Digging a bit deeper and looking beyond the monster displays at the Builders' Show, we're looking forward to visiting these 4 booths that might be small on space but deliver big on product.
Parasoleil
If these architectural panels are as beautiful in person as on their website, we're sold!
RipCart
We're hoping they have a demo setup. Would love to see a circular saw rip some stuff up at IBS 2010.
Stilleto Tools
We'd love to take a swing with their TBII-15. Is the most expensive hammer out there worth it?
Carhartt
This clothing company keeps it simple yet rugged and stylish. We always pine for their latest but our current Carhartt coats never wear out.
We'll follow up with live tweets from these booths and blog posts later next week.
CES is all about the gadgets and this automated hardwood floor cleaner certainly fits the bill.
The Mint automatic floor cleaner works with popular cleaning clothes such as Swiffer or Pledge. You simply install the cloth of your choice, turn the unit on and let it run. It will go for 3 hours on a single charge and at the end you'll have a floor so clean that you could eat from it (not really).
The toughest consumer electronic device we saw at CES 2010 came in the form of a beefed up Ford F-350 that was wrapped in DeWALT tools and featured Microsoft's mobile office as part of Ford's Work Solutions that's available in their line of trucks.
When I was in 6th grade my parents had a beeper system that I took with me when I left the house to ride my bike in the neighborhood. When it was time to come home for dinner or play time was up they would buzz me. Much like the fancy light up buzzers that are handed out at the Cheesecake Factory that let you know when your table is ready but with probably a shorter range.
This was way before cellphones and even before pagers were the rage. It seemed very high-tech at the time and it was too cool to be dorky or frowned upon (or at least I thought so).
In 2010 the Protector from Taser has arrived that makes my beeper system seem like the dark ages.
The Protector is one of the more interesting product announcements we found at CES 2010 and should be available to the public this year.
Once the Protector software is installed on your mobile phone system you can set a plethora of alerts that will notify you of your child's behavior. We thought these were the most scary or useful - depending how you look at it.
1. Using your child's mobile GPS the Protector will alert you when your child goes 10 miles over the speed limit or enters a zone specified by you to be a bad part of town or an area that is off limits when driving.
2. You can interrupt or listen into any mobile phone conversation your child is having as you are alerted to their phone use.
The Zip-It is one of the easiest tools around to unclog drains especially in a bathtub. It won't damage pipes like Draino and other snaking devices. But the results can be a bit disgusting as the above video shows. At least you'll have a tub that drains!
Last week we checked out a simple but effective tool called the Magnogrip. The wristband attaches via velcro strap and the enclosed magnet is strong enough to hold nails, screws, drill bits and fasteners.
This week the Magnogrip can be an early Christmas to yourself or loved one. All you have to do is enter our Giveaway and one lucky winner will be chosen at random on midnight on Friday, December 18th, 2009.
***GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
HOW TO ENTER
You've got 2 ways to enter to win this Magnogrip Magnetic Wristband:
1. Leave a comment on this post with the words "Magnogrip is for me".
2. Tweet this post. See the green "retweet" button above. Just use it and tweet away!
Only one entry permitted per email address but each method of entry counts and so you'll increase your chance of winning if you comment and tweet. Please use a real email address so we can contact you if you win.
GIVEAWAY DEADLINE
The random winner will be chosen at 12 midnight EST on Dec 18, 2009 and will be notified immediately.
Our friends in Vermont bought an old barn and have spent the last 6 months converting it into their new home. It was in rough shape but they got a steal on the property and the barn had too much character to tear down. The process has been a learning experience and their collection of tools and equipment continues to grow (good thing they will be living in a barn!).
This week our price point is a gift at $300 (minus shipping) and this really expands the possibilities. The great thing about the perfect gift is to receive something that you normally wouldn't spend on for yourself but once you get it you'd wonder how you ever got along without it.
We think the Warn PullzAll fits the bill as a gift that you may never consider buying but becomes indispensable once you receive it. The PullzAll is cordless and will lift or pull up to 1,000 lbs. at the press of a button. The applications are numerous but become apparent especially when working alone or with little help.
* 100 lumens of light
* 4 light modes: 1 white LED (high & low), 2 red LEDs, 1 green LED
* Survives 15' drop test
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
HOW TO ENTER
You've got 2 ways to enter to win this headlight from Energizer:
1. Leave a comment on this post with the words "I see the light!".
2. Tweet this post. See the green "retweet" button above. Just use it and tweet away!
Only one entry permitted per email address but each method of entry counts and so you'll increase your chance of winning if you comment and tweet. Please use a real email address so we can contact you if you win.
GIVEAWAY DEADLINE
The random winner will be chosen at 12 midnight EST on Dec 11, 2009 and will be notified immediately.
This should fall under the must-have shop tools. The iVac Switch works in harmony with your dust collection or vacuum system and an associated power tool. The power tool can range from a high power table saw, down to a low power mini drill. Any power tool that generates dust.
Basically the iVac Switch automatically turns on the dust collection system when you power up your tool and switches off when your done. This eliminates unnecessary noise, power usage and maximizes the efficiency of your vacuum system.
We're always on the lookout for tools that make our life easier and the Magnogrip magnetic wristband seems to fit the bill.
The wristband attaches via velcro strap and the enclosed magnet is strong enough to hold nails, screws, drill bits and fasteners. We'd save a lot of frustration from dropping items and probably increase our productivity.
Magnogrip doesn't stop at the wristband. They've got a full-line of magnet inspired products with our favorite being the simple Magnetic Hammer Holster which is great for the times you don't need to strap on a full toolbelt and the exterior magnet keeps you from poking yourself and fumbling for nails in a deep pocket.
This week our price point is a gift at $300 (minus shipping) and this really expands the possibilities. The great thing about the perfect gift is to receive something that you normally wouldn't spend on for yourself but once you get it you'd wonder how you ever got along without it.
