Switched

Sex Toy or Gadget?

Chris Morris — Tue, 04 May 2010 12:40:00 EST

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

I.

J.

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Sex Toy or Gadget? originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 04 May 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sex Toy or Gadget?

Chris Morris — Tue, 04 May 2010 12:40:00 EST

A. Je Joue SaSi

VERDICT: Sex toy

The SaSi might look more like a mouse than a sex toy, but it actually has more in common with a computer than a peripheral. The device learns the movements its users enjoy most, and remembers them for future sessions. It's designed to fit in the palm of your hand, giving you the ability to quickly switch from vibrations to pulsations and more. (Price: $150)

B. Candeloo

VERDICT: Gadget

Its twin ears might look like the famous "Rabbit" from 'Sex and the City,' but the Candleloo is actually a gadget for kids, acting as both plaything and portable nightlight. Manufacturer Vessel has a habit of making uniquely designed products that stand out from the competition. (Price: $39)

C. Mypressi Twist

VERDICT: Gadget.

You'll get a buzz from the Twist, but it will come from caffeine, not any motorized units. The device is unlike any other coffee maker on the market, as it uses nitrous oxide cartridges and a pneumatic engine to quickly make a pretty good cup of joe, no matter where you happen to be. (Price: $169)

D. Lelo Nea

VERDICT: Sex toy

Lelo was one of the first companies to move sex toys miles away from the bullet design. Its Nea product is built to fit comfortably in small hands, but it's still powerful, with five different stimulation modes and a discreet, porcelain-like finish. (Price: $89)

E. PlayStation 3 Move Controller

VERDICT: Gadget

Go ahead. Make the jokes. Sony's heard them all. The design of the Move controller has creatively been likened to a sex toy with a ping-pong ball glued to the tip. This funny looking gizmo, though, will introduce a new way to play PlayStation 3 games when it comes out later this year. (Price: TBD, but under $100)

F. JimmyJane Form 2

VERDICT: Sex toy

With its docking station and seamless design, this sex toy could easily be mistaken for a wireless signal extender. In reality, it's one of the most powerful adult novelties on the market, with two motors, five power levels and four modes. Design was key to the company, though, which brought aboard Yves Béhar (designer of the Jawbone Bluetooth headset and the Slingbox) for the product. (Price: $135)

G. Logitech MX Air Mouse

VERDICT: Gadget

The space-age design of this peripheral is a bit different that most mice, but, then again, so is its functionality. The MX Air doesn't require a surface to navigate your desktop. Just wave it in the air. Designed with media controls in mind, it's particularly useful when you're playing music on your PC. (Price: $150)

H. RealTouch

VERDICT: Sex toy

Sex toys for men are still pretty rare things. RealTouch is hoping to open up the market with this device, which was made by a former NASA engineer and uses haptic technology to simulate the feel of sex. Unlike some of the other adult novelties in this quiz, though, this isn't one that you could easily leave out in the open without people intuiting its purpose. (Price: $200)

I. Tria Beauty Clarifying Blue Light

VERDICT: Gadget

If you guessed sex toy for this acne fighting treatment, you're in good company, at least. 'Real Housewives of New York City' star Kelly Bensimon made the same mistake at an event earlier this month, according to the New York Post. The system uses blue light and a foam cleanser to clear up skin blemishes. But its unusual design is vastly different from those of other acne fighters on the market today. (Price: $395)

J. nJoy PureWand

VERDICT: Sex toy

nJoy casts all of its creations in 316-grade stainless steel (the same used in fine watches and hip replacements), and the PureWand is polished to a mirror finish. The quality of industrial design is a rarity in the sex toy industry, but has made the company popular with consumers. (Price: $110)

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Sex Toy or Gadget?

Chris Morris — Tue, 04 May 2010 12:40:00 EST

Spurred on by Apple's rethinking of how a computer should look and act, several new companies have launched pleasure items that aren't as obvious as the adult novelties of bygone days. What this means, of course, is that clean, minimalistic design has infiltrated all sectors. The pleasure objects of yore have lost their flesh tones and garish neon hues, because, honestly, no one wants those things on their nightstand. Thanks to attractive, sleek aesthetics, it's now sometimes hard to tell the difference between sex tech and gadget tech. Can you?

