How to Approach What does prednisone do for bronchitis With Confidence

Health decisions are easier when reliable information is close at hand. Tracking symptoms in a simple log helps both patients and doctors evaluate progress. Gastrointestinal discomfort is one reason many prescribers suggest pairing medication with a meal. Generic versions of many medications offer the same effectiveness at a lower cost. Keeping a symptom journal can help identify patterns and guide follow-up conversations with a doctor. Skin conditions like eczema sometimes respond well to topical or short oral courses. Every treatment decision should weigh the benefits against the possible risks for that individual. For a closer look at the specifics, see this what does prednisone do for bronchitis. Sleep disruption is a frequently reported side effect, especially when doses are taken later in the day. Clear communication with a care team remains the most reliable way to stay on track. Weight fluctuation is common and typically stabilizes once the medication course ends. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should always discuss medication safety with their provider. Reading the medication guide provided by a pharmacy can clarify proper administration. Every patient metabolizes medication differently, which is why dosing guidelines vary by condition. Storing medication in a cool, dry place helps preserve its effectiveness. Short courses of steroid therapy are generally well tolerated by most adults. Corticosteroids mimic hormones the body produces naturally in the adrenal glands. Immune suppression is a known effect, which is why avoiding sick contacts is often advised. Mild swelling or water retention sometimes accompanies steroid use and usually resolves after tapering. Online pharmacies can offer convenience, but verifying legitimacy is an essential step. Muscle aches and fatigue are among the more common complaints reported during treatment. Abruptly stopping a steroid regimen can cause the adrenal glands to struggle to resume normal hormone output. This side effects of tapering prednisone breaks down the key points in an easy-to-follow format. Combining certain drugs without medical guidance can increase the risk of unwanted interactions. Children are typically prescribed weight-based dosing under close medical supervision. Some conditions respond well to a short burst of treatment, while others need a longer tapering schedule. With the right guidance, most patients navigate their treatment course safely and effectively.

Omnicef For Strep Throat: Benefits, Dosage, And Safety

When a person is diagnosed with strep throat or seeks relief from it, selecting the most appropriate medication requires weighing multiple factors: the severity of symptoms, the patient's age and health history, and whether other medications are already being taken. A thoughtful treatment choice improves outcomes and reduces unnecessary side effects. Responsible antibiotic use is essential to preserving the effectiveness of these important medications. Antibiotic resistance develops when bacteria evolve mechanisms to survive exposure to drugs that would normally kill or inhibit them. Completing a prescribed antibiotic course in full, even when symptoms improve, helps ensure that all bacteria are eliminated and reduces the chance of resistant strains surviving. Using antibiotics only when they are truly needed also helps limit the development and spread of resistance. Among the medications available for antibiotic treatments, Omnicef provides a well-studied option that many patients discuss with their doctors. The clinical evidence supporting omnicef for strep throat shows that it can be effective for managing this condition when used appropriately under medical supervision. Omnicef contains the active ingredient cefdinir, which works by acting on the biological pathways responsible for producing the symptoms associated with strep throat. Understanding the mechanism helps patients appreciate why consistent use is often more effective than taking it only when symptoms become severe, as maintaining steady levels allows for more stable control. Patients managing strep throat long-term should keep regular follow-up appointments to assess whether their treatment plan is still the best fit for their situation. As conditions change and new evidence emerges, treatment adjustments may be worthwhile. The antibiotic treatments resource section provides a helpful reference for staying current on medication options in this area.

Zantac: Dosage Guide And Timing Considerations

Taking medication correctly is just as important as choosing the right one. For Zantac (ranitidine), following the prescribed or recommended dosage schedule consistently is essential to achieving and maintaining therapeutic effects. The pharmacokinetic profile of ranitidine determines how quickly it is absorbed, how long it stays active in the body, and how often it needs to be taken. The hallmark symptoms of acid reflux are heartburn, described as a burning sensation in the chest that often worsens after eating or when lying down, and acid regurgitation, the sensation of acid or food coming back up into the throat or mouth. Other symptoms can include a chronic cough, hoarseness, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. Identifying and modifying dietary and lifestyle triggers is an important part of managing acid reflux alongside medication. The standard dosing of Zantac varies depending on the condition being treated, the patient's age, weight, and kidney or liver function, and whether it is being used for acute symptom relief or chronic management. Full prescribing and dosage details, including dose adjustments for specific populations such as elderly patients or those with organ impairment, are available at https://mednewwsstoday.com/acid-reflux/zantac-ranitidine/. Consistency is key when taking Zantac. Skipping doses or stopping early can reduce the medication's effectiveness or, in some cases, allow the underlying condition to worsen. If a dose is missed, patients should generally take it as soon as they remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. Doubling up to make up for a missed dose is not recommended for most medications. Those seeking comparative information on dosing and safety profiles across medications used for acid reflux and heartburn treatment can refer to https://mednewwsstoday.com/acid-reflux/, where detailed profiles of individual medications in this category are maintained for patient education.

