BMW proves that it still makes sports cars

The good: An engine upgrade gives the 2013 BMW135is 320 horsepower and a 7,000rpm redline. It delivers an excellent exhaust note and handling is superb. An optional Technology package adds many connected features.

The bad: Without the Active Steering option, indifferent steering response lets the handling down. And without the Technology package, the radio display barely serves to show audio and phone information.

The bottom line: Although pricey, the 2013 BMW 135is is an incredibly fun little coupe for the driving enthusiast, yet remains well-mannered enough for an everyday commute.

MSRP:$43,250.00LOW PRICE:$43,250.00

• Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price From Edmunds.com
  $43,250.00

The 2013 BMW 135is restored my faith in "The Ultimate Driving Machine." Many years ago, I owned a 325is, of the E30 generation, which taught me what BMW was all about. But over the last few years, coinciding with the launch of the X6, the brand seemed to take a turn for the mundane, turning out cars tuned for the mass market rather than enthusiasts. After driving a particularly placid 3-series, I was beginning to fear the worst.

Now, the little 135is has convinced me that BMW still knows how to make a sports car.

Despite the 1 Series being BMW's smallest, entry-level car, it can be one of the most potent, and the best street performer in the lineup. At just over 14 feet long, the 135is comes to the U.S. in a coupe format, and includes two smallish rear seats. The Europeans also get a really nice-looking hatchback version, which BMW refuses to import.

The 135i, boasting BMW's excellent direct-injected and turbocharged 3-liter, six-cylinder engine, was already a little rocket. The addition of the "s" to the model name, something BMW has done occasionally through the decades, turns the car into a tuned-up street racer, with acceleration that won't quit and an exhaust note that will get your attention.

To make the 135is worthy of the extra letter, BMW reprogrammed the engine software, bringing the output up to 320 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Likewise, a new traction control program allows for a little more play, and the suspension has been stiffened. On the completely unnecessary side, BMW adorns the 135is with little M badges, evoking the somewhat disappointing attempt at an M version of the 1 Series from a few years back.

Manual transmission
The model BMW sent to CNET was a purist's dream, with a manual transmission and no navigation system. Although the other transmission option is the truly excellent seven-speed twin clutch, which shaves 0.1 second from the zero-to-60-mph time, it was nice to get some driving time with the manual, which suits the 135is very well.

The gate exhibits what I think of as classic European smoothness. It precisely moves through the gears, but instead of feeling mechanical, there is a well-worn feel to each gear slot, as I imagine the giant gears of a centuries-old town clock would interlock. However, I'm not crazy about the flat-topped shift knob, as it feels too small for an adult's hand. Add an inch of height to it, and the knob would be a perfect pistol grip.

This six-speed manual shifts with precision and European smoothness.

I also rejoiced in the fact that the 135is had no buttons for Sport or Eco modes. Essentially, the 135is is always in Sport, and has no time for normal or Eco modes.

A purist might think, good, this is the way sports cars are meant to be: all mechanical with no technical tomfoolery. But don't fool yourselves, there is a lot of technology at work in this car; BMW just hides it well. First, there is the engine, a real marvel of engineering using precisely programmed variable valve timing and direct fuel injection, which bears as much resemblance to an old, carburetor push-rod engine as a Mac Pro does to a slide rule.

Instead of relying on a limited-slip differential to aid cornering, BMW applies programming to the rear brakes, selectively engaging each one to help the car rotate through the turns.

I was impressed that merely making a fast start, running up the engine revs for a good zero-to-60-mph run, caused the traction control warning to light up on the instrument cluster. Fortunately, traction control never seemed to interfere, and could also be turned off by pressing a button. Holding down that same button also turns off the Dynamic Stability Control, which is not advisable unless you are on a track that you know well.

As for acceleration, the 135is took off quickly, like any well-powered sports car. But its engine programming let it rev up to 7,000rpm, giving me more time in the lower gears. It hit 60 mph in second gear, just before hitting redline, and an upshift to third showed the 135is just had more to give.

Just about where most cars would give up, the 135is got another power bump, seeming to increase its rate of acceleration.

Engine software lets the 135is rev up to 7,000rpm.

The acceleration was accompanied by one of the best exhaust notes I've heard from a car in a long time. With the window down for maximum auditory stimulation, the exhaust growled aggressively under acceleration. Suddenly letting off the gas pedal resulted in a series of little backfires, as if the 135is had to somehow exhale all that power it had at the ready.

