Hasta La Gadget!

I would suppose that every one of us has an amount of geekery within – the only thing is, just what degree of a geek would that be? The thing about guys is, most of us would want to have our fair share of power tools to play with, and it is always nice to fantasize that we can be a MacGuyver to a damsel in distress out there from one time to another. If you have ever wished to carry a load of tools right in your pocket without having it look to sport an unsightly bulge, then chances are the $19.99 Get-A-Way Driver Pocket Tool would be just the ticket.

It is able to carry tons of functions on a small tool, and is great for around-the-house or on-the-go folks, sporting dozens of everyday uses. You can use it as a screwdriver with four standard flat and Phillips hex bits, and it also doubles up as an angle driver, not to mention being a push-button LED flashlight when you need to hunt down zombies in your basement, while opening up oxygen bottles when the need arises. Tipping the scales at under two ounces, if there is a portable tool you’ve ever wanted, this is it.

[ Get-A-Way Driver Pocket Tool copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Apple has confirmed that it will be livestreaming its special iPad mini event via its website, though you’ll need an Apple device in order to actually watch it. The livestreamed video will kick off at 10AM PT (1PM ET), though according to the site it will only be available to those running Safari either on OS X or iOS, or with an Apple TV.

If you’re looking to watch on a Mac, you’ll need Safari 4 or later and to be running OS X v10.6 or above. On an iOS device such as an iPhone or iPad, however, you’ll need iOS 4.2 or later. Apple TV access demands either a second- or third-generation box, running software 5.0.2 or later.

Streaming events is a rare decision for Apple, which normally waits until after the show has been completed to post a full, edited video of the whole thing. It’s unclear whether this will be the status quo moving forward, or another one-off.

Believed to be on the agenda today is the new iPad mini, with a 7.85-inch display, and a 13-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display. It’s also expected to feature an updated Mac mini and iMac, as well as new software.

Apple iPad mini event to be livestreamed (but only if you’re an Apple user) is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Would you spend $13 on a pair of rubber slippers that start to rot away the second you open the packaging? It’s a feature most people would like to see on those aesthetically-challenged Crocs, but the O1Ms are from a Spanish company called One Moment and are made from a soft vegetable-based plastic that will completely biodegrade in just six months. More »

Apple’s iPad Mini is right around the corner, and as expected, just about everyone is talking about the tablet. What’s more, the device isn’t even on store shelves, but a host of people are saying that they plan to buy the tablet. It’s a fascinating thing. And it speaks to Apple’s ability to attract customers.

But for all of the other people on the fence about the iPad Mini, trying to decide whether to buy the tablet isn’t so simple. Those folks want to see what kind of features the tablet will come with before they make a decision. And chief among those elements in decision-making is the price.

And price is precisely the feature I want to dig into.

For years now, Apple has been offering products that are substantially more expensive than those that its competitors sell. But the iPad Mini is different. The tablet is cheaper than the high-end iPad and other top-of-the-line products. Price is now more of a consideration for Apple. Before, it knew it could offer its tablet at whatever price it’s wanted and moved on. Now, though, it has to find the proper balance.

So, what might that proper balance be? Furthermore, at what price does the iPad Mini become an absolute must-have?

It’s tough to say. But value comes down to price and features. And if the rumors are true, Apple’s tablet will come with a host of features that customers will like, including a 7.85-inch display and solid design. So, from a features perspective, it’ll be hard for customers to put the device down.

But will $400 strike the right value balance to make customers want to buy the top-of-the-line iPad Mini without thinking twice? Some might say yes, since the device is still notably cheaper than its bigger counterpart. However, it’s worth noting that $400 is far more expensive than the Nexus 7, which starts at $199.

So, perhaps the best iPad Mini version would be better at $350. If Apple delivers on the rumors, the company’s product will be much better than those from other vendors. And at just $100 over the Nexus 7’s best model, it seems like prime real estate for Apple.

“There is no chance that Apple will offer its best iPad mini for less than $350”

Chances are, there is no chance that Apple will offer its best iPad Mini for less than $350. As history has shown, Apple likes to price its products higher and make the point that it believes customers will need to pay a premium for the right to have its products.

The question is, will $350 for the top iPad Mini be the right price point for consumers to want to jump at buying the device?

Remember: the iPad Mini is a complement to what’s out there now. If the rumors are true, the iPad Mini will not be able to compete with the better tablets on store shelves. So, Apple will have to deliver something awfully special to make its iPad Mini a worthwhile choice for everyone – current iPad owners and new entrants to the tablet space.

As for me? I’m not sure at what price the iPad Mini would be a must-buy. But I can say for sure there’s one for everyone. And that’s probably why the iPad Mini will come in so many different configurations.

Once again, Apple might just find a way to make the iPad Mini a must-have for everyone.

SlashGear is liveblogging the whole Apple event today – join us at 10AM PT (1PM ET) at live.slashgear.com for all the news!

At What Price Is the iPad Mini A Must-Have? is written by Don Reisinger & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

OK, so the tangle of wires behind my desk is getting pretty ridiculous. Luckily, I’ve got it confined in a corner, so it’s not going to take over my place any time soon, but something like Unlace might just banish the cable squid to Davy Jones’ Locker forever.

Unlaces are designed to manage your excess cable with ease. The colorful, rubbery, and twistable lace will allow you to neatly bundle  cords, cables, and any other loose ends. They are made out of reusable silicone material, and look like colorful shoelaces. Unlaces will be available in 5″ and 10″ varieties.

You’ll have to pledge $20(USD) on Kickstarter to get a set of four 5″ Unlaces. $33 buys you eight of the 5″, while $40 or more gets you as set of eight 10″ Unlaces. With $9,860 pledged of a $10,000-goal, and 25 days of funding left, the project will surely be fully funded.

[via Ubergizmo]