Cytotec Misoprostol Article

Misoprostol, known by brand Cytotec, is prostaglandin analog with important roles in gastrointestinal protection and other specialty indications. In acid-related care, it is mainly used to reduce risk of NSAID-induced gastric ulcers in high-risk patients who require ongoing anti-inflammatory therapy. Drug works by increasing protective mucus and bicarbonate secretion and supporting mucosal blood flow, helping stomach lining resist injury from NSAID exposure. It can be useful when ulcer risk is significant and alternative strategies are limited. Misoprostol often causes gastrointestinal side effects such as abdominal cramping or diarrhea, especially early in therapy. Dose timing with meals may improve tolerance in some patients, but adherence counseling is still necessary. Major safety issue is pregnancy risk because misoprostol can induce uterine contractions. Pregnancy status, contraception counseling, and clear warning communication are essential for patients with pregnancy potential when prescribed for ulcer prevention. These factors explain why cytotec-misoprostol for acid and ulcer management requires careful patient selection and monitoring. Severe persistent diarrhea, dehydration symptoms, or intolerable cramping should prompt reassessment. Medication planning should include whether ongoing NSAID exposure can be reduced, because lowering offending trigger often improves long-term safety more than adding protective medication alone. Patients benefit from tracking abdominal symptoms, stool pattern, NSAID use frequency, and meal timing. This helps clinicians separate expected adaptation effects from treatment-limiting adverse events. For broader comparison of gastroprotective and reflux-related treatment pathways, patients can review acid reflux care resources before follow-up visits. Shared decision-making is important when balancing gastrointestinal protection against side-effect burden in long-term NSAID users. Patients should receive explicit counseling on dose schedule, hydration, and when to call clinic for persistent intolerance. Follow-up checks soon after initiation help prevent premature discontinuation or unsafe self-adjustments. Clear instructions improve adherence and safety. Routine review of NSAID necessity can further reduce ulcer risk over time.

Can You Get Amoxicillin Online

The rise of telehealth has transformed how patients access medical care, including the process of obtaining prescription medications. Amoxicillin is a prescription antibiotic in most countries, meaning a licensed healthcare provider must evaluate the patient and determine that an antibiotic is appropriate before it can be dispensed. This requirement exists to protect patients from misuse and to preserve antibiotic effectiveness. Getting amoxicillin online through a legitimate telehealth platform is safe and legal when done correctly. The process typically involves completing a health questionnaire or participating in a live video or phone consultation with a licensed physician or nurse practitioner. The provider reviews the patient's symptoms, medical history, and any relevant test results before deciding whether to prescribe amoxicillin. If appropriate, a prescription is sent electronically to a pharmacy of the patient's choosing. Reputable telehealth platforms employ licensed, board-certified healthcare providers who follow the same prescribing standards as in-person clinics. They will not prescribe antibiotics without a clinical justification, and they will consider whether the patient's condition is bacterial rather than viral before recommending amoxicillin. This kind of appropriate prescribing is essential for preventing antibiotic misuse. Patients looking for established online pharmacy and telehealth services can explore https://www.amoxilcompharm.com/ for a professional platform that supports responsible antibiotic access. Patients should be wary of websites that offer to sell amoxicillin or other prescription antibiotics without requiring a valid prescription from a licensed provider. Such practices are illegal in most jurisdictions and dangerous to the patient. Medications obtained from unregulated sources may be counterfeit, contaminated, or mislabeled, posing serious health risks. Always use regulated telehealth services and licensed pharmacies when seeking prescription medications online. Online consultations for antibiotic prescriptions are particularly convenient for common conditions such as urinary tract infections, sinus infections, and strep throat where symptoms are well-defined and a clinical assessment can be conducted remotely. They save time and reduce exposure to other sick patients in waiting rooms. For educational resources about obtaining amoxicillin safely online and understanding antibiotic treatment protocols, visit https://amoxicillina.online/ for reliable health guidance.

