10) Singapore

Singapore is a paradise for geeks. From gadget shopping to wireless connection, everything in this city is a dream come true for people admiring technology. All residents of this city have access to free wireless broadband and wired broadband speed is set to increase to 1Gbps in the coming year. Now that’s serious hi speed. The kids here are taught to adopt technology early and schools use biometric systems to track attendance.

Source: Global Thoughtz

9) Tel Aviv, Israel

There’s a good chance that the one in four Israelis working in a high-tech fields are positioned in Tel Aviv, one of the world’s top tech cities. Considered the cultural capital of Israel, Tel Aviv has a young population and a 24-hour scene. These are two big ingredients why the city has so much venture capital and start-ups are so well-funded. Microsoft likes Tel Aviv so much that it’s opening a new R&D center in the city. With a population that spends more time online per capita than any other country, it appears the city is in a good spot to experience even more growth in the future.

Source: AskMen

8) Seoul, South Korea

South Korea has emerged as one the fastest growing country in terms of tech industries. With companies such as Samsung and LG, Seoul is a top contender in the list of hi tech cities of the world. Seoul is also a huge producer of online gaming most of which cater to the hugest gaming market, China. Such is the popularity of online gaming in the city that there is an online gaming course offered by Seoul University.

Source: Global Thoughtz

7) Bangalore, India

Thirty-five percent of India’s IT talent works in Bangalore and generates a massive chunk of India’s overall GDP. Bangalore has a countless number of top engineering schools that feed the IT economy, which have attracted elite companies like Microsoft, HP, 3M, and Infosys to set up offices here. As one of the top tech cities, Bangalore has been dubbed the “Silicon Valley of India.” The city’s culture reflects that with Wi-Fi coverage for much of the city. Biotech is the other show in town with just under half of all Indian biotech companies in Bangalore.

Source: Arts on Earth

6) Seattle, USA

Seattle is widely known for two things: tech companies and coffee shops. Bill Gates set up Microsoft here with offices throughout the city and its suburbs, but he’s not alone. Amazon.com and T-Mobile are two other big companies in Seattle’s white pages. In all, the popularity of tech companies in Seattle was so big in the ‘90s that close to 50,000 people moved in. So, residents should have no trouble at all finding a wireless network, especially when they’re enjoying a cup of coffee in a Starbucks or Seattle’s Best Coffee — both of which started here and exist on every street corner. It’s a handy relationship for techies who get to stay wired all day and night in one of the coolest tech cities in North America.

Source: All Top Movies

5) Hong Kong, China

You can place an order with a robot waiter in Hong Kong. This is just one example of this tech city’s gadget-crazy life, which also includes extensive cell phone coverage and the fastest residential broadband in the world. In a bid to encourage more high-tech business, Hong Kong opened a high-tech area called Cyberport with apartments and shops all covered by Wi-Fi. Creative and special effects companies have moved in, which is a big industry in Hong Kong. School kids are also early technology adopters, some getting their fingerprints scanned into a primary school database every morning for attendance. All of this adds up to make Hong Kong a world-class tech destination.

Source: AskMen

4) Dubai, UAE

Dubai has been called the “shopping capital of the Middle East”.Dubai alone has more than 70 shopping malls, including the world’s 7th largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall. The city draws large numbers of shopping tourists from countries within the region and from as far as Eastern Europe, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent. While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and supermarkets operate on a fixed-price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation a way of life.

Source: Wikipedia

3) Silicon Valley, USA

Where did all the computer geeks from high school run off to? Most likely Silicon Valley, where they’re treated like gods, and where geeks go to get rich and gain respect. Home to Apple, Google, Facebook, Netflix, Yahoo!, Cisco, Adobe, eBay and lots of other tech start-ups-turned-mega-corporations, Silicon Valley, CA, is the capital of software and venture capitalist firms in the U.S., possibly the world. Stanford and San Jose State are also located here, educating and giving jobs to engineers, mathematicians and all sorts of brainy geeks. The city employed nearly a quarter of a million techies in 2008, the highest concentration of high-tech professionals in the U.S.

Source: Online Universities

2) Helsinki, Finland

You can place an order with a robot waiter in Hong Kong. This is just one example of this tech city’s gadget-crazy life, which also includes extensive cell phone coverage and the fastest residential broadband in the world. In a bid to encourage more high-tech business, Hong Kong opened a high-tech area called Cyberport with apartments and shops all covered by Wi-Fi. Creative and special effects companies have moved in, which is a big industry in Hong Kong. School kids are also early technology adopters, some getting their fingerprints scanned into a primary school database every morning for attendance. All of this adds up to make Hong Kong a world-class tech destination.

Source: Arts on Earth

1) Tokyo, Japan

This city is the most high-tech place. From space-age toilets to vending machines that sell hot dogs, french fries and beer. All the high tech wizardry comes from this city, Tokyo. Mobile phones sporting built-in cameras and GPS abound in this city. If you visit Shinjuku, Shibuya or Ikebukuro at night, it is a maze of people and flashing neon lights. You can feel the air of excitement. The district of Ginza is one of the most opulent districts in Tokyo.

Source: Vincent for Virtual Tourist

12) Resident Evil 5

For fans of the highly popular series, the Collector’s Edition is not to be missed as it will include a host of never-before-seen collectible items not available anywhere else. All designed around RE5’s Kijuju setting and the game’s in-depth storyline, the box will include a Tricell messenger bag, Chris Redfield figurine, BSAA patch and Kijuju-inspired pendant.

Bringing the entire collection together is a custom made steel case with special art showcasing signature elements of the RE5 campaign – the Kijuju writings, ominous number five and two-player co-op. Inside the steel case is where the real action lies, with a two disc set including the game and bonus disc with additional special features.

