Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Western Digital brings wafer thin 5mm hard drives to IDF, we go hands-on (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/western-digital-brings-wafer-thin-5mm-hard-drives-to-idf-we-go/

Western Digital brings wafer thin 5mm hard drives to IDF, we go hands-on video

We're a jaded bunch here at Engadget sometimes, and with most of us using SSD-based systems these days it's hard to get too excited about good old spinny disks. Still we're also suckers for impressive technology, so our interest was piqued when Western Digital announced its 5mm thin 2.5-inch hard drives the other day. Luckily, the company saw fit to bring samples of its skinny new WD Black hybrid drive and WD Blue HDD to IDF 2012 and let us handle both briefly. The verdict? These are impossibly thin -- perfect for all those nice Ultrabooks we're expecting to see hit the market in the next few months. Details on performance, availability and pricing are scarce since these drives are intended for OEMs. Take a look at our gallery below, which includes thickness comparisons with WD's upcoming 1TB 7mm thin HDD and a standard-sized loyalty card -- then peek past the break for our hands-on video.

Update: yes, the loyalty card was demagnetized in the making of this video, and you now owe us all coffee.

Continue reading Western Digital brings wafer thin 5mm hard drives to IDF, we go hands-on (video)

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Western Digital brings wafer thin 5mm hard drives to IDF, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 20:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo-made Vodafone Smart Tab II passes FCC testing, naturally

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/vodafone-smart-tab-ii-at-the-fcc/

Lenovo-made Vodafone Smart Tab II passes FCC testing, naturally

Vodafone's 7-inch Smart Tab II made a surprise appearance at IFA last month with its 10-inch sibling also in tow, and now it's stopped off at the FCC to pick up its Visa for future trips to the US. The official documents for the chunky, carrier-branded slate aren't giving much away, except that it's got the expected mix of 3G, WiFi and Bluetooth. Most of the specs remain a mystery, but the FCC ID (O57A2107VDF3G) indicates it's Lenovo's IdeaTab A2107 in disguise, meaning it should have a 1GHz dual-core CPU running behind a 1,024 x 600 display. At IFA, the price tag on the 7-inch model was 190 Euros (approximately $245), but with only 4GB storage and no LTE, we expect some heavy, competitive subsidies from Voda when it lands.

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Lenovo-made Vodafone Smart Tab II passes FCC testing, naturally originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nuance and Intel team on Dragon Assistant Beta for Ultrabooks, Dell XPS 13 to lead the charge

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/nuance-and-intel-team-on-dragon-assistant-beta-for-ultrabooks/

Dell XPS 13 review lead

Intel at CES promised a partnership with Nuance to give Ultrabooks a taste of ready-made voice recognition, and we're finally seeing the results at IDF in San Francisco through the launch of Nuance's Dragon Assistant Beta. As the name implies, this isn't just a voice dictation engine like that in Naturally Speaking: chatty users can delegate common tasks like playing music, reading social network updates and searching the web. The beta isn't immediately available as of this writing, but it should go live soon and will be a core part of of Ultrabook software bundles in the near future, starting with the Dell XPS 13 this fall. We're wondering why Intel is focusing its Dragon Assistant efforts solely on thin-and-lights -- the company still makes money from portlier PCs, after all -- but we won't mind as much given the simultaneous launch of a Perceptual Computing SDK 2013 Beta, which lets developers work Dragon recognition into their own apps. More details await after the break.

Continue reading Nuance and Intel team on Dragon Assistant Beta for Ultrabooks, Dell XPS 13 to lead the charge

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Nuance and Intel team on Dragon Assistant Beta for Ultrabooks, Dell XPS 13 to lead the charge originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 07:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's How To Stop Facebook From Tracking You

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-how-to-stop-facebook-from-tracking-you-2012-9

A stop sign

Most people don't realize that Facebook can continue to monitor their internet activity, even if they are no longer logged into the site.

Using "Facebook Connect," and other social pulg-ins, Facebook is able to set up a cookie on any site that has a "Like" or "share" button, giving Facebook access to a startling amount of user information. Technically, the purpose of these plug-ins is to authenticate users, but it still has the ability to collect personal information such as the IP address of your computer, browsing data, outside login information, phone numbers, etc.