Hydrochlorothiazide for Blood Pressure and Fluid Management: A Clinical Overview

Hydrochlorothiazide, commonly abbreviated as HCTZ, is one of the most widely prescribed diuretics in the United States and has been a cornerstone of antihypertensive therapy for more than six decades. It belongs to the thiazide diuretic class, which works in the kidney to reduce sodium and water retention, resulting in lower blood volume and decreased pressure against arterial walls. The primary clinical use of hydrochlorothiazide is hypertension. It is often used as a first-line option, either as monotherapy in patients with mild to moderate elevation or in combination with other antihypertensive agents including ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers. Many fixed-dose combination products pair HCTZ with agents from these classes in a single tablet to simplify regimens and improve adherence. Beyond blood pressure, hydrochlorothiazide is used in the management of edema associated with heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and hepatic conditions. By promoting urinary sodium and water excretion, it reduces fluid accumulation in tissues and relieves symptoms such as leg swelling. Hydrochlorothiazide also serves a paradoxically useful role in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, where it reduces urine volume despite its diuretic classification. The mechanism involves increased proximal tubule sodium and water reabsorption, partially compensating for the absent vasopressin effect. Electrolyte monitoring is a routine part of HCTZ therapy. The medication promotes potassium, magnesium, and sodium excretion. Hypokalemia is the most common electrolyte implication, and patients may need dietary guidance on potassium-rich foods or supplementation depending on baseline values and diuretic dose. A healthcare provider typically checks a basic metabolic panel within weeks of starting HCTZ or adjusting the dose. Common tolerability considerations include increased urination, especially early in treatment. Most patients adapt within a few weeks as the body equilibrates. Dehydration is a risk during illness with vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake, and patients are advised to contact their provider if they cannot maintain normal fluid consumption. HCTZ can raise uric acid levels modestly, which matters for patients with a history of gout. It may also affect blood glucose slightly, a consideration for patients with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Routine labs help identify these changes early. For patients exploring treatment options in this drug class, understanding hydrochlorothiazide for blood pressure and fluid management provides a useful clinical foundation. Patients who want to explore the diuretic category and how individual agents are selected for specific conditions will find helpful guidance at diuretic medication category resources.

Zanaflex For Sleep: Benefits, Dosage, And Safety

When a person is diagnosed with sleep or seeks relief from it, selecting the most appropriate medication requires weighing multiple factors: the severity of symptoms, the patient's age and health history, and whether other medications are already being taken. A thoughtful treatment choice improves outcomes and reduces unnecessary side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants work through two broad mechanisms. Centrally acting muscle relaxants affect the central nervous system to reduce muscle hypertonia. They work by depressing polysynaptic reflexes in the spinal cord, reducing the nerve signals that cause excessive muscle contraction. Peripherally acting drugs like dantrolene act directly on muscle fibers by blocking the release of calcium needed for muscle contraction. Most commonly used muscle relaxants in clinical practice are central acting. Among the medications available for muscle relaxant medications, Zanaflex provides a well-studied option that many patients discuss with their doctors. The clinical evidence supporting zanaflex for sleep shows that it can be effective for managing this condition when used appropriately under medical supervision. Zanaflex contains the active ingredient tizanidine, which works by acting on the biological pathways responsible for producing the symptoms associated with sleep. Understanding the mechanism helps patients appreciate why consistent use is often more effective than taking it only when symptoms become severe, as maintaining steady levels allows for more stable control. Patients managing sleep long-term should keep regular follow-up appointments to assess whether their treatment plan is still the best fit for their situation. As conditions change and new evidence emerges, treatment adjustments may be worthwhile. The muscle relaxant medications resource section provides a helpful reference for staying current on medication options in this area.

