23 posts tagged “logitech”
Logitech VX Nano Mouse (Reprise)
Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks
Link: Logitech
Turn-The-Tables-Tuesday
When Leo starts this week's TTTT, he asks Dick if Dick has done this gadget before. Dick doesn't think so, and the chatroom, who have already dozed off at the sound of another TTTT, do not demur. On Leo goes. Leo has had this mouse for some time now, but has been prompted by Steve Gibson' recent recommendation of this mouse in Security Now! Episode 197 to cover it on TTTT. Then Dick finds out that he is already using this very mouse.
Not only that, but Dick did actually cover this gadget, in Episode 523. What's funnier is, Leo himself was half way into his introduction of this mouse in Episode 522, but when he found out that it was going to be one of Dick's gadgets for the week, he swithced to the Tom Bihn Western Flyer instead. It is a neat little mouse, and worth a reprise. Listen to excerpts of the 2 earlier episodes:
What really takes Steve Gibson's fancy, and Leo's, is the Logitech VX Nano's very fast scrolling ability, very useful these days with long web pages and verbose posts, like this blog. "Zero-friction", is how Steve describes it. For the other functions, read Episode 523 again.
Gadget Encores
With the sheer number of gadgets covered in the Daily Giz Wiz, it is a wonder that gadgets have not been repeated more often. The only other gadgets which have been featured twice were the HydraBrush in Episodes 226 and 480 (which Dick was aware of), and a Gadget Warehouse resident, the Motorola add-on MP3 player for cellphones (Episodes 380 and 630).
iTunes Misbehaving
Mike Gigabyte has found that the Daily Giz Wiz, apart from being in the Podcast category, has now gone into the iTunes Music folder, so that it gets shuffled and played at random as well as the rest of his music. Has Leo put the wrong tag on the downloads? Leo doesn't think so, but can't really figure out why this is suddenly happening. It must be because of all the jingles, or iTunes thinks that the Giz Wiz Got Talent.
Listen to Episode 847
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Not only that, but Dick did actually cover this gadget, in Episode 523. What's funnier is, Leo himself was half way into his introduction of this mouse in Episode 522, but when he found out that it was going to be one of Dick's gadgets for the week, he swithced to the Tom Bihn Western Flyer instead. It is a neat little mouse, and worth a reprise. Listen to excerpts of the 2 earlier episodes:
What really takes Steve Gibson's fancy, and Leo's, is the Logitech VX Nano's very fast scrolling ability, very useful these days with long web pages and verbose posts, like this blog. "Zero-friction", is how Steve describes it. For the other functions, read Episode 523 again.
Gadget Encores
With the sheer number of gadgets covered in the Daily Giz Wiz, it is a wonder that gadgets have not been repeated more often. The only other gadgets which have been featured twice were the HydraBrush in Episodes 226 and 480 (which Dick was aware of), and a Gadget Warehouse resident, the Motorola add-on MP3 player for cellphones (Episodes 380 and 630).
iTunes Misbehaving
Mike Gigabyte has found that the Daily Giz Wiz, apart from being in the Podcast category, has now gone into the iTunes Music folder, so that it gets shuffled and played at random as well as the rest of his music. Has Leo put the wrong tag on the downloads? Leo doesn't think so, but can't really figure out why this is suddenly happening. It must be because of all the jingles, or iTunes thinks that the Giz Wiz Got Talent.
Listen to Episode 847
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Beam Scope
TV Screen Magnifier
Link: Amazon
Dick's Gadget Warehouse
From about 20 years ago, the Beam Scope, made of precision ground lens, simply magnified the screen by 2x. Unfortunately the angle of view is very limited and only the person sitting directly in front gets an undistorted view.
New Year Resolutions for Dick and Leo
Dick resolves to do the Daily Giz Wiz throughout 2009. Leo resolves to lose weight, after his gastronomical orgy in France.
Squeezebox Boom Revisited
Steve Miller enjoys the CCrane Wifi Radio (Episode 712) and strikes again with his Logitech Squeezebox Boom (see Episode 682), and Dick and Leo has a similar conversation about streaming audio from twit.am and other iPhone apps. Dick and Leo oftenn forget what they have said before, given the sheer number of shows they do, and now it seems the listeners are writing in so often that they can't remember what they've written before either.