Buy it from Amazon: Resident Evil 5: Collector’s Edition

11) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Modern Warfare 2 is a first-person tactical shooter and the sixth entry in the popular Call of Duty series. This modern approach brings with it new weapons, action and options.

The Prestige Edition includes the full Modern Warfare 2 game plus a real night vision goggles, collector’s stand, game, steel book with metallic finish, art book, game manual and token to download the original ‘Call of Duty.’

Buy it from Amazon: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Prestige

10) Street Fighter IV

Street Fighter IV brings the legendary fighting series back to its roots by taking the beloved fighting moves and techniques of the original Street Fighter II, and infusing them with Capcom’s latest advancements in next generation technology.

In addition to the game, this special collector’s edition includes – A limited-edition figurine; Street Fighter IV – The Ties That Bind – a 65 minute anime movie;  A mini-strategy guide from Prima, written by the same people doing the full guide and illustrated by Udon Comics; CD soundtrack.

Buy it from Amazon: Street Fighter IV Collector’s Edition

9) Alan Wake

Alan Wake, developed by Remedy Entertainment for the Xbox 360, is psychological action thriller that incorporates the elements of a TV show with the interactivity of a video game for a uniquely immersive experience. A suspenseful story told in successive episodes, this release will treat players to top-notch graphics that give the game a stunning cinematic look.

The limited collector’s edition is hardbound in quality linen, the packaging is designed to resemble a hardcover book and will include: Game Disc in box with unique art, exclusive In-Game Audio Commentary and Hints by Remedy, “The Alan Wake Files” – a 144pg book that includes a short story written by Alan Wake and compiles the FBI dossiers investigating the events in Bright Falls, exclusive Xbox bonus disc with special content, exclusive Xbox Theme & Avatar, PDLC #1 Token and Video Documentaries/Behind the Scenes.

Buy it from Amazon: Alan Wake: Limited Edition

8) Halo Reach

“Halo: Reach,” developed exclusively for Xbox 360® by acclaimed developer Bungie, is the blockbuster prequel to the best-selling Xbox franchise of all time. It represents the culmination of Bungie’s 10 years of experience crafting groundbreaking “Halo” games that have raised expectations for what can be achieved in a video game.

The Halo Reach Legendary Edition includes a Noble Team statue expertly crafted by the artisans at McFarlane Toys. Individually molded and hand-painted, UNSC-themed custom packaging, an exclusive in-game Spartan armor effect, Ccomplete contents of the Halo: Reach Limited Edition, including: ONI data module box, Dr. Halsey’s Journal, Embroidered Spartan II patch, Dr. Halsey’s ONI Badge, and the Limited Edition Elite in-game armor.

Buy it from Amazon: Halo Reach: Legendary Edition

7) Splinter Cell Conviction

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction is the fifth installment in the wildly popular Splinter Cell series. A stealth-action combat game centered around the continuing adventures of black ops agent Sam Fisher.

This unique Collector’s Edition, exclusive to the Xbox 360 platform, includes the game, manual, a custom USB drive, a hardbound Prima book of Splinter Cell art, exclusive in-game items, collectible decals, “Digging in the Ashes” comic book, all inside a case with embossed metallic etching.

Buy it from Amazon: Splinter Cell: Conviction Collector’s Edition

6) Bioshock 2

Follow-up to BioShock, 2K Games’ critically acclaimed and commercially successful 2007 release, BioShock 2 is a first-person shooter set in the fictional underwater city of Rapture. As in the original game, BioShock 2 features a blend of fast-paced action, exploration and puzzle-solving as players follow varying paths through the overarching storyline based on the decisions that they are forced to make at points in the game.

The BioShock 2 Special Edition will celebrate the game’s unique music and art with contents inspired by the time period and the fantastic undersea world of Rapture and includes a vinyl 180g LP with BioShock orchestral score, audio CD with BioShock 2 orchestral score, three vintage Rapture advertisement posters (rolled), BioShock 2 Art Book, 164 pages and hardcover.

Buy it from Amazon: Bioshock 2: Special Edition

5) Mafia 2

Mafia II is a third-person, sandbox shooter that provides a look into the dark and unforgiving world of the Mob. Expanding on the original hit, Mafia, that captivated more than 2 million gamers around the world, this new incarnation takes players even deeper into the Mafia with a mature and exciting experience that allows players to explore the gameworld as they wish and immerses them in it like never before.

The Mafia II Collector’s Edition includes a collectible SteelBook casing with debossed logo and art featuring Vito and Joe, Made Man Pack – Free access to in-game downloadable pack, a 100-page hardcover art book that takes fans through the artistic design process of the game, a CD symphonic recording of the Mafia II score by the Prague FILMHarmonic Orchestra and a tear-resistent map depicting the 10 square miles of Empire Bay and all the hangout spots.

Buy it from Amazon: Mafia II: Collector’s Edition

4) Mass Effect 2

Mass Effect 2 is the sequel to BioWare’s hit space-based role-playing game (RPG), Mass Effect. A single player adventure, Mass Effect 2 allows players to continue the adventures of the fully customizable series hero, Commander Shepard, as you take on a whole new adventure and cast of supporting characters.

The Collector’s Edition includes:  The full version of Mass Effect 2, 48-page hardcover art book, limited edition Mass Effect Redemption #1 comic book,  exclusive in-game Collectors’ Edition weapon and armor,  bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes and making-of videos , limited edition Cerberus Network card granting access to bonus content.

Buy it from Amazon: Mass Effect 2: Collector’s Edition

3) Final Fantasy XIII

From the creative minds behind FINAL FANTASY VII and FINAL FANTASY X comes the latest installment in the critically acclaimed series. FINAL FANTASY XIII will be the first numbered FINAL FANTASY title for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360, and will look to once again reestablish the series as the RPG brand.