How Methotrexate Helps With Arthritis

Dealing with arthritis can take a real toll on daily life, affecting sleep, work performance, and overall well-being. While many people try to manage symptoms with lifestyle adjustments alone, medication often plays a central role in achieving meaningful relief, particularly when symptoms are moderate to severe or recurring. Allergy treatment has advanced considerably over the past several decades. Early antihistamines were effective but caused significant drowsiness. Modern second-generation antihistamines provide comparable or superior symptom control without the sedating side effects that limited their predecessors. Other treatment modalities include nasal corticosteroid sprays, which reduce airway inflammation, and allergen immunotherapy, which gradually desensitizes the immune system through controlled exposure to specific allergens over time. Healthcare professionals frequently discuss Methotrexate as a potential treatment for patients presenting with arthritis. The data supporting methotrexate for arthritis provides a useful resource for patients who want a thorough understanding of how this medication has been studied and what clinical experience suggests about its effectiveness. One of the practical considerations with Methotrexate is timing. Some patients find that taking the medication at a consistent time each day helps maintain stable effects. Food interactions, if any, should be noted since they can affect how well the active ingredient methotrexate is absorbed. Patients are encouraged to review the full prescribing information or consult a pharmacist for personalized guidance. Treatment of arthritis does not always follow a one-size-fits-all approach. The https://mednewwsstoday.com/hormone-therapy/ section on hormone therapy covers the range of treatments that might complement or serve as alternatives to Methotrexate, helping patients and providers find the combination most suited to individual needs.

Synthroid: Side Effects, Drug Interactions, And Precautions

Every medication carries the potential for side effects, and Synthroid (levothyroxine) is no exception. Understanding what side effects are possible, which are common versus rare, and what warning signs warrant medical attention allows patients to use the medication safely and confidently. Most people who take Synthroid as directed tolerate it without major problems, but individual responses vary. The spectrum of allergic disease is broad. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever, flares in response to outdoor allergens such as tree pollen in spring and ragweed in fall. Perennial allergies occur year-round and are typically triggered by indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander. Chronic urticaria manifests as persistent hives and can last months or years without a clearly identifiable cause. All of these conditions share a common inflammatory pathway driven by the immune system's release of chemical mediators. The most frequently reported side effects of levothyroxine are typically mild and often resolve within days to weeks as the body adjusts. Serious side effects occur less frequently but are documented in prescribing information and patient safety guides. Complete side effect information and precautions are listed at https://mednewwsstoday.com/thyroid/synthroid-levothyroxine/, which serves as a reliable reference for anyone beginning therapy with Synthroid or monitoring an ongoing treatment. Drug interactions are an important safety consideration for any medication. Synthroid may interact with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, or certain foods, affecting how it is metabolized or how effective it is. A pharmacist or doctor can review a patient's full medication list to identify any clinically significant interactions before starting Synthroid. Patients should also avoid making changes to their medication regimen without first consulting a healthcare professional. More information on medications used in thyroid and how they compare in terms of safety and efficacy is available through the resource at thyroid. Staying informed helps patients participate actively in decisions about their care.

IDAPT Universal Desktop Charger

So, it probably goes without saying that everyone here at Popgadget can safely be classified as a geek (though I think there may be a nerd or two among us, but a deliberation on the differences between the two is for another time). Anyway, as geeks go, there is a tendency to have significant charging needs to keep all of our gadgets up and running.

I've personally been a fan of the universal adapter for a long time. One in the house, one in the car, and only to buy a new tip on occasion to fit the latest mobile device. Only problem is the unsightliness of the cords. IDAPT provides an elegant, desktop solution to this dilemma. Easy-in device tips allow you to simultaneously charge up to three devices without all the clutter. Perfect for your nightstand, kitchen counter, desk, or wherever you charge.

The IDAPT comes with the six most common tips, including iPhone / iPod, Samsung, Nokia, and USB mini and micro. Additional tips can be purchased online. Available starting in May, the IDAPT has an MSRP of $59.99 and will come in black and white models.

Let it be your single cord solution.

Urbanears Plattan Headphones

Though I'm normally partial to in-ear headphones, I decided to give the Urbanears Plattan headphones a whirl and was very impressed.

I admit to being a sound snob. I usually go toting around in $600 professional headphone gear, so I was skeptical about anything with a $60 price tag. I'm pleased to report, however, that these stylish, full-sized headphones delivered great sound that was music [pun intended] to these audiophile ears. I plugged into my iPhone and cranked some thumping dance tunes. Clear, rich sound with no bass breakdown or muddiness. Their adjustability even made them start off comfortably on my fat head and their light weight made them stay comfortable.

The Plattans feature an in-line microphone and remote compatible with the iPhone and Nokia, HTC and Blackberry phones along with two extra cable extensions making the headphones compatible with a majority of all devices. Also featured is the “zound plug” which allows you to daisy-chain another set of headphones to let a friend listen in. This set also folds up to a neat, compact size for convenient transport. And, finally, the best part… 14 fashionable colors to choose from, with everything from basic black to ocean blue and salad green.

