EPOS-lite makes a restaurant digital

There is nothing that I like more than dining at a fancy restaurant, but there is nothing that I don’t like more than the ritual of ordering and paying for your food.

Usually, when I have made my selection, it usually takes the wait-person a long time before he or she finally takes my order. Then, after I have eaten, I usually pay with a credit card, which involves the wait-person sticking it in some fancy fold up thing. Here my credit card sticks out at the end like a sign to the staff and customers that says: “steal me”.

The EPOS-lite is simplifying the process as each table comes with a digital menu. When selections are made, the customer gets to see exactly what he or she has picked, and it is also displayed to the chef.

Once the meal is finished, and it is time to pay, the EPOS-lite can handle that as well. All the user needs to do is enter in their payment information, and the meal is paid in full. Hopefully, the EPOS-lite can take care of the tip, because who really wants to leave money on the table these days?

It sounds like the EPOS-lite is also low maintenance, as the restaurant will not have to worry about changing the batteries in these headsets. Instead, the devices will charge by laying them on the tabletop.

Unfortunately, this device is still a concept, so there is no word when every restaurant will have an EPOS-lite. They certainly could use them.

Designed by Stephen Allport found via Dvice.

miBook Digital Instruction Booklet

Every once in a while, you need more help than just a step-by-step instruction booklet. No, you need to have something that literally shows you how to do something with video footage.

This why people need something like the miBook. There really isn’t anything new about the design of this product, it is a simple PDA with a seven inch touchscreen.

What is unique about the miBook is the way it is being marketed. A recent Circuit City ad showed the MiBook as a kit that includes Two Food Network Cooking Titles. I believe the MiBook is designed to be some type of digital instruction booklet with helpful video footage.

I got to admit that a device such as this is a long time coming. The other day, I was trying to do something on my computer and I couldn’t figure it out to save my life. If someone were to put the instructions on a MiBook, that would have helped me immensely.

The miBook costs about $130, but does not come with any on-board memory. It is compatible with many models of memory cards, and supports both MPEG and MP3 audio formats. The miBook can even be used as a digital picture frame if you don’t want to put instructions on it.

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The USB 4-in-1 Webcam keeps all of your gadgetry together

If you have a serious thing for multiple gadgets in one when it comes to the things you place on your desk, this 4-in-1 webcam combines plenty of gadgetry. It also has nice bendy arms to get each individual part in its perfect spot for your comfort. There is a bit of a down side though, to get the microphone close enough to your mouth, the webcam would be broadcasting up your nose. Which isn’t a huge deal, it just means if you want to use the microphone, you’ll have to flip off the webcam.

In addition to the webcam and microphone it also has a fan as well as a light attached to it. The LED lights also have a dimmer switch, to make the bright white lights a bit less harsh. It would definitely clear space for people with all four of those gadgets on their desk. Hopefully the fan is powerful enough for those overly sweaty moments. It is currently being sold on Brando for $23. Which means all of the gadgets aren’t likely to be the highest of quality.

Pool Concept PC

I just learned that the Napkin PC concept that we reported on six months ago has won a Next-Gen PC Design competition. On a related note, I found this Next-Gen PC concept, and I thought it was just as practical, especially for summer.

The Pool PC, aka PC of the Swim-Rings, is a waterproof computer that has a small place so you can attach a swim ring. Then all you need to do is lay back in the ring, let your body float, and you are free to check email, surf the web, or anything else you want to do on your computer.

It has many features including a GPRS receiver, Bluetooth wireless solutions, finger-touch input, a solar power driven processor, water-cooling system, as well as a magnetic charging interface. I believe that the swim ring holder can also house some speakers for non-amphibian work.

So far, this is a concept, but I don’t see why it shouldn’t be put on the market. After all, I have been on vacation several times and have taken my computer with me to do some work while away. There are times when I’ve wanted to take my PC into the pool with me and get my work done there.

Hopefully, the computer has an anti-glare screen for the sunshine.

Gevalia Stir Mug

I’m not a big coffee drinker, but I do like hot chocolate. And I’m the laziest person in the world. Really, sometimes I starve because I’m too lazy to heat up something to eat. My friends would not be surprised to find out the simple task of getting a tea spoon and stirring my hot chocolate is sometimes too much trouble… but if you don’t stir it, it’s crap. Dilemma.

Ok, the Gevalia Stir Mug was probably designed for cases when you can’t find a teaspoon, but it works for lazy people too. You need to put all your ingredients in, add water, push a button and presto! your beverage is gently stirred while you can just go on working. The cup is insulated, which makes it perfect for the office, and it comes with a sipper lid. It uses 2 AA batteries, which are included in the pack.

At $19, it might be a bit pricey, so I wouldn’t buy it for myself, but it looks like a great gift for a coffee lover.

How much under $29.99?
Some: $18.95 on Gevalia.com.

Pink laptop

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Pioneer AS-PS66 Happy Aqua Splash-Free Portable Speaker

Happy Aqua from Pioneer, Japan is the new waterproof speaker for portable audio players such as iPods. It uses a stereo mini-plug to connect with the player and its size is large enough to fit any MP3 players on the market. Built-in with a mono speaker that is loud enough for the user to hear the music while taking a shower. The handle on top allows the user to hang Happy Aqua on the towel bars. Comes in 3 different colors and only available in Japan.

Specifications
Electric source: DC6V (single type 3 dry cell battery x4)
Input terminal: φ 3.5 L type stereo mini-plugs
Utility installed capacity: 0.3 W (JEITA)
Speaker: Mono speaker 57 mm / 8 ohm
Weight: 350 g
Battery duration: 37 hours

available here