Along with the game, this special edition will include some exclusive pieces of content: a FINAL FANTASY XIII Original Sound Selection, an exclusive hardback book featuring characters artwork, CG rendered images and environments, exclusive Art Prints and a collectible decal featuring this most iconic symbol from the game storyline.

2) StarCraft II

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty is the sequel to Blizzard Entertainment’s 1998 hit StarCraft, which has been hailed by players and critics worldwide as one of the top real-time strategy games of all time. StarCraft II will once again center on the clash between the protoss, terrans, and zerg, with each side deploying favorite units from the original StarCraft, along with numerous upgraded and brand-new units and abilities that allow for fresh tactics and strategies.

StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Collector’s Edition Features: The Art of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, a 176-page book featuring artwork from the game, an exclusive 2GB USB flash drive replica of Jim Raynor’s dog tag, which comes preloaded with the original StarCraft and the StarCraft: Brood War expansion set, a behind-the-scenes DVD, the official StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty soundtrack CD, StarCraft comic book issue #0, and exclusive Battle.net downloadable content, including special portraits for your Battle.net profile, decals to customize your units in-game, and a visually unique version of the terran Thor unit.

Buy it from Amazon: StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty Collector’s Edition

1) Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood is an epic action game for Xbox 360 set across a blend of present and historical time periods, that places the player in the role of the leader of a Renaissance-era guild of assassins out for vengeance against the remnants of the Knights Templar.

The collector’s edition includes a Doctor Jack-in-the-Box Collectible: Call on the practitioner of death and his poisonous syringe, two Exclusive In-Game Single Player Maps, Hard Copy Strategy Map of Rome: Discover the hidden secrets of Rome only this map will help you find, exclusive Art Book: A compilation of never-before-seen concept art drawn and designed by key members of the development team and a bonus Disc Includes: Exclusive Making-Of Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood Video, Digital Sneak Peak at the Assassin’s Creed Comic, Trailers and Developer Diary, Game Soundtrack by Jesper Kyd.

7) The Sewing Machine

Elias Howe invented the sewing machine in 1845. He had the idea of a machine with a needle which would go through a piece of cloth but he couldn’t figure out exactly how it would work. He first tried using a needle that was pointed at both ends, with an eye in the middle, but it was a failure. Then one night he dreamt he was taken prisoner by a group of natives. They were dancing around him with spears. As he saw them move around him, he noticed that their spears all had holes near their tips.

When he woke up he realized that the dream had brought the solution to his problem. By locating a hole at the tip of the needle, the thread could be caught after it went through cloth thus making his machine operable. He changed his design to incorporate the dream idea and found it worked!

Source: Tollie Schmidt

6) The Structure of Benzene

August Kekulé was a German organic chemist and one of the most prominent chemists in Europe from the 1850s, his most famous work was on the structure of benzene. He said that he had discovered the ring shape of the benzene molecule after having a reverie or day-dream of a snake seizing its own tail (this is a common symbol in many ancient cultures known as the Ouroboros).

This vision, he said, came to him after years of studying the nature of carbon-carbon bonds.

Source: Wikipedia

5) The Periodic Table

Mendeleev conceived his periodic table, reportedly upon waking from a dream one afternoon. Its genius lay in the order it brought to the cacophony of elements. Each one was assigned to a row in the table, which in turn corresponded to an elemental category. Mendeleev laid out in one stroke the underlying order of matter, hitherto dimly perceived at best.

Source: Slate.com

4) Insultin

Dr. Frederick Banting wanted to find a cure for diabetes. The answer came to him in a dream – and it won him the Nobel Prize in Medicine. Frederick kept working on the problem with no success. One night, frustrated, he went to sleep pondering the problem. He dreamed of a solution, and woke up, understanding what experiment would give him the results he needed.

After a few weeks, the experiment was complete and the results were just what they were looking for. In 1923 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his discovery.

Source: Bella Online

3) The Structure of an Atom

Niels Bohr got the Nobel Prize in physics in 1922 due to a dream that enlightened him. He became well known almost immediately for his great skill in deciphering problems that the physics world was wrestling with.

Neils was trying to figure out what the structure of an atom was. He worked out many different designs, but none seemed to fit. Finally, one evening he went to sleep. In his dreams, he saw the nucleus of the atom, with the electrons spinning around it, just like our solar system with the sun and planets.

Source Bella Online

2) Secrets of Nerve Impulses

In 1936, Otto Loewi won the Nobel Prize for Medicine. He discovered the secret of nerve impulses from not one, but two dreams.

In the early 20s, he was working on how nerves transmit impulses. He worked on it night and day with little result. Then one night he fell asleep and had a vivid dream. He scrawled down some notes but was unable to read them the next morning. Frustrated, he waited until the next night. Again, he had a vivid dream, showing him the style of experiment that would help him in his nerve transmission work.

Source: Bella Online

1) The Ball Pen

A Hungarian writer Laszlo Biro used to make his shirts dirty with ink and he was very cross with this fact. So, in 1938 he dreamed that many men were staring at his work outside and annoying him very much. He took his gun and tried to shoot but only ink appeared out of the gun. After Biro had woken up, he began writing down the balls he saw and making calculations. So the world was presented a ball pen.

Spurce Spiritual Globe

10) Handy Light – A flashlight with a hidden surprise

Handy Light was a $0.99 flashlight developed by Nick Lee, and according to the description that was placed in the App Store, its a convenient flashlight for the iPhone which let you choose from 5 designer colors.

The secret here was, that inside this application resided an unofficial SOCKS proxy, allowing you to tether your iPhone to your computer an use your Internet data plan without paying the extra cash. Days later, the application was pulled from the App Store.

9) iChatr – The Chatroulette-like app for iPhone

Chatroulette is a popular web application to video chat with unknown people randomly, the same concept was ported to iChatr, a clone of Chatroulette launched exclusively for the iPhone 4.