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New Security Concerns Floating Around in Cloud Computing

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:25:00 EST

While cloud computing might be one of the hottest trends in tech these days, it's not without risks. Both consumers and businesses face hazards that most proponents have been reluctant to discuss.

Think of the cloud as a central supercomputer that stores both data and applications. Instead of having to spend thousands on state-of-the-art hardware and graphics cards, you can hook into this machine via the Internet, both accessing programs and storing your files with no space limitations. It's not without risks, though.

"It feels like we're starting security all over again with the cloud," says Chris Drake, CEO and founder of FireHost, Inc., a secure Web hosting company. "The cloud has knocked us back to the stone age of security." Don't misunderstand, though; no one is saying that other forms of Web hosting are flawless. But, when your personal data is being held in the same location as thousands of other people's, it's an inviting target for hackers, and a security breach can have much more profound implications. The ultimate security of the cloud really depends on who's the watchdog. Bigger services, such as Google and Amazon.com, have many layers of security and are considered more reputable. But that's not always the case with smaller providers.

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Filed under: Computers, Editor's Picks

New Security Concerns Floating Around in Cloud Computing originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PopCap Games Explores the Future of Mobile Gaming

Chris Morris — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST

In February, PopCap Games introduced a version of its popular castle defense game, 'Plants vs. Zombies,' to the iPhone. The lure of pea pods battling the undead proved impossible for people to resist, and, within nine days, the game had set a sales record on the device -- selling over 300,000 copies and pulling in over $1 million.

PopCap is a game maker with its fingers in several pies -- including the PC, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS and more -- but mobile gaming is becoming increasingly important to the company. The mobile team is currently working on between 20 and 25 projects, most of which are expected to be released before the end of the year.

While many big game publishers have downplayed the revenue potential of iPhone apps (and those for other smartphones) because of the lower retail price of the games, PopCap says it has found the platform quite lucrative. Andrew Stein, director of mobile business development for the company, says the sector currently makes up 25-percent of PopCap's revenue. "Historically, it has been one of the fastest growing areas," he says. "And I think portable experiences will continue to grow as a percentage of the company's revenue."

Gallery: PopCap Games

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Filed under: Cell Phones, Video Games

PopCap Games Explores the Future of Mobile Gaming originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Social Gaming Surprise: 'FarmVille' Is Blowing 'GTA' Away

Chris Morris — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:21:00 EST

Every month, roughly 100 million people log into Facebook to tend their virtual farms in 'FarmVille,' or to wage virtual war against their mob enemies in 'Mafia Wars.' To put things in perspective, those numbers roughly equal the populations of France and Canada combined. Anyone who tells you that social gaming is a flash in the pan is wrong... dead wrong. So now, the video game industry is scrambling to catch up.

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Filed under: Video Games, Web, Social Networking

The Social Gaming Surprise: 'FarmVille' Is Blowing 'GTA' Away originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to Get a Job as a Game Tester

Chris Morris — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST

It sounds like the ultimate gig: making a living by playing video games all day. And if you're a true game fanatic -- and we mean a real fanatic -- it can be exactly that. But being a quality assurance tester for a video game company isn't always the nerd-vana it sounds like.

Sony's offering a select group of wannabes a chance at the job via 'The Tester' -- a new reality show being broadcast exclusively through the PlayStation Network. If you don't want to suffer the indignities that go along with that programming genre, though, you can always try to get the job the old-fashioned way. Switched.com reached out to a few folks in the video game industry to learn more about being a game tester and the best ways to become one.

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Filed under: Video Games, Advice

How to Get a Job as a Game Tester originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook's at It Again: More Changes, More Grumbling

Chris Morris — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST

Facebook is the Heidi Montag of the Internet. Just when you get used to one look, it undergoes some radical plastic surgery and changes everything. The latest incarnation of the social network has got users talking -- and they don't have a lot of nice things to say. Some call it slower. Others say it's cluttered. And lots of people seem to wonder where their status-update feeds went. Backlash against Facebook redesigns is a regular occurrence, of course, but this time some of the complaints seem legitimate.

Rolled out on the site's sixth anniversary, the redesign uses links along the left-hand side of the page to improve the visibility of commonly used features, like pictures and applications. It's also much easier to see which friends are online and available to chat. And new messages, requests and notifications now show at the top left of the screen -- making them more noticeable, at least in theory. But as is common with any major redesign, things haven't gone as smoothly as everyone would hope. "Dear Facebook," wrote user Chris Donahue in his status update. "Thank you for making what used to be the simplest tasks on your site infinitely more complicated."