The Next Recording Session
Note: Dick and Leo's next recording session will be on Monday, 8 am Pacific (Leo's) time, and 11 am Eastern (Dick's) time, because Dick and Leo are off to CES and MacWorld respectively.
Listen to Episode 735
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Homepage
New Year Resolutions for Dick and Leo
Dick resolves to do the Daily Giz Wiz throughout 2009. Leo resolves to lose weight, after his gastronomical orgy in France.
Squeezebox Boom Revisited
Steve Miller enjoys the CCrane Wifi Radio (Episode 712) and strikes again with his Logitech Squeezebox Boom (see Episode 682), and Dick and Leo has a similar conversation about streaming audio from twit.am and other iPhone apps. Dick and Leo oftenn forget what they have said before, given the sheer number of shows they do, and now it seems the listeners are writing in so often that they can't remember what they've written before either.
The Next Recording Session
Note: Dick and Leo's next recording session will be on Monday, 8 am Pacific (Leo's) time, and 11 am Eastern (Dick's) time, because Dick and Leo are off to CES and MacWorld respectively.
Listen to Episode 735
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Homepage
Plantronics GameCom 777 Surround Sound Gaming Headset
Surround Sound Headset
Link: Plantronics
After being told by Leo that he uses Plantronics headsets for his guests and co-hosts on TWiT podcasts (Episode 652), Dick went to check out Plantronics, and learned about the new GameCom 777 Surround Sound Gaming Headset. It gives you 5.1 Dolby surround sound via the USB sound card (which you can disconnect in case you need analogue sound). Noise-cancellation mic boom, inline volume and mute control. Dick can vouch for the quality of the sound you hear through the earpods, but the sound produced through the mic is not as good as the Logitech Clearchat Headset (Episodes 401, 596) which Dick has been using for the show.
Money Matters
Leo has sold his entire stock portfolio in protection of his retirement fund, while Dick has learned to abstain from checking the value of his stock.
GoToMeeting ...
... is back (after Episode 613). For a free one-month trial, go to www.gotomeeting.com/gizwiz.
Caution against the Smart Car
Cory Klimonsky, who has lived in Germany for 12 years and has had experience with the Smart Car (discussed in Episode 661), warns Leo about it. It's a joint operation by Mercedes and Swatch, and the car is so small that sitting inside it, he looks like Lurch from the Addams Family. All the panels are changeable, and so you can change the colour of the car easily (or mix and match, as Dick has seen). Leo has already put down his $99 for the convertible Cabriolet which he has reserved for Abby, but is open to dissuasion. Meanwhile, he can take comfort from the following crash test video on YouTube:
One Way Passage to Petaluma
Dick was watching Turner Classics Movies and stumbled upon the old black and white film One Way Passage. Dick was much amused when, towards the end of the film, the cop expresses the desire to retire in his chicken ranch in Petaluma, the then chicken and egg capital of the United States!
Listen to Episode 666
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Money Matters
Leo has sold his entire stock portfolio in protection of his retirement fund, while Dick has learned to abstain from checking the value of his stock.
GoToMeeting ...
... is back (after Episode 613). For a free one-month trial, go to www.gotomeeting.com/gizwiz.
Caution against the Smart Car
Cory Klimonsky, who has lived in Germany for 12 years and has had experience with the Smart Car (discussed in Episode 661), warns Leo about it. It's a joint operation by Mercedes and Swatch, and the car is so small that sitting inside it, he looks like Lurch from the Addams Family. All the panels are changeable, and so you can change the colour of the car easily (or mix and match, as Dick has seen). Leo has already put down his $99 for the convertible Cabriolet which he has reserved for Abby, but is open to dissuasion. Meanwhile, he can take comfort from the following crash test video on YouTube:
One Way Passage to Petaluma
Dick was watching Turner Classics Movies and stumbled upon the old black and white film One Way Passage. Dick was much amused when, towards the end of the film, the cop expresses the desire to retire in his chicken ranch in Petaluma, the then chicken and egg capital of the United States!
