Green Tech | Gear Diary

Reviews June 2, 2010

Battizer Review: Charges your Batteries and Helps Save the Planet

If you’re like me and never replace your batteries until it’s too late, then this product might be for you. If you have kids, lots of remotes, RC cars or anything that takes AAA and AA batteries, then the Battizer could prove to be a great investment. My home theater remotes, thermostat batteries, and Wii controllers are the items which to die at the most inconvenient times., so instead of saving money by going to the Costco, Sam’s Club or BJ’s and buying a bulk pack of AAs, I usually run to the convenience store and spend $6 on a…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear May 26, 2010

Despite Early Issues, 2010 Toyota Prius Best Yet

(All photos courtesy Toyota) Toyota Prius is the ubiquitous hybrid. And yes, I did have to look that word up. The 2010 model is the third generation Prius to hit U.S. soil and this new midsize model bring better fuel economy, enhanced performance and modern styling to the platform. It is roomier, quieter and equipped with all of the latest technology including offering a moonroof complete with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel. “The Prius has evolved with our customers over the past 10 years and is…

Reviews April 28, 2010

Review: Etón FR360 Emergency Preparedness Digital Radio

It is starting to be that time of year. What do I mean? Thunderstorm and Tornado Season that’s what I mean. That is followed by the Hurricane season. The best thing to do to st?ay safe dur?ing this season is to take time to prepare now before the worst happens. One device that will help you keep informed during a storm is a radio. If you have a portable radio, one problem you always have is batteries not being charged when you need it or you only have the radio on your stereo. If that’s you, then you should pickup…

Vehicles & Gear January 21, 2010

10 for 2010

Once again automakers rolled out some eye candy at the annual North American International (Detroit) Auto Show. And once again it leaves many of us wondering which of the vehicles on display will actually make it into production, will they be affordable and are they really practical. Inspired by this, I am rolling out a list of 10 things to watch in 2010.

Vehicles & Gear June 1, 2009

First Drives: New Lexus IS convertible, HS250h hybrid

Despite all of the news coming out of Detroit recently, the rest of the automotive world is pretty much “business as usual.” Case in point, Lexus recently rolled out a pair of new models to the automotive press – a convertible version of IS sport sedan and a new entry-luxury hybrid sedan.

News & Features February 27, 2009

Going green? How about reusable toilet paper?

Interested in doing your part to improve the environment. Who’s with me on switching to reusable toilet paper? Cloth toilet paper is not much different from the concept of re-usable diapers. It’s more economical, uses less paper and — no more late night trips to the store when you run out of paper! Biggest downside? Who wants to wash this in their washing machine? Soft Cloth Toilet Wipes Details: * Two-layer construction for soft strength. * Basic wipes are one layer of soft flannel and one layer of knit terry. * Premium wipes are one layer of soft flannel and…

Reviews, Vehicles & Gear February 23, 2009

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid

My relationship with the new fullsize GM hybrid SUVs continues to be a love/hate one. I love the fuel savings and cleaner emissions delivered by these “green beasts,” but I hate that consumers still cannot get one for less than 50 grand.

Vehicles & Gear January 17, 2009

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

I never really took notice of the benchmark status of Highlander until recent new model introduction events held by competitor automakers. More and more I heard the name “Highlander” included in their marketing and technical presentations when reciting segment target data.

Reviews August 29, 2008

The Altus Lumen Tri-L Light Review: Lighting Your Path and Saving the Environment

Check out this tiny, portable gadget I got not too long ago. It is a very nice flip-style gadget. It is about the same size as the Sprint Mogul, though maybe a bit boxier. It is not a phone, though. Or a PDA. When we unfold it, we find…a flashlight?? Oh, trust me. You are going to want to click through the jump for the rest of this one.

Vehicles & Gear July 2, 2008

First Drive: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

GM is rolling out the third two-mode hybrid fullsize SUV later this summer. We got a first drive in the new Cadillac Escalade Hybrid recently as the automaker visited with members of the automotive media at the Flight Museum at Love Field in Dallas. In addition to the new hybrid model, Cadillac representatives also showed their newest Platinum Escalade sporting one of the best-looking grilles of any fullsize SUV on the road today. The hybrid models use the same powertrain we first saw in the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon Hybrids. It features a 6.0-liter gasoline V-8 engine mated…