Days after Apple approved the application, it was later pulled from the App Store because people started to expose themselves during the chat sessions.

8) NewsToons - A “mistakenly rejected” app

Mark Fiore is a popular caricaturist winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize whose political cartoons appears in the San Francisco Chronicle website. Fiore submitted his iPhone application, a compilation of his works for approval,  but was rejected.  Days later, in a personal mail from Steve Jobs, he stated  “this was a mistake that’s being fixed”.

NewsToons is now available to download from the App Store.

7) Google Voice – For replace iPhone “functions”

On July 27, 2009, Apple Inc.  rejected a Google Voice app that had been submitted by Google six weeks earlier.  Other apps created for use with Google Voice, such as GVdialer, GV Mobile and VoiceCentral, were removed from the App Store. Apple states that the reason for the rejection and removals is that these apps replaced certain iPhone functions and features.

To circumvent Apple’s app store, the GV app was released in July 2009 through the Cydia APT for jailbroken iPhones and Google released its Google Voice iPhone application as a web app in January 2010.

Souce: Wikipedia

6) Obama Trampoline

Swamiware’s Obama Trampoline game, rejected by Apple, lets you place one of 18 politicians onto a giant trampoline, then use his or her body to pop balloons floating across the screen. Barack Obama, John McCain, and other politicians from both parties were among the character choices.

Apple, of course, didn’t see the fun, and the game didn’t get in. Swamiware is now working on retooling Trampoline for another try, but the guesswork is leaving its team less than elated.

Source: PCWorld

5) Slasher

Slasher is an application that displays a common kitchen knife on the screen and plays a “horror” sound when you make a stabbing motion. When it was received by Apple the first time for approval, it was directly rejected for being “objectionable”. Some time later, the app was approved and is available for $0.99, the new version has enhanced graphics for the high resolution iPhone 4.

4) Baby Shaker

A company called Sikalosoft launched an extremely poor-taste iPhone application: Baby Shaker. It was a tiny, poorly-programmed game that merely played a baby’s cry repeatedly until you shook the phone enough. And after a brief appearance on the App Store, Apple pulled the app, after a predictable outcry.

Source:  The Fast Company

3) Me So Holy

Developed by Benjamin Kahle, the Me So Holy app allows users to snap a mugshot with their iPhone camera and then crop and scale it to replace the face on various religious figures, including Jesus. Khale says that Apple rejected his app because it contains objectionable material.

Me so holy is currently available in Cydia on jailbroken iPhones.

Source: PCWorld

2) Prohibition 2: The Dope Wars

The game lets users battle for market share as a drug dealer in New York City. Apple blocked the game because of its objectionable content in January 2009 but let Catamount release a more innuendo-laced version called Candy Wars six days later. The police and players no longer fire guns and instead battle with pixie dust.

Players don’t pose as drug dealers either, selling rock candy instead.

Source: Business Week

1) Eucalyptus

In one of the more controversial rejections by Apple, Eucalyptus, which allows people to read classic books on their iPhones, was rejected in May 2009, because users are able to download a copy of the Kama Sutra, an ancient Sanskrit text on sexuality. Apple said the Kama Sutra contained “inappropriate sexual content” and initially proposed that Eucalyptus remove the classic text. Apple reversed course several days later allowing the app without censorship. The incident sparked criticism that Apple’s approval process is arbitrary and influenced by public pressure.

Source: Business Week

6) Kobo (Borders)

The Kobo eReader by Borders, promotes itself as one of the cheapest e-book readers in the market. Comes with 1 GB of internal memory preloaded with 100 free eBooks, Bluetooth to sync it with selected smartphones, and a battery lasting up to two weeks. You will need a Borders.com account in order to buy books from the store.

Source: Borders

5) Sony Reader (Reader Store)

With three different models, Touch Edition, Daily Edition and Pocket Edition, Sony offers one device for every individual requirement and pocket. All of them are Mac & PC compatible, supports PDF, Word, ePub and mp3s files and the two most expensive models are memory expandable through Sony Memory Sticks or SD cards. Sony also provides its own book store called Reader Store.

Source: SonyStyle

4) Nook (Barnes & Noble)

From Barnes & Noble comes Nook, a dual-screen device offering two models, 3G+WiFi and WiFi only with free access at all AT&T hotspots. The Barnes & Nobre eBookstore offers over one million titles. It’s the only model with E-ink and a color LCD touchscreen, also has expandable microSD slot and interchangeable back panel.

Source: Barnes & Noble

3) Amazon Kindle (Amazon)

The all new Amazon Kindle has more features than ever, with over 13 improvements, became a completely sales success in days. The most interesting feature is the free 3G wireless access that works globally, this means you can travel almost everywhere and be always connected to your library to download new books.

Buy it from Amazon: Kindle 3G+WiFi | Kindle WiFi

2) Amazon Kindle DX (Amazon)

The Amazon Kindle DX shares almost the same specs as his little brother Kindle, with the exception of WiFi. The DX sports a big 9.7′ screen for people who prefer bigger screen.

Buy it from Amazon: Kindle DX

1) iPad (iBooks Store)

The iPad is a tablet computer designed and developed by Apple, it has an optional iBooks application that can be downloaded from the App Store, which displays books and other ePub-format content downloaded from the iBookstore. The advantage over the other e-readers we analyzed here, is the possibility to download every one of the application made by the previous other book store we’ve seen, this means you can have Borders, Kindle, and maybe soon Barnes & Noble all inside one device. The only disadvantage for some people, is the LCD screen that couldn’t be so pleasant to read  for long periods of time comparing the counterpart e-ink.

Source: Apple

10) FridgePad

The FridgePad is an iPad mount specially made for your refrigerator. It is manufactured by Woodford Design and will provide you a nice way to hold your iPad in the middle of your fridge for family entertainment. It is available in many colors to match your kitchen decoration.

