T-Mobile will be offering full, free mobile games to their subscribers, although it will cost you some time as you will need to go through some advertisements before getting started. The first title will be Poker Million II, where you have to plow through two full-screen ads before and two full-screen ads after the game. The client software is smart enough to know whether the game itself is compatible with your device, so you can be sure that you won't be offered anything that isn't able to work. Interestingly enough, T-Mobile 'Web'n'Walk' (Internet) customers won't be charged a single penny for the data used to download the games or view the adverts. In addition, there are no limits on how many games you want to waste your time with or download. I'll stick to my DS Lite for portable gaming.

Permalink: T-Mobile Offers Game With Ads from Ubergizmo (US, FR) | Good deals | Hot: Storm Review

Hidden Bookshelf - $12.99

Look at this stack of books… How is it staying up? Is it glue? Velcro? Tractor beams? The secret is a simple and clever little device called the Hidden Bookshelf! An L-shaped wedge of metal holds your books up against the wall while a tiny clip holds the inside cover of the book up, giving your larger books the illusion of sticking to the wall as if by magic!

The Hidden Bookshelf is available from Think Geek for $12.99.

Glow Flow Faucet - $19.95

Give your sink a touch of sci-fi chic with this nifty LED faucet attachment that illuminates flowing water in cool blue when it\’s cold or warm red when it\’s hot. Perfect as a warning device for kids or a pretend alien mouthwash dispenser for adults.

The Glow Flow Faucet is available from Firebox for $19.95.

Celebrity Weighing Scales - $34.95

With these deeply ironic scales you get to compare your weight with the likes of Fozzie Bear, Mr Ed (yes, the talking horse!), Donald Trump\’s Combover and even the Baby Jesus. Just think, with the Celebrity Weighing Scales in the bathroom you\’ll be itching to step aboard, not dreading the prospect. After all numbers are so final, aren\’t they?

The Celebrity Weighing Scales is available from Firebox for $34.95.

There\’s no place like 127.0.0.1 Door/Floor mat - $39.99

Tired of people stepping all over you? Well take your frustrations out by stepping all over these choice door/floor mats. Adorned with the peculiar \’There\’s No Place Like 127.0.0.1\’ phrase, consider them your own personal wormholes to a place where users invented clue and upper management gets outsourced.

The There\’s no place like 127.0.0.1 Door/Floor mat is available from Think Geek for $39.99.

Self Sustaining Ecosphere - $89.95

A self-contained, self-supporting ecological system is permanently sealed within this hand-blown borsilica glass sphere. Its careful balance of air, water, plant and animal life was developed as the result of years of NASA research into self-sustaining, bio-regenerative systems where the equilibrium must be maintained for long periods of time, such as long-term space stations. Inside, tiny shrimp feed on bacteria that metabolize organic waste into nutrients for the algae which, in turn, photosynthesize the oxygen needed for the shrimp and bacteria to survive.

The Self Sustaining Ecosphere is available from Hammacher for $89.95.

Voice Activated Thermostat - $99.95

Using advanced voice recognition technology, this is the thermostat that can be programmed using only your voice and clearly articulates the current indoor temperature. Endorsed by the National Federation of the Blind, the thermostat is ideal for the visually impaired or those who struggle with technology. Clapping your hands twice initiates the voice programming and you can change the temperature by saying \”raise\” or \”lower\” (each utterance adjusts the temperature by one degree).

The Voice Activated Thermostat is available from Hammacher for $99.95.

Digital Picture Frame - from $100

Digital picture frames have really taken off this year. Here we compare some of the cheapest and best digital picture frames that are currently available with regards to both features and value for money. We’ll also provide an explanation of all the features that the various digital photo frames have to offer.

The Digital Picture Frame is available from Amazon for from $100 or check out our reviews.

Roomba Robotic Vacuum Cleaner - $149.99+

Life happens in busy homes, and keeping up with accumulating dirt, dust, pet hair, crumbs, and debris can be a daily challenge. Introducing the iRobot Roomba 560- a member of iRobot’s newest generation of Roomba Vacuuming Robots.

Now there’s a better way to maintain cleaner floors every day. With dramatically improved navigation, cleaning coverage, vacuum pickup, particle filtration, and scheduling capabilities, the Roomba 560 picks up amazing amounts of dirt and debris from your floors with the touch of a button–so you don’t have to.

