Love It or Leave It Extravaganza: What's Your Take?

Every couple of days I find items that teeter on this thin line of being totally amazing and slightly silly. I mean, no one really needs a Halitosis Detector, but I can't help but love the idea of it and entertained that it exists. I've put together a line up of my favorite Love It or Leave It items. Just click on the image below to share your take!

To Smartphone or Not to Smartphone?

I'm a devout smartphone lover now, often espousing the virtues of the iPhones and the BlackBerries, but I remember the days of having a regular cell phone and thinking — I didn't need all that "junk." I just need a cell phone for calls, I thought. How young and naive I was. Then of course, I wanted a camera on my phone, so I hit that up. And it sounded nice to have email whenever I wanted too, so I started to succumb.

By the time the iPhone came out, with its gorgeous Internet interface, touchscreen, and integrated iPod, I was first in line (well, first in line when it died down a week or so later).



I can't imagine life without a smartphone now and could absolutely never go back, but I still hear the same things now that I thought before — either that you don't need "fancy" features, or worse, I know girls who say a smartphone is too "high tech" for them, which I hate! When did accessibility and convenience become equivalent with high tech? I hate overly complicated gadgets, and I think the iPhone and Blackberry are totally not.

So I want to know, do you have a smartphone or a regular cell phone? And is there something keeping you from getting a smartphone, besides the price?

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Tetris Ice Cube Trays: Love It or Leave It?

My first thought when I saw these Tetris ice cube trays was — do I have glasses big enough to play Tetris with my ice cubes? Dubbed Tetrice by Martin Zampach, these are a little more fleshed out than the Instructables version that yumsugar featured, but it's only a concept for now. Lets see, you could play a really freaking cold and low-tech version of the game, or pop 'em in a pitcher of drinks for your geeky guests, but I don't know that I'd buy these when I know I can make them. What do you think?

Would You Rent Music on iTunes?

With Macworld 2008 just about wrapped-up and put away, we're left to reflect on what we won't be getting from Apple this year (just check out your comments on what the MacBook Air left out)! The New York Times couldn't help but ask if Steve Jobs has abandoned his thought that people want to own their content, as evidenced by his embracing rentals of movies on iTunes for Apple TV. If this is the case then why hasn't he done the same for music?



The article points out that the same technology that enables movie rentals for Apple TV is also found in newer iPods, so why can't we rent songs and albums? Whether it would be unpopular or not, Apple has made the decision for us. I think most of the time, I would want to own my music, especially at just 99 cents a song, but renting music could be a throwback to the days when we borrowed our friends' CDs for a week to test them out. So tell me what you think — Would you rent music or would you rather own it?

Would You Rent Music on iTunes?

With Macworld 2008 just about wrapped-up and put away, we're left to reflect on what we won't be getting from Apple this year (just check out your comments on what the MacBook Air left out)! The New York Times couldn't help but ask if Steve Jobs has abandoned his thought that people want to own their content, as evidenced by his embracing rentals of movies on iTunes for Apple TV. If this is the case then why hasn't he done the same for music?



The article points out that the same technology that enables movie rentals for Apple TV is also found in newer iPods, so why can't we rent songs and albums? Whether it would be unpopular or not, Apple has made the decision for us. I think most of the time, I would want to own my music, especially at just 99 cents a song, but renting music could be a throwback to the days when we borrowed our friends' CDs for a week to test them out. So tell me what you think — Would you rent music or would you rather own it?

What Pink CES Gadget Do You Like The Best?

I certainly got my fill of randomness at CES, which included alot of pink gadgets—some hot, while others not so much. From media players to gadget accessories, televisions and mp3 players—you name it, they had it! Have a look at the ones below and tell me which one you like the best (if any)!

Would You Want a Motorized TV Under Your Bed?

I don't know why I'm so fascinated with luxury gadgets. It's probably because they are usually intricate, flashy, and I can never afford them. I was hoping to see more luxury electronics at CES this year, but I did manage to come across this bad boy—The K2 Mounts under the bed lift. As you'll see in the video below, it's a custom lift that raises your flatscreen out from under the bed to an ideal viewing height. And it can be all yours for around $17,000. It seems like a rather large contraption to me (and somewhat dangerous), I'd rather settle for a bed that comes with the flatscreen built in! What do you think?

Colorful Pacman Pillows: Geeky or Geek Chic?

As old school as Pacman is, the classic gaming ghosts seem to never go out of style! I can't decide whether or not I like these Pacman pillows as much as the geek-chic Pacman video game scarf (minus the hat, of course). Each pillow below is handcrafted with special stitching to look liked the classic pixelated characters in the game. Maybe a neat idea for a gaming room or living room, but too over-the-top for a bedroom (unless you like eyes staring at you while you sleep)! This entire set is available on Etsy for $90. What are your thoughts? Geek or geek chic?

Nintendo Christmas Ornament: Geek or Chic?

Now that you've got a Snow-Mouse Ornament, a CD Ornament and a Scrolling LED Christmas Ornament, why not add a NES Tree Ornament to the mix?! Unlike the other ornaments that you'll have to take down after Christmas, with this hand-made clay decoration you can also use it as a figurine, pin or refrigerator magnet throughout the entire year. Featured on Nerd Approved, this Nintendo game system ornament can be modified to suit your personal taste for only $15. . . I wonder if I can get mine upgraded to a Wii? What do you think? Geek or chic?

Cote et Ciel Laptop Sleeve: Love It or Leave It?