The cookie, known as the "datr" cookie, has been a controversial topic for the past year. Using this cookie, among other things, Facebook knows what you have read on a web page even if you did not click the "like" button. As the Wall Street Journal reported, "for this to work, a person only needs to have logged into Facebook or Twitter once in the past month. The sites will continue to collect browsing data, even if the person closes their browser or turns off their computers."

To help users control how and when their information is tracked and distributed, companies such as Abine and Ghostery have developed tools that allow users to block Facebook social plug-ins, cookies, and other trackers.

W! e identi fied five practical options for consideration, including an option for web site publishers that will help help protect their customers from trackers while keeping their websites running smoothly.

Do Not Track Plus — A browser add-on that will identify and block trackers.

As Business Insider previously reported, Abine's DNT+ tool is a FREE add-on that monitors, tracks, and allows users to block any trackers and requests that may be following their internet activity. It is compatible with MAC or PC for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer. It is currently able to block more than 600 trackers, and automatically updates to catch new trackers.



Ghostery — similar to DNT+ but this add-on is also available for Opera.

Similar to DNT+, Ghostery is a browser add-on, owned by Evidon, that protects consumer privacy while online. By giving the consumer visibility into who is tracking their online activity and allowing them to block all or specific trackers, it empowers users with the ability to stop third parties from collecting their personal information without permission. It currently has more than 16 million monthly users and pulls data from over 26 million web domains via an opt-in service of 7 million users.

Ghostery is free to download, free to use, and does not contain any adware or spyware. It is available for all major browsers: Firefox, Safari, Chrome, Opera and Internet ! Explorer .



Disconnect and Collusion for Chrome — A robust tool that will identify and block trackers, but is only available for Chrome.

Chrome Disconnect Website

Similar to DNT+ and Ghostery, Chrome Disconnect allows you to stop third parties and search engines from tracking your web activity. Specifically, this tool focuses on allowing users to disconnect from sites such as Facebook, Digg, Google, Twitter, and Yahoo without risking the performance of the sites. The tool blocks identifiable cookies while allowing you stay logged into various sites.

Collusion for Chrome

This site allows users to then see which third parties are tracking them by graphing the spread of the data from sites to tracks, exposing them, and giving users the ability to block the trackers.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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Sony NEX-6: Inexpensive, Compact, Slick HandlingâThe Perfect DSLR Compromise? [Cameras]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5942459/a-viewfinder-and-low-price-could-make-the-sony-nex+6-the-perfect-compact-compromise

Sony NEX-6: Inexpensive, Compact, Slick Handling—The Perfect DSLR Compromise?Sony's been grinding on compact, interchangeable-lens cameras: It's got three different lines (NEX 3, 5, 7) going at different price points, and they're all spectacular. The Sony NEX 6 is the latest for everyone who loves using the high-end NEX-7 but hates the price.

What you're looking at here is the same image quality and Wi-Fi as Sony's recently announced NEX 5R, plus the built-in digital viewfinder and buttons and dials operation borrowed from the Sony NEX-7. The NEX-6 will be bundled with Sony's 16-50mm power zoom lens for $1000. The body alone will cost you $850—not a bad deal considering the new very slim lens will ship in January for $350.

Like the Sony NEX-5R, the NEX-6's killer new feature is a souped up new "Fast Hybrid AF" system that uses both contrast and phase detection to zero in on the subject you want in focus super fast. It also has the same DSLR-quality imaging: a 16.1-megapixel, APS-C sensor plus the rare ability to shoot HD video at up to 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps.

Since the NEX-6 is equipped with the Wi-Fi powers of the NEX-5R, you'll be able to transfer photos and video wirelessly to your smartphone, tablet or computer. You'll also be able to use the Wi-Fi to install new PlayMemories Camera Apps, which are basically filters and special effects you can download and install on camera.

The NEX-6 doesn't have a touchscreen—the NEX-5R does—and instead hopes you'll be interested in the DSLR-like mode dial on the top of the camera. That, along with the digital viewfinder, makes the NEX-6 all about capturing the "real" camera feel—down to the textured rubber grip.

This NEX-6 alone isn't a revolution—it's the combination of features that might be appealing to people. The built-in viewfinder make it better for serious shooters who don't want to use an LCD to line up their shots. Indeed, this camera is for DSLR-folk who prefer body controls and a viewfinder to the NEX-5R's three-inch touchscreen. Will it succeed in enrapturing that segment of the compact-camera buying market? We'll find out in November.

