Oh! Gizmo

By Luke Anderson

Have you ever wondered how much time you’ve got left on this planet? While that may seem like a deep question, here’s something else for you to think about. How long does this planet have? While no one knows exactly how long it’s got, the guesstimate is around 5 billion years. (around the time our sun blows up) That seems like a long time to keep track of, so why not have a clock that counts down to doomsday for you?

This Big Crunch Clock has been running since 2005, and is slowly counting down to the day the world dies. It runs off of solar energy, which should provide all of the power it needs for many years to come. When you think about it, it’s kind of ironic that it gets its power from the same sun that will likely one day destroy the Earth.

[ Gianni Motti ] VIA [ TechnaBob ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Here’s more proof that a useful gadget doesn’t necessarily have to be high-tech. The TaskWatch Whiteboard from Art. Lebedev Studio (yes, the same people who make the Optimus Maximus keyboard) is basically your standard whiteboard but with the addition of a traditional analog clock in the center.

Using regular whiteboard markers you can not only use the board for brainstorming and jotting down ideas, but you can also keep track of when you’re expected to deliver said ideas to the boss. The company is currently selling a 90×60cm version on its online store but in true Art. Lebedev Studio style the TaskWatch will cost you $202.70! I know whiteboards aren’t cheap, but you’re probably better off to just pick one up from Staples, drill a hole and install a simple clock kit yourself.

[ TaskWatch Whiteboard ] VIA [ Cribcandy ]

By Andrew Liszewski

Like the 360 and the PS3, the Wii managed to finally lose the wires when it came to the controllers. (Well, most of them.) But unfortunately the stock sensor bar was still tethered to the console with an annoying cable. Not surprisingly, third-party wireless replacements were soon available like this one from CYBER Gadget. But unlike other third-party sensor bars, this one manages to raise the stakes by including a digital clock!

While I originally thought it was just a novelty feature, I realized my entertainment center has been devoid of a visible clock since the VCR moved to closet-land. So a wireless sensor bar that could also display the time would actually be a welcome addition. It’s just too bad it takes 4 AAA batteries to run. (It can still be plugged in if you care more about the clock than the wireless functionality.) You can find it on the CYBER Gadget website for about $18.

[ CYBER Gadget 2Way Sensor Bar ] VIA [ ALBOTAS ]

By Andrew Liszewski

I feel sorry for the kid who gets stuck practicing the trumpet alongside this thing. Not only are they forced to learn an instrument, but they’re also being forced to learn time management skills. Goodbye childhood, hello paper route. Of course through the eyes of a parent, the Time Tracker probably seems like the perfect way to keep kids ‘on track.’ There are three sections that can be programmed to light up after specific time intervals, as well as six sound effects that can be used to indicate when time is running out. If anything, the Time Tracker at least puts an end to the “I didn’t know” excuse, since it looks pretty hard to misinterpret.

You can find it on the Learning Resources website for $38.95.

[ Time Tracker ] VIA [ GadgetGrid ]