With the windows closed, the car's noise dampening reduces the exhaust note to a low, bass thrumming. It changed tone and tempo with the tachometer needle, making the car seem like an exotic, thereminlike instrument. Really, somebody should sample it.

The beauty of the 135is is that, even with its high-tempo acceleration, it is perfectly drivable in stop-and-go traffic. The manual transmission makes for a little more work when boring driving conditions prevail, but it shifts so well that I didn't mind. When you stop on an ascent, a hill-hold feature steps in to make taking off easier, too.

Too hot? Too cold? Or is this BMW just right?

The good: The 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i's turbocharged engine offers a good performance while Eco Pro settings help maximize efficiency. The 2013 X3's handling is more carlike and manageable, particularly with the optional performance upgrades.

The bad: BMW's apps system is iPhone-only for this generation. Too many bundled options quickly inflate the price.

The bottom line: The 2013 BMW X3 prints smaller than it is, making it a great choice for drivers uncomfortable with large vehicles but who need a bit more in the way of people room and cargo space.

MSRP:$38,850.00LOW PRICE:$38,850.00

• Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price From Edmunds.com
  $38,850.00

Perhaps it's BMW's fault for cramming so many similarly sized vehicles, between-size variants, and remixed configurations into its lineup, but I had the hardest time deciding if the 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i is too big or too small.

The second-generation vehicle's aesthetic is more wagonlike and it seems to press down into the ground when viewed in the round, which makes it look smaller -- both in photographs and in person -- than the pre-2010 model, which has a more angular, upright design. However, put the models side by side and it becomes apparent that the new model has actually grown by a few inches in every direction.

Adding to the spatial confusion, front and back seat passengers remarked that the 2013 X3's cabin didn't feel as spacious as they thought a small SUV should, even while I was raving about enjoying about the crossover's tall driver's seat position, which gives a good view of the road ahead and the area around the vehicle when maneuvering into tight parking spaces.

For the entire week, I went back and forth on the X3's scale, but ultimately decided that I liked it -- perhaps the X3 is just right. It looks and feels smaller than it is, which is a good thing for drivers who want a vehicle with more space for people and the flexibility of the crossover's hatchback, but don't want to feel like they're behind the wheel of a Hummer.

Fortunately, it's not my job to decide whether the X3 is rightly sized -- that's a subjective decision that ultimately lies in your, the buyer's, hands -- I've only got to decide whether it's good or not.

xDrive28i
Almost everything that you need to know about this BMW X3's power train can be derived from the xDrive28i designation in the model name. Let's break it down.

xDrive indicates BMW's on-demand all-wheel-drive system, which in this implementation defaults to a rear-biased torque split of 40:60, front-to-rear. The system can steplessly and infinitely vary the torque split from front to rear, sending up to 100 percent of power to either axle as the system dictates. The X3 is only available with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

The 28i suffix lets us know that this X3 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection and twin-scroll turbocharging technology that is designed to increase output while preserving the efficiency of the small engine. With a twin-scroll turbo, the X3 can avoid turbo lag -- that hesitation followed by a surge of power when you stomp the accelerator on older turbocharged engines. The result is power delivery when you need it and efficiency when you don't, with very little waiting in between.

Output is rated at 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Thanks to the engine's technology and BMW's EfficientDynamics system -- which ditches the alternator in favor of charging the 12V system with regenerative braking, reducing drag on the engine -- fuel efficiency is stated at 24 mpg combined, which breaks out to 21 city and 28 highway mpg. During our testing, the digital trip computer stayed safely within that range.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine feels like a good fit for the relaxed X3, but there's room in the engine bay for the more powerful 3.0-liter mill.

Between the xDrive system and the engine is a single-option eight-speed automatic transmission that features a manual shift mode and a sport program, but our tester didn't have paddle shifters -- which says something about the X3's realistic sporting aspirations.

That doesn't mean that the X3 xDrive28i doesn't try to have a little fun. Our example was equipped with a $3,000 M Sport package that adds 19-inch wheels, an adaptive suspension system, BMW's Performance Control torque-vectoring system, sport seats, and a variety of aerodynamic and styling upgrades. Also equipped was the Dynamic handling package, a $1,300 option that adds variable sport steering.

Drivers who want a bit more giddy-up can opt for the xDrive35i variant, which fills the X3's spacious engine bay with a larger, 3.0-liter turbocharged engine that outputs 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.

Performance and Drive modes
BMW combines the controls for the X3's adaptive suspension, steering, and power train in one place: the drive mode selector. With this rocker, the driver can select from four drive modes at the touch of a button.

