Gadgets

This week's gadget is called the Keyhole Companion. And what’s it for. Now when hanging a picture, or more importantly for tech folks, hanging another power strip. You don’t need to guess where the screws in the wall have to be mounted. There is no measuring. You put these Keyhole markers on the back of the object you're hanging. Those red gadgets are spring-loaded and will lock into the mounting hole of the powerstrip. Now you place it where you want it on the wall. Then after you level the object – a level is included in the kit – you push the Keyhole Companion against the wall.

This week's gadget is from a company Leo and Dickie D looked at nearly 15 years ago. The Flybar Bumper Car for Kids delivers screen-free entertainment for kids ages 1.5 – 4 years. Able to support up to 66 pounds, this baby bumper car lets kids zip around the house while they race, chase, spin and bump. Little ones can steer the kid car from the driver’s seat with the easy-to-use joysticks. The Flybar kids bumper car is powered by an integrated 6V battery and it comes with a 120V wall charger.

Dickie D's latest gadget is a cardboard and plastic cutter that won't cut your skin. Called the Slice Carton Cutter, it’s much safer than using one of those fearful box cutters. Here’s what the company says about it: Slice safety blade’s unique cutting edge might seem dull, but it cuts right through your material while keeping you safe! Other blades are dangerously sharp. Slice blades start at a safe and effective sharpness and stay there 11 times longer. With a metal sheath and a reinforced nylon handle, this durable tool stands up to industrial use.

Can this Chefman InstaCoffee really brew coffee from a K-Cup in 30 seconds? That's what Dickie D wants to find out with The Chefman InstaCoffee Single Serve Coffee Maker. Brews in 30 Seconds. Compatible with K-Cup Pods, Grounds & Loose-Leaf Tea w/Reusable Filter. While their copy says “Make fresh coffee in 30 seconds, I put a stopwatch to test it out. Well, in 30 seconds this coffee maker does start the brewing process, which is fast – but it takes 2 minutes, 15 seconds to brew a full Kcup. In addition to K-Cups®, you can use your own freshly ground roast using the included filter.

This mouse shaker is designed to allow your computer to recognize it as a normal mouse. 3 switching modes: upgraded mouse jiggler, exclusive ON/OFF switch, more convenient to use. Long press to turn on, long press to turn off, and tap to switch modes. Protect your computer’s USB port from damage caused by continuous plugging and unplugging.

It's August and that means it's back to school! The Swissdigital Design massaging backpack has plenty of pockets for laptop, tablet, cellphones, books, water bottle, hand sanitizer, mask, and other essentials. A built-in USB power port allows you to charge on the go. A front of the backpack power connection lets you power up vital accessories without having to open any of the 14 pockets. (You use  your own  battery bank, none are included.) The backpack body materials are made from water resistance coating to keep valuable items inside dry.

Today's gadget from the Giz Wiz is called the Risepro Portable Shower Kit. You can use it indoors or out. Good for camping, watering plants, washing cars, etc. You just need a water source to drop the cordless pump into. It can be small like a bucket, or big like a lake. It comes with a suction cup and hook mount so you can use it as a hands-free shower. The shower head water flows at approx. 2 liters per minute and up to 5-7 minutes shower time with 10 liters (2.5 gallons) water.

This week's GizWiz Gadget is the Personal Cooling and Heating System.  Keep yourself cool under the heat of the summer sun with the Cooling Bottle and warm under the cold of the winter. Designed for portability, this hand-held device fits in most cup holders and runs on battery power. The fan draws in air, circulates it around the Ice and sends cool air out. Whether you use it at an outdoor sporting event, the beach or just in the comfort of your own home, this device is indispensable when the weather heats up!

If your Chromebook has a wifi only connection because of a lack of ports, Dick has a gadget for you! The OWC USB-C Travel Dock plugs it into a Chromebook to not only give it a wired connection, but also a 100 watt power pass through, so you plug it into your USB-C powered notebook or Chromebook, and then you'll add six ports, one of which is the USB-C power pass-through. You don't even need to remember to bring a cable because one is built into the bottom of the unit.

Dickie D is here with a "really useful travel gadget." It's the Anker PowerExtend USB-C 3 Cube, a plug adapter that offers high-speed charging: with a 30W USB-C port equipped with Power Delivery to charge phones, tablets, and even some laptops at high speed. In total, the cube has 3 AC outlets, 2 USB-A ports, and 1 USB-C port. That's enough to deliver power and charging for up to 6 devices. At less than 2 ½ cubic inches, this compact power strip is perfect for your travel bag or even on your nightstand at home.