« Digital TV Transition Delayed | Main | The Flashlight-er »
February 22, 2009
Gadgets - Just Because You Can Make It, Doesn't Mean You Should
Besides AV and other home technology products, I also like clever gadgets. A few that I have found in the past are the Picture Placer, Jet Rack Ladder Storage and Monster Cable's Outlets to Go. While these products are not for everyone, they are innovative solutions that solve a problem. 
I also have found a few that didn't quite make the grade, here are couple:
Black and Decker AutoTape - $25 - This is a 25' motorized tape measure. It uses 4 AAA batteries to extend the tape, (the tape is retracted by a spring, just like other none motorized tapes). The problem is that it:
- eats batteries,
- it weighs too much,
- and the motor only extends the tape about 5 or 6 feet.
For me, a plain old tape measure is better, cheaper and lighter. Extending a tape has never been a big problem for me. If you own one, buy your AAA batteries in bulk
Open It - $12.99 - When I first saw this product, I thought it might have some merit. Its primary purpose is to make it easier to open clam shell and blister packed products. 
I think that almost everyone has experienced some frustration when opening products that are entombed in tough plastic shrouds. The OpenIt has:
- offset jaws that cut through plastic packages,
- a retractable utility knife in one handle,
- and small interchangeable phillips and slotted screwdrivers that flips out of the other handle.
The scissor part cuts through packaging with ease, but a pair of ordinary scissors does the job just as well. The screwdriver and knife are a bit cumbersome, but work OK. This product delivers what it promises, but you probably already own scissors or a utility knife. Save your money, use what you already have.
Have you tried either of these products? And do you tried any gadgets that didn't live up to your expectations?
Posted by Bob Gatton at February 22, 2009 12:07 PM
Comments
I have the Black & Decker AutoTape (shown in the article). It was given to me as a gift. I hadn't opened it in a few years but one day I misplaced my regular tape. I opened the unit from its blister packing (didn't use the "Open It" tool that was also reviewed). This tape is useless. The writer described it best by saying it is bulky and heavy. One more thing I found even more frustrating is the fact that when you drop it . . . batteries go flying! You can't really use it like a regular tape because the edge of the tape is too short to catch an end and to pull it out takes more force which causes the end to slip. Then you have to use two hands to try and get the tape back in without using the battery. That brings up another point: This thing uses batteries fast! Save your money! Buy the old fashioned type!
Posted by: Roddy at February 25, 2009 8:59 AM
