iPhone speaker goes retro

Feeling nostalgic for the 1980s? This retro speaker for iPhones looks just like my first portable tape recorder.

The compartment that used to hold a cassette tape has been redesigned to holds an iPhone 4/4S or 5. Those buttons on the front are real. They control the Play, Forward and Reverse functions as well as Record. And, the handle slides out for easy carrying!

The speaker is called the iRecorder. It's built by ThumbsUp and you can find it selling for $50 at Fancy.com.

By: Ric Manning On 11/21/2013

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Gizmo's gift to you: Best Buy discount coupons

When the Gizmo Guy goes holiday shopping, he's almost always looking for gadgets and gear and that means you'll likely find him at Best Buy. That's especially true this year when I'll be armed with a couple of special holiday discount coupons. Check the links below to get yours.

Why do I like Best Buy? Other stores sell consumer electronics, but in my area, the blue box is the one place where you can compare a wide variety of brands models and prices. Take mobile phones, for example. At Best Buy, you can see and try all of the phones, carriers, plans and accessories in one place.

The same goes for tablets, computers and game consoles. I expect Best Buy will be blowing up with he new Xbox and PlayStation consoles and the hottest new games.

And this year, Best Buy says it will have more than 100 products that will only be available only through Best Buy, in stores or online at the Best Buy Gift Center. Best Buy has a low price guarantee, so you won't get buyer's remorse if you see a product advertised later at a lower price. Shoppers who prefer browsing online can have free store pick up. And there's always the gift card route to let friends and family get what they want.

Jawbone's UP

I've never had the need to consult the Genius Bar in the local Apple store, but I have used Best Buy's Geek Squad when I needed a second hard drive for my portable computer. The geek who helped me was knowledgeable and helpful. He gave me quality advice and didn't seem to be simply trying to sell me more stuff.

Now, about those coupons. This one will let you snag you 15% off on health and fitness gear like the Fitbit Flex or Jawbone's UP wristbands. It also works with gifts for kids from Fisher-Price or Mattel.

This coupon will get you 10% off headphones and portable speakers, like the Ultimate Ears that wrote about a couple of weeks ago. The coupons are good in stores or at BestBuy.com between Dec. 1 and Jan. 18.

Note: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

By: Ric Manning On 11/18/2013

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Coin aims to replace a stack of credit cards

I'm ready for Coin, the all-in-one electronic credit card. The gadget emerged from a California start-up incubator yesterday and quickly hit its target of raising $50,000 from pre-orders.

Coin is not a coin at all. It's a plastic card that's the size of a credit card. Working with an Apple or Android smartphone, it stores the details about multiple credit and debit cards. Once it's loaded, you can leave your cards at home and pay with the Coin.

A built-in display lets you choose which account to use - your home debit card, your business credit card, or your favorite loyalty card. The device works with card swipe readers and ATMs.

That convenience will cost you $100 when Coin begins selling the cards sometime next year. For now, you can order one for $50 Onlycoin.com.

Here's the company's video:

By: Ric Manning On 11/15/2013

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