Great listening at a great price.

iSkin Solo FX iPhone Case

Oh the ubiquity of the black iPhone case! Leather, pleather, rubber, plastic… I want something more fantastic!

Leave it to the geniuses of iSkin to give me the exciting cover my 3GS deserves! The iSkin Solo FX builds on the original Solo case by adding a designer pattern and a mirrored screen protector to the glossy case that gives you the look of a hard shell while offering the protection and gripability of a rubber skin. There is also a special edition of the FX that adds even more excitement to the texture and pattern.

The glamorous FX is made with Microban antimicrobial protection that inhibits the growth of all the nasty bacteria that tends to collects on one's phone – another plus for me, the resident Popgadget germophobe. Color choices for the FX are Breeze (translucent blue), Lush (translucent green), Passion (translucent red), Sunset (translucent orange) and Vive (translucent purple). Like the perfect designer dress, the FX is low profile and cut out in all the right places (dock, camera, headphone jack, and ringer switch) while covering the essentials (volume and power controls). It's also compatible with the iSkin revoClip for those that want fashion and dare I say it… functionality… in one.

Show your iPhone style with the FX (and your fear of germs… oh, nevermind, that's my fear of germs).

Barbie Gets Geeked

A few weeks back, I reported that Mattel was holding open votes to decide Barbie's 126th career. Among the choices were News Anchor, Architect, and Computer Engineer. I'm happy to announce that the people have spoken and we now have Computer Engineer Barbie.

According to Mattel's site, the doll's designers worked side by side with the Society of Women Engineers and the National Academy of Engineering to design realistic clothing and accessories. Barbie will be decked out in a tee with a binary code pattern and some black knit skinny pants. She'll also be equipped with all the latest tech including a smartphone, Bluetooth headset, and even a travel bag for her laptop. Speaking of the laptop, Barbie's will of course, be a pink affair which will match her prerequisite glasses.

Nokia 5800 Navigation Edition

This variation of the popular Nokia 5800 Xpress Music edition makes the most of Nokia's Ovi Maps that was recently re-vamped into a free 'forever' app.

The Ovi Maps app features coverage for over 70 countries and combines with the 5800 to maximize its abilities to give you turn-by-turn, voice-guided navigation for both driving and walking. Ovi Maps also features free updates, more than 6,000 3D landmarks, free event guides, and free Lonely Planet and Michelin travel guides.

As for the hardware, the bright 360x640TFT touchscreen displays the excellent features of the easy-to-read Ovi Maps and features tactile feedback. The 5800 Navi also features 3.5G (3.6 Mbs); Wi-Fi; 3.2 MP camera with video recording, autofocus, and LED flash; 81MB of internal memory; hot-swappable MicroSD slot that can accommodate cards up to 16GB; very respectable battery life of 8.8 hours talk time and 16 days of standby time; and all the music features of the original 5800 Xpress Music edition including dedicated menu button and even respectable built-in stereo speakers.

The 5800 Navi includes an auto power adapter and a windshield mount right in the box, so it's ready to jump in the car and hit the open road with you. The windshield mount was a little tricky to put together and seemed rather large upon assembly, but actually is quite usable once installed in the car. It's very adjustable and was long enough to put the phone right at my fingertips, even in my huge (read: non P.C.) SUV.

Currently on sale at the Nokia Online Store for $299.

Cosmetic Mirror Lets You Try on Makeup Virtually

It's not a magic mirror, but it's still pretty cool. The Digital Cosmetic Mirror allows women to try on make up without having to go through the time consuming step of applying the makeup. Created by cosmetics company Shiseido, the interactive display allows users to check out new products using augmented reality.

Users simply stand in front of the computer's camera and let it scan your face. The image is then loaded into the computer and it gives you a number of colors to try out. Users then select a color via touchscreen and the computer applies the makeup to the virtual image. If you like what you see, you can print out the photo and pick up your new cosmetics.