The Roomba Robotic Vacuum Cleaner is available from Amazon for $149.99+.

Wooden Clock - $199.95

Is it a block or a clock? Plug in the ingenious Wooden Clock and you\’ll discover it\’s both, because digital numerals magically appear from within the wood of this uber-stylish timepiece.

The Wooden Clock is available from Firebox for $199.95.

Professional Automated Living (PAL) Home Automation Kit - $460

TWO LEVELS OF AUTOMATION FOR BUILDERS AND HOMEOWNERSHOME AUTOMATION KITS X10 PRO offers two new product kits: PAL1 and PAL2. Professional Automated Living Kits for either homeowner or contractor at an extremely cost effective price. These two new kits are inspired by the residential construction industry. Each kit contains an ample selection of devices providing lifestyle enhancements for every installation. Builders and/or homeowners simply select the kit suiting their home and lifestyle.

The Professional Automated Living (PAL) Home Automation Kit is available from Amazon for $460.

So how does this economy-stoking magic app work? A complex, supremely intelligent algorithm that can analyze pixels and determine just what it is you want to buy? Gremlins? Google? Actually, if you guessed gremlins, you almost on the money.

When you upload a photo, Amazon's living, breathing Mechanical Turk workers (so-named for one of the first "robots") try to match the photo up to products for sale on Amazon.com. You'll get results back in 5 minutes to 24 hours. The giant kink, obviously, is the potential for human error—how will they tell one giant black HDTV from another, for instance, especially with the iPhone's crappy camera?

Normally, it'd be the perfect time to launch this kind of app—the holiday season—but with the financiapocalypse, I sorta wonder how many George Bush bobbleheads this thing is gonna sell. [Bits]

Tags: eco-friendly, reduce recycle reuse

Related Entries

Several companies will pay you money for your old computer, iPod or other gadget. Some pay cash, others gift cards. Another company lets you lock in how much money you can get for a gadget after six months to two years of use. 

As you may or may not know, such recycling efforts are part of the whole green tech trend. In California, it’s been illegal to dump a monitor or computer into the trash can for years. More recently, consumers here pay an ‘e-recycling’ fee when buying a new monitor, PC or other device with a screen.

While many computer sites now offer free recycling, I’ve honed in on the sites that give you a little something extra for your junk. Pretty much all offer free shipping — you just print out a label on your computer and ship the gadget.

Using my old 40 GB iPod Photo (in good condition, with minor scratches) as an example, here’s what I can get for it (from high to low): 

$60 = Toshiba America - Uses eztradein.com to run its program. Gives gift cards and cash for old electronics. Read my past story on the program, “Toshiba’s PC recycling program now accepts all e-junk.”

$60 = BestBuy.com uses the same service as Toshiba. But instead of cash, you’ll get a gift card to Best Buy.

$60 = PayPal.com uses the same service as Toshiba. Pays with PayPal credit.

$56.70 = Amazon.com uses several companies including Gazelle (mentioned below). All pay with Amazon gift cards. In this case, NextWorth accepts old iPods and iPhones. Using FlipSwap.com, my iPod got me $35.29 in Amazon gift cards.

$56 =  Costco.com uses GreenSight Technologies for its recycling program. Program pays in Costco gift cards.

$56 = SamsClub.com uses EcoNEWonline.com for its recycling program. Program pays in Sams Club gift cards.

$53 = TigerDirect.com uses GreenSight Technologies for its recycling program. Program pays in TigerDirect gift cards.

$36 = Crutchfield.com uses cexchange.com and pays in store gift cards. 

$30.60 = RadioShack offers RadioShack gift cards. Read my past story on RadioShack’s program at “RadioShack offers gift cards for your old electronics.”

$25 = Gazelle.com accepts a wide variety of electronics and pays cash, PayPal credit, an Amazon gift card or donates to a variety of charities. It also promises to wipe out any data still on the gadget.

$23 = Lenovo’s Eco Takeback program puts the cash on the Eco International pre-paid Visa card. It has no cash value.

Up to $40 = Apple recyles its own products for free but doesn’t pay cash. However, if you drop off your old iPod at an Apple Store, you can get a 10 percent discount on a new iPod (like, the $399 iPod Touch).