I have a few bags that I absolutely adore but wouldn't classify them as being laptop bags, yet I always manage to squeeze my laptop in them. If you have a bag or two like this, but still want to keep your laptop somewhat protected, these Cote et Ciel laptop sleeves are great. After spotting them on Cool Hunting, it immediately struck me that they are sans zippers and super slim. Made from neoprene, they perfectly fit around your laptop for a snug fit to keep your laptop protected. Either carry them on their own or easily tuck them into a bag. Choose from fun colors like saffron, ocean blue, sunset red, sandshell, black olive, and grape green. Priced at $43 each. What do you think? Do you love them?

Animal Webcam Buddies: Love or Leave?

The perfect Christmas gift for tech-savvy kids, these animal webcams are easy to set up and fun to use. Choose from a blue dog or a red dinosaur, although I swear they look more like funky cows! Each USB cam comes with a built-in mic for web chats and can only be used on PCs (sorry Mac fans). Priced at $19. Do you know any kids (or adults for that matter) that would love them?

The On-Off Mug: Love It or Leave It?

Cause everyone needs to know when their coffee mug is on or off, there is now a visual indicating On-Off Mug that reads "off" without liquid and "on" when filled with a warm bevy. A special heat-sensitive pigment will turn the mug from black to white as the temperature increases, so you not only get your morning cuppa joe, but you get a magic show as well. Each mug is dishwasher safe and costs $25. What do you think? Love or leave?

Sundance Camera Tee: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

I can't help but love the Sundance Camera Tee ($45). It looks cozy and its design is classic geek chic. Sure it would be a little overkill if you paired it with camera earrings and a camera ring, but alone it's cute and artsy. Do you agree?

Sony Ericsson Z310 Phone: Love It or Leave It?

I can't decide whether I'm digging this phone because of my early obsession with Rainbow Brite or Jem and the Holograms, but the giant star and colorful stripes make this gadget absolutely adorable! Designed by fashion designer Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada, the Z310 special edition Sony Ericsson phone was recently launched in Europe by Vodafone. Gizmodiva also reveals that the phone comes with interchangeable face plates and wallpapers designed by "la Prada." Priced around $132. What do you think?

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What's the Worst Tech Disaster You've Ever Suffered?

Recently a quarry worker in South Korea was found dead with a melted phone battery in his shirt pocket. He also had a broken spine and ribs as well as heart and lung injuries, but his death was initially blamed on an exploding cell phone battery.

Predictably, the National Institute of Scientific Investigation found that the injuries the man suffered were too substantial to have been caused by a battery explosion, but the fact that they could have been responsible for the man's death got me thinking.

I've honestly never suffered a major tech disaster, so I am always a little shocked when I hear news of iPods catching on fire in people's pants or exploding laptops. It's scary because we assume our devices are safe and tested so we don't expect anything dangerous to happen to us while using them.

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Cell Phones Seem Cheaper, But Are You Paying More?

The 8G iPhone went on the market for $599 and was slashed down to $399 just a few months later. It's a trend that is more than common in the tech world — it's expected. Despite the lower cost (or quick price drop) of cell phones, people are still dishing out loads of cash for the hottest device.

According to new data from the NPD Group, people are actually spending more on cellphones than a year ago. Americans spent a total of $3.2 billion on phones this year, up from $2.2 billion a year earlier. The phone cost this year is about $82.8, up 40 percent from $58.95 a year ago. The thing is, it's not just the actual phone consumers are paying for — we are also paying for all the added goodies. The New York Times reports:

"Half the phones sold in the period could play MP3 music files, compared to one quarter a year ago. Bluetooth capability was on 72 percent of phones sold, compared to 50 percent a year ago. And 11 percent were those digital Swiss Army knives called smartphones, up from only 4 percent a year ago."

I am guilty of buying in to the latest devices and services regardless of price so the trend of paying more seems like a no brainer. What do you think?

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Guess Who Is Checking Out Her Brother's iPhone?

I've spotted this famous celeb with an iPhone before, so I know this isn't her first tutorial on its impressive features. Looks like her brother is just showing her a few of his pics from his extensive photo album. He has definitely got his iPhone navigation skills down to a science! Any idea who it is? Scroll down to leave your answer!

USB Christmas Cake: Geekish or Freakish?

Isn't it freakish enough to have a wedding cake covered with strawberries and a Christmas wreath? Add in four USB ports and you've got yourself a classy USB Christmas Cake. In total, this interesting masterpiece offers 1GB of memory and you guessed — it is only available in Japan. How perfect would this cake be for a regift party, or a gag gift for a boss or coworker? Featured on New Launches, this scrumptious cake retails for $455. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. Having said that, geekish or freakish?

Guess Which One of These Guys Is a Nintendo Superstar?

Back in the day, this famous bad boy submitted a picture to the Nintendo Fun Club News magazine to prove that he had managed to beat the final character Great Puma in Pro Wrestling. In the February-March 1988 issue of this mag, this guy (who was only nine at the time) had his name included in the highest scores section. And people say he's not talented....Scroll down and click "take the quiz to guess who it is!Source

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Camera Earrings: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

It's officially the age of the photography nerd. With digital cameras getting less expensive and the popularity of online photo communities like Flickr and Radar, it seems everyone I know has become a camera fanatic. Whether you spend all your time searching photography tips online, or you just admire a good old-fashioned 35mm, you have to admit these camera earrings from Etsy, $4, are pretty geek chic! It looks like they are actually hand painted.