The Digital Cosmetic Mirror can apply eyeshadow and lipstick as well as recommend different products and makeup techniques. So far this is a Japan-exclusive but I would love to see this in my favorite cosmetic store in the near future,

Via Japan Trends

PSP Gets Fashion Forward

You seen fashion PCs, catwalk-worthy phones, and even haute couture-inspired cars. Now meet the fashion handheld console. A Japan-exclusive, Sony is releasing the “Jill Stuart Sweet Limited Package” a blossum pink PlayStation Portable. This special edition console was created in conjunction with designer Jill Stuart

The limited edition set includes the pastel-colored PSP a pouch with a beaded pearl strap along with a matching pink cleaning cloth. There is also a 4GB Memory Stick Pro Duo all packaged in a cute pink box.

The “Jill Stuart Sweet Limited Package" becomes available on March 4 for $230. Interested gamers should start looking for a good import site.

Via TechCrunch

iPhone App Makes Sure Your Date is Safe

Even though dating should be about having fun and meeting new people, it's also about finding out if this person is potential mate material. I mean you want to know if the person sitting across from you has had serious run-ins with the law or has picked their nose since age seven. Thanks to this new iPhone and Android app, you might not be able to check about the nose picking habit, but you can get the deets on just about everything else.

Created by information commerce company, Intelius, Date Check does what the company does best, dig up dirt.Date Check is an app that lets users pull up all those juicy secrets that you want to know, but might be too shy to ask on the first or second date. With a flick of the wrist you can find out if a person has a criminal history via the sleeze detector. You can also see if they own real estate, or if they're living with someone -- say a spouse they might have forgotten to mention.

The app is currently available for free on the Android Marketplace and the Apple App Store.

Via Gadgetwise

Is the Apple iPad "magical"?

Today was 2010's first iDay- the announcement of a new or updated Apple product, predictably following months, or in this case years of feverish speculation. Steve Jobs gave the gathered press the first glimpse of the super-tablet himself, proudly declaring the new iPad not just revolutionary, but magical. It is undeniably sleek, beautiful, and impressive to look at but is it necessary, especially for people already toting around iPhones or iPod Touches, along with a MacBook or a MacBook Air?

Here are the specs:

-9.7" LED backlit, fully multi-touch display, with IPS technology (IPS provides wide viewing angles and good color reproduction, important for a tablet that you may use both laptop-style, and as a media player). There's also a special fingerprint-resistant coating, obviously good for a screen with a touch interface.

-Up to 10 hour battery life for video, music, and wifi surfing.

-Half an inch thick, weighs 1.5 lbs, 9.5" high, 7.5" wide.

-Wifi, Bluetooth, and optional 3G through AT&T (yay, not). Assisted GPS on 3G models only.

-On-screen keyboard only- but wide enough, apparently for something approaching touch-typing. Jobs typed with all his fingers, not just thumbs during the demo. There's also an optional hardware keyboard which also charges the iPad.

-The iPad will run all current iPhone/iPod Touch applications, plus have its own iPad-only apps.

-The iPad is an advanced e-book reader, using the iBooks app for reading and the iBookstore app for browsing and buying books. iBookstore has licensing deals with some of the biggest publishers so book selection should quickly get competitive with the Amazon Kindle's, plus iBook supports the EPUB standard, which offers thousands of free books. The best part? The Amazon Kindle and BN Nook use low-powered e-ink displays which are easy on the eyes and give great battery life, but they are not backlit or in color. The iPad is both, and while battery life is sure to be less than the Kindle's, 10 hours is still really, really good.

-iWork, Apple's answer to MS Office will be available for the iPad. Pages, Numbers, and Keynote (Apple's versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) will be $9.99 each, a great price for a full featured app.

What are the advantages of the iPad over the iPhone or iPod Touch? The screen, obviously is almost three times the size, a huge improvement for web surfing, watching videos and viewing photos, email, and working on documents. The on-screen keyboard, which will surely elicit much discussion, won't please everybody, but will surely be more comfortable for typing longer docs and emails, and there is the optional hardware keyboard.

LG's Lotus Gets Elite

LG and Sprint are continuing their partnership with the release of the successor to the stylish Lotus phone. The LG Lotus Elite has all the looks of the original Lotus, but has stepped it up a notch with a few exclusive features.

One of the new features on the Elite is the 2.4-inch external touchscreen that allows users to easily navigate all their pertinent information without having to open the phone. The screen has a 320x240 resolution which makes for a vibrant phone experience. Other features include the new three dedicated shortcut keys for social networking, email, and text. The social networking button, dubbed Social can be mapped to a person's favorite social network.