Listen to Episode 666
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Flexii USB Optical Mouse with Fan
Computer Accessory
Link: Vavolo
A USB optical mouse, from Flexii, available at vavolo.com, with 800 dpi resolution. The difference is it has a built in fan. Ideal for people with sweaty palms. Vavolo sells other fun stuff. Check out their USB Gadgets.
Labour Day Weekend
Fingers crossed, Leo might be celebrating the end of the Roz Savage's first leg of her trans-pacific rowing voyage, when it is hoped she will be landing in Hawaii.
Wait-For-Dick
The doorbell rang again for Dick, and it's another gadget delivery. It's a boating gadget (a Casio watch) which Dick might review on DGW.
Muncie and Laporte
Chris Hileman, who did the original design for the TWiTLive website, has noted that Leo keeps suggesting that things he has lost are in Muncie. Chris is from Muncie, Indiana, and has looked all over town, and there's absolutely nothing there, just like Petaluma. He suggests Leo look in Laporte, Indiana. Leo's father did a tour over the country of Laporte towns, and he thinks that there is a Laporte town in most states of the USA.
Listen to Episode 646
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Labour Day Weekend
Fingers crossed, Leo might be celebrating the end of the Roz Savage's first leg of her trans-pacific rowing voyage, when it is hoped she will be landing in Hawaii.
Wait-For-Dick
The doorbell rang again for Dick, and it's another gadget delivery. It's a boating gadget (a Casio watch) which Dick might review on DGW.
Muncie and Laporte
Chris Hileman, who did the original design for the TWiTLive website, has noted that Leo keeps suggesting that things he has lost are in Muncie. Chris is from Muncie, Indiana, and has looked all over town, and there's absolutely nothing there, just like Petaluma. He suggests Leo look in Laporte, Indiana. Leo's father did a tour over the country of Laporte towns, and he thinks that there is a Laporte town in most states of the USA.
Listen to Episode 646
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Logitech ClearChat PC Wireless Headset
Wireless Headset
Link: Logitech
Dick introduced the Logitech ClearChat Pro USB Headset in Episode 401. This new headset from Logitech works wirelessly, using 2.4 GHz frequency. Just plug the USB wirelss dongle into the computer (both Windows and Mac supported) and it will automatically connect with the headset. Audio controls are on the ClearChat PC Wireless Headset itself, including a mute button (with a red LED indicator at the microphone end when muted).
In case you want to use the wireless headset further away from the computer than its advertised 33 feet range, you can also connect the transmitter stand to the computer using a USB cable, with the USB dongle plugged into the stand, which extends the range a little further.
GizWizLive
Dick says "I'll be there!" for GizWizLive. He was indeed, and stayed at the Metro Hotel for his sojourn in Petaluma. By the time this episode is aired, GizWizLive has come and gone. Kim from Wild Planet, dressed in a special red and green elf outfit, introduced some of Wild Planet's Christmas offerings, and presented Leo with an analogue clock with copies of Leo's visage on the clock face, and spork hands. Dick showed his GizWizBiz Cap and GizWizBiz USB Smart Button(which Leo couldn't get to work on his Mac initially. He also brought with him a few of his gadgets that he travelled with, such as the Callpod Chargepod (Episode 368), a memory card wallet, Xantrex Pocket Powerpack, Bose Headphones (Episode 294), the Belkin Mini Surge Protector (Episode 534) and the Plane Clean Air Filter (Episode 586).
Dick also showed us the Extend-A-Fork, which he briefly referred to back in Episode 10 (where you can see a picture of the gadget, and a programme from the Beach Blanket Babylon show.
As planned, Dick and Leo also recorded Episode 600 during GizWizLive, but thanks to Leo who had to fiddle with his laptop, the connection was lost and the streaming was disrupted, and by the time the live streaming was restored, they had finished the recording of Episode 600.
