Telescopes

Imaginova is the premier destination for the intellectually curious!

Shop the Starry Night Store for the world's most realistic software and DVDs.

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL CELESTRON TELESCOPES! Shop now.

Orion Telescopes & Binoculars is the largest multi-channel brand of quality optics for amateur astronomers and outdoor enthusiasts in North America. Established in 1975, they have built their reputation on providing high-quality products backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, competitive prices and the best customer service and support in the industry.

Live Science Store™ offers an extensive assortment of innovative and intriguing science-related merchandise for adults and children. Live Science Store is powered by Orion® Telescopes & Binoculars, with over 30 years of experience in direct-to-consumer marketing and a reputation for exceptional product quality, value and customer service. Both Live Science Store and Orion Telescopes & Binoculars are part of Imaginova®, an integrated multimedia content and commerce company capturing people's fascination with space, science and technological innovation across consumer, education and professional markets.

Naming stars since 1979, The International Star Registry's list of satisfied customers includes celebrities, dignitaries and individuals worldwide. They have named hundreds of thousands of stars for people from all walks of life. So, whether it be for your sweetheart, a grandchild or your top sales agent, a star name makes a unique and welcome gift. The International Star Registry gift package includes a beautiful parchment certificate, available framed or unframed, with the name of your choice, dedication date and telescopic coordinates of the star. You will also receive an informative booklet with charts of the constellations plus a larger, more detailed chart with the star you name encircled in red. 

Because these star names are copyrighted with their telescopic coordinates in the book, "Your Place in the Cosmos", future generations may identify the star name in the directory and using a telescope, locate the actual star in the sky! Truly a wonderful gift! Name Your Star today!

Name a Star

Home Automation

Visit Smarthome for the latest technology in home automation systems.

Who Is Smarthome?

In business since 1992, Smarthome is the world's largest home automation retailer, with over 5,000 affordable lighting, security, and home entertainment products that the average do-it-yourselfer can safely install. Smarthome's customer service team receives frequent customer top satisfaction ratings & the expert technical support team is available seven days a week to answer all your questions.

No surveillance job is too big for the world's smallest 2.4GHz color camera! This unbelievably tiny camera is no bigger than a postage stamp and has the power to transmit, real-time, full-color video to any TV or VCR within 300 feet. It can be powered by an AC adapter OR a portable battery pack, so you can place this camera virtually anywhere! Hide it in a houseplant or air conditioning vent to make sure your nanny isn't mistreating the kids while you're away. Mount it in a mailbox to see who's been swiping your mail. Or place it in the kitchen cabinet near the candy stash to make sure your kids aren't secretly raiding it — the applications are endless!

The Hurricane Store carries products to help people remain safe, nourished and informed during and after an emergency.

• Emergency Preparedness Kits   
• NOAA weather radios
• LED flashlights
• Power Inverters 
• The Saver Kits brand of emergency preparedness kits meet the requirements for emergency essentials recommended by the Department of Homeland Security.

Language Translators

Get your language translator today!

At The Translator Store you will find a variety of Electronic Language Translator models that you will be able to use for International Travel, Business, School Work, Language Translation or to learn a language you have always wanted to discover. The Handheld Talking Electronic Translator has recently emerged as the most advanced indispensable Language Communications solution you can obtain.

Get your Language Translator today and be on your way to effective communication and being understood - The Smart Way!

These amazing Foreign Language Translators will assist you in many different ways:

• Business - working with International Companies
• International Travel - assists with Hotels, Local Transport, Sightseeing, Banks, Restaurants, Shopping etc.
• With School Work - actually hear crystal-clear native-speakers voice
• Learn Foreign Languages - hearing the words pronounced helps you learn easier and quicker

Writing Software

The #1 English Grammar & Writing Software

ThoughtSafe USB Diary

Stop anyone reading your diary ever again! Thought Safe is the latest in Secure Diary Technology. In fact, it's so secure that the technology used in this tiny device actually requires Government approval to be exported! Now that's secure, but not so secure that you can't even work out how to get it going. All you need to do to set it up is fill in your personal details when you first plug it in, and it's yours forever!

Never miss a word! Pulse Smartpen - Inovative Technology Available Today!

This is so cool! The Pulse Smartpen from Livescribe is a computer in a pen that records everything you hear and links it to what you write, so you never miss a word. Tap anywhere on your notes and hear what was recorded. Upload your notes and audio from your Pulse Smartpen to your computer to search for words or share your notes and recordings online.

