If the iPad isn't your thing, and you don't like Android, the Surface RT might just be the tablet for you. Starting at $499 for a 32 GB model, the Surface RT runs Windows RT, the Windows 8 variant that lacks the Desktop environment. With two 720p cameras, a full-size USB port, microSDXC slot and Bluetooth 4.0, the Surface RT has plenty…
If you're bummed that Apple isn't making a dock for the iPhone 5, this should cheer you up. Or, perhaps your Elevation Dock arrived just before your iPhone 5 did. No matter, the Lightning Dock looks like a great alternative. Available in anodized aluminum, hardwood, and, of course, black aluminum.
The Western Digital My Book VelociRaptor Duo 2 TB RAID might just be the mother of all external storage devices. Inside, it packs two WD VelociRaptor 10,000 RPM drives that are user-selectable RAID 0/1 or JBOD. This means you can gain redundancy via mirroring or even more speed with striping. With dual Thunderbolt connectors, you can daisy chain this with other devices…
If you're a nerd, you know how important having backups really is. Having your data on more than one device, in more than one place is crucial to making sure you don't lose anything in case of a failed drive. But what about a true disaster? Would your external drives survive a fire or flood? Enter the ioSafe N2. It's a network…
Here at the Tools and Toys World HQ, we're big fans of the Joby GorillaPod, the flexible tripod. When used with a Glif, it makes a heck of an iPhone tripod, but it could all be simpler. Enter the Bobine. It's a two-foot long USB cable that doubles as a stand. Bend it in shape, and it will retain it, making a…
Speaking of cool hardware that works with iOS, the Withings Smart Baby Monitor brings the baby monitor in to the 21st century. Using native iOS controls like pinch-to-zoom and swiping, the Smart Baby Monitor camera will zoom, tilt and pan to change the image sent back your handheld device — even in dark nurseries. The camera has a set of built-in microphones and…
The Parrot AR.Drone is not the remote control helicopter you got your nephew for his birthday. This thing is piloted with an iOS or Android device, stream 720p high-definition live video, has built-in Wi-Fi, accelerometer and gyroscope, and has a control range of 165 feet. The AR.Drone has 4 brushless inrunner motors that pull 14.5 watt & 28,500 rpm when hovering, for…
Nest 2.0 is an updated version of the popular learning thermostat. The new hardware is twenty percent thinner than the original and supports 95% of low voltage heating and cooling systems, including 2nd stage cooling, 3rd stage heating, dual fuel, emergency heat, and whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers. The new Nest runs version 3.0 of the company's software, which also runs on the…
While the iPhone 5 makes for a great camera, many still carry a point-n-shoot. The Canon PowerShot S100 replaces the very popular S95 model, and bests it in just about every way. At 12.1MP, with a 3-inch LCD, the PowerShot looks great and takes great photos. The Canon DIGIC 5 Image Processor helps eliminate noise in low-light and makes the camera much…
We've linked to the WS-2080 Wireless Home Weather Station before, but the Netatmo Personal Weather Station for iOS looks like a more elegant solution to all your home-grown weather needs. The Netatmo system is designed for indoor or outdoor use, and track air quality (including CO2 concentration noise pollution as well as weather conditions, like temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and more. The…
With a sage waxed duck canvas exterior and orange-poppy cotton interior, this wallet is made to impress. The center is designed to hold Apple's new, taller, iPhone 5, with a pocket on either side for cards, cash or whatever else you need with you. While I'm not a fan of some iPhone wallets, I really like this, as it's not a case…
Currently, I have two books under the foot of my 27-inch LED Cinema Display. Per their usual style, TwelveSouth has a better option. The HiRise is a stand for your iMac (or Cinema Display) that's made from aluminum and stamped steel. It's got six different height settings, including one that will align a Thunderbolt Display and iMac perfectly. Inside, the stand doubles…
The LaCie 2Big Thunderbolt rig brings RAID mirroring, hot-swappable disks, and daisy chain convenience to your Thunderbolt port. Inside are two 2TB drives, providing up to 327MB/s I/O. Thunderbolt seems like magic. Being refurbished, this model is offered at 50% off — just $299, with an optional $27 1-year warranty That's pretty heard to beat. Thanks, Ian!
The iZZi Orbit and Solo are a set of iPhone cases designed to make mobile photography a lot more interesting. The iZZI products are a set of iPhone cases with built-in lenses, as well as a stabilizing grip and lanyard, to make shooting easier and more secure. The cases support a fisheye, telephoto and wide-angle lens. With a Fish Eye Lens and…
3-D printing is slowly making its way to the desktop, and the Replicator 2 makes creating models in your workshop easier than ever. With a resolution capability of 100 microns and a 410 cubic inch build volume, the MakerBot Replicator 2 includes a 1 lb spool of Natural PLA filament. It'll run you $2,199.00.
Canon has announced its new DSLR for the holidays — the 20.1 megapixel EOS 6D. The sensor is full-framed, with the ability to reach 25600 ISO, with 11 auto-focus points. With a built-in GPS Receiver and Wi-Fi Transmitter, the 6D makes it easier than ever to tag and import photos. The built-in Canon iMAGE GATEWAY software makes it easy to share photos…
An upgrade from the company's popular Ultra device, the new Fitbit One tracks steps, stairs climbed, calories burned, and quality of sleep when worn on the wrist at night. The new device adds vibrating alarm like the Jawbone Up, which is no longer for sale. Coupled with the company's updated iOS app, the Fitbit One can sync data over Bluetooth 4.0. The…
The Facet stand is a multi-angle magnetic iPad stand. Each side of the pyramid is a different angle: 35°, 55°, and 75°. The magnets line up with the iPad 2 and 3, holding the iPad in place. With a larger base than Apple's Smart Cover, the Facet stand promises to stand up, even on soft and uneven surfaces, like a bed or…
French design firm Orée has launched a new keyboard made from a single piece of maple or walnut, each keyboard is crafted, polished, oil-finished and assembled by hand in southern France. The Bluetooth-enabled keyboard runs $163 (€125.00), and will run "several months" on a set of AAA batteries. It comes in layout for the Mac as well as the PC. The keycaps…
Apple's new iPhone 5 was announced yesterday. It's thinner and lighter than the iPhone 4S, as well as faster (thanks to the A6 processor) and larger (thanks to the 4-inch Retina display). The iPhone 5 packs LTE capabilities in its thin frame. In the US, AT&T, Sprint and Verizon all will be supporting the faster network connections on the new device. Apple's…