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Biometric Locks: Even the Jetsons Would be In Awe
December 16, 2010
This is so cool! I really like the thought of not having to worry about forgetting my keys!
Biometric locks employ high-tech fingerprint recognition technology to verify your identity before allowing a locked door to be opened.
Biometric locks characteristics
- Goodbye, keys. You’ll never leave your fingerprints in your other pants, so biometric locks offer convenience and fast entry for an authorized user.
- Biometric power. Many biometric security systems provide alternate key access in case the battery-operated system fails.
- The ouch factor. Some biometric scanners will no longer recognize your fingerprint if you get a cut or develop a scar.
- Price particulars. Biometric door locks range from $69 to $350 or more, and are readily available at hardware stores and home improvement centers.
Three innovative biometric lock ideas
- Safe keeping. The portable BioBox Fingerprint Safe is sized (about 7x11x2 inches) for stowing small items such as jewelry, cash, medications, or a firearm. Press your fingertip to the scanner on top for quick one-second access. Stores up to 30 fingerprints for multiple users, and operates on four AA batteries. Sells for about $200.
- Computer critter. BioCert Hamster IV Optical Fingerprint Reader connects to any Windows PC as a security feature for your computer. The device is designed to work with special software to capture high-quality fingerprints from a wide range of traditionally difficult fingers, including those from dry, wet, scarred, or aged skin, and in bright ambient conditions such as under direct sunlight. Priced at about $100.
- Alarming option. If someone tries to break the BioAxxis Biometric Deadbolt lock, an alarm sounds. Named the best fingerprint door lock by Good Housekeeping Research, the lock sells for about $69.
High Tech Gift Ideas – Programmable Showers are a Low-Cost Luxury
December 7, 2010
Who doesn’t like the perfect shower? Especially on a cold morning like this!
Programmable showers feature easy-to-use digital controls that let each member of the family pre-set their ideal water temperature, pressure, and even the type of spray—from a steady stream to pulsating jets. The waterproof control panel mounts right on the shower wall where you can alter any setting at the touch of a button.
Luxurious, programmable showers suit nearly every budget, too, ranging from about $290 for a basic unit to $3,500 and up for one with lots of features and special finishes. Installation costs for a programmable shower will vary widely, depending on your region and whether you’re remodeling or building new.
Programmable shower goodies
- Digital interface with multiple-user presets. This is the brains of a custom shower, allowing you to select and program a shower experience scenario into the memory. After the initial setup, push a button to recall user presets.
- Thermostatic shower valves. Controlled by the digital interface, these devices regulate the mix of hot and cold water so you enjoy a constant temperature, even if the hot water runs low in the tank. If cold water pressure drops suddenly, valves are designed to shut off the water to prevent scalding.
- Adjustable body sprays/massage jets. Installed in the shower wall at varying heights, these jets are directionally adjustable and can also provide a variety of water pressures and pulsations.
For the optimum custom shower experience, plan to install a water heater that’s dedicated to your shower. A 50-gallon tank supplies 8 minutes of hot water to a shower with four shower heads. For more showering time and additional outlets, purchase a 100-gallon water tank.
Two innovative custom showers
- The Vigo Shower Massage Panel is a flat panel with six fully adjustable body spray massage jets, an integrated thermostatic valve, a fog-free mirror, and an adjustable multi-functional shower head with a 60-inch, chrome-plated brass hose. A tub filler located at the bottom of the shower panel makes this a good choice for a shower/tub combination. The panel sells for about $360.
- The Moen ioDigital Vertical Spa, comes in an oil-rubbed bronze finish, and offers four programmable presets, a 7-inch rainshower shower head, four body sprays, and an LCD screen interface that displays the water temperature. An optional remote control is also available. The unit retails for about $3,400.
This is the most affordable unit I found with a great name: MOEN T9031 but this model is more stylish (in my opinion) MOEN Vestige. Does anyone have one of these? I would be interested in hearing what the practical application is!
Pegboard Storage Solutions: Hole-y Sheet!
November 15, 2010
Versatile pegboard provides easy and inexpensive storage solutions for virtually any room and under-utilized wall space.
Know your pegboard
Pegboard comes as either tempered hardboard panels or metal sheets.
Hardboard panels are ¼-inch thick and feature ¼-inch diameter holes, evenly spaced 1 inch apart across the face of the entire sheet. Hardboard pegboard panels are easy to cut into custom shapes for fitting odd-shaped areas.
Hardboard pegboard comes in standard sizes (2×4-foot, 4×4-foot, and 4×8-foot sizes); commonly available colors are natural, black, and white. Latex paint color can also be rolled on.
Hardboard panels are lightweight and affordably priced; expect to pay $8 to $50 for a 4×8-foot panel.
Metal sheets come in several types of metals and weights. Some feature slots, rather than holes, to accommodate specialized accessories, such as bins and shelves. Metal pegboard sheets are durable and the perforations never lose their shape. Properly installed heavy-duty versions support up to a ton of items.
Metal pegboard sheets come in a variety of patterned and smooth finishes, and a variety of anodized colors. Standard sheet sizes are the same as hardboard, plus 16×32-inches and 4×10-foot panels. Cost: $33 to $400.
Accessories: Standardized perforations accept a wide range of hooks, clips, shelves, bins, racks, jars, and other storage accessories that you can arrange and rearrange to suit your changing needs. Use them to organize any combination of household tools, supplies and belongings. Cost: 30 cents to $15 each.
How and where to use pegboard
- Garage: Behind the workbench or on any wall, pegboard organizes tools, measuring tapes, lawn maintenance gear, sporting goods, fishing equipment, and more.
- Laundry room: Specialized racks, shelves, and bins hold the ironing board and iron, as well as clothespins and other wash day supplies.
- Basement: Seasonal décor, extension cords, and tools are some of the goods you might want to organize here.
- Hobby room: Create a station for wrapping gifts, making crafts, or scrapbooking using tilt-out bins, twine holders, shelves, and jars to organize supplies.
- Kitchen: Julia Child kept all her kitchen gear on pegboards on kitchen walls and backsplashes. If you prefer to keep paraphernalia out of sight, install pegboard on the back of a pantry door or inside a kitchen closet.
- Bathroom: Round up ribbons, hairpins, the hairdryer, toiletries, and other necessities—all on pegboard applied to the back of the bathroom door or inside cabinet doors.
- Bedroom: Shelves and racks on pegboard provide a hip means for organizing jewelry, belts, scarves, bags, books, magazines, CDs, and DVDs. Install a sheet on the wall or inside an armoire or closet.
- Living room: For a hip, industrial look, us a metal strip pegboard to hang a revolving display of photographs or artwork.
- Music room: Literature racks store sheet music on pegboard; guitar hangers are also available.
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