The worst gadget of 2007

The winner of this year’s Popular Mechanics prestigious “Worst Gadget of the Year Award,” never even made it to the dealer’s shelves. The Palm Foleo was universally dissed at it’s industry launch back in the spring. So much so that company CEO Ed Colligan scrapped the launch, writing off over $10 million in development costs. Some things are just not destined to be.

Also on the Popular Mechanics list is the ill-fated Apple TV, Microsoft’s Zune range – who on earth wants a brown media player?; the LG chocolate phone, which I also despised as they desperately tried to sell a bad idea by launching a new color; and a number of other disastrous or downright dangerous gadgets.

My personal favorite has to be the Ironman resolution Vibration Trainer. Two thousand dollars for a device that shakes you? I don’t even need to see the thing to know this is a bad idea. According to the makers:

“Finally, a type of exercise everyone can stick with. Whether you want to reduce weight, fight cellulite, build muscle, improve flexibility or improve your golf swing, the new Ironman Resolution Vibration Trainer will help you to reach your goals.

Vibration training is low impact and gentle enabling anyone, regardless of their age or fitness levels, to benefit without putting strain on joints or other parts of the body.”

Puleeze ! As far as I am concerned, making claims like this are pretty funny, but probably downright illegal. If you want a laugh, look at the video on their website. Possibly the biggest load of bollocks I have ever seen from an exercise machine company. They make Chuck Norris look believable. How can being shaken and vibrated by a machine be considered exercise? And in the spirit of lightheartedness at Christmas:

Why can’t you find Chuck Norris by doing a google search?

You can never find Chuck Norris – He finds you.