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Sony RX1: The First Full-Frame Point-and-Shoot Camera (Which Is as Crazy/Genius as it Sounds) [Cameras]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5942476/sony-rx1-the-first-full+frame-point+and+shoot-camera-which-is-as-crazygenius-as-it-sounds

Sony RX1: The First Full-Frame Point-and-Shoot Camera (Which Is as Crazy/Genius as it Sounds)Today we met Sony's new flagship DSLR, the a99: A professional-grade, full-frame sensor camera that gives all the rest a run for their money. With that in mind, we'll just call the Sony Cyber-Shot RX1 "Honey I Shrank the Full-Frame". Yes, it's freaking crazy. It's potentially brilliant too.

Sony RX1: The First Full-Frame Point-and-Shoot Camera (Which Is as Crazy/Genius as it Sounds) Here's the thing about the Sony RX1. It's the smallest full-frame sensor camera that's ever been built. That means that the image quality is actually professional-grade. We're not just saying that as a way of dumbing the camera down: It sports an identical 24-megapixel, 35.8x23.9mm full-frame sensor to the a99. The only difference is that it measures (4 1/2"x 2 5/8"x 2 3/4"), and weighs just one pound. It's a little bigger than a deck of cards and it weighs as much as a big potato.

Professional sensor, point-and-shoot size. Genius! Right? RIGHT?

Well, this is a first, and the reason it's a first is because the camera is very carefully engineered to be so tiny, and there are some significant trade-offs. First of all, this is a Cyber-Shot camera, which means it's not just point-and-shoot sized, it's a point-and-shoot with a prime 35mm f/2.0 lens. It's a Carl Zeiss lens, so it's surely lovely, but the lack of interchangeable lenses and no possibility for zoom is going to turn a lot of people off.

Sony RX1: The First Full-Frame Point-and-Shoot Camera (Which Is as Crazy/Genius as it Sounds)

What's more the camera's doesn't exactly have a Cyber-Shot price; It'll cost $2800 when it's available in November. So this isn't exactly a "bring full-frame sensors to the the everyman" kind of camera." This is designed for pros. All that said, it's freaking adorable and we can't wait to get our hands on one to see what we can do with it.

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Xtreamer teases 5-inch AiKi Android handset: ICS, dual SIM and 'revolutionary' pricing (video)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/xtreamer-mobile-aiki/

Xtreamer is getting into phones, teases 5inch AiKi Android handset ICS, dual SIM and 'revolutionary' pricing

While the world waits for a certain other phone that includes a 5 reference in its teaser, HTPC, media streamer and NAS builder Xtreamer has revealed its plans to get into the mobile space. A banner on its forum, a sign-up page for more info and quick teaser trailer are all we have to go on, but so far the available details gives the AiKi 5-inch specs that include dual SIM, Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich, a "powerful" battery, ClockWorkMod based updates, multilingual ROM, root enabled by default and the tagline "why pay more?" Until there's more details that's likely to remain an open question, but given Xtreamer's history, we suspect European users inclined to modding should at least keep an eye out, we'll let you know when we hear more.

[Thanks, Tomas]

Continue reading Xtreamer teases 5-inch AiKi Android handset: ICS, dual SIM and 'revolutionary' pricing (video)

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Xtreamer teases 5-inch AiKi Android handset: ICS, dual SIM and 'revolutionary' pri! cing (vi deo) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 23:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony's Cyber-shot RX1 compact camera packs a full-frame sensor, 'fits in your palm' (hands-on)

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/sony-cyber-shot-rx1-compact-camera-packs-a-full-frame-senso/

Would you believe us if we told you Sony packed a full-frame sensor in a Cyber-shot-branded camera? It's true! Say hello to the RX1, a "compact" digital camera for pros that's packing the same 24.3MP Exmor CMOS sensor introduced today with the A99. Calling the rangefinder-esque one-pound shooter small might seem off-base, especially considering the Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm f/2.0 fixed prime lens protruding from its front, but it's not so huge (3-inches high by 4.5-inches wide) up against its tiny sibling, the RX100 -- taking into account how much larger the RX1's sensor is, well, that's when this editor's jaw basically dropped. While it's not a "pro-NEX" as many had hoped, Sony explained that it chose a fixed lens to avoid the bulk of a lens-mount. We were able to get some eyes-on time with an engineering prototype of the unit, so click past the break for more details, close-ups and a brief video overview.

