as easy to access. Instead, classic pics of that first bath, first car and first prom just pile up — and then I seem to forget exactly where that pile went to!

However, iConvert’s digital frame and scanner combo can easily create a digital copy of even your oldest photos. For under $200, you can have that second copy, and maybe even get some of them into a regular slideshow rotation.

This 8-inch frame features a built-in scanner that accepts 4×6 pics. Once the copy is made, you can transfer it to a memory card for computer use or just to keep as a second copy. If you are in need of those prom pictures on a regular basis, this unit can store up to 3,000 photos for desktop viewing, as well as play music and video.

You’ve worked out all winter, have a new bathing suit, sunglasses and even a great summer reading selection. So why make a splash at the beach, when you can make a KABOOM?

JVC’s KABOOM is the perfect beach buddy. This is the new and improved KABOOM boombox, which means it’s got upgraded full-range drivers and woofers to crank up more than a little sand — about 40 watts’ worth, anyway. In case you are out of FM range, the unit packs its own iPod dock, with a “twist and lock” protective sealing door.

If you have a different MP3 player, it still rocks with this box. Just connect your player to the unit’s USB port. If you don’t want your portable to get too sandy, you can copy music onto a USB memory stick. Of course, there’s also a CD player (remember those?), which features a special tube design to help eliminate vibration for a smooth playback.

The unit even comes with its own wireless remote, so you won’t have to won’t have to turn over before you’re perfectly tanned on one side.

Perfect for the beach, the pool, or to accompany your workout, the unit has a strap to make it easy to carry. Then, just drop this baby wherever the party is at. It’s also a pretty nifty conversation piece. After all, when was the last time you saw such a stealth looking boombox?

Hope that everyone had a fantastic July 4th. One thing that could have killed your weekend was a lack of battery power. Some of these portable gadgets can’t get me through a decent beach day. Thankfully, KIWI Choice can.

Instead of carrying a backpack full of batteries, the KIWI U-Powered can be your backup for cell phones, iPods, cameras and other devices.

The charger unfolds like a little fan. It can then be charged through any device’s USB port, a car charger, a wall charger, or just from the good old sun. That’s right; you can actually power your iPhone using the same thing that’s giving you a savage tan.

Featuring a capacity of 2000 mAh, you’ll need to charge up the KIWI U-Powered anywhere from 4 to 17 hours. However, once it’s juiced, it can hold power long after your tan has faded — up to six whole months.

The product comes with 11 different connectors, which means you can power just about anything on the go.

Aside from powering your devices, this $50 device comes in handy once the sun goes down, thanks to a built-in LED flashlight. The back is even magnetized, which means you can stick it to the fridge or other easy-to-find spot.

I’ve been a Dyson fan ever since I’ve had my dog, which has been for quite some time now. I’m especially thankful in the summer, when my dog decides to leave little dogs in every corner of every room; my Dyson sucks up that fur like I suck down Freeze-Pops.

So, of course, I was extremely interested in the Dyson Air Multiplier Table Fan. If Dyson can suck in, it can surely blow out, right? Well, sort of. This machine actually does both, drawing in air at the base, but also blowing it out to create an air stream. That’s not even the coolest part (no pun intended) when it comes to this fan.

Just look at it.

Unlike your old, dusty, oscillating dinosaur, this fan has no blades. In other words, you can skip the worries about sticking your fingertips in there, if that’s actually a worry. However, it also means that the fan is a lot quieter than what most of us are used to. Imagine being able to sit with your thoughts and get fresh air on a hot day?  If that’s not enough to satisfy, it will surely make for a nice piece of desk art at the office.

Two 10-inch models are available for $299.99 each. One is blue and iron, with the other silver and white. There’s also a massive 12-inch model in silver and iron, for $329.99.

July 4th is just a week away. What better way to celebrate than to sport a few patriotic colors? Urbanears Plattan headphones come in red, white and blue — as well as a few other colors (including Salad!), for just about every other time of the year.

Aside from looking the patriotic part, Plattan headphones also provide the perfect way to set your own personal soundtrack for that fireworks celebration. While pretty colors fly above, you can listen to the classics, rock out, or even do a little death metal. These medium-sized headphones provide rich, secluded sound, no matter what genre you choose. Chic geeks will appreciate the 40mm handmade driver unit, as well as the 20-20kHz frequency response, 32 ohms of impedance, and a maximum input power of 40mW.

Plattan headphones fold down to the size of your fist, making them extremely easy to pack up and tote almost anywhere. Even better, they can accommodate more than one listener, using the company’s exclusive “zound plug.”

Other features include a custom microphone and remote, which are both compatible with the iPhone, Nokia, HTC and Blackberry phones. Available for $59.99, these headphones have a 47-inch cord for a comfortable fit, which is perfect for an all-night celebration/jam session.

Thin has always been in, at least as far as consumer electronics is concerned. So it only makes sense that the new Mac Mini is — well, even more mini. Despite its super-slim (1.4 inches) looks, however, it’s what’s inside this desktop computer that looks very nice.

