Greener Gadgets: Competition Winners

Greener Gadgets: Competition Winners

The results are in: EnerJar, designed by Matt Meshulam and Zach Dwiel, walks away with the $2500 prize!
See the other winners on Core77.

USB Aroma Radio + Speaker

Confounded and befuddled are two emotions that splashed across our face when we saw this USB Aroma Radio + Speaker. It's a USB speaker, which is fine in itself, but in this case it lights up in one of seven different colors. But not only is it USB, you can throw in some aromatic liquid and have it diffuse out scents while you're jamming away to your iPod. And if you thought that you can only get your tasty aroma'd music next to a USB port, it's also battery powered. And it has an AM/FM radio. And it's only $30.

Nec Flask Cell Phone is Liquidity

We don't have many details, but this NEC flask phone seems to be a combination of being liquid-powered and touch-screened, and is so crazy advanced that we think it's probably a prototype. According to NEC, however, it's going to be released sometime in 2008. We think it's cool that the liquid inside will drain as you're using the phone, allowing you to see just how much power you have left. Here's to hoping this isn't a Japan-only release.

Favorite Cell phone of 2007

Favorite Cell Phones Of 2007


1. LG VX9400 (Verizon Wireless)
The good: A slick-looking handset that supports Verizon's V Cast Mobile TV service, the LG VX9400 offers excellent video performance and call quality. It also comes loaded with a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, a microSD card slot, and EV-DO compatibility.The bad: The LG VX9400's swivel display isn't ideal for making phone calls. Also, its speaker volume is rather weak.The bottom line: If it's the video experience you're after, the LG VX9400 is the better of the two original V Cast Mobile TV phones. But if making calls is just as important, then you may find the LG VX9400 a bit tedious to use. Check Prices


2. Samsung SCH-i760 (Verizon Wireless)
The good: The Samsung SCH-i760 features a slider design with a full QWERTY keyboard, external dialpad and touchscreen. The Windows Mobile 6 smartphone also offers good performance and has integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and EV-DO; a 1.3-megapixel camera; and real-time e-mail delivery.The bad: The i760 is bulky, and we wish there was a built-in scroll wheel. There's no support for Verizon's V Cast services, and it lacks Windows Live integration.The bottom line: The Samsung SCH-i760 goes big (literally), delivering a solid set of features and good performance to Verizon customers looking for a business-centric smartphone. Check Prices


3. RIM BlackBerry Curve 8300 - silver (AT&T)
The good: The RIM BlackBerry Curve boasts a sexy and slim design with an improved full QWERTY keyboard. The smart phone also has a 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, and a media player. There's a new spell-checker for e-mail and memos, and audio technology that automatically adjusts call volume in noisy environments.The bad: Unfortunately, the BlackBerry Curve doesn't have integrated Wi-Fi or 3G support. The device's camera still doesn't have video-recording capabilities, and call quality sounded a bit hollow.The bottom line: Though it doesn't bring Wi-Fi or 3G support, the BlackBerry Curve offers a best-of-breed design and a well-rounded set of features to make it an attractive device for consumers and mobile professionals alike. Check Prices


4. RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130 - silver (Verizon Wireless)
The good: The RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130 keeps the same sleek design of its predecessor, but adds built-in GPS, EV-DO support and video-recording capabilities. The smartphone's Web browser is also improved, and it has a 2-megapixel camera. The device's messaging functions remain strong.The bad: The SureType keyboard takes some acclimation, and call quality could be slightly better.The bottom line: The RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130 improves on an already-impressive smartphone with the addition of GPS, video recording and 3G support. Check Prices


5. HTC Touch (Sprint)
The good: The compact HTC Touch features an advanced touchscreen that lets you operate the smartphone with your fingertips. The Windows Mobile 6 smartphone has integrated Bluetooth and a 2-megapixel camera. It's EV-DO capable and works with the Sprint Music Store and Sprint TV.The bad: The Touch's onscreen keyboard is improved, but it's still not the best for text entry, and the TouchFLO feature doesn't work in landscape mode. The microSD slots are hard to access, and there's no integrated Wi-Fi. Also, the phone's speaker system is on the weaker side.The bottom line: The HTC Touch cell phone for Sprint boasts an innovative touch screen, a sleek interface and a nice set of features, but the lack of a sizable keyboard really limits the usability of this device. Check Prices Article Suggested By: Various ReadersSuggest an article. -->