PC World ranks the Pulse Smartpen a 93 superior rating and calls Pulse a "truly inovative and fun way to take notes and record audio." Pulse is ideal for anyone who uses pen and paper; the student on the go, the tech enthusiast or a busy executive. The Pulse smartpen was listed as one of the Top !0 Most Brillant Gadgets of the Year by Popular Mechanics. 

Learn more about the Pulse smartpen   

Computer Equipment

One-stop shopping for all your computer and software requirements.

Easy-read is a great gift for anyone who reads a book or uses a computer! Easy-read is a revolutionary ergonomic book holder that doubles as a computer document holder.It allows its user to read in real comfort without the aching hands and discomforts we usually experience holding our book open. Mass appeal for all age and gender groups, for a variety of reading applications, particularly the enormous population of people who read paper and hard back books at leisure. Students report this product to be invaluable while studying and it has been suggested children have shown a greater interest in reading due to its unique design, feel and ease of use. Easy-read's website ships worldwide.

COOLdock Laptop/Notebook Stand

A Cooler Laptop is a More Effective Laptop!

We know laptops offer a ton of convenience such as increased productivity and mobility, but they can be a pain to use for long periods of time. Often users complain of soreness in the neck and shoulders and general poor posture. The answer is to find ways to replicate the upright and flexible posture of the desktop experience for notebook/laptop computers... according to ergonomic experts.

This new notebook cooling stand from the Bad Back Store is the perfect solution in several ways. Now you can raise your monitor to ‘eye level’ PLUS a super new cooling fan system to dissipate heat away from your computer, extending your battery life and increasing processing speed. And better still this laptop stand plugs directly into your USB port, and no mains power is required to run the fans.

Photography

B&H is the best! We love shopping here - helpful, informative advice, great prices and the largest selection of cameras, video equipment and accessories to be found anywhere!

In 30-plus years of existence, B&H has established itself as both a Super Store located in the heart of New York City as well as an on-line resource that caters to photo and video enthusiasts – professional and amateur alike. Long known as “The Professional Source”, consumers worldwide look to B&H for knowledgeable guidance when purchasing cameras and related accessories. 

Shop Calumet Photographic - It's Where the Pros Go

Shop Calumet Photo for name brands like Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, Epson, SanDisk, Apple and many more. Calumet is known not only for their extensive online catalog, but also for expert advice and commitment to customer service before and after the purchase. From film and the traditional process to digital cameras and printers, they stock everything for the pros, enthusiasts and memory-makers. All at one easy-to-use website.

Are you new to photography or upgrading your system? Perhaps, like me, you are confused as to which equipment to purchase or to carry with you on your next photography adventure. The following excellent article by Neil at Rocky Mountain School of Photography will answer many of your questions.

What to Pack in Your Camera Bag

"It’s true, taking and editing photos are skills fundamental to producing good photography. But there’s another essential task—choosing  the right equipment for you and your specialty. For those photographers who travel for shoots or just plain travel and shoot as they go, there’s yet another skill to master—packing  your camera bag. Take lenses, for example. Which should you bring and which should you leave at home to ensure that all your bases are covered? In fact, this topic requires enough contemplation to warrant a four-hour lecture at the beginning of our annual Summer Intensive program—choosing the right lens for your camera includes weighing the pros and cons of more than 30 different features. And then, once you’ve done that, you still need to decide which ones to lug around with you to any one particular shoot.

This month I will cover the basics of packing your camera bag for a shoot. And while I offer the brands and models that I use, I am always open to and aware of different preferences—as with anything, different strokes (with cameras, makes and models) fit different folks. Me Canon, you Nikon–-great! Pentax, Olympus and Sony cameras also take great photos, though their systems (lenses, flashes, other accessories) are substantially smaller.

Brand disclaimer aside, here are some packing tips and preferences to consider before heading out on your next photo shoot. If you need some ideas, refer to last month’s newsletter.

Camera Body. A good single lens reflex body is important. For many photographers who are traveling away from home, it’s a good idea to pack a second body—and perhaps one that is older, more basic and less expensive than your primary one. Today, though, with prices so low, you can buy a new basic SLR for under $500.) Many professionals choose a high-quality point and shoot for backup, which allows them to be out and about with a very portable camera while the rest of their system sits safely in their hotel room or vehicle. I carry a point and shoot with me all the time, traveling or not.

