Category: Gadgets

The word “Hoverboard” has come under a lot of scrutiny lately, and all from a product that neither hovers nor is really a board. The name should conjure up a skateboard-like device that lets you ride without wheels or other connection with the ground. You should actually be able to “hover”.

Well, at least one hoverboard really does exist, and this is it. The ArcaBoard manages to let you hoverboard properly, and it is for sale. But the price may prove to be a bit of a killjoy, at least for now. The device sells for around $20,000, but how can you put a price on that kind of joy.

The device is 57 inches wide x 30 inches across (145cm x 76cm), and is powered by 72 lithium-polymer batteries, which provide just over 200 kilowatts of power. The hoverboard is designed with a weight limit of 180 lbs for a total run time of 6 minutes. It can be configured to support heavier riders, but the run time drops accordingly.

If this run time isn’t enough for you, you may want the super fast charging system for an additional $4.5k. This will top off the batteries in 35 minutes instead of the standard 6 hour charge time.

While the technology probably isn’t all there just yet, it’s good to see that the product does actually exist. From here we just have to see the improved versions, until hoverboard ownership is actually practical. Until then, the ArcaBoard looks like a fun alternative, assuming you don’t mind paying the early adopter premium.

Smartwatches – they are the newest popular gadget on the market. And consequently there are many types of smartwatches, all with differing capabilities and compatibility. In fact, with 70+ models to choose from, making an informed decision at this time could be a frustrating exercise.

Well, let’s make it a bit easier. The infographic below is a handy chart, comparing price, compatibility, and capability for all popular smartwatches currently on the market. Of course I do have a favorite or two, but I won’t say anything since it may (or probably not) influence you decisions.

via MightySkins

Every once in  a while an idea for a product comes along that we wonder why this hasn’t been the standard way of doing things all along. This is the case with the “Bottoms Up Peanut Butter” jar.

Seriously, why would one want to fish around for the last of the peanut butter, when you could just open the other end and dig into it. Peanut Butter is far too valuable a resource to waste it on knuckles that scrape against the edges of the jar.

Now, we have written about a similar design before on NerdBeach, but the story behind this idea makes it even better. Back in 2007, 9 year old Bella Prieto was making a snack on toast when she got the idea. The concept caught on, and soon Bella was featured on The Ellen Degeneres Show honoring young inventors. Bella was even credited with a patent publication on October 30, 2008, after first having a provisional patent the year before. Kudos, Bella!

Now, here we are, 8 years later, and we are still digging in the vast dark corners of the jar to get to the last of the peanut butter. Bella, thanks for showing us the way, but now we need manufacturers to deliver the goods. That is, unless they are trying to sell more peanut butter by not having easy access to the bottom of the jar. I think I will boycott peanut butter until they give us a better container.

Okay, in all honesty I won’t be boycotting peanut butter any time soon. And I don’t want anyone else to either, since it might interrupt the flow of the spice from Arrakis peanut butter. But I do know that there is a better way. And Bella, I hope you are still inventing – modern life needs minds that look beyond the ordinary.