Sony Wants You! $10,000 Scholarship up for Grabs

Contrary to popular belief, there are more than a few girl gamers out there, serving up their own brand of pwnage with a smile. When it comes to game development, women continue to be an underrepresented segment of the industry. Sony Online Entertainment is doing their part to remedy the situation with the G.I.R.L. scholarship.

The G.I.R.L. (Gamers In Real Life) program was created to affect how women are portrayed in video games. And there's no better way to change the machine than to work from within. In conjunction with the program there is also a scholarship was created with the express purpose of recruiting into the fields of video game production and design.

Cast Your Vote for Computer Engineer Barbie

Now that geeks are considered sexy, we techies are finally being appreciated for our sparkling intellect, and almost obsessional love of tech. In my mind, we were always sexy, but it just took mainstream society awhile to catch on. Now one of our most treasured mainstream childhood icons might be getting in on the geek sexy angle.

Mattel creator of the iconic Barbie doll is asking people to vote on the dolls next career. Since her debut in 1959, Barbie has had over 120 careers. She's been an astronaut, a rock star, and a veterinarian. Hey, she has to pay off the mortgage for that dream house and Ferrari somehow.

Listed among the possible careers is computer engineer. I can think of no better way to show the next generation the coolness of tech than presenting some lucky youngster with a shiny ne "Computer Engineer" Barbie. Please lend your vote and let's initiate Barbie into our ultra-cool society of tech.

The results on the voting will be available on February 12. So vote and keep your fingers crossed.

Via CrunchGear

Ritmo Advanced Pregnancy Sound System

Any expectant mother can tell you, it's never to early to start communicating with your child. Besides having extended conversations while baby is in-utero, music has been proven to assist with positive fetal development including displaying "advanced intelligence, coordination, and learning abilities."

Nuvo Group's new device helps deliver soothing sound to your baby with the Ritmo Advanced Pregnancy Sound System. Kind of like a speaker system for your unborn bundle of joy, Ritmo is a lightweight belt that fits comfortably around mommy-to-be's tummy. The belt has four built-in speakers that utilized patented Safe&Sound Technology to make sure that the sound level is perfectly safe for baby's ears. The belt also comes with a controller used to plug in an mp3 player.

Free shipping on December 17!

Not that we want you to postpone your holiday shopping any more than you already have, gulp. But this is just a friendly reminder that Thursday, December 17, is Free Shipping Day!

Free Shipping Day is, duh, the day when online merchants, some 700 of them, will ship your orders for free and vow to get them delivered by December 24.

Thanks to Consumer Reports, which kindly provides details here.

Belkin Swivel Hub lets your USB cables stay away from general cable mess

Ah finally, here comes a USB hub that's sensibility personified. Belkin's Swivel Hub could have been just another ordinary 4-port USB hub if not for its ingenious swivel head. The hub can be rotated around its connector to let you position your gadgets comfortably, thereby creating the additional advantage of allowing access to the other USB ports on your PC.

Hear ye all, and take a lesson in sense and simplicity hereforth. Available from Belkin at $29.95.

Via The Red Ferret.

AViiQ's laptop stand is the most portable ever--and gorgeous too

The AViiQ laptop stand is the most portable I've ever seen--and also the most gorgeous. At 12 3/4" long, unfolded and supporting your laptop, the AViiQ laptop stand is only a little bigger than a sheet of paper. Folded, it's not much bigger than a No.10 envelope and weighs just 5.5 oz, so it fits easily into your laptop bag or even just a laptop sleeve.

I'm a veteran laptop traveler and for years carried a (relatively) lightweight plastic laptop stand that kept the thing from sliding off my lap and folded to provide a decent typing angle. But the fold didn't change its outer dimensions--bigger than my laptop's footprint, which dictated which bags I could carry. The AViiQ laptop stand, said to fit laptops up to 17", is a dream by comparison.

The AViiQ folks, like other laptop stand makers, claim their laptop stand will dissipate heat and prolong battery life. I can't evaluate that claim, but I can tell you that the 12% slope the AViiQ laptop stand achieves is, as they claim, the perfect typing angle. I was actually kinda startled by how much it improved typing ease. All of a sudden I can race along almost as quickly on my less-than-optimum laptop keyboard as I can on the classic IBM keyboard I use with my desktop.

And did I mention gorgeous? The AViiQ laptop stand is a tech beauty worthy of Apple. The stand is four lightweight plates made of Hylite, a composite of aluminum sheets bonded to a polypropylene core. The material is milled to be both flexible and rigid. AViiQ says that in testing the stand was folded more than 5000 times and showed no wear.