Source: Woodford Designs

9) Just Mobile UpStand

Just Mobile UpStand is the high-style desktop stand for iPad. Precision engineered from aluminum, the UpStand’s supporting grips are finished in rubber to hold your iPad firmly in place and keep it pristine. It’s compatible with most iPad cases, too is the high-style desktop stand for iPad. Precision engineered from aluminum, the UpStand’s supporting grips are finished in rubber to hold your iPad firmly in place and keep it pristine.

Source:  Just Mobile

8) HexaPose Stand

InnoPocket HexaPose iPad Stand is made of solid aluminum and tough polycarbonate with a chic design tailor-made for the Apple iPad. It comes with a rotatable pivot which can allow you to freely rotate your iPad horizontally or vertically.

Source: HexaPose

7) Twelve South BookArc

The BookArc Stand is a beautiful slice of heavy gauge steel that provides a perfect perch for the latest stroke of genius from Apple. BookArc for iPad uses a soft silicone, reversible insert to hold iPad in four different positions.

Buy it from Amazon: Twelve South BookArc for iPad

6) Joule iPad Stand

Its stable solid base has a simple, clean, and elegant design that enhances your iPad and makes it easier to use. Unlike most stands, the Joule won’t tip over when using the iPad’s touch screen.  Allowing you to better utilize your iPad on your deskop or kitchen counter top.

Source: Joule

5) iPad e-Reader and Recliner

The e-Reader and Recliner is a versatile easy chair for your iPad for best ergonomic viewing, provides the perfect viewing angle when watching hands free and it is available in a two-tone color of silver and black.

Source: iPad e-Reader and Recliner

4) Apple iPad Dock

This is one of the most well known docks for the iPad, but this list wouldn’t be complete without including it.

With the iPad Dock, you get easy access to a dock connector port for syncing or charging, and an audio line out port for connecting to powered speakers via an optional audio cable.

Buy it from Amazon: Apple iPad Dock

3) Kickstand Stand

This stand is very suitable for holding Ipad, Iphone and other laptop computer below 12″ Elevates your screen for cool computing and comfortable viewing.It is a flexible, height-adjustable stand which allows you to raise your screen to an ergonomic viewing height.

Buy it from Amazon: Kickstand Stand Adjustable Handheld

2) Incipio Kickstand

Elegant folding flip design allows you to watch your favorite videos hands free on the new iPad. The case is made of top grain leather with a soft suede lining.

Buy it from Amazon: Incipio Kickstand for Apple iPad

1) Twelve South Compass

Compass is a stylish compact folding stand that lets you use your iPad in two different modes. First, as an easel, Compass displays iPad in both portrait and landscape modes. Second, flip open the secondary leg and Compass now holds your iPad at the perfect angle to let your fingers fly across iPad’s onscreen keyboard.

Source: Twelve South

10) Linksys E3000 High-Performance Wireless N

The Linksys E3000 is a powerful dual-band Wireless-N router optimized for wireless entertainment. Connect your Blu-ray players, DVRs, and gaming consoles, and enjoy the smoother and faster HD video streaming and wireless gaming performance that simultaneous dual-band technology enables. A built-in USB port and UPnP AV media server let you share files over your network, as well as stream media content to an Xbox 360, PS3, or other compatible device.

Why is in this list?

This router has a powerful dual-band wireless N, a USB port to share an external hard drive through your network to use it as backup storage, also if you choose to go wired, this router come with 4 Gigabit LAN ports allowing you speeds up to 1000 Mbps. All these features are enough reasons to choose something you know it will last for years and still current.

Buy it from Amazon: Linksys E3000

9) Western Digital My Book 3.0

The elegant My Book 3.0 features SuperSpeed USB 3.0 with unmatched speed of up to 10x USB 2.0 for the fastest transfer speed available. Resource intensive video editing, animation, graphic design, and large media files can be saved so quickly that you no longer have to wait for the technology to keep up with your ideas. This My Book 3.0 part number includes a USB 3.0 PCIe (gen2) adapter card for premium performance.

Why is in this list?

First of all because it sports the new USB version 3.0, meaning that you will have the last technology and the ultimate transfer speed. Includes a 3.0 PCIe card (not compatible with Macs) even though you can use it with the regular USB 2.0.

Buy it from Amazon: My Book 3.0

8) Apple Wireless Keyboard

The incredibly thin Apple Wireless Keyboard features a beautiful, sleek design that only Apple could have dreamed up. But it’s not just good looks: with function keys for one-touch access to a variety of features and Bluetooth technology that removes all cables and clutter, you’ll have a keyboard that both looks great and works great.

Why is in this list?

The design is pristine, almost doesn’t take any space on your desktop, it’s Bluetooth, keys are soft to the touch, works with the iPad, all these advantages make this keyboard a choice to consider.

Buy it from Amazon: Apple Wireless Keyboard

7) Belkin Mini Surge Protector

Hotel rooms and airport terminals never seem to have enough power outlets to charge all the devices today’s traveler brings along. Now you can add outlets and peace of mind on business trips and vacations with the Belkin Mini Surge Protector.

Why is in this list?

For its size, portability, USB powered ports and more important, price.

Buy it from Amazon: Belkin Mini Surge Protector

6) Apple Airport Express

The AirPort Express is a simplified and compact mini-router and access point. It allows up to 10 networked users, and includes a feature called AirTunes, an analog–optical audio mini-jack output, a USB port for remote printing or charging the iPod, and a single Ethernet port.

Why is in this list?

If you travel a lot,  want to get your music streamed directly to your main audio system or need a portable printer server, this little device do this and much more.