Comfort is the default setting that places the suspension and steering in their most, well, comfortable settings. The accelerator sensitivity and engine responsiveness in this mode are also baselined for relaxed, around-town driving.

The X3's various performance and economy modes are within easy reach of the driver's seat.

Switching up to Sport mode boosts the responsiveness of the accelerator pedal, making the engine feel more alive under your foot. Variable sport steering and the adaptive suspension, if equipped, are also set to more aggressive settings, slightly improving turn-in and causing the car to at least feel more planted. There's also a Sport+ mode that takes these settings just a step further and also loosens (but doesn't fully release) the reins on the stability control system for more dynamic handling with a bit of slip when you want it.

Mini trades its soul for cabin comfort

The good: The Mini Connected app brings many informative and fun connected features in to the 2013 Mini Cooper S Paceman. The turbocharged engine delivers a good mix of economy and power. The Paceman retains Mini's unique styling language.

The bad: The Paceman gains size and weight, sacrificing Mini's go-kart handling. The navigation system uses an odd color scheme and has limited zoom levels. The Mini Connected app only works on the iPhone.

The bottom line: A stylish and easy-driving car with many fun connected features, the 2013 Mini Cooper S Paceman works fine for mundane driving, but enthusiasts should stick to its smaller sibling.

• MSRP:

$23,200.00LOW PRICE:$23,200.00

• Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price From Edmunds.com
  $23,200.00

As I swooped the 2013 Mini Cooper S Paceman into turn after turn, window open so I could hear the tires sing their tortured song, the car repeatedly admonished me about "Dangerous cornering." At first I thought it was a compliment, but it was apparently too much excitement for the Driving Excitement feature in the Mini Connected app.

The Mini Connected app is one of the coolest features of the Paceman, combining Google local search, Web radio, social media, and a unique connection to the car for driving enthusiasts.

However, for the Paceman, the app might have been right about the cornering warnings. Where the standard Mini hatchback was lauded from its 2001 launch for its go-kart handling, the Paceman sacrifices that attribute in favor of size. The new Paceman model, introduced at last year's Paris Motor Show, follows the lead of the plump Countryman model in its larger dimensions.

The Cooper S Paceman, Mini's bigger coupe

Despite only having two doors, like the standard Mini hatchback, the Paceman comes in 4 inches wider and taller than its coupe sibling, and 1 foot 3 inches longer. It seems odd that Mini would create a new model with the same basic layout of another car in its lineup, but the Paceman seems to be aimed at potential buyers turned off by the other model's small size.

The cabin of the Paceman certainly feels larger than that of the hatchback model, but despite the increased size, Mini opted for two bucket seats in the rear rather than a bench, limiting it to four passengers.

Occupancy control might be Mini's strategy to ensure that the Paceman retains some performance. This new model weighs almost 600 pounds more than the hatchback, yet relies on the same engine. Throughout the Mini lineup, all Cooper models get a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S models get the much more efficient and powerful turbocharged direct-injection 1.6-liter engine.

With that engine, the Cooper S Paceman gets 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. I wouldn't bother with the non-S Paceman, as its 122-horsepower engine would likely struggle to achieve any kind of acceleration. Like the Countryman, Mini offers its All4 all-wheel-drive system on the Paceman, which might make it a more attractive model than the standard hatchback in regions with slippery road conditions.

The Paceman is larger and heavier than its two-door hatchback sibling.

The model I tested was the Cooper S Paceman with all-wheel drive and optional navigation. Adding up all the options, some of them not "tech," the sticker price on this car pushed 40 grand, quite a lot for a Mini.

Mini Connected for iPhone only
Having previously tried out the Mini Connected app in another car, I was eager to use it again in the Paceman. Beyond its more useful features, I had found Mission Control, which activates voices representing the car and its engine, hilarious. But I hadn't seen the Driving Excitement feature before, and it proved the most compelling during my time with the car.

Mini uses a standard cabin technology package across its lineup, so you can get Mini Connected in any model. The package adds an LCD to the center of the big, dinner plate of a speedometer in the center of the dashboard, along with a simple joystick controller behind the shifter. Navigation is an add-on for the Technology package.

Mini hasn't caught up with parent company BMW, which ditched the Y-cable for iPods a couple of years ago.

Unfortunately, the Mini Connected app only works on iPhones, and the phone has to be plugged into the car. Worse, Mini still uses a Y-cable for iPhones, an adapter with a 30-pin connector on one end and USB and 1/8-inch audio plugs on the other. Of course, iPhone 5 users will also need a Lightning-to-30-pin adapter.

