Valentines

Never having been adept at deciphering optical illusions, we first thought the concept of Valentine's Day got lost in the translation of this Chinese-made gadget (as in, a broken heart). Once our myopia cleared up, we saw that there are two interlocking faces that can be snapped apart, freeing a pair of his-and-her MP3 players.

Although it's supposedly being released just in time for the holiday, Mobile Magazine says this music player from Beijing-based Newman will be available only in China for now. There's also no information on specs or capacity, but we thought it was worth … Read more

Today we joke with Natali Del Conte about Valentine's Day, why Facebook is helping people know what's going on with Tennessee tornadoes, the Arrested Development movie in early talks, and unlimited phone plans.

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Every now and then, Crave thinks it's a good idea to remind people that music players other than the iPod actually exist. Yes, it's true. And we particularly appreciate those that don't get too fancy, just going about their MP3-playing business without too much fuss--like SanDisk.

And it's completely in character that the no-nonsense company isn't hyperventilating over its Valentine's Day marketing with the Sansa Clip. Rather than becoming the center of campaigns around a pink or a red Cupid edition--as were the Nano and Zune--SanDisk's 2GB player will just be offered … Read more

Talk about versatility. On one hand, high-end flashlights and personal lasers can be used to blind, electrocute, and stun assailants, all before making breakfast.

But then there's a softer side, or so we're supposed to believe. That's why TechLasers is marketing its "Power Pair Valentine's Special Gift Pack," which includes "two Infiniti 125mW green laser pointers, one Infiniti 15mW green laser pointer, two LaserShades, and two cap sets," according to BornRich. As far as the romance meter goes, it ranks right up there "My Clocky Valentine."

So let's say you waited till the last minute and, in a panic, caved and got a pink Nano to give for Valentine's Day. Fine. Just don't get too carried away with accessories for it, because this is living proof that there's definitely such a thing as too much pink.

U.K.-based Intempo has created a 12-watt speaker dock to go with the latest iPod, according to Tech Digest, but--judging by the photos--it has taken the pastel palette in a disturbingly neon direction. We pray that Apple isn't planning a kelly green version for … Read more

Some of us who are averse to alarm clocks believe that the "Clocky" is an invention from hell. This, you'll recall, is the dastardly device that rolls around the room blaring its alarm until you get out of bed and track it down.

Well now it's trying to pawn itself off as--get this--a Valentine's Day gift, in a special raspberry edition. "There's nothing that says 'I love you' more than our mobile alarm clock," Nando Home gushes in its press release. Let's see a show of hands: How many people think … Read more

Yes, we're already sick of Valentine's Day talk too, but this is one gift that will put those red Vaios and pink Nanos to shame. We're talking a full-scale "Love Tub" here. The in candy-apple red "Amore Bay" is a limited-edition hot tub that's ready for suburban romance, from its built-in stereo and "hydronomically" designed seats to its mood lighting and landscape etching, according to BornRich.

There are no TVs or recliners involved (bummer), but we suppose those are the sacrifices of love. "All that's left for you … Read more

Sony is really trying to outdo itself this Valentine's Day. Not only is it pushing its "Red Collection," but it's gone back to the well with its eBook promotion from last year. Fortunately since that campaign, which was decidedly unromantic, Sony seems to have gotten a little clearer on the concept. Instead of the stodgy leather-bound Dooney & Bourke version, this time it's going with a SkinIt "Cross Your Heart" cover--in pink, of course. But the real kicker is 14 free downloads of Harlequin romance novels. Now all it needs is some Fabio … Read more

It's only been a few days since this season's Valentine's Day products began appearing in earnest, and we're already thoroughly nauseated. In fact, given the selection offered so far, we're surprised it took this long. Here's one that certainly doesn't help the cause: the "Heart Mouse" from, of all places, the Victoria and Albert Museum. (At least it doesn't profess its love for you, as did the last one seen in this space.) It's products like these that make the "FPS Gun Mouse" look better all the … Read more