Evolving Consumer: Happiness through shopping - electronics & fitness

Silly Rabbit, You Can’t Jog While At Your Desk. Actually, You Can With TrekDesk

Call us skeptics, but we couldn’t help but think this was some sort of joke when we got an e-mail from the folks at TrekDesk Treadmill Desk. Essentially it’s an elevated table you place over your treadmill, and you can place your laptop and other boring work stuff on top of it. The idea is that you’re exercising and staying active while you work. (And no, you can’t sit down while you’re on this, you lazy bum.) According to TrekDesk they found that athletes who spend their days chained to an office desk often complain of stiff hip flexors, knees, ankles and backs, and that the TrekDesk is one way to prevent that. Despite the treadmill in its name, you’ll have to supply your own treadmill, though, and it’s not cheap at $479 at the company’s Amazon.com store.

As much as we would like to dismiss this as hokey, we personally suffer from body aches and problems from sitting at a desk for too long. Sitting uncomfortably in a chair that’s not ergonomic to our desk, we know that the pain in our wrists is not natural. And from the positive reviews and TV news spots about the TrekDesk, we are willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. But we have enough trouble as its multitasking Facebook with our Excel spreadsheets, so having to concentrate not falling off is one more thing we don’t need.

Meanwhile, the creative side of our brains is wondering, what if we can just get a high desk from IKEA that we can place over our treadmill? Wouldn’t that allow us to create our own TrekDesk without having to pay for the high price?

Check out videos of the TrekDesk.

TrekDesk Treadmill Desk

Trident Case Summons the Kraken to Protect Your Gadgets

At the gym, on nature trails, and on the beach, we constantly see people spending more time with their iPhones than on the activities they were supposed to be there for. If you’re someone who can’t part with an iPad wherever you are, may we suggest that you at least cover it in something that’s durable to prevent it from damage? (Because ma’am, you’re sitting awfully close to that body of ocean water that’s splashing all around you.)

The folks at Trident Case recently announced its new Kraken series of cases that are like protective body suits for your gizmos. Designed for the iPad and iPhone 4 (coming soon for HTC’s Droid Incredible and Samsung’s Galaxy S and Vibrant devices), the Kraken cases offer shock protection with its impact resistant polycarbonate exterior and silicone sleeve and extra padded corners; an ergonomic design allowing you a better a grip when holding it; a screen protector that’s anti-glare, anti-dust, anti-scratch, and UV protectant (plus a dust filter covers up the speakers, too, without blocking out sound); and nine colors.

The Kraken iPad case sells for $45 while the iPhone version sells for $35. Cases for iPads and iPhones aren’t cheap, but at least the Kraken cases offer extra protection at competitive prices. Unfortunately you won’t get to show off your iPad or iPhone’s sleek design, cause these things will bulk up your device.

And yes, in case you were wondering, the Kraken is named after the mythological Norse sea monster because they “are built to be a powerful force that provides protection against elements and catastrophes that could potentially destroy mobile devices,” according to Trident Case. Wait, wasn’t the Kraken the one doing the destroying? And why in “Clash of the Titans” did the Greek gods summon something from a different mythology?

Check out Trident Case’s YouTube videos that demonstrate the Kraken’s durability.

Interbike 2010: Zigo Leads the Way with 5-in1 Family Cycle

For years it has been a common sight to see parents running while pushing a special sports baby jogger stroller. For those who like to ride a bike the only option is to put young children in a trailer and tow the tots along. That doesn’t give the kids much to look at, and makes it hard for the parent to see their child, so that’s why we were impressed with Zigo’s new Leader, the first hybrid carrier bike system.

It integrates traditional bicycle technology with a front-positioned child carrier. And we it is worth noting that this is a five-in-one system. It can be converted quickly to be used as baby jogger, stroller, rear trailer or urban cycle. Continue reading Interbike 2010: Zigo Leads the Way with 5-in1 Family Cycle

Interbike 2010: Oh Danny Boy, Oh DannyShane

With apologies to the classic Irish tune, and to our friends at DannyShane: Oh Danny Boy, the bamboo, the bamboo is calling.

