Mode Premium All-in-One Home Recycling Center
$299, ModeProducts.com
When compared to that bright yellow recycling bucket you’re currently using, this can is an upgrade in both function and fashion. A pedal-driven compacting mechanism smashes up your cans and bottles so you can fit more waste; while an integrated clock with alarm reminds you when it’s time for a trip to the curb. It even keeps track of how much you’ve recycled for bragging on your favorite eco-friendly message board.
Amazon Kindle for the iPhone
Free; iTunes.com
The biggest detractor for Kindle, Amazon’s king of e-book readers, is its $359 price tag. The official Kindle iPhone app, however, is free for iPhone and iPod touch users, and shares a lot of the same functionality. You can download books using your device and immediately start reading them on the iPhone’s screen. Sure, you’ll have to squint, but you’ll have $350 left over with which to buy Tom Clancy novels.
Sony Ericsson W995 Walkman
$TBA; SonyStyle.com
For digital camera makers, the megapixel race is all but over, but it’s still alive and well in the
cellphone game. Sony’s new smartphone has an 8.1-megapixel cam,
complete with autofocus and flash. Its complimented by a 2.6-inch screen, GPS, 3G data, WiFi, comprehensive media software and a guarantee that no one you loan it to will be able to figure out how to make a simple call.
Blue Ember iQue Smart Barbecue
$999, BlueEmberGrills.com
Technology fixes just about everything for us, and now it’s taking on undercooked steaks and burgers. Use the touchscreen keypad to set the appropriate settings and digital sensors, and keep tabs on internal meat temperature, ensuring that your meal doesn’t end up looking like charcoal. But if that’s what you’re into, the 79,000 BTUs of cooking power can hook you up nicely. It’ll be available in May, so start dry-aging those steaks.
Always Innovating Touchbook
$399, AlwaysInnovating.com
Like most netbooks, the Touchbook is both small and cheap, but there’s one critical difference: The 8.9-inch touch screen actually detaches from the keyboard and becomes an e-book reader, media player or tablet. It also sports WiFi, Bluetooth, up to 15 hours of battery life and six USB ports. Pre-order one now and be ready to get asked about it on the train.
Nerf N-Strike Raider CS-35
$35; Nerf.com
Office Nerf wars can be serious business, but if you’re wielding this semi-automatic, drum-fed dart slinger, those suckers in accounting don’t stand a chance. It will fire 35 suction-cup-tipped darts as fast as you can manage the simple pump action. Just be sure to pick up extra darts: Half of them will almost certainly get lost immediately.