What a Waste of Time: Products That Make you Wonder
Simply put, inventors are great. Think of where we would be today without electricity, via our old friend Ben Franklin, or without Windows 2000 via the Microsoft monopoly. Although I can't imagine a world without the luxeries we have today, some inventors and companies have taken the quest for comfort too far. Listed below are the eight dumbest products ever invented.
30 Minutes of Extra Talktime on a Keychain - by Travel Tools
Our new Emergency Charger lets you leave the house without a full charge on your cell phone. If you run out of battery time, simply lift off the protective connector cover and plug the charger into the base of your phone for 30 more minutes of talk time. Runs on three AAA batteries (not included) and features a built-in LED status indicator. Handy key-chain design assures you'll never be without it. Comes in your choice of Black (to match your phone) or two new fun colors: translucent pink or blue. For the Nokia 5100/6100 Series. 2" x 1 1/2" x 1". Price $12.95
Messaging Cap - by Hammacher
This floppy, bucket hat has a programmable LCD display in the front panel above the wearer's forehead. Up to ten messages can easily be programmed to scroll by, such as: "Go team! Score again!", "What's your name?" and "To be or not to be, that is the question." Individual messages can be programmed up to 250 characters. Select one message, or let all ten messages scroll across. Use the entire alphabet, symbols and numbers to project original views to the world. The display unit is extremely thin and lightweight, and is removable for cleaning of the hat. Four buttons on the top of the display control all functions. Runs on a single long-life lithium battery (included). Combined 895-character limit for all messages. Cotton hat and plastic LCD display. One size fits most. In khaki. Price $24.95
Remote-Controlled Indoor Triple-Turbo Blimp - by Hammacher
When filled with helium, this remote controlled, multi-directional blimp acts like an astronaut's jetpack in zero gravity. Improved engineering makes this model blimp the most maneuverable available, equipped with three propellers that control its ascent, descent as well as left and right turns (most models only turn left or right). The added ability to control the craft's increase and decrease in flying height enables the blimp to easily go over railings and under doorways. Unlike more expensive radio-controlled models that emit exhaust fumes-restricting their use to outdoor settings only-this battery operated craft is meant for indoor recreation. It has an operating range of over 200 feet high or 200 feet away in most conditions. To begin flying, fill the 52-inch long balloon with helium. The metalized nylon balloon has a self-sealing air valve so that it can be inflated and deflated as often as you like for unlimited flights. Flying is made possible by a triple turbofan propulsion system designed with a built-in receiver and powered by a 3-volt lithium battery (included). Its three propellers are controlled with a four-toggle, 27 MHz hand-held remote control that regulates the balloon's flight pattern. The helium-filled blimp should not be used near heat sources. Parental supervision required. Receiver and transmitter are vacuum-molded plastic. Hand-held transmitter runs on one 9-volt battery (included). A helium tank is available separately or you may purchase helium at a local florist shop or party store. Silver. 25" W. (1 lb.)
Price $89.95
Single Aqua Palm Tree - Midwest Tropicals
This 7-1/2 foot shimmering tree brings back memories of your last tropical vacation. Its sturdy acrylic trunk supports 30 silk palm fronds and creates a tranquilizing mood as colorful bubbles float effortlessly to to the top. Complete with internal lighting, four color filters and air pump all concealed within the base. Green fronds and black base standard. Price $479.95
Garcon Wine Holder - by Home Office
A Home Office exclusive. Why hire a waiter for your next party when you can have your own garcon! Holds up to 14 bottles of wine, 4 stem glasses and bar towels.(Glasses, wine and towels not included.) 18W x 17D x 64 1/8 H W/10 glasstop tray-magnifique!
Price $124.95
Propeller Hitchcover Gets More Smiles to the Mile - by Good Catalog
Most hitchcovers just sit there and do nothing. Put yours to use telling the world there's a boater on board. Authentic marine propeller attaches to any trailer hitch. As you cruise down the road the propeller spins freely getting lots of attention and friendly smiles. Boating, water skiing and fishing fans will love it! 8" diam. Made in USA. Price $29.95
Footprint Scale - by Chaisso
Superior quality scale indicates just where you stand, weight wise. Its ingenious lighthearted design softens the news. 2 1/4" x 11 1/2" square. Price $80.00
Street Flyers® Roller Skate Shoes - by Hammacher
A clever design inspired by an airplane’s landing gear, these are skates and street shoes all in one. The wheels simply pull out from the soles of the shoes and lock into place for skating; unlock and retract into the sole for walking. For example, you could skate to the video store; walk through the aisles to select a movie; and then skate home. These are also excellent “training” skates because the shoe soles are only one inch from the ground, while conventional in-line skate wheels raise the sole three to four inches off the ground. As with the majority of in-line skates, there is no automatic brake system; press down on heel or toe to stop. For safety, front wheel automatically retracts in case of sudden jolting pressure or jamming. Heavy-duty wheel brackets of 304 stainless steel; urethane wheels. In the skate mode, a helmet, knee and elbow pads are recommended. Skates roll smoothly on both asphalt and concrete. Not meant for stunt maneuvers. PVC and black suede uppers. For ages 5 and up. Available in Men’s sizes 3-10. Full sizes only. (4.5 lbs.)
Wheels retract into sole for walking. Price $129.95
Name: Jeff Year: Junior Major: English Comments:
I dunno Rachel, that cell phone charger makes a lot of sense.
Name: Spider Monkey Comments:
Oh come on you shaved apes! You forgot the single most stupid invention of all time! SCENTED TOILET PAPER! I mean why did you think this up and think it was a good idea? I mean once you wipe, I don't care if the paper smells like roses, its going to smell like something nasty!
Comments:
We were trying to get a remote-controlled blimp for our office. just something to play with during the day.