New features include twice the graphics performance at half the power. So while you are spending hours loading images from TMZ on your computer, at least you can say you are energy-efficient! Another great feature is the HDMI port, which means this unit easily hooks to many of today’s TVs.  Throw your camera’s SD card into the newly added slot, and you’ve a vacation slideshow right on the big screen.

Another nifty feature is the integrated power supply, which means a smaller system volume and less cable clutter.

For $699, you’ll get a 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a 320GB hard, 2GB of RAM, and Mac OS X Snow Leopard. There’s also a whole mess of applications for organizing photos, making movies, and even learning to play music.

If you need to up the action, maybe for work purposes, the Mac mini with Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server packs in email, calendar features, file serving, Time Machine backup, Wiki Server, Podcast Producer and more. That has a 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, two 500GB hard drives running at 7200 rpm, and 4GB of RAM, all for $999.

If you want to get personal, Apple can customize your system with more storage, as well as features like Apple Remote, the Apple 24-inch LED Cinema Display, Final Cut Express 4, and more.

Thanks to your not-so-steady hands, you are now the proud owner of a lifetime of blurry vacation photos. At least you won’t have to worry about a bad hair day. Instead of trying to decipher memories, this little dude can take care of your shaky-cam. He’s the DigiDude, an extremely portable tripod packed into a funky little keychain.

Just attach your DigiDude of choice to your keys or camera bag. He also fits into your front pocket! Once you come upon a photographic moment, pop off the DigiDude’s head and pull out his little retractable legs. Then you can easily set up the DigiDude, which holds most point-and-shoot cameras, as well as flip-cams.

Perfect for getting rid of blurry pictures or even helping with self portraits, this pocket device is like something the pros would use, but in a compact, creepy package.

DigiDude isn’t the cutest travel buddy, but he might be one of the most helpful. Quirky, the makers of DigiDude, says you should collect all four models, which include Pinky Scorsese, Snot Buster, iChomp, and BoltBot. Maybe not, but at $20, they’d make nice gifts — and maybe you can even match a DigiDude to its perfect mate. Your little brother/nephew and the Snot Buster would probably make a good match!

Want to snuggle up with something good in bed? I’m not talking about a good book, your cat or even a significant other. None of those items is half as entertaining as the Sony dash.

This bedside buddy sits on your nightstand (or lap), and looks like a fancy alarm clock. However, you won’t want to slap this screen when the alarm sounds. Instead, you can access news, weather, traffic reports, personal photos, your Facebook account, check email, pick out a recipe for dinner, catch a movie via Netflix or tap Slacker for music (subscriptions required).

The unit features a 7-inch color touchscreen, as well as options for over 1,000 free Internet apps. The dash connects to your existing home network wirelessly, which means you can set it down in almost any room.

It certainly fits nicely into any space. Because the unit packs an internal accelerometer, it can flip-flop from horizontal to vertical, promising the perfect placement. Also, if one person in the house likes YouTube and you prefer Pandora’s music service, the dash can store a few different user profiles with personalized channel preferences.

Can you really put a price on endless entertainment? Sony can. The dash typically sells for $199.99.

The chop-chop-chop sound of table fans and ceiling fans is a summer staple, but no longer! James Dyson, who became famous by taking the bags out of vacuum cleaners, has taken the blades out of table fans.

The Dyson Air Multiplier creates a soft, steady breeze without the need for clunky and sometimes dangerous fan blades. In simplest terms, this sculpture-like gadget sucks in air from the base and pushes it up into the ring. The air moving out creates a jet of air that sucks in even more air from the back, amplifying it 15 times. You’ll just feel a soft breeze and hear a soft whir. A small button on the base lets you adjust the speed of the air moving through the fan. You can also set it to swivel like a traditional fan. No blades means its safer for children (no little finger nicks!) and easier to clean!

Technology doesn’t just make the world more entertaining. It also makes things a lot cleaner — even inside your mouth.

The original VIOlight Toothbrush Sanitizer sits on your sink or vanity, looks very space-age, and actually destroys the DNA of dirty microorganisms that live on your toothbrush. It does that using something called Germicidal Ultraviolet Light. How high-tech is that?

Even better, that light bulb lasts for about 2,000 hours, meaning it will last for over two years and thousands of cleanings. It can zap four toothbrushes at once, all while eliminating cross contamination from the equation.

Those four slots can accommodate both kids’ toothbrushes, as well as electric toothbrushes. One button starts the speedy cleaning process, and the unit shuts off automatically. There’s also a removable drip cup for easy cleaning. Peace of mind (and mouth) is certainly worth $49.95.

VIOlight says that the cleaner can kill up to 99 percent of germs that live on your toothbrush. Once you get addicted to waking up with a truly clean mouth, you might want to extend that feeling wherever you go. The VIOlight iZap Travel Toothbrush Sanitizer ($29.95) has a very compact design, which can hold just one toothbrush. Perfect for any carry-on, overnight bag, or even your gym bag, this model comes in clear, blue, or orange.

Sometimes the kitchen can be an extremely lonely place. To keep people coming back for more, you’ll need to provide a little entertainment. You could flip a few cooking utensils and do other culinary tricks. Or, you could just play a little music through iHome’s iP39.

