I think I am.

I can't look at a dabs or maplin catalogue without seeing lots of shiny and not so shiny things that i'm sure i could find a use for somewhere.

The house is festuned with things, lcd monitors, scanners, wireless this and thats, pda's, phones that thing they are pda's, systems that work without human intervention and there's always room for more, faster and better gadgets.

Damn, if only I had a lottery win (of more than the tenner I won last week) I could kit my house out in automated splender and have an rfid chip implanted in my arse (or arm I suppose).

Does anyone else suffer from gadget philia? And what are you latest purchases/plans/dreams?

I am definately addicted to gadgets :thumbsup: I have allsorts here from plasma balls to night vision scopes. Thing is I get fed up with them after a while, sell them for next to nothing then within a few months want another.

Lol, I salivate over those catalogues (and others like them) the way a pubescent boy would over the ladies underwear pages :D

Originally posted by AJ sheffield
I am definately addicted to gadgets :thumbsup: I have allsorts here from plasma balls to night vision scopes. Thing is I get fed up with them after a while, sell them for next to nothing then within a few months want another.

lol - maybe we could set up a chain, sell them to me, i'll sell them on later (although i'm not so good at this) we need only each loose a small amount of money each time.

I remember my uncle (the rich - compared to us - one) having a plasma ball in the 80's, maybe that's what started it all. We inherited his old computers too, or at least the comadore 64 + disk drive and printer.

What i'd really like is a whole host of devices that communicate with each other, seamlessley and without my intervention, keeping my pc, my phone, my pda, my microwave and fridge, all upto date. Ordering my grocery when it's low, sorting out my accounts, scheduling my tv and recording it when my diary says i'm not in.
For that matter the house should know when i'm not here and doors should open (with a suitable star-trekisht swoosh when i approach). Do i ask too much?

I love plasma balls. I wouldnt mind having a pair grafted on.

what are you latest purchases/plans/dreams?

I just bought a wireless media player. It plays Divx, Xvid, Mpeg, VOBs, Avi movie files and pushes photographs to your TV. As well as streaming MP3s, MP4s and internet radio to your hifi.

It will be connected over wireless (802.11g) to a server with just over 1/2TB (500 Gb) of hard drives.

Should go nicely with my tivo and sony 5.1 system.

Does anyone else suffer from gadget philia?

Not me :lol:

Originally posted by punk
I just bought a wireless media player. It plays Divx, Xvid, Mpeg, VOBs, Avi movie files and photographs to your TV. As well as streaming MP3s, internet radio to your hifi.

It will be connected over wireless (802.11g) to a server with just over 1/2TB (500 Gb) of hard drives.

Same go nicely with my tivo and sony 5.1 system.



Not me :lol:

exactly the type of gadget i've been looking for for a while.
Firstly, what is it, secondly, any issues (is it really g, or 802.11b) can i connect it to a stereo for the mp3's or just a tv, and does it not cost the earth...?

what is it, secondly, any issues (is it really g, or 802.11b)

Its a pinnacle show centre 1000g. As the name suggests its 802.11g, it has a pcmcia slot in the back so you can use any wireless G card (although it does come with one).

Link: http://pinnaclesys.com/ProductPage_n.asp?Product_ID=1491&Langue_ID=7

I only ordered it last night so its not arrived yet. Im hoping it will come tomorrow so I have a chance to play with it before a week of slog but I'm not holding my breath.

can i connect it to a stereo for the mp3's or just a tv,

A quote from the pinnacle website:

"ShowCenter includes a vast array of audio and video inputs and outputs, that allow you to attach the device to just about every type of home entertainment system in the world. The outputs include, digital audio (coaxial, optical), component video, S-Video and composite video. "

does it not cost the earth

£145.16 inc VAT from ebuyer (similar prices elsewhere) dabs also has it for £150.

There's a cheaper one, thats similar on amazon by dlink but it gets quite bad reviews.

Here's a review of the pinnacle one (this is the older wireless B model, I'm hoping most of the problems they mention have been sorted by the upgrade to G): http://www.tomshardware.com/consumer/20031205/

i think i read the review on the dlink one, dropping connections, 30s power on time, etc... that's just not good enough. Damn it I want my gadgets now and I want them to work well.

PS - i bought wireless speakers from maplin, a pda (i already had) and wrote an app to start winamp via a browser listing by artist, album or track over the web.
Then made it all redundant by getting a 2nd pc in the dining room. Doh.

Bill Gates said in a book that in 1889 the commisionaire of the US patent office recommeded that the patent office be shut down because "everything that can be invented has been invented" (I was going to provide a link to the statement but all I can find are pages debunking it as a myth so I'll assume it is one).