The eco-conscious cycling apparel company is doing something very unique with bamboo. While we heard about a bamboo water bottle previously, and even a bamboo bicycle, we never thought we’d ever have the chance to wear bamboo whilst riding. The whole grass skirt thing doesn’t seem ideal for use with a bike. But DannyShane will suit you up in the fast growing grass.

The has created a line of proprietary fabric blend materials that 44 to 50 percent bamboo white ash (BWA), the latest innovation in truly natural fibers. And according to reports the BWA should capture odor naturally, breathe easily and provide natural UV protection while still feeling soft. The fabric dries quickly too, as it provides the BWA into every weave of fabric, helping provide natural moisture-wicking capabilities. Continue reading Interbike 2010: Oh Danny Boy, Oh DannyShane

Interbike 2010: Motorex Goes Green With Bike Lubes and Cleaners

The words “green” and “largest crude oil refinery” aren’t usually things you’d think would be one in the same, but for Switzerland-based Motorex this is very much the case. The company has been in business for more than 90 years and has made efforts to develop and produced produces that minimize the impact on both man and the environment, and creates as little waste as possible.

It’s line of lubes and cleaning products are popular with many racing teams, including Team Trek World Racing, Team GT World Racing and Team BMC among others.

The current products include both a Dry Lube for dry/dusty conditions, which utilizes a unique wax/oil formula to penetrate into the pins and plates, is also compatibles with the Easy Clean Degreaser, allowing riders to lube up the chain right after degreasing. For wetter and muddier conditions, the Motorex Wet Lube features a synthetic formula that is waterproof, and provides a guard for the chain in those sticky conditions. The Easy Clean Chain/Parts Degreaser promises to live to its name, it is aggressive on grease and dirt yet safe on components and finishes. Continue reading Interbike 2010: Motorex Goes Green With Bike Lubes and Cleaners

Interbike 2010: Looking Mod and Stylish While Helping the Planet

Looking good and doing so while wearing recycled water bottles isn’t really a stretch, and you don’t even have to be Lady Gaga to pull it off. Modrobes makes it easy as the company is set to launch a new line of urban cycling apparel made from recycled water bottles.

Toronto designer Steven Sal Debus spent five years cycling in some truly lovely locales including Amsterdam, Zurich, Portland, Vancouver and New York. He hit upon the idea to create a “new school” of cycling attire, and came up with an idea to use a product that typically is used once and discarded. The result is a line of products that looks good, feels good and is also good for the planet. Continue reading Interbike 2010: Looking Mod and Stylish While Helping the Planet

Interbike 2010: Look Out, Kéo Power is Coming

There is an old saying that absolute power corrupts absolutely. That probably isn’t a concern however with Kéo Power, a new pedal from LOOK and Polar. This new technologically advanced cycling pedal is much more than the place where you foot goes.

The pedal actually measures an athlete’s power output, as well as left/right balance. You do the pumping, and sensors integrated with the pedal and crank accurately measure the results, sending the data directly to a Polar cycling computer on the bike’s handlebars.

The Kéo pedal is also the lightest clipless pedal in its class, made of injected carbon with a stainless steel 17-4PH axel. While we don’t think it will corrupt anyone, it will make training as absolutely effective as possible.

LOOK Official Website

Polar Official Website

Interbike 2010: Ready Steady, Rack ‘Em Up

Bikes are great when you’re riding them, the rest of the day these two-wheeled machines are just in the way. And that’s true whether you’re a hardcore racer or just a causal rider. Most of us don’t have a team trailer to store a bike either, and whether the ride is kept in the garage, basement or in an apartment it takes room.

This week at Interbike new start-up Steadyrack is showing its innovative solution that can allow for keeping the bike off the ground and getting some valuable floor space. The system was invented in Perth, Australia by cyclist and homebuilder David Steadman and inventor Ron Collicott in 2000, and the pair have been tweaking it over the years to come up with a thoroughly thought out product. Continue reading Interbike 2010: Ready Steady, Rack ‘Em Up

Interbike 2010: Contour GPS Video Camera: Look Mom, No Hands

Take this for a ride. The Contour GPS camera shoots high-definition, 180p video while the built-in GPS tracks your trip in real-time. And then there’s the bonus that the camera mounts to a helmet, goggles or other article of clothing so your hands are free to grip handlebars, poles or a steering wheel. What would be the point of built-in GPS if you weren’t on the move while filming?