I guess after 3 years, you can’t expect much return on the $499 investment (did I really pay that much for an iPod Photo?)

There are other sites that pay money or credit for the recycling of their own electronics, like Sony. But I wanted to list sites that accept all brands of electronics.

One other possible option: Locking in the price at the time of purchase. TechForward offers a ‘guaranteed buy back’ program for electronics. You pay a one-time fee to lock in the ‘buy back’ rate.

The fee is anywhere from $20 (for an iPod or digital camera) to $150 (for big TVs). The buy back rate is the same for all products: 50 percent of the purchase price if returned in 6 months, 40 percent between 6 to 12 months, 30 percent between 12 to 18 months and 20 percent for up to 24 months. 

I haven’t tried the program but there is not enough incentive for me. While getting 50 percent back is unheard of, you’ve got to return the product within six months to get that rate. Plus, it must be in good condition and there is the upfront fee. Right now, the service is only offered to TigerDirect.com, CompUSA and Amazon customers plus some local Los Angeles stores.  Still, this could be an option for people who must have the latest and greatest gadget and know that within a few months after purchase, they’ll be upgrading again.

If you have other tips, leave a comment below or e-mail me. 

For those who prefer to donate to a charity and possibly qualify for a tax write-off: 

• Verizon’s HopeLine, accepts cell phones to help victims of domestic violence (not tax-deductible).
• National Christina Foundation - Provides computer technology to people with disabilities and students at risk.
• The Wireless Foundation’s Call to Protect Campaign donates funds to vicitims of domestic violance.

Related green tech stories:

• Guide to recycling e-Waste
• A TV that uses less energy? Vizio unveils the EcoTV
• How much do Energy Star computers save?
• O.C.’s green award winner turns sewer water into drinking water
• Free software to help your PC conserve energy
• Intel’s tips for conserving PC power and saving money
• Tracking the green policies of tech companies
• Whoa! Another reason buy electronics at Costco
• My own list of free tech stuff online
• T-Mobile offering free airline tickets

Post from: Alt+Save with the Gadgetress

11 sites that pay for your old iPod, PC, other electronics

Designer Mina Kwag explains:

The effects of 5 incremental rises in temperature, from +1 to +5°C, and the sea levels corresponding to each temperature rise is represented by thin wave lines. The following items, covered by the surface of the waves, are the predicted effects of those rising temperatures and sea levels.

The ‘Only 1°C Change Can Affect Us’ cup series …is made of eco-friendly ceramic. The cups, by means of the messages printed on them, draw people’s attention to the impact that global warming will have on their daily lives in the future. Also, when the cups are used, we can be satisfied about not using disposable cups made of plastic or paper, and we can also feel good about raising awareness of the problem of disposable cups.

Well now! Simple concept, yes? Cute way to “be green,” right?

But wait!

Does it make sense to create more waste to “raise awareness?”

Designer: Mina Kwag

O2 has just released its Universal Charger in the UK that aims to reduce energy waste by being more efficient. This new product has nearly double the efficiency of a standard cell phone charger, capable of reducing wasted energy by up to 70%. It is also able to conform to energy efficient guidelines of the US Energy Star rating thanks to its power control system. The O2 Universal Charger is available from all of O2's UK stores for £14.99, and when purchased with a new handset, it will be a mere £7.49 - this offer is good till the end of the year. Connection cables are sold separately for £4.99 a pop.

Permalink: O2 Universal Charger Is Energy Efficient from Ubergizmo (US, FR) | Good deals | Hot: Storm Review

As Kevin notes, it might seem nitpicky, but when you compare this to how much Apple boasts on the MacBook's green packaging, it is kind of jarring:

"The new MacBook packaging is up to 41 percent smaller than the previous generation. And smaller boxes are much better for the planet. Because smaller boxes mean we can fit more boxes on each shipping pallet — up to 25 percent more. Which means more products will fit on each boat and plane. Which means fewer boats and planes are used, resulting in fewer CO2 emissions. It’s just one seemingly minor change. But it has a major positive impact on our environment."