With blu-ray, HD DVD, HDTV, 802.11n, Wimax, etc, etc all due in the next couple of years I'm beginning to wish the above statement were true (would save us a fortune) :)

Originally posted by punk
Bill Gates said in a book that in 1889 the commisionaire of the US patent office recommeded that the patent office be shut down because "everything that can be invented has been invented" (I was going to provide a link to the statement but all I can find are pages debunking it as a myth so I'll assume it is one).

With blu-ray, HD DVD, HDTV, 802.11n, Wimax, etc, etc all due in the next couple of years I'm beginning to wish the above statement were true (would save us a fortune) :)

i love reading about all this stuff. I just try to resolve that I won't buy it until it's nearly hit the mainstream and thus doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

I'm addicted to those Ronco adverts on TV. I absolutely have to have whatever they are selling because they are always a "must have" item. Yeh, just like that buttonier that I got years ago that you could put studs all over your clothes! Right now I am battling with hubby to get a steam cleaner that blasts off muck and mold from anything. It cleans baths, toilets, sinks, floors, clothes, car rims. It can clean anything. I HAVE TO HAVE IT. Only 4 payments of 19.95. :help: I watch all TV ads and immeadiately want to go out and buy the stuff. I love all those Sharper Image mags too. Can't beat Ronco!

Can't wait until April so I can buy a Sony NW-E503 - 256 MB MP3 store with built-in radio, 3 line display and 50 hours battery life [3 hour charge in just 3 minutes]. Dont have many CDs so don't need the 1GB version...

http://www.sony.co.uk/PageView.do?site=odw_en_GB&page=MagazineWithArticleFirstSection&article=1109586832394&section=en_GB_Magazine_Entertainment

Dont have many CDs so don't need the 1GB version...

256 MB is not a lot at all. You can only fit a couple of albums (good quality mp3s) into that much space.

What use is 50 hours battery time when you would have to listen to the same 10 songs 100 times?

Buy an ipod. They rock! :)

Originally posted by Funke88
I'm addicted to those Ronco adverts on TV. I absolutely have to have whatever they are selling because they are always a "must have" item. Yeh, just like that buttonier that I got years ago that you could put studs all over your clothes! Right now I am battling with hubby to get a steam cleaner that blasts off muck and mold from anything. It cleans baths, toilets, sinks, floors, clothes, car rims. It can clean anything. I HAVE TO HAVE IT. Only 4 payments of 19.95. :help: I watch all TV ads and immeadiately want to go out and buy the stuff. I love all those Sharper Image mags too. Can't beat Ronco!

I've had a steamer for yrs and it's been well worth the money.
So don't feel you have to deny your cravings..

My partner is addicted to gadgets. I call them his toys.
Uses them for a few wks then they get jammed in the cupboards never to be used again.
hazel

Originally posted by punk
What use is 50 hours battery time when you would have to listen to the same 10 songs 100 times?

Buy an ipod. They rock! :)

It's great for me as I usually listen to the radio but would like to listen to CDs when reception is naff, for example on the train whilst in tunnels, valleys, on the underground etc. Having an all-in-one solution gadget saves carrying two gadgets. If i-pods came with a built in radio I'd get one ;)

Originally posted by punk
Its a pinnacle show centre 1000g. As the name suggests its 802.11g, it has a pcmcia slot in the back so you can use any wireless G card (although it does come with one).

--------

Here's a review of the pinnacle one (this is the older wireless B model, I'm hoping most of the problems they mention have been sorted by the upgrade to G): http://www.tomshardware.com/consumer/20031205/

Supposedly the only real difference between the 1000G and it's previous incarnation is the inclusion of a 802.11g adapter. It even has the old outdated firmware from it's predecessor although this should be updated once you've managed to set the wireless network up :) From the streaming devices I've looked at though it does seem the best of a bad bunch. I'm staying away until they implement Wifi Multimedia (WMM), hopefully then other network traffic shouldn't screw with the streaming so much..

As for the original topic - yeah I pretty much love my gadgets too. Latest one I have is SE P910i smartphone - it's ok I suppose but nearly renders itself useless with quite possibly the worst combination of keylock and case known to man - basically due to the design of phone and case when they are together in your pocket 9 times out of 10 you will manage to unlock the phone and ring random people. Only way round it it seems is to enable the code lock when screen saver comes on so I have to type my PIN everytime I want to do anything - absolutely pathetic design :rolleyes: Seriously contemplating selling it even though it's new and going back to a K700i or similar.