Gallery: Facebook Design Changes

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Filed under: Web, Social Networking

Facebook's at It Again: More Changes, More Grumbling originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook's Biggest Year: The Events and Changes That Defined 2009

Chris Morris — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST

Whatever 2010 holds for Facebook, it's going to have a hard time competing with 2009. The social networking site truly exploded into the mainstream this year -- and suffered some growing pains along the way. As the new year approaches, we take a look at some of the biggest Facebook moments of 2009, and how those instances defined the way the '00s will be remembered. Read on.

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Filed under: Web, Social Networking

Facebook's Biggest Year: The Events and Changes That Defined 2009 originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's the Best Networked Storage Device Under $250?

Chris Morris — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:10:00 EST

A reader writes: I want an easy way to back up my computer's data -- but I would also like to be able to access it securely when I'm on the road. I've heard a lot of talk about cloud computing, but I'm wary of moving my files to a third-party machine. I'd prefer something I can hook into my home network and know will always be there. Just tell me what to get!

There are literally hundreds of backup and storage options out there. Many cater to the tech elite, but a growing number are being built for less experienced users. Among the best of the latter type is Netgear's Stora. With substantial storage space, multiple backup options, and secure file sharing, this home media server lets you protect important files, as well as share pictures and movies with friends and family.

Continue reading What's the Best Networked Storage Device Under $250?

Filed under: Computers, Editor's Picks

What's the Best Networked Storage Device Under $250? originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What's the Best Super Portable Laptop Under $500?

Chris Morris — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:48:00 EST

A reader writes: I've decided to get a secondary computer and want to keep it cheap -- but there are so many netbooks and low-priced notebooks on the market that I don't know where to start. I want something reasonably powerful and comfortable to work with. Just tell me what to get!

Dearest Reader: You're hardly alone in your confusion. While the netbook is red-hot this year and being touted as the "next great thing," new processors from Intel -- dubbed CULV for Consumer Ultra Low Voltage -- have brought ultra-slim, fully featured notebooks, with all-day battery life, down to the same price as a good netbook. Plenty of decent options are available for under $500, but you'd be hard pressed to find a deal that tops Toshiba's T-115, packed with two gigabytes of memory and 250 gigabytes of storage.

What separates the T-115 from a similarly priced netbook is its power. Rather than running Intel's Atom processor, which is adequate for light use (but buckles under even moderately demanding tasks), the T-115 relies on the Celeron, meaning you're able to have multiple windows open without lag and watch YouTube videos stutter-free. Also, if you aren't an inordinate multi-tasker, the T-115 can run for seven hours or more -- significantly longer than most netbooks. (The Web site boasts a nine-hour plus battery life, but that's under ideal -- not real world -- conditions.)

Continue reading What's the Best Super Portable Laptop Under $500?

Filed under: Editor's Picks, Laptops

What's the Best Super Portable Laptop Under $500? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 10 Most Annoying Things About Facebook

Chris Morris — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST

Sure, Facebook can be a lot of fun. It's a great way to reconnect with lost friends and to keep up with people on the fringes of your social circle. And as far as workday distractions go, there's nothing better.

It's hardly a perfect service, though. Minor aggravations add up fast and can drive you nuts. We've combed through the annoyances to find the ten annoyances that bug people the most.

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Filed under: Web, Social Networking

The 10 Most Annoying Things About Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wacky Gifts for the Holidays

Chris Morris — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST

We've all got that person on our list -- the one who's impossible to buy for. They've got everything they need and most of the stuff they want, which makes them a challenge for any gift giver. You could go the gift card route, but it's much more fun to get creative. We dug up 10 of the more unusual gifts around this year for people in all price ranges.

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Filed under: Holiday Gift Guide

Wacky Gifts for the Holidays originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney's 'Epic Mickey' Goes Back to Mischievous Side of Iconic Mascot

Chris Morris — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:34:00 EST

Mickey Mouse is returning to the video game world in a big way. Disney has officially announced 'Epic Mickey,' a new Nintendo Wii game that's aimed at taking the world's most famous mouse back to his roots.