Buy it from Amazon: Apple Airport Express

5) Eikon fingerprint reader

If you are a regular user of the World Wide Web, it is possible that you have more than ten websites requiring a user name and password to log in. Having the same password in all these website could be quite dangerous, and different passwords could be confusing or easy to forget. To avoid all these problems, the Eikon fingerprint reader use your fingers at an unique password for all your websites or computer.

Why is in this list?

It’s practical to have all your websites accounts secured with encrypted password, you can forget a password but you will never forget to bring your finger with you.

Buy it from Amazon: Upek Eikon Fingerprint Reader

4) Apple Magic Mouse

With Magic Mouse, Apple has brought Multi-Touch technology to the desktop mouse, giving you a new and more intuitive way to interact with your computer. Just as with iPhone, iPod touch, and MacBook Pro, the Bluetooth Magic Mouse adds gestures and swipes to the usual clicks to bring more functionality and help you get more done with less effort.

Why is in this list?

Magic Mouse is a new revolution in mouse technology, the multi-touch gesture and touch capability, turns this device in a hi-tech desire.

Buy it from Amazon: Apple Magic Mouse

3) twelvesouth BackPack

This accessory is for iMac users only, isn’t so hi-tech but you have to admit is a clever invention. BackPack is a sturdy, sleek looking shelf designed exclusively for your iMac. This handy little piece of heavy gauge steel is perfectly sized to hold backup hard drives, USB peripherals or even a charging iPod.

Why is in this list?

The twelvesouth BackPack is an incredible piece of accessory, very handy for iMac users. It hides your external hard drive leaving your desk space uncluttered.

Buy it from Amazon: Twelve South BackPack

2) Logitech X-540 5.1 Surround Sound Speaker

Most of us don’t bother about having a good surround sound system at home, mostly because the apparently high costs, but with this incredible 5.1 speaker set from Logitech, those fears were left behind. The X-540 speakers use FDD2 (Frequency Directed Dual Driver) technology to produce a uniform sound field anywhere in the room. Immerse yourself in the game using the selectable matrix mode, which automatically creates 5.1 surround sound from common 2-channel stereo sources.

Why is in this list?

A good surround system with a great customer review for less than a hundred dollars is something we must consider.

Buy it from Amazon: Logitech X-540 Speakers

1) Apple Magic Trackpad

This is one of the most innovative computer accessory to date, the new Magic Track let you use all your fingers to transmit your desires to the computer, at the moment of publishing this device is only compatible with Mac OS X and Macs with Windows installed using Boot Camp.

Why is in this list?

The Apple Magic Trackpad could be the new technology that brings multi-touch to our desktop computers, and for what the sorcerers of the Internet are saying, this could be the new trend of the future operating systems.

Buy it from Amazon: Apple Magic Trackpad

10) Spork

A spork  is a hybrid form of cutlery taking the form of a spoon-like shallow scoop with three or four fork tines. A clever invention to avoid carrying to many objects around, this lightweight spork is made of  strong titanium. An indispensable tool you must have for the dinner time.

Buy it from Amazon: Snow Peak Titanium Spork

9) Swedish Firesteel

Swedish FireSteel is a ferrocerium-based fire starter originally developed for the Swedish Ministry of Defence. It creates a shower of sparks at temperatures of around 3,000 degrees Celsius that can be used to ignite a campfire with the correct materials and experience. It can also operate in damp conditions.

Buy it from Amazon: Swedish Firesteel

8) Water Disinfectant

Whether you’re traveling in unfamiliar countries, camping in the great outdoors, or just want to be prepared in case of emergency, water disinfectant is a space-efficient, reliable choice. The water disinfectant uses a unique bottle design to deploy pure crystallized iodine into contaminated water. This iodine destroys waterborne pathogens, including the Giardia cysts and microorganisms (viruses) that normally pass through filters.

Buy it from Amazon: Polar Water Disinfectant

7) Leatherman Multi-tool

This is a high durable multi-tool pliers with all the essential elements you may need during your journey. With  screwdrivers, wire cutters, scissors a knife blade and more, it keeps your on-the-go life going, don’t be afraid to confront all your challenges with this incredible tool.

Buy it from Amazon: Leatherman Skeletool Multitool

6) GPS

Every person who consider himself a geek should have one of these devices around when thinking in exploring the woods. Never lost the position of your camp again with a GPS.

The Garmin GPSMAP 60Cx is an amazing rugged color-handheld GPS device provided with all the necessary features for a pleasant day in the nature.  The 60Cx’s trip computer provides odometer, stopped time, moving average, overall average, total time, max speed, and more. Meanwhile, a fast processor allows the 60Cx to provide quick auto-routing, turn-by-turn directions, and audio alerts when you use the optional MapSource software, which can be stored on the unit’s included 64 MB microSD card.

Buy it from Amazon: Garmin 60Cx

5) LED Flashlight

A crucial tool for when the night arrives, the Maglite LX100 combines a mult-function LED light with a sleek, compact design. It features variable brightness settings, constant on, SOS, and adjustable blinking modes. This user-friendly handheld flashlight features a rotating barrel for quick activation and control of the variable brightness and strobe settings. A push button tailcap switch activates all modes for easy one-handed activation. The XL100 is constructed of anodized machined aluminum to be water and shock resistant. It is available in black, silver, red, blue, or gray and comes packaged with 3 AAA batteries.

Buy it from Amazon: Maglite LX100

4) Emergency Mylar Blanket

In their principal usage, space blankets are included in many emergency, first aid, and survival kits because they are usually waterproof and windproof. That, along with their light weight and ability to pack into a small space, has made them popular among outdoor enthusiasts and emergency workers. Space blankets are often given to marathoners at the end of races. The material may be used in conjunction with conductive insulation material and may be formed into a bag for use as a bivouac sack (survival bag).

Buy it from Amazon: Emergency Mylar Blanket

3) Outdoor First Aid Pack

Having a first aid pack in the wild is something clever to consider, the nature offers us a lot of dangerous elements that could hurt us.