It's great for me as I usually listen to the radio but would like to listen to CDs when reception is naff, for example on the train whilst in tunnels, valleys, on the underground etc. Having an all-in-one solution gadget saves carrying two gadgets. If i-pods came with a built in radio I'd get one

Get an ipod and get some podcasts. Best of both worlds...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcast
http://www.ipodder.org/

Radio is so last century :P

Originally posted by Cyclone
i love reading about all this stuff. I just try to resolve that I won't buy it until it's nearly hit the mainstream and thus doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

That's the way to do it mate. Spot on.

Not just your gadgets.

I fancy one of those super-sexy flat-screen TV's, but will hang around until the price drops by about half.

Shouldn't be too long.

Probably about a year.

My fiance is definitely addicted to gadgets. He is now even buying gadgets for our cats as a way of slipping under the no more gadgets please rule. My house is overrun with wires aswell as cats now.

My God he's getting as bad as me lol x

I think its mostly men addicted to gadgets -

Although it seems quite a few of my friends are addicted to a certain type of rabbit!

Not me a hasten to add!

Is one of your friends called Elmer Fudd by any chance ;) or are you reffering to the rampant kind :o

Whats Up Doc!!! I think you know what I mean!

any issues (pinnacle showcenter 1000g)

It got delivered today so I can answer this now..

Yes, lots of issues. The case was bent, the remote control was dodgy, it wouldn't start up at all with the wirelss card inserted. Wouldn't connect to the server component over ethernet and the tech support sucks.

It's going back for a full refund :(

I inherited gadget love from my dad, although he struggles a bit with computers and such these days - he's more your milti-tool kind of guy. But, he recently bought a TFT TV after wanting "to hang a TV on the wall" ever since he watched the first episode of Star Trek.

Most of the things he owns with moving parts have been modded beyond all recognition and he still regrets all the money he could have made from inventions he never patented that are how in everyday use. He even claims, with some seriousness, to have invented the frisbee.

I think I'm addicted to gadgets also. I like taking things apart and adapting them for better uses. I've made some really cool gadgets before and I like having the latest technology but I'm not a fanatic that feels the need to buy the latest products as soon as they come out.

Originally posted by punk
It got delivered today so I can answer this now..

Yes, lots of issues. The case was bent, the remote control was dodgy, it wouldn't start up at all with the wirelss card inserted. Wouldn't connect to the server component over ethernet and the tech support sucks.

It's going back for a full refund :(

We bought some Pinnacle video broadcast hardware and software last year. No end of problems and compatability issues. Needless to say we certainly won't be purchasing any more.

Originally posted by zarion
I think I'm addicted to gadgets also. I like taking things apart and adapting them for better uses. I've made some really cool gadgets before and I like having the latest technology but I'm not a fanatic that feels the need to buy the latest products as soon as they come out.

I quite like adapting things too, although not always with success :( I got a large screen tv.... years ago... had twin speakers eitherside but wasn't stereo.... I thought I could easily adapt it and make it NICAM, lol, I blew the speakers completely and it had no sound :blush:

I try not to rush into buying either but I still always seem to manage to buy gadgets just days before they are slashed in price :rant:

I'm not so bothered about electronic gadgets, but I love kitchen gadgets. My current favourite is really simple thing called a JarKey that you use to release the pressure on a jar then you can just unscrew it easily with your hands. There are lots of other gadgets for getting lids off jars but this is the best and the simplest - every kitchen should have one!

are lots of other gadgets for getting lids off jars but this is the best and the simplest

Having used a variety of methods (rubber bands, rubber gloves, Martin_S trying to creep up sneakily on a jar...) I feel the need to know what this gadget is & where I can get one. Currently I have to resort to sticking a knife in the lid of my favourite brand of red peppers in order to release the seal & the budge the lid.

Feel free to post or PM cos I neeeeeeeeeed one!

They are probably quite common, try John Lewis, but the best place for kitchen stuff - in the whole of Sheffield probably, is the kitchen shop on Abbeydale Road a bit further out than the Broadfield, it’s run by a couple of blokes who might even give you a cup of coffee

Originally posted by Cyclone
I think I am.

I can't look at a dabs or maplin catalogue without seeing lots of shiny and not so shiny things that i'm sure i could find a use for somewhere.

The house is festuned with things, lcd monitors, scanners, wireless this and thats, pda's, phones that thing they are pda's, systems that work without human intervention and there's always room for more, faster and better gadgets.

Damn, if only I had a lottery win (of more than the tenner I won last week) I could kit my house out in automated splender and have an rfid chip implanted in my arse (or arm I suppose).

Does anyone else suffer from gadget philia? And what are you latest purchases/plans/dreams?

NO, just car boot sales, got some wonderfull bargains today, and only spent a fiver, GOOD EH?

No gadgets needed to open jars, just hit bottom of jar with the butt of your hand, this releases vacuum and jar is easy to open.try and let me know if it works. it always works for me