The consolation is, Leo has now promised that Episode 600 will be available as a video download. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
Dick and Leo also invited questions from the audience on Oovoo and Skype. One of those who appeared on Skype was Dan Lueders, who has now written the Monday theme, the no-theme Wednesday theme and the Spork TV Commercial (in addition to his Gravy Jingle submission). Dan has apparently done a "DGW Disclaimer" Theme, which will be aired when Leo gets round to reading his emails.
The World's Ugliest Dog
Every year, the Sonoma Marin Fair at Petaluma has "The World's Ugliest Dog" Contest. This year, the contest took place on Friday 20 June, while Dick was in Petaluma. The winner this time was "Gus", a one-eyed, three-legged Chinese Crested dog. Read the BBC report. For last year's winner, see Episode 348.
What to Do For Episode 600
Will Cool from Portland, Oregon (previous letters in Episodes 226 and 436) is back with a suggestion. Instead of Dick and Leo giving away prizes, he's going to buy a GizWizBiz Cap from Dick. It's the least he can do.
From now till Episode 600, if you buy a GizWizBiz Cap, you'll get an autographed copy of Mad. If you buy two, you will get a GizWizBiz LED Ice Cube on top of everything else, which Dick showed off during GizWizLive. It's an "ice cube" that glows green in your drink.
A New Sponsor?
A message brought to you by CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Mark Pelletier of Futures In Biotech and Jamie Davis of Medicast warn you against DVT, Deep Vein Thrombosis. Handy advice for our listeners who love doing DGW Marathons. For more information, visit the CDC website. Is that a new sponsor?
Listen to Episode 596
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
GizWizLive
Dick says "I'll be there!" for GizWizLive. He was indeed, and stayed at the Metro Hotel for his sojourn in Petaluma. By the time this episode is aired, GizWizLive has come and gone. Kim from Wild Planet, dressed in a special red and green elf outfit, introduced some of Wild Planet's Christmas offerings, and presented Leo with an analogue clock with copies of Leo's visage on the clock face, and spork hands. Dick showed his GizWizBiz Cap and GizWizBiz USB Smart Button(which Leo couldn't get to work on his Mac initially. He also brought with him a few of his gadgets that he travelled with, such as the Callpod Chargepod (Episode 368), a memory card wallet, Xantrex Pocket Powerpack, Bose Headphones (Episode 294), the Belkin Mini Surge Protector (Episode 534) and the Plane Clean Air Filter (Episode 586).
Dick also showed us the Extend-A-Fork, which he briefly referred to back in Episode 10 (where you can see a picture of the gadget, and a programme from the Beach Blanket Babylon show.
As planned, Dick and Leo also recorded Episode 600 during GizWizLive, but thanks to Leo who had to fiddle with his laptop, the connection was lost and the streaming was disrupted, and by the time the live streaming was restored, they had finished the recording of Episode 600.
The consolation is, Leo has now promised that Episode 600 will be available as a video download. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
Dick and Leo also invited questions from the audience on Oovoo and Skype. One of those who appeared on Skype was Dan Lueders, who has now written the Monday theme, the no-theme Wednesday theme and the Spork TV Commercial (in addition to his Gravy Jingle submission). Dan has apparently done a "DGW Disclaimer" Theme, which will be aired when Leo gets round to reading his emails.
The World's Ugliest Dog
Every year, the Sonoma Marin Fair at Petaluma has "The World's Ugliest Dog" Contest. This year, the contest took place on Friday 20 June, while Dick was in Petaluma. The winner this time was "Gus", a one-eyed, three-legged Chinese Crested dog. Read the BBC report. For last year's winner, see Episode 348.
What to Do For Episode 600
Will Cool from Portland, Oregon (previous letters in Episodes 226 and 436) is back with a suggestion. Instead of Dick and Leo giving away prizes, he's going to buy a GizWizBiz Cap from Dick. It's the least he can do.
From now till Episode 600, if you buy a GizWizBiz Cap, you'll get an autographed copy of Mad. If you buy two, you will get a GizWizBiz LED Ice Cube on top of everything else, which Dick showed off during GizWizLive. It's an "ice cube" that glows green in your drink.
A New Sponsor?
