7 Gadgets for the eccentric journalist
Friday, June 20, 2008
As I flew over the U.S. for a week of work in New York City (more details at the end of this post), I got a chance to look through SkyMall, the ubiquitous airline magazine full of goodies for techies and home enthusiasts. Some of the mag's offerings are bizarre, but the available gadgets, and those elsewhere on the internet, may make some journo very happy.
Touted as a "pen that could make James Bond jealous," the CompuFlash pen can digitally record up to 64 hours using a built in microphone or be used as an FM radio.
(SkyMall | $89.99)
This digital notepad captures and stores everything you write or draw on ordinary paper without using a computer. Additional software will covert handwritten notes into digital form for use in word processing or e-mail programs.
(Skymall | $149.99)
The Paper GPS is a decidedly low tech way of transcribing directions, but it has to be more fun than Mapquest.
(Perpetual Kid | $6.50)
The Gorillapod is a lightweight, bendable gadget that holds a digital camera in place. The doohickey lessens the need for a tripod the flexible joints can be rotated and bent 360° to form the perfect shape.
(ThinkGeek | $21.99 - $49.99)
The mini file cabinet holds up to 800 business cards for cutting down on clutter. Perfect for hobnobbing journalists.
(ThinkGeek | $12.99)
Gadget freaks rejoice! The PowerStation hides all those ugly cables and makes charging a crop of handheld electronics much easier.
(ThinkGeek | $19.99)
The lightweight Super Ear's ethical use may be in question, but when you simply must hear what a source is saying the high-powered microphone will do the trick.
(ThinkGeek | $39.99)
Next week: I will be trolling the museums of New York City and posting a series of posts about multimedia and inspiration: particularly how to find it and also what inspires me. There will also be a contest next week; the first 10,000 Words giveaway to help you find your own inspiration. Check back on Monday for full details.
CompuFlash 2GB Pen
Touted as a "pen that could make James Bond jealous," the CompuFlash pen can digitally record up to 64 hours using a built in microphone or be used as an FM radio.
(SkyMall | $89.99)
DigiMemo Digital Notepad & Pen
This digital notepad captures and stores everything you write or draw on ordinary paper without using a computer. Additional software will covert handwritten notes into digital form for use in word processing or e-mail programs.
(Skymall | $149.99)
Paper GPS
The Paper GPS is a decidedly low tech way of transcribing directions, but it has to be more fun than Mapquest.
(Perpetual Kid | $6.50)
Gorillapod
The Gorillapod is a lightweight, bendable gadget that holds a digital camera in place. The doohickey lessens the need for a tripod the flexible joints can be rotated and bent 360° to form the perfect shape.
(ThinkGeek | $21.99 - $49.99)
Mini Business Card File Cabinet
The mini file cabinet holds up to 800 business cards for cutting down on clutter. Perfect for hobnobbing journalists.
(ThinkGeek | $12.99)
PowerStation Cable Organizer
Gadget freaks rejoice! The PowerStation hides all those ugly cables and makes charging a crop of handheld electronics much easier.
(ThinkGeek | $19.99)
Super Ear
The lightweight Super Ear's ethical use may be in question, but when you simply must hear what a source is saying the high-powered microphone will do the trick.
(ThinkGeek | $39.99)
Next week: I will be trolling the museums of New York City and posting a series of posts about multimedia and inspiration: particularly how to find it and also what inspires me. There will also be a contest next week; the first 10,000 Words giveaway to help you find your own inspiration. Check back on Monday for full details.