Due in late 2010, the in-game Mickey will be a far cry from the character many people are used to. Instead of the happy-go-lucky mascot, this Mickey will be more akin to the one Walt Disney introduced in the 1920s -- mischievous, and not afraid to get in a fight.

"One of our creative problems [at Disney Interactive] was Mickey Mouse," says Graham Hopper, president of Disney Interactive Studios. "He was one of the most popular characters in the world, but he had never reached his full potential in video games."

Continue reading Disney's 'Epic Mickey' Goes Back to Mischievous Side of Iconic Mascot

Filed under: Video Games, Editor's Picks

Disney's 'Epic Mickey' Goes Back to Mischievous Side of Iconic Mascot originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:57:00 EST

9. If you're a homebody...
Typical subscription plan providers offer networks that extend over the majority of the country, but some prepaid plans focus their coverage on select areas. If yours is one of those areas -- and you don't travel much (or ever) -- it's worth considering going prepaid, especially if you already have a landline. Call quality might be a concern, but doing a little homework can save you a lot.

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:55:00 EST

7. If you travel internationally...
While traditional prepaid phones don't work overseas, you can buy a Go-Sim prepaid SIM card for international trips. (They cost $48 at GoSim.com.) It doesn't work in all countries, but when it does function in your destination, it's a great way to stay in touch with family and costs a lot less than roaming with a US-based subscription plan.

Alternatively, you can buy a local SIM in your country of choice and insert it into your any unlocked GSM phone -- even a high-end one like the HTC Touch Pro 2, for example. Local SIMs can usually be bought at local carrier shops at the airport as soon as you arrive, and usually cost as little as $15 with just a few minutes of calling time (and you can just add more time in $10 or $20 increments).

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:55:00 EST

8. If you're a protective parent (or the child of a protective parent)...
You want to be able to reach your kids at any time -- or have them call you in an emergency, but you don't want them running up a big bill. With prepaid phones, you can have cellular security with minimal expense. $20 per month for Virgin Mobile's 'pay as you go' plan is a better cost for security than $40 and up with Verizon.

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:54:00 EST

2. If you are a cellular hater...
...but still want a phone available when you need it, pre-paid plans are a perfect option, since you can literally pay as you go, rather than add another expense to your monthly bills. If you're a really infrequent user, Boost Mobile offers a pay-as-you go plan that charges just 10 cents per minute for calls.

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:53:00 EST

3. If you don't talk much...

If you have a lot of leftover minutes each month on your current subscription plan and they don't roll over, you could be wasting money -- sometimes a lot of it. For example, Verizon offers a basic plan for $40 per month, giving subscribers 450 minutes -- or 7.5 hours -- of paid talk time per month. If you only use your cell phone for an hour or so each month, you can do better For as little as, say, $6 a month, as on Boost, prepaid plans can save you several hundred dollars per year. And here's the best part: Unused minutes usually rollover to the next month with prepaid plans.

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:53:00 EST

4. If you talk too much....
On the other hand, if you live on your cell, prepaid might still be worth investigating. Prepaid customers average nearly 2,000 voice minutes per month -- twice as much as those on traditional plans. And they pay less for the unlimited calling, all-inclusive programs, which range from $30-$60, depending on your feature needs. Boost's $50/month plan, for example, offers unlimited talk time (local and long distance), walkie-talkie, text messaging (including picture, audio and video), wireless Web, call waiting, voicemail and international texts are free to receive. That's a pretty sweet deal.

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:53:00 EST

5. If you have bad (or no) credit...
Since there is no contract and no credit check with most prepaid plans, they're perfect solutions for people with bad credit scores who still need cell phones. And if, say, you can't afford a month of coverage? Well, with a prepaid plan, it won't show up as an unpaid bill to negatively affecting your credit score.

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:52:00 EST

6. If you're just not into technology and don't care about iPhones...
Plenty of you don't care about the iPhone or other hot smart phones, which means prepaid is a definite option for you. Why? Because none of those hot handsets you don't care about are available with prepaid carriers (without the two-year contract, carriers are reluctant to subsidize the price of these high-end handsets). So, generic 'dumb' phones are the affordable flavor of the day with prepaid plans. Cricket, for instance, offers a $30 refurbished phone with a basic low-resolution camera and the capability to send and receive texts.