A message brought to you by CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). Mark Pelletier of Futures In Biotech and Jamie Davis of Medicast warn you against DVT, Deep Vein Thrombosis. Handy advice for our listeners who love doing DGW Marathons. For more information, visit the CDC website. Is that a new sponsor?
Listen to Episode 596
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
Connectix QuickCam
Webcam
Link: Wikipedia
Dick's Gadget Warehouse
From 1994 came the first Quickcam, made by Connectix, a sub-$100 webcam that gave you 320 x 240 greyscale moving images. The camera in the shape of globe sat on a pyramid base. The webcam technology was subsequently acquired by Logitech which still produces the Quickcam series.
The Connectix QuickCam was also ranked 40 in 2005 in PC World's 50 Top Gadgets of the last 50 years.
Dying of Boredom
Mark Donna writes to Dick about an article from 1961 in the Weekend Magazine, via pixelmatic.com: "Will life be worth living in 2000AD?" One of the predictions was that everything would be so easy that people would die of boredom.
Mad Minute
Sex therapist Dr Rude answers some of your questions.
Listen to Episode 580
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
The Connectix QuickCam was also ranked 40 in 2005 in PC World's 50 Top Gadgets of the last 50 years.
Dying of Boredom
Mark Donna writes to Dick about an article from 1961 in the Weekend Magazine, via pixelmatic.com: "Will life be worth living in 2000AD?" One of the predictions was that everything would be so easy that people would die of boredom.
Mad Minute
Sex therapist Dr Rude answers some of your questions.
Listen to Episode 580
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
HYmini
Hand-held Windmill Generator/Portable Charger
Link: HYmini
The HYmini is not a fan, but a windmill which converts wind power into electrical engery and stores it in the internal rechargeable battery. The wind has to be at least 9 mph. When the wind is fast enough, a green LED lights up to indicate that electrical energy is being generated. You can also charge the battery using conventional AC power (adaptor included), or using the computer via USB.
You can also charge the battery via USB by buying a solar panel using solar energy, called the miniSOLAR. There is also a bicycle attachment to harness the wind power, and an arm-band for people who jog.
You can use the HYmini to charge your 5V portable devices. It also doubles up as a flashlight.
Sit Up!
Leo is back on his GopherSport Anti-Burst Fitness Ball (Episode 322), while Dick is slumped on his chair in a comfortably bad posture.
VCR Plus
Sharon from PoCo (Port Coquitlam) in BC, Canada loves the VCR Plus episode (Episode 560). She tells Dick that TV guides in Vancouver still print the VCR Plus codes. Her parents have been using the codes for 7 years. Jim Nelson also writes in to say that he still uses the codes.
Regis
Leo thinks Regis is great and does his work without anyone knowing it. For a photo of Regis in his office, go to Leo's Flickr.
It's A Gas
Dick and Leo mentioned the Mad recording "It's A Gas" yesterday, and again today. A listener James Baldwin has found the recording on YouTube and emailed Dick the link. Dick has embedded it on his home page, or listen to it here.
Listen to Episode 568
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
You can use the HYmini to charge your 5V portable devices. It also doubles up as a flashlight.
Sit Up!
Leo is back on his GopherSport Anti-Burst Fitness Ball (Episode 322), while Dick is slumped on his chair in a comfortably bad posture.
VCR Plus
Sharon from PoCo (Port Coquitlam) in BC, Canada loves the VCR Plus episode (Episode 560). She tells Dick that TV guides in Vancouver still print the VCR Plus codes. Her parents have been using the codes for 7 years. Jim Nelson also writes in to say that he still uses the codes.
Regis
Leo thinks Regis is great and does his work without anyone knowing it. For a photo of Regis in his office, go to Leo's Flickr.
It's A Gas
Dick and Leo mentioned the Mad recording "It's A Gas" yesterday, and again today. A listener James Baldwin has found the recording on YouTube and emailed Dick the link. Dick has embedded it on his home page, or listen to it here.
Listen to Episode 568
Go to TWiT
The Giz Wiz Home Page
CrazyTalk5
Face Puppet Animation Software
Link: Reallusion
CrazyTalk5 is a piece of software for creating face animation effects from a photo. Start with a photo of a face, indicate where the eyes are, add a sound file and you'll have an animated puppet lip-sync'ed to the sound file. Check out the Pro version which has more features. Windows only.
