Mom's Gadgets

Almost every week, someone is sending me an invite to join some social network. I’m not real active on many sites but I do like chatting on good old fashioned Instant Messenger (when I remember to turn it on) and love, love, love Twitter. I have Facebook, but not on there too much.

In the past, I’ve always used Miranda to log in to the IM’s because I really can’t stand having multiple IMs open and have you noticed how bloated they all are?

Today, I found Digsby which has all the most common social networks, emails and instant messengers I use in one application. Am going to check it out. If this pans out it might be one way to keep the mess out of my social networking efforts. Keeping fingers crossed.

I spend a great deal of time online. Some of that time is spent in networking, either through a social networking group, a micro-blog such as Twitter, or sometimes on occasion in a chat room or webinar.  I also listen to podcasts periodically while sitting at my computer, so I discovered a while back a need for a good quality headset.

After doing some research I finally ordered one very similar to this one.  It came in the mail and I was giddy to try it.  The only issues I have sometimes with it is a bit of static if I move too much, but other than that it is great.  You can block out background noise whether you are listening to or recording a podcast.  Yes it has a mic too it’s not JUST a headset.

It is also comfortable and lightweight so you truly don’t mind wearing it.  Plus it hooks up to your computer via USB so most likely you have more than one plug and can use other attachments simultaneously unlike one that may just hook into the place for your microphone.

So, if you do alot of listening and recording online or at your computer then this is a useful tool for you!

Computer time is not a big problem with my kids. They are not on there everyday and they spend a short time on it. Probably because they are young - I hope that doesn’t change though. TV is not a huge thing either, but I do not like to hear the whining and crying when the TV turns off for the night.
I’ve been using the timer on the TV to shut it off automatically but sometimes they get sneaky ya know. I need something that can police this for me AND possibly more important. Something I can blame and make the bad guy Yeah now it’s mommy’s turn to be sneaky.

I found BOB last night. I really want him! Bob is a Screen Time Manager. It controls any electronic device. Shuts down safely and you can’t turn it back on until the next day at the allotted time (or mom and dad turns it back on). Thing is, BOB is pretty expensive. List Price is $99.99 and I’ve found some places selling it for $79.99 but it’s only $59.99 over at Amazon plus free shipping. The deal is sweet but $60 is still a lot of money.

Gonna talk with hubs over this. I think we can likely budget this in. Small amount I guess in exchange for less power struggles.