That said, prepaid carriers offer some higher end products as well. If you're willing to spend $279, Cricket will sell you a Motorola Evoke QA4, with a touchscreen, 2-megapixel (MP) camera, microSD slot for music playback, Bluetooth and more. (You'll have to pay an extra $15 per month for Web surfing via high-speed 3G as well.)

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:50:00 EST

1. If you're on a budget...

It's hard to argue with the numbers -- a prepaid cell phone will run you less than a traditional plan almost every time. For example, unlimited text and minutes with MetroPCS costs just $40 per month. A similar two-year contract service on Sprint (albeit with a few additional features like GPS, global roaming, and more) will run you $100. Coverage areas generally aren't as good with prepaid plans, though, so if being able to talk anywhere is critical, think twice.

If you want extra features on a prepaid phone, the price begins to creep up. Global text messaging, IM capability and GPS functionality will add $5 per month to your bill. International calling bumps it up another $10. Call forwarding, unlimited directory assistance and ringtone bundles cost extra as well.

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:48:00 EST

10. If you're an infrequent business travelers...
Prepaid's benefits extend beyond voice calls and text messaging as well. A mobile broadband service is an incredibly helpful tool for corporate road warriors, but if you don't travel often, it can be a money waster. Cricket's prepaid mobile broadband costs $20 per month less than a comparable one from Verizon Wireless -- but make sure the coverage is sufficient for your needs (especially internationally).

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Next: 'Which Prepaid Phone Plan Is For You?'

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Who Needs a Prepaid Phone?

Chris Morris — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:02:00 EST

It's hard to keep up with the cell phone market these days. New models hit store shelves seemingly every week, and carriers roll out new contract plans nearly as frequently. Maybe that's why the prepaid cell phone market is growing so rapidly.

Consumers are flocking toward no-contract, unlimited services. At least two prepaid carriers have seen their subscription rates double over the past year -- and now the big companies are rolling out their own prepaid options to retain their existing customers.

You generally won't have to have a credit card or leave deposits with these services, but you will have to buy your own phone, which can run anywhere from $30 to over $300, depending on the service you use and how many bells and whistles you want. In addition, most plans come with activation fees ranging anywhere from $15 to $35.

Prepaid's not for everyone, though. So how do you determine if it's a good fit? To help you figure it out, we've put together a list of the 10 types of situations where prepaid phones make sense. Click on 'Next' below to find out more.

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Filed under: Cell Phones, Advice, Editor's Picks, Mobile Phones

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10 Ways to Spot an E-Mail Scam

Chris Morris — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:24:00 EST

The increasing flood of e-mail hitting your inbox can lower the guard of even the most cautious person. In the rush to keep up with important notes, it's easier than ever to fall prey to the scam artists and identity thieves who lurk online.

E-mail scams and phishing attempts evolve constantly, hoping to take advantage of the latest trends and current events. Although the e-mails change, the people behind them inadvertently send up the same warning signs again and again. We dug through mountains of spam to find the most prevailing trends. We've collected some actual scam e-mails and highlighted the warning signs to help you spot a hustle the next time one lands in your inbox.

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Filed under: Advice, Editor's Picks, Web

10 Ways to Spot an E-Mail Scam originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 'Black Friday' Deals to Watch For

Chris Morris — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:23:00 EST

Traditionalists might balk, but the holiday shopping season is already underway. Skeptical? Head to your local department store and you'll be inundated with Christmas trees and holiday ornaments. Bargain hunters, though, know that the real deals are over a month away.

Traditionally, Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving for the uninitiated) is when retailers truly slash prices. Early birds can shave hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars off their holiday bills. We checked with a few elves, who gave us a sneak peek at what you can expect deal-wise this year.

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Filed under: Advice, Editor's Picks

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10 Tips for Dealing With Family on Facebook

Chris Morris — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:35:00 EST

It's probably the scariest friend request you'll ever get: Your mom (or dad... or, God forbid, grandparent) has joined Facebook - and they want to connect. Sure, you love them - and you're happy they're embracing the digital age - but do you really want to keep them that informed about what you're up to?

Denying the request is usually out of the question, so how do you avoid those awkward moments, when your family invades your public privacy? Switched.com did some research and talked to a few people about their own experiences with parental units, and how they dealt with them. We're keeping to just their first names, to protect them -- you know, just in case their parents are reading this article. Without further ado, here are some tips on dealing with family on Facebook.

