Friday, December 30, 2011

Potty Patch


Potty Patch
Does it work? Not.

The Potty Patch is artificial turf pad with and collection tray underneath with a screen between. 
The idea is that your pet could use this product of going outside.  (Yeah, you hear me - like a potty seat for your pet)

This product is a downer; here are the issues:
1) It smells, and is difficult to clean.
2) The fake grass frays, and is easily chewed apart by your pet. 
3) The product makes a couple of assumptions: One, that your dog will not learn to drag around the turf making a bigger mess than their 'deposits'. Two, that your pet will be attracted to the pad and not use for a chew toy or sleeping pad.

I think this is a pretty poor idea to begin with, but the turf and screen should definitely snap in.  The grass should be durable-able, and should be for a patio only. 

Interestingly, there is a close cousin product called a "Patio Park" for outside use.
Here's the link: http://www.patiopark.com

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

TV Hat




URL: https://www.buytvhatnow.com/
Does it work?  Fail.


This product falls into the ‘I-can’t-believe-this-is-a-real-product’ category.  It’s a baseball cap type device with an extra long bill, and a pocket at the end for the phone.  The pocket has a plastic cover and a x2.5 magnifying viewer to look through.  


First the good: It is ambitious – and I Iove the name, “TV Hat”. 
Simple and good for a short URL.


The bad
It reminds of the weird and wonderful Japanese inventions/contraptions; such as, the tiny umbrella to protect your cigarette in the rain, or glue-type stick made with butter for spreading on toast.  


As you can guess, it fails on many levels.  
  • The pocket doesn't fit many popular phones.
  • The plastic cover on the pocket doesn't lay flat and therefore distorts the video picture.  That’s in addition to the magnifying screen which obfuscates the video also.  
  • It makes my eyes hurt just thinking about it.
  • It’s slightly creepy, eccentric looking.  (I’m thinking it may be best for a creative Halloween costume)
  • How often do you need to watch video on a phone, and there’s a glare, and you happen to have the TV Hat, and you don’t mind looking odd?

Friday, December 9, 2011

Magic Mesh


Magic Mesh, Magic Mesh.  (slow head shake here)

This product falls into the “could-probably-do-it-yourself” with better results category.  The product uses magnets and Velcro to support the screen over a door.  As you can probably speculate, Velcro and magnets are not up to the task.  The fabric does not stayed adhered to the door frame, nor does fabric typically close properly.   

In addition, the screen material is low quality and prone to ripping and fraying.

If I wanted such a product, I would use metal wire or depending on the door frame a piece of wood or metal to properly support the fabric with mechanical fasteners such as screws or hooks.   I would also weigh the bottom of the door with string of beads sewn into the bottom to drape the fabric.

Special note: It has been rumored, as so often with ‘as-seen-on-tv’ products ordering from the website or 1-800 number at your own peril.  There are been reports of duplicate orders, difficult to cancel orders, and high “shipping and handling” charges.  (See link below)

Links

Friday, December 2, 2011

Table-Mate II



Table-Mate II
URL: www.tablemate2.com/
Does it work?  Yup



One of the best items, I’ve ever brought that has been advertised as seen on TV.  After years of use with the “Table-mate II” -- it’s a very functional side table for the couch or sofa.  The main advantage of this table is that the legs slide under the couch or chair that you are sitting making it a excellent platform for eating, drinking, writing, or using a laptop.

However, a couple of minor cons to note: A) it’s not especially stable – it will not necessary fall over, but a drink will spill if bumped.  B) It’s not a looker.  While it’s not awful or anything - Its is white and plastic, and it looks like an inexpensive white plastic table.  (We hide it when company comes over)