Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

We’ve seen plenty of desk distractions over the years, but the USB-powered Whack It game definitely has the potential to be a productivity killer like no other. This relatively small device simply plugs into a powered USB port and challenges workers to smash the critters as they light up. Reportedly, the game boasts 30-second and one-minute gameplay modes and a wee LED scoreboard, too. Of course, figuring out how to slam down on this thing without drawing attention to yourself is another battle entirely, but if you’re up for it, you can grab the game now for £14.99 ($31).

[Via Technabob]

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Wireless

While we’d surely balk if Ambient Devices simply added two measly (albeit potentially important) days to its forecaster, the outfit made sure to update the overall look / feel of its weather display for good measure. The revamped devices will reportedly “receive updates from weather sources throughout the day via the Ambient Infocast Network,” which currently reaches about 90-percent of US households. The 5-Day Forecaster will sport a four- by four-inch display while the 7-Day Forecaster boasts a six- by six-inch screen, and both units will show “current conditions and an extended multi-day forecast for 150 locations in the United States.” Notably, the units will even feature “a color-changing backlight to indicate the current temperature at a glance (i.e. blue for cold, red for warm),” and those springing for the week-long version will be blessed with information about the UV Index, wind speed and direction, pollen alerts and air quality alerts. Look for the new Forecasters to land this winter for $149.99 and $199.99, respectively.

[Via SlashGear]

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Takara Tomy‘s Walkiebits sure caused quite a stir when they first landed a few years back, and now the firm is cranking out another variation that’s sure to be a holiday favorite. The slew of new Rhythmbits arrive in a variety of vivid colors, measure in at just 1.85-inches in length, sport interchangeable shells and bust a plethora of moves when they hear music. These little bundles of fun are set to take Japan by storm later this week for ¥1,575 ($14) apiece.

[Via NewLaunches]

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Filed under: Portable Audio, Portable Video

We heard rumors of a beefed-up D2 way back in July, but Cowon has just now made that upgrade a reality, and it’s giving its iAUDIO 7 player a storage boost for good measure as well. Both upgrades will apparently only be available available on the red versions of the players, with the D2 now topping out at 8GB and the iAUDIO 7 pushing things all the way to 16GB. Otherwise, both players appear to be the same as before, with the former boasting a 2.5-inch LCD, an FM radio, and a promised 52 hours of playing time, and the latter packing a 1.3-inch LCD and an even longer 60 hours of purported battery life. According to Cowon, both should be available any day now (if they aren’t already), with the new top-end D2 running $250, and the upgraded iAUDIO 7 setting you back $300.

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!

Filed under: Portable Audio

We’ll admit, the XM XpressRC sure looked mighty nice from a distance, and judging by CNETs take on it, it’s equally fine up close. Quite frankly, this device was hailed as a notch above the alternatives, boasting a full-color display “that not only jumped out at you with its beauty, but could be easily read and understood while driving.” Granted, not everything was entirely peachy, as the reviewer took issue with the knob’s design and the small power button — both grumbles that could certainly be overlooked. Additionally, the unit’s ability to pause / rewind up to an hour of programming was very appreciated, and the other small bonuses (i.e. SongSaver) filled out the feature set quite nicely. All in all, this little gizmo was seen as “the way to go” if you’ve been scouting a device of this nature, but the $170 pricetag could still be a hindrance.

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Office Depot Featured Gadget: Xbox 360 Platinum System Packs the power to bring games to life!