Your school papers, your precious hours of sleep, and your tight deadlines have suffered long enough. Technology is great, but Facebook, Twitter and e-mails on smart phones and other handheld gadgets can get in the way of what needs to be done. Luckily, not all gadgets are distractions waiting to happen. With a little bit of persistence, you can find technology that will truly make your life easier. So that you don't have to waste even more time on the Internet, we have compiled a list of some of the coolest "productivity" gadgets that can make your life easier in the classroom, at the office, and even at home.
Self propelled suit case: This suitcase is great for the business traveler. Although it will not roll along next to you, when you pull out the handle and begin towing, this suit case's wheels automatically move for you. Talk about taking a load off your back!
USB Vacuum: This vacuum is the perfect size for Barbie's Dream House, and it's perfect for your desk, too! This miniature vacuum plugs right into the USB port on your computer and is ideal for zapping up the crumbs from your lunch.
USB-Powered Microwave: Some might categorize this invention as an accessory to laziness. However, when you are working under a tight deadline and you can't take yourself out of the zone; this gadget is perfect for your grumbling stomach. This microwave plugs into your USB port and has the ability to heat up a single-serving item.
USB-Powered Refrigerator: In keeping with the USB theme, this USB-powered refrigerator is genius for saving time spent getting up to quench your thirst. Enjoy lunch with warm soup and a cold drink! The capacity for one drink will ensure that you don't drink enough for bathroom breaks to consume your day either!
8GB Video Watch: Nowadays television goes where you go. This is an understatement for the stainless steel video watch, which allows you to watch episodes and movies from a 1.8 inch screen on your wrist. Beware; this gadget could be more troublesome than new Facebook notifications. How to use this gadget productively: Use the few hours you would spend watching television or your favorite movie to be productive with whatever you need to get done. Then, watch your watch while waiting in the long line at the bank!
Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard: This gadget is great for those lacking proper desk space or for those who spend twice as long trying to type on a sensitive touch-screen. Powered by Bluetooth, this cell phone-sized gadget projects a virtual keyboard on any flat surface, reading your finger movements to document keystrokes.
The SmartShopper: Speak into this handheld gadget to add items to your grocery list throughout the week. Instead of sitting down, trying to think of everything to add to the list, this virtual grocery list adds one item after another at the touch of a button. When it's time to go shopping, a printed, categorized list is ready for you!
Transparent Toaster: You can even save time with your toaster! Everyone has the mornings where the bread in the toaster is forgotten about. Suddenly the smell of burning bread sparks your memory, but it is too late. The toast is black as charcoal and you have to start over. This transparent toaster is exactly what it sounds like, transparent! You can see your toast reach the perfect degree of doneness, just don't walk away and forget about it!
Laser Scissors: Straighten your projects and save time with these handy scissors. Lose the ruler and pencil and forget spending extra time trying to straighten those crooked lines. All you have to do is follow the line projected by the built-in, pin-point laser on the scissors.
Illuminating car slippers: Alright, so maybe this is a stretch of our productivity imagination, but how many times do you get up in the middle of the night and fall over anything and everything because somehow you forgot it was there? The LED lights built into these car slippers are triggered by footsteps and create 30 feet of light. Productivity translation: Get more sleep by lessening the time spent tendering your stubbed toe and feel more awake during the day!
Solar Powered Lawn Mower: Save hours spent on mowing the lawn with this robotic, solar powered lawn mower. This too-good-to-be-true invention mows your lawn after a bit of programming. The hard part is deciding how you are going to spend your gained hours!
As with any technological invention, these gadgets can either help you gain time or waste even more time. The point is not to watch your robotic lawn mower do the work for you for two hours, but to finish those papers, meet those deadlines, and catch up on sleep. Meeting all three criteria will, in the long run, reduce stress that will translate into even more productivity! Now, close the Internet browser and get back to work!
Labels: staying alert and focused