Be prepared for anything — on the trail, at the campsite, or wherever you go. The Coleman Medium-Sized First Aid Kit includes: 10 mini bandages; 10 3″x3/4″ bandages; 1 extra-large bandage; 2 knuckle bandages; 1/2″ tape roll; 2 gauze pads; 2 large gauze pads; 10 prep pads; 6 towelettes; tweezers; scissors; and gloves — all in a carry case with a convenient carabiner, so you can attach it to your other gear.

Buy it from Amazon: Coleman Medium First Aid Kit

2) High-tech heater

We know you can’t put your amazing campfire you just made it using chopped wood and your Swedish firesteel inside your tent, so don’t suffer from cold with this awesome hi-tech heater.

Whether you’re staying in a cabin, tent, or under the stars, the Coleman 5035-750 SportCat Perfectemp Catalytic Propane Heater with InstaStart Technology will enhance any camping adventure. This heater comes with an electronic ignition for quick and easy matchless lighting. The 1,500 BTU output operates up to 14 hours from one 16.4 ounce propane cylinder.

Buy it from Amazon: Coleman SportCat

1) Bugs repellent

Surviving the wild includes to deal with annoying and maybe dangerous mosquitoes, be prepared to attack these plagues with  bug repellent.

Extreme conditions call for extreme protection. Outdoor enthusiasts trust Repel products for mosquito protection that’s as tough as they are. With a complete line of insect repellents designed for sportsmen, all clearly labeled with the level of protection for any terrain, Repel products keep bugs from getting between you and the great outdoors.

Buy it from Amazon: Repel 100

]]> http://www.geekylist.com/blog/escential-tools-to-survive-in-the-wild/feed/ 0 http://www.geekylist.com/blog/11-cables-every-geek-must-know/ http://www.geekylist.com/blog/11-cables-every-geek-must-know/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:48:44 +0000 admin http://osval.com/blog/?p=113 Technology change everyday, and with these changes, the cables we use to connect our favorite gadgets change also. Here are 11 cables from the past, present and future every geek must know.

11) VGA (Video Graphics Array)

A VGA cable is a lead used for transmitting video signals. It is most commonly used to link computers with monitors. However, it is now used on some high definition televisions. There is a great debate about whether an analog signal such as that carried by a video cable can offer picture quality as good as the digital signal carried through methods such as HDMI or DVI. The plug usually is identified by the blue color and a 15-pin d-sub connector.

10) DVI ( Digital Visual Interface)

The Digital Visual Interface (DVI) is a video interface standard designed to provide very high visual quality on digital display devices such as flat panel LCD computer displays and digital projectors. It was developed by an industry consortium, the Digital Display Working Group (DDWG) to replace the “legacy analog technology” VGA connector standard. It is designed for carrying uncompressed digital video data to a display. It is partially compatible with the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) standard in digital mode (DVI-D), and VGA in analog mode (DVI-A).

9) HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a compact audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data, connects digital audio/video sources—such as set-top boxes, upconvert DVD players, Blu-ray Disc players, AVCHD camcorders, personal computers (PCs), video game consoles such as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and AV receivers—to compatible digital audio devices, computer monitors, and digital televisions.

8) S-Video (Separate Video)

Separate Video, more commonly known as S-Video, also called Y/C, and sometimes incorrectly referred to as Super Video, is an analog video signal that carries video data as two separate signals: luma (luminance) and chroma (color). This differs from composite video, which carries picture information as a single lower-quality signal, and component video, which carries picture information as three separate higher-quality signals. S-Video carries standard definition video (typically at 480i or 576i resolution), but does not carry audio on the same cable.

7) Component Video (YPbPr)

Component video is a video signal that has been split into two or more components. In popular use, it refers to a type of analog video information that is transmitted or stored as three separate signals. Component video can be contrasted with composite video (NTSC, PAL or SECAM) in which all the video information is combined into a single line-level signal. Like composite, component-video cables do not carry audio and are often paired with audio cables. When used without any other qualifications the term component video generally refers to analog YPbPr component video with sync on luma.

Component video is capable of carrying signals such as 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p, and new high definition TVs support the use of component video up to their native resolution.

6) Composite (RCA)

An RCA connector, sometimes called a phono connector or cinch connector, is a type of electrical connector commonly used to carry audio and video signals. The name “RCA” derives from the Radio Corporation of America, which introduced the design by the early 1940s to allow mono phonograph players to be connected to amplifiers. This connector still being the most common cable to connect devices to the TV.

5) IEEE 1394 (FireWire)

The IEEE 1394 interface is a serial bus interface standard for high-speed communications and isochronous real-time data transfer, frequently used by personal computers, as well as in digital audio, digital video, automotive, and aeronautics applications. The interface is also known by the brand names of FireWire (Apple), i.LINK (Sony), and Lynx (Texas Instruments). IEEE 1394 replaced parallel SCSI in many applications, because of lower implementation costs and a simplified, more adaptable cabling system. The 1394 standard also defines a backplane interface, though this is not as widely used.

FireWire 800 is substantially faster than Hi-Speed USB. Even so, not all personal computers utilize the FireWire protocol. Apple includes FireWire on some of their computers, not including the ultra-portable MacBook Air and consumer-branded MacBook. It is included on some HP portables (2540p and 2740p) as well as most Sony VAIOs and Lenovo ThinkPads.

4) Toslink (Optical Audio)

TOSLINK or Optical Cable is a standardized optical fiber connection system. Its most common use is in consumer audio equipment (via a “digital optical” socket), where it carries a digital audio stream between components such as MiniDisc and CD players and DAT recorders. Although TOSLINK supports several different media formats and physical standards, digital audio connections using the rectangular EIAJ/JEITA RC-5720 (also CP-1201 and JIS C5974-1993 F05) connector are by far the most common. The wavelength used is 650 nm.