Andy Marken is including 5 copies of CrazyTalk5 as prizes in the recent contest.
A Spoonerism from Leo
Leo does a spoonerism on his animated character Dev Null from his old show "The Site" from MSNBC, and calls him Nev Dull. Dick simply calls him Dull Nev.
MyPodder
Leo was complaining about the dominance of iTunes over the distribution of podcasts some time ago. Bill from Hawaii (the same Bill from yesterday's DGW?) writes in to recommend MyPodder on PodcastReady, which works on Mac, Windows and Linux.
Mad April
Mad's April issue will have a cartoon of the Mad Staff in monkey form. Dick is called Stompy Ding Dong.
Listen to Episode 533
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
Andy Marken is including 5 copies of CrazyTalk5 as prizes in the recent contest.
A Spoonerism from Leo
Leo does a spoonerism on his animated character Dev Null from his old show "The Site" from MSNBC, and calls him Nev Dull. Dick simply calls him Dull Nev.
MyPodder
Leo was complaining about the dominance of iTunes over the distribution of podcasts some time ago. Bill from Hawaii (the same Bill from yesterday's DGW?) writes in to recommend MyPodder on PodcastReady, which works on Mac, Windows and Linux.
Mad April
Mad's April issue will have a cartoon of the Mad Staff in monkey form. Dick is called Stompy Ding Dong.
Listen to Episode 533
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
Logitech VX Nano Mouse
Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks
Link: Logitech
The Logitech VX Nano was the gadget that Leo was going to talk about in yesterday's TTTT.
What's more, it's made symmetrically, so no bias against lefties. It may well find its way into Ned Flanders's Leftorium.
Botanicalls
After the recent episodes on gadgets for watering plants (Rainstick: Episode 500, and Thirsty Light: Episode 503), Bruce Horn writes in to tell Dick that there's a DIY gadget that can send you an alert on Twitter when your plant is thirsty. It's called the Botanicalls Twitter.
Tom Bihn's Western Flyer
Travel Bag For Laptop
Link: Tom Bihn
Turn-The-Tables-Tuesday
Leo was going to do the new Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse, but has decided to leave it for Dick to cover. Apart from pens and watches, Leo cannot get enough of laptop bags. Tom Bihn specialises in bags, which are all well made, sophisticated, componentised, customisable cases with optional add-ons and inserts.
Leo has the Western Flyer, but recommends the SuperEgo for Dick, who can take an Ego Strip with it. The SuperEgo can carry Dick's laptop with room to double up as an overnight bag. For the ultimate briefcase, try the Empire Builder.
Extras include the Horizontal Brain Cell (an insert for storing your laptop), the Absolute Shoulder Strap (which tucks away neatly inside the bag but turns your bag into a messenger-style bag), and the Freudian Slip (a briefcase organiser).
Dick has been using a Targus bag for his laptop (probably the Targus Flare Backpack in Episode 394), but is now sorely tempted to get a Tom Bihn bag.
Toasting Don Quixote
Karen Toast Conger, who lives aboard a catamaran and travels around the world with her family (Episode 512), has taken up Leo's invitation and sent him a photo of her boat, the Don Quixote. It's a Lagoon 380 catamaran. You can see Toast's boat on her website, and on Flickr too. She and her two young girls sing along to the Letters Jingle.
Listen to Episode 522
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
Leo has the Western Flyer, but recommends the SuperEgo for Dick, who can take an Ego Strip with it. The SuperEgo can carry Dick's laptop with room to double up as an overnight bag. For the ultimate briefcase, try the Empire Builder.
Toasting Don Quixote
Karen Toast Conger, who lives aboard a catamaran and travels around the world with her family (Episode 512), has taken up Leo's invitation and sent him a photo of her boat, the Don Quixote. It's a Lagoon 380 catamaran. You can see Toast's boat on her website, and on Flickr too. She and her two young girls sing along to the Letters Jingle.
Listen to Episode 522
Go to TWiT
Read Dick's Write-Up