With this whole rig assembled, and the Mini Connected app running on my phone, I could select a globe icon off the Paceman's elliptical cabin tech menu and see a big list of Mini Connected features, topped by Driving Excitement. Driving Excitement's main screen rated my acceleration, cornering, and braking performance. For cars equipped with Mini's manual transmission, it also rates shifting, but this Paceman was an automatic.

Along with gaining levels as I gained experience in each area of driving, the app also awarded badges for different achievements. I earned the Catapult badge for a good zero-to-60-mph run. There were also badges for visiting sites in the U.K. and Paris.

And I thought it would reward me for driving fast through the turns.

The Mini Connected app's Driving Excitement feature rated my performance, and awarded me the Catapult badge for a zero-to-60-mph run.

The Paceman didn't feel much like the Minis I was used to when I took it at speed through a turn. The wheel was responsive, although it lacked much in the way of road feel. According to the specs, the car has a sport suspension, but sharp turn-in made the outside front corner plow downward. There was no flat rotation, the Paceman tending to feel like any other random car on the road, giving a bit of outward lean through the turns. Unlike the standard Mini hatchback, I wouldn't expect the Paceman to perform well on an autocross course.

With the app's ultrasensitive turn monitoring, I thought I would never earn the cornering badge. By luck, I ended up on a narrow mountain road, two-way but lacking a center line, forcing more care as I drove through multiple blind turns in a row. That enforced caution led to the Mini Connected app rewarding me with its Curves Straightener badge.

In cross-purposes to Driving Excitement, the app also has its Minimalism Analyzer, an eco coach encouraging economical driving.

Social updates
The app's Twitter and Facebook feeds are kind of useless, in that the display posts clipped versions of each update, and it would be dangerous to read them while driving. The car can read the updates out loud, but I didn't find it very listenable due to all the links and other characters the computer voice enunciates. The pace is also very slow.

More useful is the fact that I could post updates to Facebook and Twitter from templates. When I had a destination programmed into navigation, one template would actually post my destination and likely arrival time, very useful for keeping friends informed as to when to expect me.

The Paceman trims Facebook updates to keep drivers from getting engrossed in their feeds.

The Google local-search feature also interacted with the navigation system, so that I could enter a search term and get a corresponding list of nearby businesses. Choosing a search result, I could tell the navigation system to calculate a route. The rotary alphanumeric input made searches somewhat inconvenient. Voice command for this feature would have helped.

The navigation system itself is pretty weak. Mini chooses an odd color scheme, with lime-green roads on a gray background. The maps aren't big on detail, and zoom in to a minimum scale of 400 feet, which makes it difficult to pick out individual street names. The next level up is 800 feet, then a quarter mile.

I like that the system includes traffic, and gives detour options for bad traffic conditions. But the route guidance is also subpar. Although it shows turn graphics for surface streets, it didn't give me anything for freeway junctions beyond voice prompts saying, "Bear right," or "Bear left." It didn't even read out street names for its voice prompts.

Rejuve Electronic Cigarettes might help you kick the habit

Has your other half been pestering you to quit the smoking habit all this while? Perhaps, and you might have tried a myriad of methods such as nicotine patches to doing so cold turkey, without much success, only to find yourself reaching for a pack of smokes whenever the stress levels start to increase at the office (and subsequently, at home). Well, do not wait until 2013 bids adieu, and 2014 rolls right around in order to make yet another resolution. You might as well get a head start on next year’s resolution to quit smoking and pick up the Rejuve Electronic Cigarette instead.

The Rejuve Electronic Cigarettes is said to be a healthier and more affordable alternative when it comes to quitting the smoking habit. Not only that, I guess in its strange way, you can say that this is one environmentally friendly cigarette since you can leave your lighter or pack of matches back home to light other stuff such as candles instead of cigarettes. The reason behind this? The Rejuve Electronic Cigarettes happen to be battery powered, where it can deliver all the flavor and feel of the real thing at a cost of between $5 to $7 per cigarette. This makes it up to 50% more affordable compared to other electronic cigarette brands in the market. Each Rejuve Electronic Cigarette will feature18 milligrams of nicotine, where it equals several traditional cigarettes, which would deliver what Rejuve claims is the “ultimate vaping experience”.

