When function meets form: The Elis “WiFi Lamp”.

Far too often I see gadgets with all fluff and no flavor pass before me. While a pretty face is more than welcome, and in fact a major bullet point I look for, at the end of the day I tend to fall on the utilitarian side. That is, what good is a pretty face if it doesn’t do anything but sit there and…look pretty? The whole function vs. form thing is exactly what Onda Communications is fighting with their “Elis: Wifi Lamp”.

In short, the Elis is a rather trendy looking lamp that also doubles as a WiFi router. No more unsightly router sitting out for all to see. It’s a pretty neat concept and one that would definitely sell truckloads of units if implemented into other household designs as well. For the function minded people — it’ll top out at 21Mbps. See, it isn’t so bad now is it?

Wireless Logic/Teldat launch first SIM-enabled wireless backup service

If you run a business small or large and rely on any form of computer network to keep you up and running, experiencing a network outage can no doubt be a crushing blow to your budget. However, just because your traditional network goes down doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. A joint partnership between Wireless Logic and Teldat is bringing the UK its first SIM-enabled wireless backup service. The service is basically a failsafe for your traditional hard line service in case of a failure. All the end user has to do is plug in Teldat’s SIM-enabled 3GE signal booster into their existing fixed line networks so that when a failure occurs, the SIM based network is activated allowing you and your company to continue conducting business over a variety of carriers’ 3G networks. “Competitively priced options” from Vodafone, O2 or Orange UK will give users some leeway in determining which carrier is the best option for them and their business. SIM-enabled backup options are to compete with other options a company is typically faced with such as adding a second backup ADSL line or employing a satellite backup both of which are more costly options and out of reach of many smaller businesses. However, with Wireless Logic and Teldat’s new SIM-enabled service, wireless backup should become more affordable.

Does this sound like a worthwhile option or is your company satisfied with their current setup?

• Press Release

Wireless Logic

Logitech router/butter knife sheds a boat load of weight

Those of you who look at your router day in and day out and cant stand to see all of the heft and excessive amounts of plastic may have something to look for in the Logitech Japan’s LAN-W300N/R. The main draw here is of course the size — the insanely thin (for a router) case. Thickness for said router starts out at a still rather svelte 24mm and moves down to a Lindsy Lohan skinny 7mm. Butter is safe no more. As far as actual real specs such as speed, which by the way tops out at 300Mbps, price, and availability are sadly still unknown. At least you have a pretty face to stare at right?

Source: Geeky-Gadgets, Slippery Brick