Spare Battery. Always carry spare batteries and your battery charger. And since you bothered to bring it, be sure to use the charger each night. 

Memory Cards. Carrying spare memory cards is a must. Since they are so inexpensive, you might as well carry a few. For protection, I recommend carrying these in water-tight cases (which will also, because they are bigger, prevent you from leaving them behind in hotel rooms or on a shoot).

Lenses. For many new photographers the hardest pre-trip decision to make is choosing which lenses to bring—and for good reason. Lens quality is very important, unless you are only making small prints. A complete lens system could contain the following:

   1. A Wide Angle Zoom. Mine is Canon, 16-35mm F2.8.

   2. A Normal Zoom. I have two of these. The first is a Tamron 28-75mm F2.8. (It is light, fast, sharp and relatively inexpensive.) The second is a Canon 24-105mm F4. (I like this one because of the zoom range and image stabilization.) NOTE: I would only carry one of these on any given shoot.

   3. A Long Zoom. I have two long zooms. The first is a 70-200mm F4. I love this lens for its sharpness, relatively small size, and image stabilization. The second is a 100-400mm F4.5-5.6. When I need the reach of a long lens, the latter is a great choice despite the fact that it is fairly heavy and slower.

   4. 1.4 X Teleconverter. This fits both of my long zooms and makes them optimally 40 percent longer. For example, my 70–200mm becomes a 98–280mm lens with almost no loss in quality. I feel that a 2X Teleconverter makes my lens too slow and reduces image quality more than a 1.4X.

   5. Close Up. Most of us want some way to shoot macro (close-up) photography. (For more information on this subject, revisit the May 2008 newsletter.) These are my three favorite methods for shooting close up: (1) using a true macro lens; (2) using extension tubes; and, (3) using a close-up filter that screws on the end of a long zoom.

In addition to the above, there are two other lenses that photographers might want to carry:

   1. A Full-range Zoom. For a full-frame sensor, use a 28-300mm; on a smaller sensor, use 18-200mm. If you are traveling light, this could be your only lens; however, because of the wide-zoom range of the lens, your quality will be lower. I sometimes use my long zoom if the shoot involves lots of walking or standing around and I don’t want to carry my whole camera system.

   2. A Fixed 50mm Normal Lens. These are fairly inexpensive, small and sharp and let you shoot in low light without a flash or tripod. I use the Canon 50mm F1.4.

Lens Hood. You ALWAYS need one hood for every lens that you own, and I recommend buying the one made for your particular lens. If your lens doesn’t come with a hood (as is the case with some less expensive models from bigger brands like Canon and Nikon), be sure to buy one; all Sigma, Tamron, Tokina (no matter the price or quality of the lens) lenses come with a lens hood.

Flash. If you do much flash photography, you may want a flash that fits into the hot shoe of your camera. Many cameras have built-in flashes, but the one that mounts on top of your body has the ability to produce higher quality photos. I rarely, however, carry a flash with me, as I would rather use a faster lens and a high ISO in low light.

Filters. Like lenses, this is another complex topic (and therefore involves some difficult decision making). So I’ll make it easy—in digital photography, we needn’t worry much about filters. I carry a circular polarizer and a split neutral density filter (the latter for landscapes), both of which are made by Singh-ray. 

NOTE: Split density filters require filter holders.

Strap. A good camera strap is important. The one that comes with your camera usually doesn’t attach and detach easily and doesn’t help lighten the load. The best are made by OP/TECH; these straps come on and off easily and make the camera feel considerably lighter. Plus, a locally-inspired fashion perk: RMSP sells OP/TECH straps with the school logo. (Call the school if you are interested.)

Bag or Backpack. For comfort and versatility, I prefer a backpack to a shoulder bag most of the time when I’m carrying equipment. Although there are many good brands to choose from, I use the Kata R103, which is small enough to fit overhead or under the seat in front of you on an airplane and still plenty large enough to carry all that I have listed. It also has a padded pocket to store a laptop with a 15” screen.

Sensor Cleaner. Even if you have a self-cleaning sensor, I highly recommend carrying one of the red and black rocket blowers to clean your sensor.

Image Storage. You want at least two backup options while traveling, as you never know when one will crash or be misplaced. I use my computer (a MacBook Air laptop) and a small external hard drive.