Just how do the Rejuve Electronic Cigarettes work? Well, they happen to be a clean, healthy and low nicotine choice, relying on water vapor technology to work alongside glycerin, producing a smoke-like effect that has none of the actual smoke, tar, carcinogens or other toxins which are the main culprits in harming smokers and those around them. This makes it easier to enjoy them just about anywhere, be you at home or out of town, sans the nasty lingering odors or messy ashes.

ShutterBall helps you take the perfect shot with your phone

Over the last decade, it has become standard for virtually everyone to carry a camera in their pocket. Sure, your cell phone might not take the most impressive pictures in the world, but they’re pretty good for taking everyday shots. Unfortunately since most phones are touchscreens these days, it’s really hard to tap the spot that controls the shutter. Some phones do have a dedicated button on the side, but even that can be hard to reach, depending on how you’re holding it. What’s worse is that when you do try and hit the button, you often move the whole camera, resulting in a blurry shot. What if you were able to control the camera from another simple device?

The ShutterBall is a simple gadget that controls the shutter on your Android or iOS device. It connects via Bluetooth, so it can be used up to 60 feet away. Since it’s shaped like a small ball, you can cup it in the palm of your hand as you pose for your next profile pic, and give it a squeeze. Or, you can set your phone down, if you want to be in a group shot, and with a click, make sure that you’ve got the perfect photo.

The ShutterBall uses a coin cell battery, and has a 5-year battery life. Unfortunately we do not currently have information on pricing or availability.

Memo Mug is your traveling whiteboard

Don’t you hate those times when you think of something important, but you don’t have anything to write it down on? Sure, a lot of people have sticky notes at their desk, but what if you’re out, or maybe you’re in the break room at work? Why not just use something that you’re always going to have with you in the office? That’s right, I’m talking about your coffee mug.

If you’re someone that can’t go without your morning (and sometimes afternoon) cup of Joe, then you might enjoy this Memo Mug. This mug is similar to most, except that it has two special features. One is a flat side for jotting down little messages (or doodling, if that’s your thing) and a place to store a dry-erase marker. Otherwise, it is just your average, ordinary ceramic coffee mug.

This $15 mug might not be the most practical way to keep track of important information, however, it could make for a great office gag gift. If you know someone who always seems to be absent-minded, this could be a fun little way to make sure they remember to put the new cover sheets on those TPS reports.

Morninghead is the oddly-named cure for bed head

There are two kinds of people in this world: Those that shower at night, and those that shower in the morning. (Okay, there are those who don’t really shower at all, but we’re going to assume that you’re not one of these people.) I’m not much of a morning person, so I like to wait until the last possible minute to wake up. The problem with showering the night before is of course, bed head.

So how do you fix bed head? The most natural solution is to take a shower. If you did that the night before, then you simply have to wet your hair, and try to get it under control. Now if you don’t like a shower first thing in the morning, water dripping down your neck and back from your hair is still going to be unpleasant. What you need, is Morninghead.

Morninghead is a strange-looking shower cap, that does the exact opposite of what a regular shower cap does. Instead of keeping your hair dry, you fill it up with water, and use it to get your hair nice and wet. It uses a super-absorbent material, so that you can load it up with a lot of water, and not have it drip everywhere when you turn it over. Then, just put it on your head, and rub it around to get your head nice and damp. Take it off, and style it as needed.

This is a really simple product, and is likely more useful for those with shorter hair, as long hair tends to be easier to deal with when dry. You can pick one up for yourself for $8, or get a five-pack for $20.

Satechi Desk Mat & Mate offers an alternative workspace

They say that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but what happens when Jack wants to work in a serious manner, but those around Jack do not actually give him the chance to work in peace and silence? I suppose Jack will have to change jobs, or at least lay down some house rules. Working from home might have its fair share of perks, but the downside would be this – a lack of discipline might end up as a major distraction. Well, Satechi intends to help out those who happen to ply their trade from the comfort of their own home with the Satechi Desk Mat & Mate.

The Satechi Desk Mat & Mate is said to be the perfect workspace accessory for adults and children alike, where you can choose from eight different and fun colors in order to have it match any aesthetic and décor. The main purpose of the Desk Mat & Mate would be to have it protect any surface area from scratches and spills (something that is extremely common when it comes to little kids with their stationery, or clumsy adults), all the while doubling up as comfortable resting surface for your hands – making it the ideal platform when you write, type, use the mouse, or color.