Dock your iPhone or iPhone into this tabletop speaker system and it will have that portable ready to rock the kitchen whenever you are ready to rock the kitchen. It also allows you access favorite apps from your iPod or iPhone, so you can download recipes, podcasts, or even a quick game if you have some extra time. Also, if you’re looking for a bit of local flavor, the iP39 has FM features.

However, this device doesn’t just appreciate your good taste in music. It also allows you to keep track of the tastes going on in the kitchen. The iP39 has two independent timers, which means you can perfectly time the roast and potatoes, or, let’s face it, the cookies and brownies.

For those times when the kitchen can get a bit overwhelming and messy, the iP39 can roll with the punches with an easy-to-clean control panel. It also comes with a remote control that’s magnetic, which makes it easy to find and even easier to keep out of the turkey or your other favorite stuffed meats.

At $99, the iP39 can be your new favorite kitchen gadget. It comes complete with stainless steel finishes, which accompany any stylish kitchen.

Summer is underway. It’s the perfect time to plant trees, veggies, flowers, herbs, and other plants. It makes your garden look nice and smell nice — well, until everything turns all Adams Family-esque.

Manicured nails do not equal a green thumb. For those in need of a little horticulture help, there’s a high-tech answer: The EasyBloom.

Just stick this garden gizmo into your soil and it will analyze things like light, humidity, temperature and soil conditions. Wait about a day, pull it out of the dirt, wipe it off, and plug it into your computer’s USB port. From there, you’ll get a complete report on what will grow best in your backyard, on your counter, on the deck, or in any other area that could use some plant life. The EasyBloom database actually has care and other tips for over 6,000 different plants

Once everything is planted, you don’t have to stuff the EasyBloom into a drawer. It will actually help keep everything nice and green, alerting you to ailing plants and watering times.

Who knew technology would be your answer to going (and staying) green? This high-tech gadget is a gardener’s best friend. At $49, it’s also a lifesaver, since it makes the perfect last-minute Father’s Day gift.

Hold my hand and let’s say it together: “I have too many gadgets.” Instead of punishing yourself (or me), learn to simplify. Of course, I’m not talking about getting rid of your iPod, iPhone or other favorite device. Instead, I’m talking about getting the IDAPT i3 Universal Desktop Charger.

This desktop companion looks pretty in pink, black, silver or any of the other colors it comes in. It’s not all about looks, though. Sit the i3 upon your desk and watch the magic — well, not literally. However, in no time, this docking station will charge up to three mobile devices at once.

So instead of hauling cords around and cluttering up your desk space, this device does it all and looks pretty funky to boot.

Also, there’s no need to worry about shoving devices in to make them fit. The IDAPT i3 has an interchangeable “quick release” tip system, which allows you to customize your charging system. It comes with six of the most popular interchangeable tips, or you can custom choose four of your favorites. If you add on devices later, you can even add on IDAPT i3 tips.

Compatible with over 3,500 brands of mobile devices, including Apple, Nintendo, PSP, Blackberry, and more, the IDAPT i3 is available now for $59.99.

If pictures of your kids, your friends’ kids or your nephews don’t make you smiley enough, Hello Kitty should do the trick. Sanrio’s biggest moneymaker has adorned many items from T-shirts to toothbrushes. Now, she’s gone digital and done a digital photo frame.

The Hello Kitty Mini Digital Photo Frame is perfect for stuffing into a bag for bragging on the go. This pretty kitty is pretty tiny, with a 2.36-inch LCD screen to show off favorite photos. Being so compact also makes this frame nice for traveling, the office, or any other time that you might need a little lift. The lightweight unit doesn’t even use a power cord. Just insert four AAA batteries to get this kitty purring.

The frame actually stores a few photos, which you can load by connecting the included USB cable to any PC (sorry Mac people!). If you expect Hello Kitty to crank out more than what the internal storage can handle, there is a card slot, which accepts SD cards up to 2GB and SDHC cards up to 32GB. That should create one killer slideshow.

You may get tired of looking at loved ones, but never Hello Kitty. Me-ow! For those moments when you’re overloaded on memories, this compact unit also includes a calendar function.

If you need a running buddy, take a look at the Nike+ SportBand or the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit. Each of these devices allows you to track your distance, pace, time and calories burned as you workout. If you already have that, the latest running companion is the new Polar WearLink+, which can be added into the mix to monitor your heart rate.

Strap the comfortable device right around your chest. As you’re huffing and puffing along, the WearLink+ transmits data back to the Nike+ device. It can even play back that info into your headphones as you run. That way, you can decide whether it’s time to pick up the pace or even take a breather.

Before you hang up your running shoes for the day, transfer that data to NikePlus.com, where you can check out your target heart rate and track progress. The strap is also machine-washable, so you can start fresh (literally) each day.

Compatible with Nike+ products, the unit also works with the fifth-generation iPod Nano, as well as most other Polar-compatible fitness equipment.

Add the Polar WearLink+ into your workout regime when it becomes available this month. It’s expected to sell for $69.95.

OK, that’s actually two things. I can’t help you with the prune, but the Speedo Aquabeat can keep you rocking loud and clear, even when underwater.