With all that perfection, you knew there was some bad news coming, right? Here it is: the price. $80.

Reebok's new Easytone shoe: Does it really tone muscles?

Reebok recently started selling a walking shoe, called Easytone, that is supposed to tone your leg and butt muscles while you walk.

And the buzz machine swung into action. The Easytone shoe has made a huge splash--TV appearances, newspaper and magazine articles, buzz, buzz, buzz.

If the shoe fits, does it really firm up those muscles? Does the Easytone shoe work?

Dan Ariely is James B. Duke Professor of Behavioral Economics at Duke University is skeptical. He points out that the scientific evidence is thin. Reports of Easytone effectiveness may, he speculates, may be due to the placebo effect. (Placebos are inert pills or any item that can't possibly be of direct medical benefit, but still makes people get better.)

The placebo effect is enormously important in medicine. When a new drug is tested on people and turns out to be effective, a notable number of people in the control group, who received a sham pill rather than the real thing, always get better too.

As it turns out, the placebo effect contributes heavily to the positive effects of exercise too. When people are told (falsely) that a particular activity is good exercise, many of them believe it so strongly that they lose weight and body fat and their blood pressure even goes down. Which has me wondering how I can convince myself that reading in bed, sleeping late, and taking long hot showers will make me thinner.

Turn A Window Into a Garden

The Windowfarms project turns your window into an urban farm, using inexpensive and recyclable parts. The results are a "curtain" for any window that is also a year-round, high-yield, vertical, hydroponic, modular, low-energy, edible garden. The open designs are free to download and easy to implement. The project also encourages the community to innovate and share improvements.

Britta Riley and Rebecca Bray started this project in February, 2009 during their artist's residency in New York's Eyebeam Art and Technology Center. Their mission is to encourage sustainable solutions that can be implemented today by anyone. Recently, Riley presented developments of Windowfarms at the New York chapter of http://dorkbot.org/dorkbotnyc/04.nov.2009/Dorkbot.

Diamond Weather Station

So, it's officially winter and, therefore, as important as ever to keep a close eye on the forecast. Now you can do it with style!

Sparkling away with dozens of Swarovski Crystals™, the Diamond Weather Station from Oregon Scientific adds a bit of glamour to the world of otherwise… shall we say… 'conservative' electronic weather forecasters. The crystals light up brightly in one of three different patterns / colors – red sun, blue cloud, or green rain – to clue you in to what to expect from the sky in the coming hours.

This beautiful unit Features a remote sensor to transmit outdoor temperature to the display and a digital clock that auto-syncs with the Naval atomic clock for precision time. A quick wave of your hand over the top of the unit switches the display between time, indoor temperature, and outdoor temperature, or you can put it in an automatic mode.

But wait! We've saved the best feature for last… If you utter the enclosed incantation while waving your hand over the unit, you can change the weather to… well… okay… not really on this one. You can still be prepared and be stylish, though.

Video game controller ornaments make for a true geek's Christmas

How to veer Santa away from giving you those girly gifts (like hair curlers, eek!) and bring on the really useful ones (like gadgets, yum!) instead? Well, let why not let the tree scream for your cause this Christmas? So, get plentiful of these acrylic gaming ornaments designed by Dave Rollins, and we bet your decoration will be the talk of the geek town. They are sold together as a set of seven and contain laser cut-out versions of Wii, N64, Xbox 360, Dreamcast, NES, PS2 and Sega Genesis controllers. That said, calling this "geek-chic" would only be an understatement.

The ornaments are available in six different colors and are currently selling on Etsy and Digits’ Ponoko for $25.

Via Slippery Brick.

S&J's Incredible, Non-edible Speakers

Computer peripheral manufacturer, S&J Co., Ltd, proves that sometimes to get great sound you have to break a few eggs. Their new line of ultra portable speakers are egg-shaped and awesome hence their name, Eggy.

The little speakers pack decent sound thanks to their 2W output and digital amps. They're USB-powered so there's no need to worry about batteries. The coolest thing about these speakers is that the magnetically lock. Once you're done using them, just put them together and you've got a shiny egg that can be easily slipped into a bag or pocket. These speakers would be an awesome peripheral for all those netbooks and laptops out there.

No word yet on price or availability, but they will be showing at this year's CES, so hopefully there will be more information in January.

Via Coolest Gadgets