Surely they've got a smaller box lying around somewhere. If not, we hope they transition all of their shipping boxes to a greener variation—not just to align them with Apple's own standards and goals, but to set an example for the rest of the industry. [jkOnTheRun]

Toastabags - $9.95

As its name suggests, the Toastabag allows you to cook things in a toaster. Not in every toaster, just the slotted kind that most people have nowadays. All you do is put the ingredients in the bag, pop it down in the toaster and wait.

Toastabags are available from Firebox for $9.95.

Precision Spoon Scale - $24.99

With baking, precision is absolutely vital. Measuring your wet ingredients and your dry ingredients with our new ultra-precise spoon scale. With two spoons included, you can scoop out just the right amount of sugar, or even 10-1 grams of salt! To get this level of precision, you’d normally need a separate scale, but we’ve combined two immensely useful kitchen gadgets into one, and we love dual-use devices in the kitchen!

The Precision Spoon Scale is available from Think Geek for $24.99.

Rotato Express - $29.98

Rotato® Express automatically peels potatoes, fruits and other vegetables in seconds. Puts an end to thick peels and waste. Simply skewer potato on bottom spike and lower the top spike. Then, push the button to start peeling – automatically stops when complete. Skin peels off in one continuous piece.

The ROTATO EXPRESS is available from Taylor Gifts for $29.98.

The One Touch Spice Grinder - $39.95

This is the electric spice mill that grinds whole spices at a touch of the lid, producing freshly ground spices without the laborious manual efforts required with a mortar and pestle. The device allows you to always cook with the freshest possible spices, ensuring better flavor and aroma than pre-ground spices that quickly lose their potency.

The one touch spice grinder is available from Hammacher for $39.95.

Digital Thermometer Pan - $49.99

Happily, one enterprising cooking geek put a thermometer right inside the pan, and a readout in the handle. So, now when the recipe calls for “medium-high heat”, and the pan reads “400 degrees F”, and your traditional Oaxacan Platanos Asados come out just right, you can mark down in the margins the precise temperature, and get it right every single time. Science - it’s all about being able to duplicate results.

The Digital Thermometer Pan is available from Think Geek for $49.99.

Darth Vader Toaster - $54.99

If there’s something every Sith Lord knows how to do it’s make a balanced breakfast. While the Jedi have to live off of Jawa juice and fried nerfsteak, the Dark Lord of the Sith prefers to have a reminder of his fiery Mustafar defeat at his breakfast table. Every morning he burns that moment into a slice of bread with the Darth Vader Toaster. This black, ominous kitchen appliance easily leaves the mark of Vader’s helmet in every yummy piece of toast.

The Darth Vader Toaster is available from The Star Wars Shop for $54.99.

Under Cabinet Kitchen Clock Radio

Sony’s ICF-CDK70 Under Cabinet Kitchen Clock Radio with CD-Changer makes working in the kitchen a lot more fun. Pop in 3 CDs and listen as you cook, clean, or just hang out in everyone’s favorite room. It also plays music from your digital music player or 20 preset radio stations. For added convenience, the supplied remote control is magnetic, making it perfect for the refrigerator door. Additionally, a built-in cook timer allows you to keep an eye on your culinary creations.

The Under Cabinet Kitchen Clock Radio is available from Amazon for $63.

Voice Recognition Grocery List Organizer - $149.95

This is the voice activated grocery list organizer that comes pre-loaded with over 2,500 food, beverage, household, beauty, and office items, and recognizes words as specific as swordfish, emory boards, and lawn bags, allowing you to store and print shopping lists simply by speaking the name of the item.

The Voice Recognition Grocery List Organizer is available from Hammacher $149.95 for .

Bean Grinding Espresso Maker - $1,449.95

his is the world’s most advanced espresso maker. Manufactured in Mantua, Italy, it produces 15 bars of pressure, which is 15 times greater than atmospheric pressure and double the amount found in lesser espresso makers, creating maximum coffee flavor and topping every espresso with a perfect crema, the caramel-colored signature of the finest Italian espresso. Unlike conventional espresso machines that grind beans and store them in a chamber where they oxidize and lose flavor before they enter the brewing system, this machine uses a direct grind-to-brew system that immediately brews the beans you grind into the espresso you are about to drink, creating the freshest possible flavor.

The Bean Grinding Espresso Maker is available from Hammacher for $1,499.95.

If none of the above tickle your fancy check out all the kitchen gadget departments at Think Geek, Hammacher or Taylor Gifts.