7 (Dead Simple) Ways to Protect Your Data

Today we interact with more gadgets in our daily lives than ever before. In fact, many of us have become so dependent on them that we wouldn’t be able to function without them. And it’s not just desktop computers anymore. Laptops, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, you name it. But with this ever-increasing connectivity, we’re also faced with more threats. Therefore we’ve put together a list of 7 dead simple ways to protect your data across multiple online devices… before it’s too late.

1. Save as you work. There’s nothing worse than spending hours on a project, only to watch it disappear in front of your eyes because the power goes out, or your battery dies. While most applications now have an auto-save feature, make sure that’s the case, and adjust the settings to your comfort level.

2. Backup often. Ask yourself this question: If you lost all of your data today, what would the consequences be? The truth is, all of us are susceptible to theft, fire, or being hacked. But few of us have a backup plan. Work and school files, photos, contacts… they could all be gone in the blink of an eye. Consider backing up your data and keeping a copy offsite (e.g. in a safety deposit box). There are also plenty of cloud storage services now available (such as Google Drive), allowing you to not only store your data, but also access it from anywhere, on all of your devices.

3. Update your software. The next time you get a notification to update your software, think twice

Guides

By Jason Bacchetta on May 17th, 2012

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Keyport Slide

Keychains are out kids. Enter Keyports.

The Keyport Slide is about the same size as a pack of gum and combines up to 6 keys in a more convenient, stylish package. They take your traditional keys and remove a large portion of the key’s head, turning them into “blades”. The end result is a weight of only 2 ounces when the Slide is fully loaded. Aside from keys, you can also load your device with optional inserts like a USB flash drive (up to 32GB), mini-LED, bottle opener, and/or a barcode holder.

A colored node set helps you keep track of which key is where, and an included detachable quick release lanyard string allows you to attach the Keyport Slide to just about anything.

$25-$50, Gear

By Jason Bacchetta on May 16th, 2012

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$39+ BUY

Elia Nightstand & Power Dock

We’re always looking for creative ideas that help to reduce clutter.

The Elia Nightstand & Power Dock does just that. It features three drawers and is made from American hardwoods and encased in a black walnut veneer with a natural and dark two-tone finish. But what makes it interesting is the integrated power dock inside the top drawer, allowing you to charge all of your gadgets while keeping them protected and out of sight.

There’s even a velvet lined tray to ensure nothing gets scratched, and a cable management system so that everything remains organized.

$250-$500, Furniture

By Jason Bacchetta on May 16th, 2012

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$499 BUY

Audi E-Bike Wörthersee

Battery-powered bicycles seem to be popping up everywhere these days. But none quite like this.

The Audi E-Bike Wörthersee, named after the town in Austria, has a 3.5-pound carbon fiber frame and boasts the same power-to-weight ratio as an A4. That’ll get you to 50 MPH via the motor-assisted pedaling mode, or 31 MPH on the motor alone. And 44 miles on a single charge with a 2.5-hour charge time means you’ll actually be able to drive the thing beyond your neighborhood.

There’s also a “wheelie mode” that uses an electronic control system to help the rider maintain their balance during stunts, while a smartphone hookup and a on-board touchscreen computer take video images recorded via an in-helmet camera, and upload them to the internet.

Still, as bad as you may want one, you can’t have it. The prototype is currently just a “show bike.”

Concepts

By Jason Bacchetta on May 15th, 2012

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$Concept BUY

Grand Aficionado Watch Winder

What do you buy yourself when you already own all of the ridiculously expensive gadgets that are out there? Ridiculously expensive gadgets to show off your ridiculously expensive gadgets.

The Grand Aficionado from Buben & Zorweg is a high-security safe and watch winder that ensures your watch collection (likely worth more than the average man’s house) becomes the focal point in a museum-like display. In addition to showing off your watches, there’s also a climate-controlled wine cabinet with space for 8 wine bottles, a humidor, bar, wine cork and pen display. Hell, there’s even an optional HiFi system with Bluetooth and iPhone/iPod docking station.

Of course if you don’t have the six-figures to pay for the Grand Aficionado, your dresser drawer works too.

Gear

By Jason Bacchetta on May 15th, 2012

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$TBA BUY

BMW M135i

A few months ago BMW unveiled the M135i concept, and now they’re putting it into production.

The BMW M135i features a twin-scroll turbo, 3.0-litre straight-six engine that produces 320 hp and 332 torque, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, contoured side skirts, an M-Sport rear bumper, 50:50 weight distribution, adaptive headlights, a rear view camera, a lane-departure warning system, and BMW Assist. You get your choice between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, but chances are you’ll want to opt for the automatic, considering that it’s faster (damn you technology!).

Count on 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds with a limited top speed of 155mph. And an optional all-wheel drive version will also be available later this year.

SUVs & Wagons

By Jason Bacchetta on May 14th, 2012

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$TBA BUY

Diablo 3

Blizzard – the masterminds behind Warcraft, Starcraft, World of Warcraft and other addicting PC games – are back again with the latest edition of Diablo.

Diablo 3 will feature five new character classes including the Witch Doctor, a new approach to in-game health, a new Rune system, and a 1-on-1 dueling system. You’ll also get to play with the online Auction House functionality (that Blizzard has been working on for years now), selling items for either in-game gold or even real money.

The game is available tonight at midnight, so stock up on the Red Bull, take your paid vacation, and let your friends know they won’t be seeing you for a few weeks.

$50-$100, Video Games

By Jason Bacchetta on May 14th, 2012

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$60 BUY

Pocket Artillery Mini Cannon

If you’ve ever seen the movie Night at the Museum, and thought it was funny when little miniature cowboys started blasting cannons… well, now so can you.

The Mini Cannon from Pocket Artillery are real muzzle loading machines that use black powder to blast out a larger bang than you might expect. The cannons fire standard .177″ BB’s using a fireworks fuse and have a range of up to – get this – 100 yards. But take note: these are not toys, and can be dangerous. In fact, they may not even be legal where you live, so be sure to double check.

All cannons have a stainless steel barrel with either stainless or brass hardware and your choice between a black, red, blue or natural colored aluminum base.

$25-$50, Gear

By Jason Bacchetta on May 11th, 2012

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$29 BUY

New Balance 998 Blue Denim

If you’re in need of a pair of shoes that will go with just about all of your casual wear, New Balance has you covered.

The New Balance 998 Blue Denim features a mesh and suede upper, a padded footbed, and the brand’s ABZORB technology – for ultimate cushioning. The blue denim combined with hints of white and grey make for a clean look that you can sport everyday, and the reflective 3M accents keep you from being run over when the sun goes down.

Made in the U.S.A.

$100-$250, Shoes

By Jason Bacchetta on May 11th, 2012

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$130 BUY

QlockTwo App

If you’ve got an iPad or an iPhone and you couldn’t afford the $1100 QlockTwo wall clock, or even the $725 QlockTwo watch, how does a 99 cent QlockTwo app sound?

The QlockTwo App turns your idle, blank screen into a word-based clock that updates in real time. It uses the same time-telling functionality that’s found in the physical Biegert & Funk products. The clock displays a matrix of letters, some of which are iluminated to display a phrase such as “IT IS HALF PAST TWELVE” – letting you know exactly what time it is, in a completely unique way.

Users can choose between a German or English matrix (more languages to come), and there’s even an Android version available.

Apps, Under $25

By Jason Bacchetta on May 10th, 2012

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$1 BUY