This lightweight, waterproof MP3 player clips to your swimsuit or goggles and can be used safely down to 10 feet under. Holding up to 500 songs, the Aquabeat can no doubt do more laps than you can — boasting up to nine continuous hours of playtime on a charge. If it comes loose during a Marco Polo grudge match, there’s no need to call in the divers; the unit even floats.

Plug the Aquabeat into any computer for a quick charge or to load songs. The device supports MP3 and WMA music files, and is fully compatible with both iTunes and Windows Media Player.

Available in pink, green or black, the 1GB Speedo Aquabeat comes with matching waterproof headphones and is available for $99.99 (MSRP).

Monster Cable hit marketing gold by teaming up with rap icon, Dr. Dre, for the high-end headphone line, Beats by Dr. Dre. Now, they’ve added to the musical family, partnering with Sean “Diddy” Combs for Diddybeats.

Diddy isn’t just another Interscope artist/mogul. He’s also pretty darn stylish. The set comes in pink, black or white, which is the perfect accessory for Diddy’s next White Party. Made from high-tech aluminum, each pair has a tangle-resistant design, as well as the look and feel of leather and polished endcaps.

Also, yes, Diddy is a musician and those guys really seem to know their headphones. Each unit boasts pretty advanced audio technologies for in-ear headphones. That basically means deep bass and sharp sounds for any genre of music, even if it’s not Diddy himself.

One other nifty feature is the Monster ControlTalk headphone cable, which allows you to control music playback from your headphone cord. When using with an iPhone or other select smartphones, the feature allows for hands-free calls, all while leaving the device in your pocket or pocketbook.

Also, for a limited time, if you purchase Diddybeats, you will receive a free download code for “Hello Good Morning,” a track  from Diddy-Dirty Money’s upcoming album Last Train to Paris, which is coming on June 28.

Diddybeats come in an exclusive Sean John-inspired travel case and a selection of ear-tips, for the perfect fit. Diddybeats are available by now $179.95.

Panasonic has cut some of the cords on its latest audio system, the SC-ZT2. This super-stylish setup promises sound that you typically get from using seven speakers and a subwoofer. However, instead of having speakers hogging up every inch of floor space, this system promises the same sound result with only two super-slim speakers.

Of course, like many wireless products, you will still need to connect a power cord, as well as the wireless receiver, which connects to your TV. However, Panasonic neatens up the TV portion using a feature called Audio Return Channel (ARC), which allows you to connect everything through a single HDMI cable.

Good audio allows you sit front and center for your favorite band, ride shotgun with Jason Bourne and even adds ambience to your regular, everyday TV watching. The SC-ZT2 is also 3D-ready, which makes the audio really pop, when paired with a 3D TV and Panasonic’s DMP-BDT350 Blu-ray 3D player.

Even if you don’t want to blow the extra cash on a 3D setup, the SC-ZT2 is still a pretty sharp audio solution. The package includes the two speakers and the wireless receiver. Add it to any home setup now for $999.95 (MSRP).

In college, my bag of choice was a backpack. It held all of my books, my schedules, and even what I could hoard from the cafeteria. Now, when I’m out and about, I want that same type of storage, but in something slightly cuter. Nuo’s Chloe Dao Collection is here to put the funk in functional.

Chloe knows her stuff, and she should. Aside from being a bag designer, she’s also the second-ever “Project Runway” winner. These bags are pretty, but also pretty tough. So while you’re out looking stylish, you can also lug your laptop, a digital camera, a phone, books, files, and even a quick snack — but hopefully one a lot tastier than old cafeteria food.

The Collection comes in different sizes, from the rolling laptop brief to the trolley to the clutch envelope, and yes, even the good, old backpack. Each one is bursting with colors, geometry and cool shapes, which is perfect for the chic geek in your life.

Can you put a price on secure storage, while keeping up the classic trendy look? Nuo can. Depending on how much you need to haul, bag prices start at a mere $24.99.

It sure doesn’t look sexy, but this Powermat charger might be a busy family’s dream.

Whether you’re sick of the tangle of cords from a dozen different devices, forgetting to charge your phone or, worse, grabbing it from the charger only to discover that you’d kicked the plug out of the wall, the Powermat may be the answer to your prayers.

First, it’s easy. Just plop your device on the Powermat, listen for the tone that indicates the charging has started, and go. Your wireless device will charge as quickly as it would if plugged into the wall. But the best part is that it charges up to three devices at once, including Blackberrys, iPhones, iPods, Nintendo DSi or DS Lite, Sony Playstation Portables, some Kodak cameras and more. So you can keep the whole family’s tech gear charged-up and corralled in one location.

It seems to be the season of mini computers, and whether you’re a computer buff who likes artful technology, or a fashionista who wants beautiful fashions to permeate every part of life, you have to agree that Vivenne Tam’s Digital Clutch is special.  First seen in her Spring 2010 runway show (photo above), the Digital Clutch utilizes the same butterfly motif Tam used in her collection, and HP just announced today that the computer is just about to hit stores.

“As a fashion designer I have always found inspiration in bringing contrasting worlds together,” said Tam. “I use computers in every aspect of my life so it seemed natural to marry fashion and technology.”

