Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

Death to the powerstrip

A long time ago, people thought that you only needed two to four outlets per room.  What were they thinking?  We got around that with powerstrips to multiply outlets.  That’s an idea, but there’s another answer now.  It’s called the outlet wall. 

One wall, all outlets.  Can’t find somewhere to plug in that home theater component?  This wall will scream, “Liar!”  As a concept, it’s very interesting.  In practice, make sure your dog or child doesn’t come anywhere near this thing in case curiosity takes over (unless you buy a ton of those little plastic child-safe outlet covers).  [Source]

Microsoft’s browser comparison chart

Microsoft is out promoting its super-fantastic-mega-happy browser, Internet Explorer 8.  Take a look at that chart.  First off, it tells you that IE8 only has two competitors.  Never mind that Opera reinvented the web just this week with Opera Unite and Safari 4 just officially launched.  I’m not sure what exactly was in Microsoft’s brownies to put together this chart.

According to Microsoft, when it comes to ease of use, IE is tops compared to Firefox and Google Chrome.  IE also bests the two in reliability, privacy, and compatibility.  Did MS lose to the other browsers in anything?  Not really, but there were two ties.  All three browsers handle web standards equally well.  All three are also equally customizable. 

If you don’t see anything wrong with these statements, then perhaps one of the following is true: 

• You work for Microsoft.
• You think Lynx (the text only browser) or Netscape are the true browsers.
• You are on some substance.

[Source]

Like whoa.

We get a lot of press releases here at Gadgetell.com.  This one caught my eye.  You know those kids who seem distant and have that blank stare?  They’re probably on the same stuff the guys who wrote that browser comparison chart are on.  They would love this thing. 

It’s the latest and greatest by Sega—the kaleidoscope projector.  I’m sure this solves the lifelong problem we’ve all had.  When we’d take a look in a kaleidoscope we’d all think, “Damn.  I wish this was a group experience.  When will modern man solve this conundrum?”  Well worry no more.  You can be like the lady in the picture and stare at it by yourself or with your friends. 

If you get sick of that one image, there are 7 different trays to create more images.  It only costs $152.60.  [Source]