ETC Labs is now TekPicks.com

We are in the process of migrating to our permanent home.

The site design is finished, just a few implementation issues to iron out.

Check out the new site:

www.tekpicks.com

The Perfect Pencil?

One idea that has never kept me awake a night is how to improve the standard issue #2 pencil. Apparently, Faber-Castell employs some insomniacs because they have done just that. The Perfect Pencil adds an aluminum cap with a built-in sharpner plus a “no smear” eraser. You can pick up a a gift pack that includes the cap, three pencils and carrying pouch for $40. Refills run $11.40 per dozen. If you are an old school pencil kinda person or are looking for a way to set yourself apart from the masses this is definitely worth a look.

Quick Takes: Fogo de Chão

If the Internet could translate smell, I would be done writing. Typically, I find traveling for a work a bear, but every once in while its pays off in spades, like when I discovered this little gem of a steakhouse. Fogo de Chão was like no place I had ever been before. 15 differents kinds of meat and you get as much as you want…Sorry I was drooling on my keyboard. This is not the Brazillian Sizzler either. We are talking about PRIME cuts of meat that has been fire roasted…11 Current US locations with 2 more opening this year. But I am only one man, who else has been there? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Better still, send us your favorite watering holes when traveling.

Its Time to Upgrade: SAMSUNG Black 22″ Widescreen LCD Monitor

I have been rocking dual monitors since 2005 with great results. Until recently I have been using a pair of 17″ Dell 4:3 units with no complaints.  Well, about 6 weeks ago my computer died and I had to overhaul the entire machine.  I decided I might as well upgrade the monitors too. I have a bit of a fetish for Samsung displays, already owning a 42″ 720p LCD and a 58″ 1080p Plasma so I wanted to stick with the same brand for my new monitors. After some research and price comparison, I choose this 22″ model from Samsung.  A few of the highlights: ridiculously bright, I had to turn down the level and its still makes my Dells look yellow in comparison; 8000:1 contrast ratio and 2 MS response time all for $279 after rebate plus you get free shipping right now.

A few notes though. This model does not have a built-in USB hub or adjustable height. That is just fine for my setup, but if its not right for you, consider this Samsung ($319). Its a few dollars more and drops to a 5 MS response time but you get the USB ports and heights adjustment which may be well worth the trade off.

Charging Stand for Blackberry Curve or Pearl

I am a linear kind of guy. I like things neat and organized. A clean desk equals a clean mind in my book. That’s why I love these minimalist charging stands for the Blackberry Pearl 8100 / 8120 / 8130 and Blackberry 8300 8320 8310 Curve Smartphones . Not only do they look good, but they help keep my 8310 charged and the cord out of my way, without adding a typical bulky desktop charger to my desk.

Keep your Bookmarks Synchronized with Foxmarks

If you are not using Firefox by now, you should be. Just one of the many reasons is foxmarks. The problem with a heavy travel schedule is you often end up working on multiple machines like your work desktop and laptop plus your home computer. It can be down right annoying to go looking for a site you need only to realize you bookmarked it on another computer. Foxmarks ends that frustration by using its web servers to sync your bookmarks anywhere you have the extension installed. You have to do is log-in in once and you are done. Paired with Portable Apps on your thumb drive, you can always have the information you need where you need it with no hassle.

Milwaukee’s New Big Hawg™ Hole Cutter

We love our power tools for sure and we love stuff that makes our tools even more useful. Milwaukee’s New Big Hawg™ Hole Cutter is just the ticket for folks needing to cuts lots of holes for say a plumbing remodel or perhaps installing that new keggerator in the garage. The new design features 3 hardened steel teeth that can cut up to 600 holes before resharpening is necesary and it can it do it up to 10 times faster than your average hole saw. It’s available in a range of sizes from 2-1/8” to 6-1/4”. Amazon has the Big Hawg Series starting at just $26.62 with free shipping.

invisibleShield, Protection for your Gear

Working in the field can wreak havoc on your gear. Dust and dirt just don’t play well with electronics. Leather cases offer good proctection but I find they wear out easily and add lots of extra bulk I just don’t want. invisibleShield solves the problem for me. Designed as a clear membrane or skin that is just .25 millimeters, the invisibleShield provides the protection needed and none of the bulk, plus it backed by a lifetime warranty. Available for over 2000 devices including iPods, Smartphones, Cameras and Laptops. Definitely worth a look.

Leatherman Skeletool CX

Like our culinary hero Alton Brown, we say, “Banish the Unitasker!” The Leatherman Multitools have been helping us do this for years. While silly useful, the design was never anything to gush about. No more! First introduced last year the Skeletool ($57.33) was simply wicked. Now its been updated. The Skeletool CX ($79.85) is wicked doubled. Stainless Steel construction with carbon fiber handle inserts and Tungsten DLC Scratch-resistant Coating plus a load of useful tools like a one hand opening blade, universal bit driver, needle nose pliers and wire cutters. All this, and it only weighs 5 onces. Buy one, now.

Bosch 10.8V Litheon™ Impactor Fastening Driver

We are always on the look out for tools that travel well. Unfortunately sometimes this is accomplished at the cost of function. Not the case this Bosch Driver ($143.99). Packing a powerful hammer and anvil system, this driver produces 800 in/lbs of torque. That’s 60% more torque than the average 18v NiCad drill. At just 2.2 pounds the Impactor easily fits into our travel case and we love that it comes with two batteries so we always have power when we need it. The built in LED light is a nice touch too.