The pattern was inspired by the classic Chinese love story, “Butterfly Lovers,” and is integrated into the lid of the computer rather than printed on top (ie, increased durability without chipping or scratching). It’s less than one-inch thick and, when closed, resembles a beautiful clutch purse (hence the name). In addition to the external design element, the HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam Edition also comes with a “butterfly lovers” desktop theme that includes an animated butterfly start menu, custom Vivienne Tam icons and three wallpapers to coordinate with the design. Additional accessories are available, too,  including a matching micro-fiber suede sleeve and optional butterfly-lovers wireless mouse or Monster-branded in-ear headphones.

Both the HP Mini 210 Vivienne Tam Edition and the coordinating wireless mouse are expected to be available March 19. We’ll let you know as soon as they hits stores!

Maybe you’ve got a teenager or spouse who hogs the family computer. Or maybe you want to be able to make the most of all the time you spend on the go. Who knows? There are lots of good reasons to check out this Toshiba NB305. Smaller (and less expensive) than a regular laptop, it’s just 10.1 inches long–small enough to stow in a large purse or tote bag–but has a full-size keyboard and a battery that promises up to a whopping 11 hours of power. It comes with an Intel processor, Windows 7 and wireless internet capabilities packed into it’s super-portable 2.6 pounds, so it’ perfect for working or surfing the internet.

Released in January, this is the second incarnation of Toshiba’s netbook, and Wired Magazine’s review indicates that it has worked out the few minor kinks they found in the first model. I’ve used it myself, and love (LOVE) the size–I can’t tote it around all day with nary a bit of back strain–and found that it does everything I need.

With a smaller processor than a full-sized laptop, this may not the best option for graphic design aficionados or for downloading movies or games for the family. But with a lower price point, it’s easy to justify buying this one to keep all to yourself.

Garden Trellis Duvet Set

Cool and serene, the  Garden Trellis duvet set is only $90 for a full/queen size right now! The pattern on this soft turquoise cotton satin fabric is inspired by vintage architecture and looks great paired with crisp white sheets accents. It would also help to brighten up and bring spring into a room with dark brown furniture. The set comes with the duvet cover and two pillow shams.

Watercolor Flowers Sheets

Simply soothing, Watercolor Flowers bedding brings a carefree, artistic flair to your bedroom. The colorful floral print evokes the look of hand painting on the face of the duvet cover and shams, and beautifully contrasts the blue wildflower print on the reverse. Colorful two-tone sheeting polishes the look in coordinating style in either cottage blue or daisy yellow. The 200-thread count sheets are a great buy at 50% off, ranging in price from $19.99 for a twin set to $59.99 for the king.

Water Garden 24-piece Set

Decorate your entire bedroom in a flash with the 24-piece Martha Stewart Water Garden bedding set! A bold geometric print in yellow and blue-gray evokes the serene beauty of floating lily pads. The set includes a comforter, bedskirt, four-piece sheet set, two standard shams, two European shams, two decorative pillows, four valances, four panels and four tie backs.  The best part? The ENTIRE SET is just $199 for a queen size!

American Weigh Scales AMW-QUANTUM Body Fat Scale

It’s the New Year and if you’re one of the millions out there resolving to lose weight in twenty ten – then you’ll want to get yourself a great scale to help you achieve your weight loss goals. We love the new Quantum Body Composition Scale from American Weigh. It allows you to view a complete breakdown of your body fat water muscle and bone. The scale works on the principle of BIA -Bio Impedance Analysis. By passing a safe electrical current through your body via the metal contacts and using weight, height and age data – you can calculate your lean/fat-free body mass. This is then subtracted from your body weight to obtain accurate body fat mass – giving you a predictable picture of your weight loss goals – making them a piece of cake to realize.

The Quantum Scale promotes the development of a positive self-image that grows stronger and healthier each time you step on the scale because of its accuracy. Staying positive and feeling good about your weight loss accomplishments is what is truly important in this New Year and beyond.

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Oh, the weather outside is frightful. And the couch is so delightful. But since we’ve no place to go…work up a sweat (and burn off those holiday treats) with this brand new exercise DVD that’s great for dance enthusiastas. You’ve got the steps to Slumdog Millionaire’s Jai Ho dance memorized. Take your booty-shaking skills to the next level with Hemalayaa: Bollywood Dance Blast ($14.99). It features two 20-minute routines full of jumps and turns, so you can squeeze in calorie-blasting anytime.

Let it snow outside and you can heat things up indoors.

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Sony Bravia LCD TV 1080p 52 in. $1147.99

Little Tikes Cozy Coupe 30th Anniversary Edition $49.99

Elle Sweater $21.99 plus get xtra 15% with code TURKEY15 at Kohl's

Apple's One-Day Sale Today!! iPod nano $138

Nikon Coolpix L20 10megapixel Camera $96.95

Nikon Coolpix digital camera in deep red seem to be on sale everywhere right now. At Buydig, you can get a great bundle too that includes the camera, the case, 2GB of memory, and more for only $117.94!

The challenge: fit nine months worth of clothes, decor, entertainment and (of course!) study aids into a tiny room (the average size for a dorm with two beds is 12×19 feet), and many will share that space with a roommate.

