Gadgettes, the blog

What used to be romantic tends to be seen as just plain creepy these days. And quite possibly somewhat stalker-ish too. So of course, we do what we always do when it comes to gadgets and accessories that have the potential of abuse...we mock them endlessly.

EPISODE 124

Wii Fit for Valentine’s Day: It’s ok. Really.

10 Valentine’s Day gifts to get you dumped

Valentine’s Day gifts for the geeky girl

USB Plasma Heart spectacularly displays your love

Nokia Cupid - the anonymous way to say “I want you”

Blow a Valentine’s kiss with your iPhone

I got the Wii Fit for Valentine's Day. And yes, I know that the Wii Fit is verboten as a Valentine's Day gift, and is in the same category as like, sugar-free candy or the 30 Day Shred DVD (which, by the way, is a fat-burning miracle). But here's the thing: my husband isn't trying to tell me I'm fat. He just knows I want a Wii fit. Therefore, I am happy that I got a Wii Fit. It's fun. Can we please, ladies with geek leanings, please try to get the message out there that fun is fun, and the Wii Fit is fun, and not some sort of insult that just shows how men just do not understand?

OK, maybe it's not the top Valentine's Day gift idea for the general population (I've got a long history of getting practical, geeky gifts for V-Day, like a VCR and, one year, a self-scooping litter box--it's kind of our thing). But I've seen hints that women are planning to get offended by receiving the Wii Fit for Christmas or birthdays, too. That's just silly. If you're not in an emotionally unhealthy relationship, like the kind where your significant other mocks your weight or otherwise belittles your appearance, then what's wrong with bringing a little Wii Fit into your lives? It's fun, it's a good little gateway drug to overall health and fitness, and if you want it, you should be happy to receive it, whatever the occasion. Odds are that your husband just loves you and wants to get you something that's fun and good for you and a little more original than a heart-shaped necklace from Kay Jewelers (ew). Odds are, too, that he went to quite a lot of trouble to find one of the damn things, especially one that doesn't come as an overpriced bundle. Just say thanks, open it up, and try to see who can dodge more flying panda heads. It's surprisingly romantic.

We fully admit that we are all, at heart, nerds. But this episode is dedicated to that special kind of nerd. The kind that you find yourself turning to your friend to whisper into their ear "OMG nerd alert!"

Episode 123

Nerd pickup lines meme on Twitter

Erykah Badu twitters while giving birth

Star Trek communicator actually communicates via VoIP

Klingon Keyboard: for serious Trekkies only

Ice Invaders

Rubiks reincarnated: Cubed is out, curvaceous is in

For grammar nerds: Scrabble keyboard

College-ruled tea towel

Forbes just put out another of those crazy lists where it proposes to identify the top Web celebrities--following a recent spate of other lists of top Tweeters and talkers and Web-famous types. And while we don't dispute the attractiveness of doing stupid lists to get people to look at your content (see: CNET Top 5), it could be said that the Web 2.0 elite is getting, well, nauseatingly self-congratulatory.

So, Tom Merritt and I decided to make our own list of influential people on the Web. These are some, but only some, of the top CNET TV fans who have, over the past few years, helped build our podcasts and videos from lonely little broadcasts to full-fledged, incredible communities--families, even. Without them, we've got nothing. Which is to say, these are most definitively the top 25 most influential people on the Web.

This time of year, most men are thinking the same thing: another Valentine's Day, another overpriced necklace. Well, gentlemen, us girls are tired of the same old bling, so it's time you ditch the Tiffany's box and get us a gift that's as geeky as we are.

1. Juicy Couture Heart USB Drive. Even though your girl is a little geeky, it doesn't mean she can't be fashionable, too. For $65, you get a measly 1GB of storage, but everyone knows you have to pay a price for fashion. Bonus: it comes gift-boxed!

2. HP Vivienne Tam Netbook. We love this red, pink, and purple Netbook at CNET, and your valentine will too. It has an ultra-comfortable keyboard, and a 10-inch screen. Be careful, though--it may just be the new love of her life.

3. Chocomiis. Are you more of the traditional type? Well, you can still gift her with chocolates, but these ones have a twist: chocolate Wii avatars. This may be the geekiest Valentine's Day gift yet, because it also comes in a box that looks like the Nintendo Wii.

(Credit: Paul Pepe Designs)

4. Nintendo DS accessory pack. This is when I wish I still had my Nintendo DS. The set comes with a flashy rhinestone case, a pink stylus, and an earbud case that doubles as a compact mirror--just to make sure she looks good while she plays. Not into the whole set? You can order just the case from Amazon.com.

5. Elecom jeweled earbuds. If you'd still like to give her jewels this year, try these heart-shaped, rhinestone earbuds. They're a great substitution for those boring iPod buds, and she'll be thinking of you every time she puts those little hearts in her ears. They're available in pink, white, and black for $24.95.

Wi-Fi paint? Bust warmer? Face slimming mask? Bandai telling women how to understand men? Why, that's just crazy talk! The Gadgettes are back in the saddle again, and this time, they ain't going anywhere anytime soon.

EPISODE 122

My new toy! The Nespresso Essenza Automatic Espresso and Coffeemakers with Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother!

Perfect Pod Maker

Made-in-Japan Wi-Fi blocking paint

British Airways to allow in-flight texting

Computer newbs kick QWERTY to the curb

Thanko’s new plug-in bust warmer… whatever next?

Bandai helps women understand men

Japanese face slimmer will definitely not work as advertised

This show starts out as the Recycle, Reduce, Re-Use Episode. Shortly into the show, we realize how poorly thought out a theme that was. Wow, it's been a long break.

EPISODE 121

Pee-powered battery (that technically runs on water or juice too) (Thanks Cianna!)

Sega robo-cat will meow, won’t catch mice

Quit smoking or be forced to wear these clothes made from cigarette butts

Breathalyzer key chain lets you see if you’re drunk while on the highway

Recycled condoms used on hair bands???
Snopes confirms this as legit! ACK!

Facebook spoils the free Whopper fun

Microchip Cufflinks

That's right! You too can own all of the best songs from the critically acclaimed podcast sensation, Gadgettes. Order yours today by calling 1-800-750-2638, or email us at gadgettes@cnet.com. We're waiting patiently for your call, so call NOW!

EPISODE 77

No links today... just a bunch of random clips.

We dug through the depths of the entire year's worth of pre and post show material to bring you a little something extra. A lot of it never made it to the show. That's why we are calling this the Directors Cut of 2008 Volume Two.

We dug through the depths of the entire year's worth of pre and post show material to bring you a little something extra. A lot of it never made it to the show. That's why we are calling this the Directors Cut of 2008 Volume One.