A couple of months back, Woot.com offered the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet for around $135. I was looking for a portable device that would allow me to browse the Internet via WiFi networks, check my email, etc. It seemed to be a perfect fit. This device was definitely pocket-sized, ran a "real" OS (Linux), offered a true web browser, and a decent-sized display.

I received the tablet a few days later and was quite impressed. It took me maybe 5 minutes to get used to the user interface, and another 15 or so to have it visiting my favorite web sites, checking my email, etc., over my WPA-based connection at home. Because it's a Linux-based device, there are plenty of third parties willing to create software for it and port existing tools over to it, so I found several useful software gadgets within a few hours and had them all installed and running.

My only real complaints with the device were that the on-screen keyboard was a pain to work with using the stylus, and that it seemed a bit slow if several things were running. Battery life was pretty good, the display was bright and clear, and it generally did everything I needed it to otherwise.

Unfortunately, after handing it to my brother to use for a while back in July, something went haywire with the display and it became unreadable. I need to send it back to Nokia for repair but I've not done it yet.

In the meantime, I've learned about the Nokia Internet Tablet N800 which is the next-generation version of the device I already had. The N800 seems to have resolved every problem I had with the 770 and improved on the features I liked.

Like the 770, the N800 is Linux-based. It connects to WiFi networks, or cell phone data networks via BlueTooth. It has an integrated webcam, a 4.1" touchscreen display, a full-screen keyboard (instead of the little mini-keyboard), and two memory card slots for expansion via SD/MMC/miniSD/microSD. The display resolution is 800x480x65k colors.

I placed my order for the N800 today from Amazon.com, and should have it within 48 hours. I hope to write a full review after it arrives and I've had some time to fiddle around with it.

You've probably heard of the Care Bears, the sickeningly sweet, pastel-colored little bears who spouted lovely sweet things to children.  They became something of the symbol for things which are just "too sweet".  Well, this little fellow is most definitely NOT a Care Bear.  In fact, he's quite the opposite.

Instead of saying sweet little things like "Let's share!" or "I love you!", the Swear Bear says things like:

• "Eat sh*t and die, mother f*cker"
• "Nobody loves you, everybody hates you, go f*ck yourself"
• "Hey D*ckhead, what're you, some kind of pervert, gotta touch teddy bears?"
  

He's about 6 1/2 inches tall and says all the above as well as several more.

If you feel like you need one of these for your home or office, you can find them at Entertainment Earth ($17.99).

I've been a fan of the ThinkGeek[thinkgeek.com] site for a while.  They have a lot of really cool geeky toys, gadgets, and stuff.  Recently I had the opportunity to pick up a free USB Mini Lava Lamp from them (it's normally $9.99) by purchasing $25 worth of merchandise from them (using the promotional code "GROOVY" at checkout).  I received my order recently and wanted to review the product with you.

The lamp has a coiled cord about a foot long with a USB plug at the end (the flat style used on most USB mice and keyboards).  The other end goes directly into the lamp itself.

The lamp is just under 6 inches tall and about 1.5 inches wide at the widest part.  The top and bottom sections are a gray plastic.  The center section is a clear plastic with a seam through the middle.

The "lava" portion of the lamp is filled with (presumably) water and what looks like silver glitter.  Once the lamp has been plugged in and lit up, it won't be long before the glitter inside starts churning slowly in a circular pattern from bottom to top and back again.  The rate of descent is relatively slow, but faster than you might expect for a USB-powered lamp.  While I think it would be more fun to have a true "lava" lamp with the colored lava liquid flowing through it, that's probably not feasible in something powered by USB.

The bulb inside is replaceable and the specs for the necessary bulb are printed on the bottom of the lamp.  There is a small locking "hatch" which can be opened to expose the lamp.

I've had the lamp for a couple of weeks now and find it kind of a fun addition to my desktop clutter at the office.  It has brightened up my desk and a few people have commented on it.  One or two have stared oddly at it.  Everyone who's commented on it seems to like it, and I certainly enjoy having it there.