As part of their off-to-college shopping frenzy, freshman spend quite a bit of time and money decorating their dorm rooms. It’s part of the post-high-school makeover process, and how coeds outfit their personal space will speak volumes about who they are and where they want to go. My 17-year-old stepkids, who are twins, head off to different colleges this year. Our boy is going out of state and lucked out with a single dorm in a brand new building right in the middle of campus. He’s after the ultimate bachelor pad (oh dear). Our girl is staying closer to home and will live in a circa-1970s dorm with a roommate. We’re going to have to work extra hard to transform that cinder block room into a palace!

No matter what your dorm circumstances, there are a few must-haves that can make any room feel more like home. Check with your college office of residential life to see what’s allowed, and then SHOP your way to the ultimate dorm room!

Haier 1.8 Cubic Foot Refrigerator

Emerson 900-Watt Microwave

Lite Source Flower Mosaic Desk Lamp

Karen Rhodes Ultra Slim Anti-Slip Hangers

Blue Chenille 4x6 Shag Rug--just $69.99!

I’m happy to say that last week I downloaded my brand new Barnes and Noble eReader app for the iPhone and I’m loving it! Barnes and Noble recently launched one of the largest eBookstores around, with over 700,000 titles, including hundreds of new releases and bestsellers. eBooks cost as low as $9.99 and the variety is spectacular.

Barnes and Noble expects to have over 1 million titles within the next year, making it quite a worthy adversary to Amazon’s Kindle and the Sony eReader. Unlike the Amazon Kindle, you can download the Barnes and Noble eBooks on Macs, PCs, Blackberries, and iPhones — meaning you don’t have to drop a cool $299 on a reader like the Kindle to begin purchasing your books.

In related news, Samsung also just released its own eBook reader, the Samsung SNE-50K. Right now it’s only available in South Korea, but it should spread to international markets within the next year or two.

Download the Barnes and Noble free eReader now

Didj Customer Learning Gaming System from Leapfrog

With back-to-school season in full swing, it’s no wonder at SHOP.COM we’re seeing more people interested in educational books and toys lately. Not to mention the long car trips and poolside leisure time during the summer that are best enjoyed when the children have something to do (and I’m talking about for the parents’ sake).

I discovered Leapfrog toys a few years ago when I needed to buy some reading tools for a weekend class I was teaching, and I was floored at how great they are! I’m such a fan that I bought my cousin’s child an alphabet toy from Leapfrog a several months ago that sings in both English and Spanish and it was a hit! (Because parents love toys that sing and make tons of noise!)

So that’s why I’m letting you know that right now, Leapfrog’s having an amazing Back-to-School sale, with most of their educational books, toys, and software 20% off right now.

The Didj line from Leapfrog is always a bestseller — the Didj gamer above helps kids 6-10 play fun and educational games that help them with math, spelling, and reading skills.

For younger kids that are elementary-school age, check out Leapfrog’s “Tag” line of books — they bring your fave classics like The Cat in the Hat and SpongeBob SquarePants to life by using a special Tag reader to help build vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. The reader below comes with Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat.

Leapfrog Tag Reading System

These make great gifts and are so much fun to share with your kids — and are on sale just in time for back-to-school!

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Limited Edition Mixtape iPhone Case

So my significant other asked me to write a post about iPhone cases. Why? Because like thousands of people across the nation, he cannot imagine how he existed before his newly purchased iPhone, and believes that baby deserves the best clothes money can buy. Yes, I called his iPhone “baby”. So I decided to help him out by scouring the net for some of the most interesting and coolest iPhone cases I could find.

One of my favorites so far is this newly released Limited Edition Mixtape iPhone case from Agent 18. Agent 18 is a really innovative brand based out of Los Angeles, CA and are known for creating eco-friendly and high quality products for iPhones, computers, Zunes, and more.

In the same throwback-to-the-eighties vein, I really love this walkman iPhone case that’s being sold on Etsy right now, the artwork is gorgeous:

For those into more feminine designs, check out this Spring Flower case on sale now for only $5.99!

For the gastrophiles, this chococase iPhone case from Homade is a tasty choice!

If you want to step up your case a bit, consider this: an iPhone case that actually charges your phone! Brilliant! I like the new mophie Juice Pack Air. It’s got a built-in ultra-thin rechargeable battery, gives you up to 270 hours of standby time, and comes in purple! Will drain your wallet about $79.95, but you’ll make it up in battery life!

And if you’re a low-maintenance guy or gal, why not try this “Soft Low Profile Case” from BoxWave. It’s only 99 cents…

As much as I LOVE what the mixtape iPhone case does for my cool factor, I have to say there is one iPhone case that simply outsizzles the competition…it’s this lovely bacon case for the iPhone created by a German designer named Antje Schmitt. The great part is, it’s totally vegetarian — it’s made from boiled wool and still totally delicious.

And so there you have it — a myriad of ways to spoil your iPhone rotten, no matter what your budget.

Case closed.