Continue reading Sony's Cyber-shot RX1 compact camera packs a full-frame sensor, 'fits in your palm' (hands-on)

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Sony's Cyber-shot RX1 compact camera packs a full-frame sensor, 'fits in your palm' (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony announces NEX-VG30 and full-frame NEX-VG900 Handycams, we go hands-on

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/sony-nex-vg30-vg900-hands-on/

Sony announces NEXVG30 and fullframe NEXVG900 Handycams, we go handson

A full-frame camcorder for roughly 3 grand? Meet the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam -- the company's first 35mm HD video camera. Taking cues from its Alpha A99, which was just announced today, Sony brought that camera's 24.3-megapixel full-frame sensor to a camcorder form factor, delivering shallow depth-of-field and much improved low-light sensitivity in a more practical package. The VG900 is compatible with E-mount lenses, and it's a fine stills shooter (like the A99, it's capable of 14-bit RAW captures), but it's best suited for high-end video production, where it offers 1080p recording at 24 or 60 frames-per-second through a sensor that features 45 times the area of a conventional camcorder. This model even adds some of Sony's picture effects from the stills line, such as soft focus and miniature mode, while certain filters, like partial color and high-contrast monochrome can even be added to video.

Also on order for today is the NEX-VG30 -- the successor to the VG20 -- which offers many of the same features, but with a 16.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor instead. If you're looking for a capable Handycam and don't want to spring for full-frame, this is your match. Both models include 270-degree swivel 921k-dot touch-enabled TruBlack LCDs and XGA OLED eye-level electronic viewfinders, along with Sony's new Multi Interface Shoe, which enables XLR microphone inputs through an optional accessory. The Handycams offer a new zoom seesaw level with multiple speeds for smooth, silent lens adjustments. There's also digital zoom functionality, which is likely to be! more ap propriate for the VG900, since that model's full-frame sensor has the pixels to spare. That flavor is quite costly, coming in at $3,299 without a lens, though an LA-EA3 mount adapter is included so you can attach full-frame-capable A-mount lenses. The VG30, for its part, will retail for $1,800 body only, or $2,700 when paired with Sony's new 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS power zoom lens -- a $300 savings, considering that optic's $1,200 standalone price tag. The VG900 is slated to ship beginning in late October, while the VG30 will hit stores in November, but you can take a closer look right now in our hands-on gallery below.

Continue reading Sony announces NEX-VG30 and full-frame NEX-VG900 Handycams, we go hands-on

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Sony announces NEX-VG30 and full-frame NEX-VG900 Handycams, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OCZ's new Vector SSD breaks cover at IDF, packs in-house developed Indilinx controller

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/ocz-vector-ssd-indilinx/

OCZ's new Vector SSD breaks cover, packs wholly inhouse Indilinx controller

As we were wandering the floor today at IDF 2012, we happened upon an OCZ rep who pulled the company's new 2.5-inch SATA 3 SSD out of his pocket and let us get our mitts on it. Called the Vector, it will replace the well-received Vertex 4 at the top of OCZ's lineup. Like its predecessor, the Vertex packs an Indilinx controller, but this time it's the Barefoot 3, which was developed totally in-house without any assistance from Marvell designs. You can expect to see 256GB and 512GB versions of the Vector hit the market in Q4, with other sizes possibly showing up after. Of course, IOPS, read/write speeds and pricing remain a mystery, but we can share the gallery of shots below.

Myriam Joire contributed to this report.

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OCZ's new Vector SSD breaks cover at IDF, packs in-house developed Indilinx controller originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 01:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hasselblad H5D coming December with new focus system, design, up to 60 megapixels

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/12/hasselblad-h5d/

Hasselblad H5D brings new autofocus and design, no shortage of damage to bank accounts

Medium format camera fans, brace for impact: there's a new Hasselblad coming. The H5D supercedes the ages-old H4D with a True Focus II system that -- we're told -- is both more accurate and immediately confirms its lock. Hasselblad has also reworked the body for a more rough-and-ready feel, giving the H5D bigger controls, an extra-bright viewfinder and better weatherproofing. A new RAW + JPEG capture mode, improved wide-angle-to-macro lens conversion and a fresh 24mm f/4.8 lens have also been added to tempt studio photographers. If all this sounds alluring, H5Ds will be available in 40-, 50- and 60-megapixel versions (plus 50- and 200-megapixel Multi-Shot variants) this December. We likely won't know the effect on our bank accounts until at least a September 18th media event, but we wouldn't assume any kind of populist pricing -- Hasselblad's tendency towards five-digit figures may limit any first-hand exposure to a rental.

