Shoe gadget tracks performance
— -- This weekly roundup takes a look at the practical and sometimes quirky aspects of tech products.
How fast can you sprint down the soccer field? Adidas' miCoach Speed_Cell can tell you.
Shoe gadget tracks performance
Designed to work with specially designed Adidas shoes, the gadget fits inside a cavity on the shoe's outer sole. As you run, it measures your speed, distance and time, even when you change directions.
Designed to monitor athletes playing a variety of sports, it can help you track your average speed, your maximum speed, and can count the steps and strides you take. The data can be wirelessly transferred to a computer, cell phone or tablet.
When the gadget debuts in December, it will work with the adizero F50 soccer shoe and select running shoes. Compatible shoes for other sports, including basketball, football and tennis, are in the works. The miCoach SPEED_Cell will cost about $70. A package with the adizero F50 soccer shoe and the Speed_Cell goes for about $300.
www.shopadidas.com, www.micoach.com
'Desktop' fits on nightstand
A desktop computer doesn't have to take up the whole desk. Consider Acer's new line of all-in-one desktop computers, the Veriton Z Series. Although not compact enough to stuff in a backpack, each computer in the series is small enough to move from room to room.
Details vary according to the configuration and price. For example, the VZ2620G-Ui52400W model includes a 2.50-gigahertz Intel Core processor, four gigabytes of memory, two memory slots, a 500-GB hard drive, six USB ports, a multi-card reader and built-in high-def audio. Priced at about $850, it has a 20-inch widescreen LED monitor.
www.acer.com
'Organizer' charges gadgets
The PowerSlice from Fuse can keep your gadgets organized and ready to go. With the round charging base and four optional pizza-like slices, the universal charger can handle up to four gadgets - including smartphones, portable gaming systems, digital cameras and e-readers - at the same time.
The universal charger base unit with a built-in USB port costs about $45. Individual slices with charging tips for different gadgets are $10 each. A bundle with a charger and two slices for the iPhone and iPod is $50.
www.fuseplusyou.com
Device responds to emergencies
Want an extra bit of security for yourself or someone you love? A gadget from GreatCall could ease your worries.
Small enough to clip to a backpack or keychain, the 5Star Responder Device lets you signal for help with just one touch. Press the device's button once and it will connect you with a response agent. Continue holding the button and it will dial a 911 operator.
It also has a GPS tracking system that lets you keep track of a user's locale, or in an emergency, helps first responders find the person. Available in black or silver, the device costs $50. The service costs $15 a month plus a $35 activation fee.
www.greatcall.com
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