Shop iPhone cases now

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Kate Spade “aimme” bag was: $195 now:$129.90	Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Calvin Klein Jeans Flare Stretch Jeans was: $49.50 now: $29.90
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Frenchi Sweater Dress was: $48 now: $31.90	Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Marc by Marc Jacobs Watch was: $125 now: $82.90
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Teardrop Hoop Earrings was: $42 now: $27.90	Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Betsey Johnson Thongs was: $12 now: $7.90

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First there were Tickle-Me-Elmos, then there were Webkinz – now, I think I’m going to have to go ahead and say that the cutest IT gadget is the Mimobot USB. Mimobot USBs are created by a company called Mimoco, who launched their “Designer Mimobot USB flash drives” in 2005. They’re a Boston design house that specializes in merging functional personal data storage devices with cool, contemporary characters and is a big player in the Art Toy underground movement.

Recently, Mimoco released their brand new Star Wars line of USB Flash Drives, and while I might usually balk at spending more than $15 on a flash drive, I gotta say, these are worth the spend. After all, who’s going to lose a Princess Leia flash drive, right?

Mimobot designer drives come in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB file sizes and in a variety of styles that range from the newly released Star Wars characters to the fashion brand Tokidoki for Mimobot. Check them out soon, Boba Fett is already sold out and Luke Skywalker and Darth Sidious are in low stock!

May the flash be with you!!

Shop Mimobot Designer USB Flash Drives now

Apple iPod Shuffle 4GB $79.99

Ok, so I wouldn’t exactly call myself a gadget guru. I mean, I love the techy, gadgety things as much as the next modern girl but I’d never be the first to run out and buy that new gizmo before it’s available to the general public. But I DO love music. And I DO love my iPod shuffle. So you can imagine my excitement when I heard they were coming out with the NEW 4GB iPod shuffle.  It’s beyond cool – because it’s the first MP3 player that actually talks to you.

The new iPod shuffle is ridiculously small. It’s half the size of the previous generation. Yet with 4GB of storage you can store hours and hours of music. Up to 1,000 songs to be exact and multiple playlists, too. The brilliant folks at Apple put the controls on the earbuds so they could make it this compact. But the best part has GOT to be this VoiceOver feature. Say you’re listening to a song and want to know the title or the artist. With the press of a button, VoiceOver tells you as the music dips down. It even announces the names of your playlists. And when your battery needs charging, VoiceOver tells you that, too. Amazing, right? And, at only about $79 bucks it’s totally wallet-friendly! It will leave you speechless.

 Shop iPod shuffle 4 GB now

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I’m usually the go-to person for gifts and gift ideas in our family, so I’m always on the hunt for fresh finds. If your mom is one of those people who has everything, the stakes are even higher. How do you find a gift that will wow the stilettos off of a gal who has it all? Go for the unexpected. Buy them something she would never buy for herself. In this case, I’m thinking a gift that could be relaxing, “aww”-inducing  or fun. Something that might inspire laughter, a walk down memory lane, or a spontaneous gathering. Here are some ideas:

Miniature Rose Bush from Teleflora $31.41

I just love flowers. I’m not picky … I love all the fragrant, succulent, colorful varieties from elegant Stargazers to bright and cheerful yellow tulips. They just make my day and are the perfect pick-me-up to brighten my mood and lift my spirits. And flowers smell amazing too. With all that “sense-ational” stimulation, who needs chocolate when you can have flowers?

So Mother’s Day is coming up and I’m definitely ordering some flowers for my mom. And while I’m at it, I’m getting some for me too. Teleflora has all the great bouquets for spring, Mother’s Day, birthday, baby or just because – at fantastic prices. My favorite is the miniature rose bush that lives on and on. You can transplant it directly into your garden and it grows forever. It’s the perfect gift for mom at a very nice price.

The New iPod Shuffle

Alright, I’m officially annoyed. Just 2 weeks ago, I made the first spontaneous purchase of note that I’ve made in a long time. I was in Target with my better half and we both decided to get an iPod shuffle (I got green, he got blue awwww…) And I’ve been so excited about it, I’ve actually gone to the gym more just so I can use the darn thing.

So what does Apple decide to do? They decide, just to spite me, that they are going to release a sleeker, tinier, buttonless one. Oh yeah, and did I mention… it talks. With its new VoiceOver feature, it can now tell you what song it’s playing and who the artist is. Plus it’s a whole 4GB and holds about 1,000 songs. All for $79. Beats the 1GB I have that I spent $50 on. Oh well…just to spite them I’ve decided to buy an iPhone.

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Buy the new iPod shuffle now

Vivienne Tam Clutch Notebook

Ok. Normally I’m averse to marrying my gadgets with my fashion, but I cannot get over how gorgeous this Vivienne Tam Clutch Notebook is. I love the peony design, the vivid colors, and the fact that it’s a totally legit HP mini notebook, here are the specs:

Genuine Windows XP Home with Service Pack
Intel(R) Atom(TM) Processor N270 (1.60GHz)
1GB DDR2 System Memory (1 Dimm)
60GB 4200RPM PATA Hard Drive
Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 950
10.1″ diagonal SD LED BrightView Infinity Widescreen Display (1024 x 576)
HP Mini Webcam with HP Imprint Finish (Vivienne Tam)
Networking Wireless-G Card
HP Color Matching Keyboard
3 Cell Lithium Polymer Battery

What’s next Vivienne? A shoe cell phone? Hmm, not a bad idea…

PowerMusic 5-in-1 MP3 Player + 128MB Flash Drive $42.99

by: ss_shopgirl

I’m a child of the 80s, so I’m about to make an anachronistic reference: Remember Pee Wee’s Playhouse? Remember the Secret Word of the Day? Well these days it seems like the (not-so) Secret Word of the Day is: Economy. I can’t go 5 minutes without hearing about it. At lunch today, while my colleague was talking about how bad the economy was, someone walked by saying the word at the exact same time.