3) DisplayPort

DisplayPort is a digital display interface standard put forth by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) since 2006. It defines a new royalty-free, digital audio/video interconnect, intended to be used primarily between a computer and its display monitor, or a computer and a home-theater system. DisplayPort is designed to replace digital (DVI) and analog component video (VGA) connectors in the computer monitors and video cards, as well as replace internal digital LVDS links in computer monitor panels and TV panels.

2) USB (Universal Serial Bus)

Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a specification[1] to establish communication between devices and a host controller (usually personal computers), developed and invented by Ajay Bhatt while working for Intel. USB is intended to replace many varieties of serial and parallel ports. USB can connect computer peripherals such as mice, keyboards, digital cameras, printers, personal media players, flash drives, and external hard drives. For many of those devices, USB has become the standard connection method. USB was designed for personal computers, but it has become commonplace on other devices such as smartphones, PDAs and video game consoles, and as a power cord between a device and an AC adapter plugged into a wall plug for charging. As of 2008, there are about 2 billion USB devices sold per year, and approximately 6 billion total sold to date.

10) Night Vision Waterproof Monocular

The Yukon Waterproof Night Vision NVMT 3×42 Sea Wolf Monocular has Superman vision. Seeing in the dark may seem superhuman… but with this night scope, it seems completely natural. Built-in infrared illuminator featuring Yukon’s PULS System that saves on battery life; Waterproof, rubber armored body is tough and durable; Lightweight and compact design for portability at its best; Interchangeable lenses; Photo and video adaptable; For open field or long-distance viewing; Head mountable and rifle mountable. Please check your State, County and City laws for restrictions before ordering Night Vision.

Buy it from Amazon: Yukon Nightvision Monocular

9) KeyLogger

An advanced PS/2 hardware key logger, with 4 Megabytes of internal flash memory. Text menu provides many options for analyzing recorded data. A unique USB Download Accelerator is included for super-fast data retrieval. Absolutely undetectable by software. No software or drivers are required. English is the default language, but many others are supported with the simple addition of a national keyboard layout. No software or drivers required, Windows & Linux compatible.

Buy it from Amazon: KeyLlama 4MB PS/2 Keylogger

8) Ninja Remote Stealth Television Gadget

The Ninja Remote is a trademark of Swamiware LLC and is only sold through NinjaGizmos. Use the Ninja Remote™ to control television. This fun and small gizmo fits right on your keychain. Never be denied your favorite program. Control your own viewing destiny, with the Ninja Remote™. Real Ninjas love TV. Features a 16-bit microprocessor and powered by a 3-V battery (included).

Buy it from Amazon: Ninja Remote

7) Olympus Tracker 10×25 Porro Prism Compact & Lightweight Binocular

With its compact, lightweight, and sleek design, you can take the Olympus Tracker binocular anywhere and still enjoy the great view. With a 10x magnification and an objective lens diameter of 25mm, faraway images will be in sharp detail with brilliant clarity. The lens itself is made from special optical material to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, while the full multicoating keeps maintains brightness and contrast.

Buy it from Amazon: Olympus Tracker Binoculars

6) IronKey: Military grade secure USB Flash Drive

IronKey utilizes a strong, metallic outer casing to protect against physical damage, and the internal components are sealed with an epoxy-based potting compound to protect against tampering as well as increase waterproofing, along with increasing the device’s strength. Additionally, there is a coating over the chipsets that senses any tampering by a change in the electrical impedance. If the IronKey senses a change, the cryptochip self-destructs the next time power is applied, and an NSA wear level erase of the flash is enacted.

Buy it from Amazon: IronKey 2 GB Flash Drive

5) Eikon portable USB fingerprint reader

The Eikon Digital Privacy Manager offers any user with an existing PC the benefits of simple convenience and strong security provided by UPEK’s unique biometric authentication technology, all with the simple swipe of their finger. In addition to easier access to their growing number of password-protected web accounts, users also enjoy the following benefits by simply swiping their finger.

Buy it from Amazon: Eikon Portable Fingerprint Reader

4) Uniden BC72XLT Handheld Scanner

Listen to the famous “number stations” and try to reveal all their mysteries with this Uniden Handheld Scanner. Versatile, compact, and easy to use, the Uniden BC72XLT handheld scanner offers a simple way to monitor the “action” bands, including police and fire channels (including rescue and paramedics), NOAA weather transmissions, business and industrial radio broadcasts, utilities, marine and amateur (ham radio) bands, air bands, and more.

Buy it from Amazon: Uniden Handheld Scanner

3) Teddy Bear USB Webcam

Why settle for a webcam that’s merely functional when you could have one that’s super cute? This teddy bear has a webcam built in to his nose, and a high-resolution, full-color output. Powered by USB cable, no extra cables required.

Buy it from Amazon: Teddy Bear Camera

2) Mini Bug Detector

The Mini Bug Detector features wide range circuitry that enables it to detect concealed transmitters operating on frequencies from 50 MHz to 3 GHz. The power to expose most high frequency transmitters, as well as more common VHF and UHF bugs, is now in the palm your hand. You were never paranoid…until they started coming after you…

Buy it from Amazon: Bug Detector

1) Hollow books

This compact home safe looks like a finely-bound World Atlas and is easy to conceal among other books. Place it in a bookcase or on a desk and the safe can’t be distinguished from a real book. Cover has the look and feel of a real book. The inside compartment is constructed of durable heavy-gauge steel with scratch & chip-resistant white finish and a felt lining that protects fragile items. An ideal day-to-day hiding spot for petty cash, jewelry, passports, coins, titles, rare stamps, stock certificates, small electronics, bonds, or any valuables or important documents needing concealment.

Buy it from Amazon: Hollow Books