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Hasselblad H5D coming December with new focus system, design, up to 60 megapixels originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 03:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Google releases Course Builder, takes online learning down an open-source road

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/google-releases-course-builder/

Google releases Course Builder, takes online learning down an opensource road

Google is well-known for projects with unexpected origins. It's almost natural, then, that the code Google used to build a web course has led to a full-fledged tool for online education. The open-source Course Builder project lets anyone make their own learning resources, complete with scheduled activities and lessons, if they've got some skill with HTML and JavaScript. There's also an avenue for live teaching or office hours: the obligatory Google+ tie-in lets educators announce Hangouts on Air sessions. Code is available immediately, although you won't need to be grading virtual papers to see the benefit. A handful of schools that include Stanford, UC San Diego and Indiana University are at least exploring the use of Course Builder in their own initiatives, which could lead to more elegant internet learning -- if also fewer excuses for slacking.

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Google releases Course Builder, takes online learning down an open-source road originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony Xperia V packs new sensor-on-lens touchscreen tech, promises a 'true direct touch experience'

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/sony-xperia-v-sensor-on-lens-touchscreen/

Sony Xperia V packed new sensoronlens touchscreen tech, offers a 'true direct touch experience'

If you thought LG's Optimus G and Nokia's Lumia 920 had future touchscreen tech all sewn up, then be ready to welcome Sony's own contribution. Its sensor-on-lens touchscreen will debut on the Xperia V, combining the sensor and lens component of a standard capacitive display, reducing the number of layers, glare and other interference. This improves both image quality and the screen's responsiveness -- Sony reckons the experience brings it in line with the aforementioned on- and in-cell touch display technology. During our brief hands-on at IFA, we found the Xperia V was certainly responsive enough, but perhaps some of that sensation can be attributed to the new screen, rather than the dual-core Snapdragon processor powering it. We'll be sure to give it a thorough testing when our review model appears.

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Sony Xperia V packs new sensor-on-lens touchscreen tech, promises a 'true direct touch experience' originally appeared on Engadge! t on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 14:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony VG900 leaks, packs full-frame sensor into a NEX camcorder

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/11/sony-vg900-leaks-packs-full-frame-sensor-into-a-nex-camcorder/

Sony VG900 leaks, packs fullframe sensor into a NEX camcorder

Sony must have a fixation on stuffing full-frame sensors into small spaces this year. A fresh photo and details slipping out to Sony Alpha Rumors show what's billed as the VG900, the first NEX-branded camcorder with a sensor larger than the APS-C spec -- the first NEX camera of any kind, for that matter. While there's only a light smattering of details, we're told the device has a 24-megapixel sensor (likely the same as in the RX1 or A99), records video in AVCHD 2.0 and should ship with an A-mount adapter for Alpha lenses. Not much else is on display, although you may want to take a pass if you're just looking to record a family wedding: at a rumored $3,300 price for the purportedly imminent launch, the VG900 isn't an impulse purchase for anyone short of a pro videographer.

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Sony VG900 leaks, packs full-frame sensor into a NEX camcorder originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 17:47:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Make Your Own Ice Packs from Cheap Sponges [Clever Uses]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5942213/make-your-own-ice-packs-from-cheap-sponges

Make Your Own Ice Packs from Cheap SpongesIce packs are a great way to keep your lunch cool, but they're a bit expensive if you're in the habit of losing them. Over on cooking blog My Kitchen Escapades they show a cheap, reusable, and easy way to make ice packs from kitchen sponges.

All you need to do is take a standard kitchen sponge, soak it in water, put it inside a ziploc bag, and freeze it. When you're done, you have an ice pack. The handy thing is that when the ice starts to melt, the sponge soaks up the water so it doesn't leak everywhere. If you're looking to upgrade your brown-bag lunch this should be a helpful trick.

Lunchbox Icepacks | My Kitchen Escapades via The Kitchn

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