It will measure 24.4” x 13.8”, ensuring that it does its bit to cover a relatively large surface area so that you should not run into any issues fitting your keyboard and mouse, while paving the way for a smooth transition between devices to enjoy a steady workflow throughout the day. It is made out of synthetic leather, where the smooth surface itself can be easily wiped down, while offering a decent amount of protection to the desk from scratches, dents and every day wear and tear. The asking price for the Satechi Desk Mat & Mate would be $34.99 a pop, where you can choose form blue, green, black, brown, orange, pink, purple or white shades.

ROCCAT Studios announces optical Kone Pure gaming mouse

For those who have been in the PC gaming scene for more than a decade already, you would know that when it comes to high end gaming peripherals, serious gamers basically do not compromise with the kind of equipment that they use. Some of them have their preferred brand that they would stick with, and that is perfectly normal. ROCCAT Studios is one of the big league names, where this Hamburg-based manufacturer of competition gaming peripherals has just announced the immediate availability of the optical version of its award-winning Kone Pure gaming mouse.

Yes sir, at long last, this latest addition to the ROCCAT Studios gaming mice family would mean there is a Kone Pure available regardless of your preference – if you want the maxed out DPI of a laser mouse, there is something for you, whle others who prefer the unique feel of an optical sensor gliding over their mousepad, will also have something to smile about. The Kone Pure Optical is said to merge the design innovations and ergonomic shape of original Kone Pure, measuring roughly 91% the size of the Kone, while boasting of an ultra-accurate, cutting-edge Pro-Optic optical sensor.

Not only that, the Kone Pure optical gaming mouse will also come equipped with high-quality Omron switches, in addition to ROCCAT innovations such as Easy-Shift[+], Easy-Aim, and ROCCAT Talk, and a high-end sensor that has an adjustable DPI of up to true 4,000 DPI.

ROCCAT founder and CEO René Korte said, “The new sensor featured in the Kone Pure Optical is the successor to the sensor featured in the famous Savu mouse. The Savu drew praise from gamers and reviewers alike, who complimented the mouse for its accurate and reliable tracking. Building on this success, the Kone Pure Optical has a new and more powerful MCU, which features more memory, and two new native DPI steps.” The new Kone Pure Optical gaming mouse can be yours for $69.99 a pop.

Sports Analyst’s Camcorder

When it comes to sports, I really admire those photographers who have fantastic equipment to go along with their skill – especially when they capture those immortal moments of sporting glory, such as Muhammad Ali knocking someone out, or Mike Tyson biting Evander’s ear off. How about Roger Federer picking up his first French Open title? Well, if you are your son’s biggest fan on the soccer field, then you might want to get the$1,200 Sports Analyst’s Camcorder as part of your parenthood arsenal – after all, you would not want to miss your son’s match winning goal, do you?

Not only that, regaling such a tale to your family and friends are not going to make the cut, unless they see for themselves. This is what the Sports Analyst’s Camcorder does – it will be able to capture slow motion video, while sending it sans wires to a tablet computer, and coaches and athletes are able to analyze the performance. Of course, parents with dough to spare can do that, too, as mom records the young tyke, while dad does the analysis. This camcorder is capable of shooting high-speed video at up to 600 frames-per-second, sporting a 900% higher frame rate compared to your everyday camcorder, with the ability to play back super slow motion video that makes it useful to know where one has gone wrong in a golf swing, ball kick, or baseball pitch. Hardware underneath the hood includes a back-illuminated 1/2.3″ 12.8 megapixel CMOS image sensor and a wide angle F1.2 lens, 10X optical zoom, optical image stabilization, and the ability to record video in 1920 x 1080p high-definition video at 60 fps.

Star Trek: TNG Borg Cube Monitor Mate

Star Trek fans, you know that one of the most deadly enemies that the Federation has ever faced were the Borg, and if their technological superiority does not win you over eventually, surely the monotonous monologue of “Resistance is futile” will wear out anyone hearing them after some time. Well, since the Borg are more feared than respected, you might want to send the same cold chill down your colleagues’ spines by placing this $12.99 Star Trek: TNG Borg Cube Monitor Mate at your workplace.

This is a mini Borg cube that was specially deisgned to sit on your monitor, where it serves as a reminder to the higher authorities on how much of a drone you are. It is rather comforting to know that this particular Borg cube does not hold millions of tiny nanoprobes, and neither will it come into life after office hours to assimilate you into the Borg Collective. The thing is, it would have been cooler if there was a motion sensor built in to spew out the words, “Resistance is futile” whenever someone drops by your place, but I guess we can’t ask too much for $12.99 now, can we?