Think Geek FTW!

Think Geek always has clever copy and clever April Fool’s jokes. I think part of the reason is that some of their real products are so off the wall that their imaginary products don’t seem unfathomable.

This year’s joke was pretty extensive, featuring a home page almost entirely devoid of real products, and instead filled with jokes. I even got their newsletter in my inbox featuring these same products. And even knowing their tendency to have some fun, I still clicked through — “Spazztroids Caffeinated Cereal? I’ve got to get me some of those!”

Some other winners: Betamax to HD DVD converter, a caffeine patch, a USB pregnancy test, USB sun lamp, USB Foreman Grill, Pii Pii brothers Wii game. Check out their web site while the prank pages up!

Real life products available at ThinkGeek.com

Modu: Genuinely interesting and slick mobile phone / gadget

Modu is a tiny, credit card-sized, powerful mobile phone. Slip the modu into one of many very well-designed “jackets” to give it a new look and new functionality. These modular components remind me of the concept behind Buglabs, but whereas Buglabs had more geek appeal, with open source hardware and software, modu has much more chic appeal. These things look slick.

When is a phone not a phone? When it has “mates,” which morph the modu into various consumer electronic devices. All modu jackets are universally interchangeable, allowing you to swap modu jackets at any time, and according to the web site, with anyone. It also sounds as if some of these modu’s will be artist-branded and come pre-loaded with applications and music. I couldn’t find any price estimates to speak of, but product is supposed to ship at the end of 2008.

Photos can’t do the concept justice. Check out the Flash intro to see how these work.

Lego-inspired Products via the Stylehive

If you’re a fan of Legos, you’ll want to see this stylehive post on five Lego-inspired products, including a coaster set, ice cube trays, magnets, jewelry, and a salt & pepper set. Love the brick!

Full story via stylehive

LEGO Digital Designer

Tell me LEGO doesn’t know their customers. LEGO’s Digitial Designer software allows you to build a 3D model of your dream creation, and then order the parts needed to make it a reality. Once built, submit your creation to their product gallery. If you’ve ever had a fantasy of creating an Oop!-like LEGO sculpture, this looks like the best way to do it.

I wonder how the revenues of the simple Lego starter kits compare to some of their advanced sets. I’ve always assumed that the sheer quantity of those starter sets are heavily favored in the revenue mix, even if their margins aren’t as high as some of the advanced sets. But LEGO most definitely does not ignore the loyal hobbyists.

This software just made it to the top of my spare time to-do list.

LEGO.com Factory and Digital Designer software

Ergodex BIY Keyboard

Another really clever keyboard. Whereas the Optimus keyboard allows you to quickly configure each key with a character or image, the Ergodex keyboard allows you to customize the placement of each key. Each key has a sticky backing, keys can be unstuck and moved, and macros can be recorded and assigned to each key. It doesn’t seem to have the same utility as the Optimus, but you could build yourself a truly custom gaming board with this.

Details via Ergodex

Optimus configurable keyboard — spectacular!

This is the neatest keyboard I’ve seen in a long time. Each key is a standalone LED display that is completely configurable for your current application or goal. If you’re gaming, configure the keys for your game; if you’re Photoshopping, configure them for Photoshop shortcuts; etc. It doesn’t have much going for it in the ergonomics department, but it’s sleek and stylish.

Optimus keyboard via Art.Lebedev Studio

Bluetooth Dual MP3 / Mobile Headphones

It appears I’m on a bit of a gadget kick, but this one is both slick and practical. Plug these Bluetooth headphones into your MP3 player. When your mobile rings, you’ll hear a chirp in your headphones, and you’ll be able to switch over to your mobile.

Link: Tech Digest: i.Tech Clip M.

Swiss Army MP3

Here’s another neat gadget I ran across at ThinkGeek. I don’t think I would ever use something like this, as it’s a poor substitute for a pocket knife, and I prefer to stick to the more well-known brands for music players, but it still has the cool factor.

• Removable USB flash-based MP3 player with 1GB capacity
• Stereo FM radio with recording capability, 15 station presets
• Digital voice recorder with built-in microphone (MP3 format)
• Supports MP3, WMA, WAV, Ogg Vorbis formats
• High speed USB 2.0

Find it at Think Geek