If you’re like me and seem to forget everything lately, now you don’t need to walk around with notes written on your hand or a string tied around your finger. 

There’s some cool new services out there that instantly turn your cell phone into your own little reminder service. With this one, which is free (”only standard text messaging rates apply”) you can text a message right to your computer before you forget that critical piece of information (like an appointment you made, a phone number someone gave you, the name of a doctor your friend recommends). I wish I had this service last weekend…but now I can’t seem to remember why.

The Pros: you can use it as an alarm clock, it doesn’t snore and it never steals the covers.
The Cons: you’ll wake up exhausted and feeling like you have half a brain.

Yes, it’s true, I saw it on TV! Turns out if you talk on your cell phone right before going to bed, or even sleep with a cell phone on in your room, it interferes with your brain waves and natural sleep cycle.

I actually tested this theory out by mistake. I was tossing and turning one night and got the worst night’s sleep ever. I couldn’t figure out why and then realized I had left the cell phone on in my room. Every night since then I’ve made sure to keep it out of there, and I’ve slept like a rock.

According to the study, if you must have a cell phone near where you sleep, make sure it’s off.  Here’s just one article about it or you can do a Google search to find out more!

What a great idea (and a great gift idea too!): a solar charger (or one that works with just a single AA battery) for your cell phone!

Think of all the times your battery has died when you were away from an outlet or car charger.

These are definitely mobile must-haves, especially for emergencies.

If you have one, let me know how it’s worked and which types/brands you recommend.

Sometimes you find out about new gadgets in the weirdest places, like while looking up the weather. Technology changes as quickly as the wind, so maybe that’s why this cool little Internet-enabled “alarm clock” is featured on Weather.com.  

It’s called the Chumby, and I found it while checking the forecast a few days ago. I’ll admit it, I’m addicted to knowing the weather and the time, among other things, and this bedside gadget (or wherever you are that there’s access to a wireless connection) is a neat little way to stay connected, “weather” to the outside world, friends or information.

I think this would make a great, unique gift idea—I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t love or use it (and that includes me—hint, hint).

I love all the sidebar gadgets available nowadays that you can add to your desktop—cool, convenient little tools that keep you up to date on what’s going on or simply provide easy access to some much-needed fun.

My Windows Vista sidebar has a Gadget Gallery that includes a calendar, list of contacts, the weather, a notepad, sports scores, photos from Facebook and a ton more. And this link provides even more ways to personalize your Vista sidebar. There are to choose from at Google Gadgets too. I’ve just started with the basics and will let you know as I try out new and unusual tools.

Here’s one I just couldn’t resist. It’s bubblewrap that you can feel good about popping–who doesn’t love doing that? Plus it’s much more environmentally friendly than the offline version!