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Filed under: Advice, Editor's Picks, Web, Social Networking

10 Tips for Dealing With Family on Facebook originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Atari and Chuck E. Cheese's Founder Writing Sci-Fi Book

Chris Morris — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:28:00 EST

Nolan Bushnell has always been a man slightly ahead of his time. After co-founding Atari in 1972 -- and some might say the video game industry as a whole -- he was forced from the company just before it became a multi-billion dollar business. He followed that up by launching the Chuck E. Cheese's restaurant chain, but again left the company in the mid-'80s over a disagreement with management. (There are more than 500 locations now.) Bushnell's latest venture takes him into uncharted territory on a smaller scale but is nonetheless bold: He's going to the future.

Continue reading Atari and Chuck E. Cheese's Founder Writing Sci-Fi Book

Filed under: Video Games, Editor's Picks, Interviews, Visionaries

Atari and Chuck E. Cheese's Founder Writing Sci-Fi Book originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12 Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home

Chris Morris — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:33:00 EST

Home appliances generally haven't been at the forefront of the green movement. While the Energy Star rating on some household gadgets has helped eco-warriors reduce their carbon footprint (and saved homeowners some money), it doesn't hold a candle to the devices that are designed to be green from the get-go. Switched.com decided to dig a little deeper - and found a dozen products that are truly earth-friendly.

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Filed under: Editor's Picks, Green Tech

12 Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home

Chris Morris — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST

11. ShowerStart
It's morning. You turn on the shower, then wander over to brush your teeth (and maybe shave). That wastes hot water. The ShowerStart slows hot water to a trickle once it hits 95 degrees, then lets you turn it back on when you're ready.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home

Chris Morris — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST

10. Cool 'n Save
There's no such thing as a true eco-friendly air conditioner, but this device will help you lower your bills by sucking the heat out of the nearby air. This cooler air circulates through the house, decreasing the time that the condenser unit runs.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home

Chris Morris — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST

9. Santerra Green Composting Toilets
Poo and pee is 90-percent water. This toilet/composter evaporates your, um, 'business' then turns what's left into compost. It promises to be odorless and save water, which is nice -- but the required periodic maintenance and emptying gives us pause.

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Filed under: Green Tech

Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home

Chris Morris — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST

8. Toilet Lid Sink
Wash your hands -- with toilet water? Well, technically, yes, but it's hygienic. As you flush, clean water from the tank is first sent through the spigot to dispense for hand-washing, then it heads down to finish its original mission. It may sound silly, but give this innovation a chance, especially considering that most of us flush our waste with pristine and clean fresh water, only to send it off to the sewer.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home

Chris Morris — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST

7. Motion sensor lights
Parents! No longer will you have to yell at your children for leaving the lights on when they leave the room. The Levion Decora 150 switch senses when the room is empty and kills the lights, saving you money in the process.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home

Chris Morris — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST

6. AO Smith Vertex 100
If you already have a tank water heater setup, the Vertex 100 is the way to go. It boasts a 90-percent efficiency rating, better than anything else on the market. That means a 30-percent savings on your utility bill.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home

Chris Morris — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST

5. Tankless Hot Water Heater
Ditch the old-fashioned water heater! Tankless systems can lower your costs and help you save time, as delivery of hot water is instantaneous. Up-front costs are high, though -- so it will be a while before you recoup the investment.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home

Chris Morris — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST

4. Bosch Evolution 800 Plus
Dishwashers are big energy hogs, but this Bosch model is 160-percent more efficient than traditional models -- with two eco-friendly modes and the capacity for 15 place settings. Be warned, though: Efficiency comes with a hefty $1,650-plus price tag.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home

Chris Morris — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST

3. Aeromatic oven
It won't make dinner for four (well, not quickly), but this high-efficiency standalone oven will grill, broil, bake, fry, toast, steam and roast your smaller meals in about as much time as it would take to cook 'em in a microwave (but using about 80-percent less energy).

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home

Chris Morris — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST

2. Equator 375 Refrigerator
This refrigerator/freezer only uses $50 of electricity per year. It's also quieter, since the components are sealed in. The downside is you'll have to manually defrost the freezer and -- at about six feet tall two feet wide -- it's a bit smaller than your average Frigidaire.

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Earth-Friendly Appliances for Your Home originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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