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Executive MomorandumGals and Gadgets8/13/2009Reprising one of our favorite Momorandums last week about fun and feminine desk accessories got us thinking about the primary residents on a desktop today -- pieces of technology. Similarly, it is a happy revelation to see the rise of women in technology, the rise in women journalists and bloggers covering technology ... and surely an effect of the two: the rise in technology designed with women in mind. Here, three great sources for insights and tips on tech choices, for us:
Established all the way back in 2004, Chip Chick was a relative pioneer among sites focusing on technology for women. The goal of Chip Chick is to enable women to keep up with the latest technology trends, and make these trends more fashionable and customizable. Some of the cool finds we found there: ProTouch Keyboard Protector skins, whose dual-tone designs also provide built-in Microban protection from bacteria, stains, and odors... a Dual Dock Clock Radio that lets your port both an iPod and an iPhone at once... and another smart dual charger, the RoadDuo (shown), which lets you keep your GPS charged in the car while also keeping your cellphone or iPod going (very smart for travelers or commuters). A offspring of Chip Chick is a Chip Chicklets, a companion blog focused exclusively on technology for kids. Some of their features include must-haves from the kids' perspective ... and others are from the parents' perspective, like a USB PG Key that is an amazing parental control -- allowing you to set a time limit for kids' computer use (or if the key is out, they simply can't be on). www.chipchick.com and www.chipchicklets.com
Part of the Sugar Network, which you may have come to know and love for other vertical Sugars like PopSugar (celebrity news) and BellaSugar (beauty), Geek Sugar is a blog focused on chic finds in the world of technology, from tech toys to tips to interesting websites you might further explore. Recent posts have ranged from news of a soon-to-be-launched Dell laptop in partnership with Nickelodeon (the casing looks "slimed" -- and it's powered with "educational and entertaining content"), to new laptop bags from Juicy Couture, to a feature on these clever ear bud cord organizers, playfully designed to look like a good old-fashioned cassette tape, while keeping tangles at bay.
Also a relative old-timer in dating back to January 2005, this blog embraces the idea of fashion meeting function. A section on product reviews covers gadgets like PDAs, to more unexpected toys like a gaming keyboard. However, we were especially taken by their fashion section, which brings a fresh techie spin to Fashion Week, eschewing regular wardrobe enticements for killer accessories like this Chanel acrylic briefcase designed by Karl Lagerfeld with deference to his iPod adoration. (It's unclear if this will actually be for sale, by the way). More accessible but also high on the geek-chic meter: Vivienne Tam designs for the HP mini (and we especially love her Chinoiserie mouse). Moreover, did you know that you can upgrade your generic USB flash drive, with a bright red heart-shaped one, from Yves Saint Laurent, emblazoned with the YSL logo? (Apparently, you can). If you're ready to buy, you can shop directly from TechieDiva's Guide to Gadgets... where pink is a pervasive theme.
A tech blog with a parenting slant, Tech Mamas is also a platform to discuss technology and gadgets for families. Founded by the creator of the Silicon Valley Moms Group, you'll find a lot more commentary and content about social media co-mingled with the tech tips. Thus an interest post on the rise of in gaming among girls is adjacent to one on a fun resource for "Geek Fashion" (though more along the lines of t-shirts vs the relative couture above). And these are adjacent to a giveaway of a Dell Inspiron laptop in honor of back-to-school season.
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ChipChick.com
GeekSugar.com
TechieDiva.com
TechMamas.com