We know it and we hate it: The economy is bad right now. Almost makes shopping seem completely irrelevant.

Almost.

I was reading this article today about how people will be buying smaller ticket items for holiday gifts this year, especially in electronics and gadgets. I totally agree, and think it’s actually a bit better this way, because maybe that’ll mean people will watch a little less TV, play a few hours less of video games, and spend a little less time on the computer. (I know, wishful thinking.) But at least maybe in shoppers’ quest to search for cheap gadget gifts for the holidays, they’ll get a little more creative. 

I decided to see what I could find and I think these are my favorite gadget gifts under $50:

Apple iPod Shuffle $49
Cobra Digital Squeeze Camera sale: $17.99
Sakar Spiderman Digital Camera Keychain sale: $17.99
PowerMusic 5-in-1 MP3 Player + 128MB Flash Drive $42.99
Wi-Fi Detecting shirt (yes, it detects Wi-Fi in the area!) $29.99
Photokinz Cow Marbles Huggable Digital Photo Frame $14.99

It’s no surprise that a game that allows you to both have fun and exercise at the same time is selling like (low carb, low cal) hotcakes everywhere. I’m talking about the Nintendo Wii Fit, the video game console system that allows you to do yoga, aerobics, balance training, and strength training — all in one system.

You can also chart your progress to see how close you’re getting to your fitness goals, teaches you how to train by doing lunges, push-ups, and more — and most importantly makes it fun with Hula Hoop activities, Ski Jump balance games, and much much more!!

Here’s what people are saying about it:
“The Wii fit was the best purchase I have made for the kids all year. THEY LOVE it and my wife and I do as well. It creates an awesome family fun time expericnce. The kids are playing games and getting exercise. Never have I enjoyed exericsing more in my life. Easy to use and durable.”

“I love the Wii Fit. It makes exercise fun and guilt’s you all at the same time. I’ve used mine for a month now and so far (with just a little effort) I’ve lost 5lbs. It challenges you to actually use muscle and knows when you are cheating. I didn’t think it would actually make exercise fun, but I was pleasantly surprised. I highly recommend the Wii Fit!”

So I looked around and found that several stores are having sales on the Wii Fit — and the fun accessories that you can purchase with it! Do you have a Wii Fit? Tell us what you think of it below…

Nintendo Wii Console with Wii Fit & Accessory Bundle sale $549!	Nintendo Wii Console Plus Wii Fit Deluxe Yoga Bundle sale $500.98!
Nintendo Wii Fit Exercise Mat sale $18.99	Nintendo Wii Fit Starter Kit sale $22.99
Nintendo Wii Fit Protective Silicon Cover sale $13.99	Nintendo Wii Fit Travel & Storage Pack sale $14.99

So I was watching The View a little while ago (yes I was on vacation), and there was a terrific segment on inexpensive ways to beat the heat. But what really caught my attention were some of the names of these products — “The Chillow” a pillow that stays cool while you sleep so you don’t have to search for that special cool spot; “Lava Buns,” a cushion that stays either hot or cool wherever you are; and my personal favorite, “The Bedfan” — a cooling system that goes at the foot of your bed and pushes out warm heat that gets trapped underneath your covers.

The Bedfan – a personal cooling system $78.15	Chill Misting Fan – $20
USB Fan – $15	Lava Buns – cooling/heating cushion $29.95
The Chillow – a “cool” pillow sale $22.49	MiraCool Gardening Hat – cooling crystals keep your head comfortable sale $16.58

New Apple iPhone $199

So Monday Steve Jobs announced the release of the next-gen 3G iPhone. Here’s the scoop:

It’s faster
It’s 1/2 the price at $199
It’s thinner
It’s got a GPS satellite navigation system

I guess it’s a great thing that they improved it and made it more affordable (especially during these pre-recession times), but do we really need another iPhone? How about a solar-powered iPhone? Or an iPhone that will reduce your gas consumption ? An iPhone that will save on grocery bills?

Maybe I’m cynical, but there’s so much going on in the world right now, I just don’t think we need another version of the same thing to spend money on. Although $199 doesn’t sound too bad…

For some great insight and a technical look at what’s in store with the new iPhone 3G, read this Wired article.

And here’s the ad:

Don’t panic! You don’t have to resort to making your own “coupon book” for Mom just yet — there are still some great last-minute Mother’s Day gift ideas around…

I’ve included my favorite ones below:

Red Envelope – Choose Next Business Day	Ross-Simons – Order by May 8th
Organic Bouquet – These were voted #1 by Smart Money!	Brookstone – Order by May 8th
Harry & David – Order by May 8th	Amazing Clubs – Order anytime – most shipments are actually sent at end of month but they’ll notify Mom of her gift on Mother’s Day via email!