Gearfuse

Us gearheads are admittedly not the best housekeepers in the universe (at least this universe). Our brain is filled with so many other thoughts and ideas, how can we possible make space to remember our daily chores? And don’t give me that chore chart crap. That shit is for the birds.

The Brook Surge Protector not only powers four different gadgets, but offers a healthy reminder that your filth isn’t cleaning itself. The power switch for the multitap itself sits illuminated near the top of the broom’s handle.

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Oh, Radio Shack. You have been grossly undervalued as a valuable asset to the DIY community. After all, when I need a battery case or a couple LEDs, I can always count on your ever-shrinking supply cabinet to give me what I need.

So in an effort to make more cash, ’cause wires and lights ain’t workin’, the Shack will now accept video game console trade-ins. You can get “as much as” $76.50 for a Pro 360, $113.79 for a Wii and $175.44 for an 80GB PS3. Not bad, but nothing entirely special. You can then use your trade-in toward a future purchase at Radio Shack. Good to know, but what the hell am I going to buy with $100+ at that store? I’m all ears.

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Gizmodo has a few pictures of the last day of Circuit City. Inside? Nothing but fixtures that were apparently sold to a local Best Buy store. I bet Best Buy employees get free cake today. Mmmm, cake.

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Nothing gets a woman in the mood for love quite like a light dimmer. Not only is this DIY light dimmer module compact, it also features an IR remote for controlling it from the bed. God knows you’ll need that remote.

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We’ve been following the Circuit City bankruptcy very closely. Yesterday, we showed you some of the liquidation “deals” that readers posted around the Internet. Nothing spectacular there, but even less spectacular is Circuit City’s official website. It has no online store now and just announces the closing of all its stores, bankruptcy proceedings and other legal jib-jab. After 60 years, Circuit City is done and all that’s left is for Best Buy to continue raking in the profits.

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Technologizer’s Harry McCracken was brave enough to stop by his local Circuit City in California to see what all the fuss was about regarding the company’s liquidation process. Inside, he found mediocre deals on mediocre equipment. No surprise there. Harry speculated that as the shelves become more bare, the discounts will increase. We agree.

Still, I think it’s worth checking out a Circuit City if you live near one. Chances are the manager will be more than happy to bargain with you if you’re picking up enough goodies. After the jump, photos showcasing the death of an electronics retailer.

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Your kids will be going crazy later this year, as LEGO will be coming out with its own line of consumer electronics such as digital cameras, walkie talkies and a whole lot more. Electronics company Digital Blue will partner with LEGO to create the devices, which will feature design that draws from LEGO bricks. You won’t be able to break apart your digicam or USB drive, but it’ll still look like you built it yourself.

Word is that LEGO is going full out with this electronics push, releasing alarm clocks and even boomboxes made from the good stuff. Kids and geeks should try to contain themselves. Look for these goods to hit store shelves later this year.

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This belt buckle features a hand-built MP3 player using a kit from Sparkfun Electronics. You can change tracks by tilting your buckle thanks to an accelerometer and songs are stored via an SD card. You can’t buy the buckle as a kit, but you can buy the music player itself and create your own music-playing apparel. Perhaps if you put one in a football helmet, Eli Manning would have won last night’s football game. Ugh.

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The team at PhoneWreck has gone and done something that no other Verizon Wireless subscriber dare not do: dissect the Blackberry Storm bit by bit. Head on over for the full review to find out what that crazy new “clickscreen” looks like under the hood. From what I can gather, it looks like the screen uses a single button to recognize typing movements. And take a look at that huge stepper motor for vibration functions; it’s huge! Anyone who likes getting inside popular electronics should most definitely view the Storm from the inside out.

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If you love WHYY as much as I do and you’re down for a little DIY action, scrape three pennies from your sofa and try building this tiny radio. Full instructions are available and the electronics involved can be had at your local Radio Shack. There’s even instructions on how to make your own batteries out of vinegar and aluminum foil. Insane! You’ve got to check it out if you’ve got a soldering iron and a free weekend.

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