Tripod System. Last, but certainly one of the most important photographic accessories to take with you while traveling, is a good tripod and head. With all professional tripod systems, the heads and legs can be purchased separately, as all heads fit all legs. What legs you purchase or bring (though weight is certainly a consideration while on the move) is less important because they are easy to replace if they get lost or broken. Manfrotto and Gitzo’s legs are the most common brands that professionals use. Any tripods that these two brands make are great, but those made from carbon fiber are lighter. I also like tripod legs that collapse into four sections so that I can fold them into my suitcase when traveling. The tripod head is of utmost importance because if you, like me, use the quick release plates mounted on your camera and long lenses, you cannot use just any old head—they must fit your system. Therefore, if you lose the head, you cannot shoot with a tripod. For this reason, it is good it be in the habit of carrying the head with you in your camera bag (rather than on the legs) when you travel. The model I use is Kirk BH-3. For the camera bodies I use the Kirk L-plate, which is magnificent and makes shooting much easier.

Above are just some of the suggestions and information I often give my students. Any photographer, though, may take less or more depending on their preferences and the nature of their shoot. Either way, I hope this article helps you think through your own packing process next time you head out the door to a shoot—whether it is in your backyard or half way around the world." 

Gadgets

Cambridge Sound Works, Inc. manufactures over 60 different models of home-stereo, home-theater, multimedia speakers and assorted electronics products. Best Guarantee in the industry. Try out some new equipment today!

"Because Cambridge SoundWorks distributes its products directly…..the company achieves economy of scale and sells these speakers for a real bargain." - PC World 

The Wireless Emporium is the leader in cell phone accessories offering 1000's of factory-direct mobile phone accessories for all major phones.

What is Unlose.it? Unlose.it is an asset protection service that helps you recover your lost valuables. Whether already missing or not, registering an item with unlose.it - such as a cell phone, PDA, camera or bicycle - significantly increases your odds of recovery when the item is lost or stolen. Once someone finds your item and visits the website to track the serial number, they'll immediately know how to return it to you and collect their unlose.it reward. Unlose.it also allows you the option of offering an additional cash reward and they can even handle the entire recovery process if you prefer to remain anonymous.

Perhaps the best office computer chair online - this Australian-designed ergonomic knee chair gives lumbar support, pain relief, superb comfort, perfect posture and a healthy back.

Gadget Universe is the premier gift store for unique gadgets, toys, executive products, electronic equipment and more.

Gadget Universe

Fun & Games

Play First is a leading publisher focused on creating shared casual game experiences around lasting original brands. Committed to building casual gameplay rich in story and character, Play First works with talented internal and external developers to bring mass market games to multiple platforms, including PC, Mac, mobile, handheld and console.

The folks at Wind and Weather have a passion for the weather. They love to study clouds, gage winds, count raindrops, predict storms and track every single life-affecting detail. This boundless enthusiasm for all things meteorological began brewing in 1976 when Wind & Weather opened its doors on the beautiful north coast of California. Over three decades later, we're drenched in industry knowledge and experience, and recognized as a world-trusted supplier of weather instruments.

Students, gardeners, bird watchers, sports enthusiasts, pilots, hobbyists and pros have unique demands for weather data. They specialize in satisfying each degree of curiosity with a multi-level collection of weather instruments that includes top brands like Maximum, Davis, Rainwise, Oregon Scientific, and Lacrosse. They also offer a fine selection of field-approved supplies like binoculars, watches, radios, and emergency-support tools.

Wind and Weather works hard to be a lighthouse in your sea of shopping choices offering unexcelled technical assistance, superior products and outstanding customer satisfaction.

Acccessory Geeks carries the most complete line of cellphone accessories, both OEM and aftermarket for cellphones sold in the U.S. and Canadian markets. Most companies usually offer low quality aftermarket products or only original products. Not them! They offer everything! From original accessories directly from the original manufacturer and premium quality aftermarket products for those customers who want a bang for their buck. They take pride in fast shipment processing time and having the most complete selection of high quality/unique cellphone accessories. They also take pride in having good knowledge in the products they offer to our customers. Accessory Geeks offers free shipping on all items sold in our on-line store to US buyers.

Headquarter based in Southern California, Hand Held Items by IGg Factory Inc. is a leading provider and retailer of innovative accessories for Apple's iPhone, iPod, and other products related to MP3 players. As one of the leading online e-commerce and IT company, Hand Held Items offers thousands of high quality products from consumer electronics to toys and games at competitive prices.