The Contour GPS films what you see. It also takes data on the map, terrain, and gives you a hybrid view. So when you play back the video on your computer, and especially when you post it for your friends to see, a ticker on the map follows the action on trails, ski slopes, roads, rivers, or wherever you filmed. There’s no limit. The camera is just about to hit the market for $349.99.

Just keep in mind. The video is 1080p high definition. However expect a little jerky camera syndrome. If you have a camera mounted to your helmet, it sees what you see. And if you’re riding your bike on rocky, uneven terrain, the video will likely bounce around a little. It’s still exciting that you can film high-definition to show your friends that daring descent on a black diamond slope.

For some really amazing mountain biking, check out this video and make sure to watch the GPS tracking on the right.

Contour GPS official website

Interbike 2010: Rotor Cranks It Up

Rotor hopes to help riders get pumping with its new line of 3D Cranks, Q-Rings and other products this fall. At Interbike The company is also introducing several bottom brackets that can be used with standard cranks in any BB30 frame, as well as their own 3D cranks of course.

Among the interesting new products are the 3D Aero & Track cranks, specifically designed for time trial and track bikes. These feature a “closed spider” design, and are made with an ultra-light, yet aerodynamic reinforced structure. The idea is to provide increased overall stiffness compared to an open spider crank, so as to help riders keep it turning on the track or during a time trial. Continue reading Interbike 2010: Rotor Cranks It Up

Interbike 2010: Ridekick – More Than a Bike Trailer

While cycling no doubt is a great way to get to the store, it isn’t always the best way to get the stuff you buy back home again. There are plenty of options for trailers, which are great for hauling stuff, but when filled with stuff it can make the ride home seem like quite the haul!

At Interbike this week Ridekick introduced its new trailer system, which not only provides extra space to store stuff, but it also includes a power assist of up to 19mph (the legal limit is 20mph for bike trails). This batter powered device can help for short commutes and jaunts to the grocery store, running up to 15 miles on one charge. The hard shell casing provides weatherproof and lockable storage, and the trailer system is designed to make for stable turns. The Ridekick is designed to hitch and unhitch to a bike in seconds, and first-time installation can be accomplished in just about 10 minutes.

The Ridekick will be available at retail next spring.

Ridekick Official Website

Ubrain on the Brain and On Your Phone

Music can get you motivated, and it seems a few companies have music on the brain. Earlier this week we noted that Philips had introduced new technology into its line of Activa MP3 players that would respond to your level activity, and now there is an app that will send binaural beats to help enhance your focus, as well as your energy level. Digital Reality seems to have it on the brain too with Ubrain, the first digital tonic experience, which provides these binaural beats along with your favorite music tracks. The company has released an app for the iPhone and iPad, and will soon have versions for the Android, Samsung Bada, PC and iPod Touch.

The technology essentially allows users to select how they feel, and then determines the appropriate mood you’d like to have. This is accomplished through integrating preset music tone with your own music library. So whether you need to chill out or pick up the pace the Ubrain can do the thinking for you. Continue reading Ubrain on the Brain and On Your Phone

Get a Full Body and Brain Workout on Kinect

The recent craze for Soduku puzzles and brain teaser games such as Brian Camp now adds a new component: the body. Namco Bandai is adding a physical element with its upcoming Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect title Brain and Body Connection. Working with Japanese neuroscientist Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, the party game aims to stimulate both mind and body with topics such as math, logic, reflex, memory and physical-related questions. The game uses Kinect’s full-motion capabilities with its sensor, which picks up on movement for tasks such as creating a bridge with your arms to allow cars and busses to drive over gaps and even change levels.

A lot of these games are either all mind, or mindless. Brain and Body combines the two. While it might not make you sweat, the combination of thought and movement tasks is stimulating. It’s also done in a fun atmosphere so you can enjoy playing it to get some activity in your day, or throw it in to play with a few friends and even add laughter to your workout.

Namco Bandai Games official website