Keener Top Lists: April 2024

Friday, April 26, 2024

20 Really crazy computers

These ain't your regular old computers. Whether they have more screens than anyone needs, come with features unique to them or look like they belong in a Jetsons cartoon, here are 20 computers you won't believe exist. Note: I won't be talking about phones and tablets as they deserve their own lists. Also, I'll only be talking about computers that actually exist. For computer concepts that have yet to leave the drawing board, you can find an old list I made of them here.

#20: GPD Win line

Get some good emulators on this and it'd be the 90s to 2000s kid's dream come true!

This is a line of little Windows 10-11 computers with built-in controls for gaming. Each iteration is different. The first two versions have a DS-style clamshell design, whilst the GPD Win 3 is built more like a tablet with a screen that pops up to reveal a keyboard.

#19: Lenovo ThinkBook Gen 5

Because two OSs are better than one, am I right techies?

This computer is a Windows laptop and Android tablet rolled into one. It features a removable keyboard that can work independently from the tablet and a button that lets you switch between the 2 operating systems.

#18: SEIKO UC-2000

If I'd known about this thing earlier, it definitely would've appeared on my past smartwatch list!

This wrist worn device is kind of the great forefather of modern smartwatches. Instead of a touchscreen, it had 4 buttons on it and could be connected to a small keyboard for typing.

#17: Intel Ottoman PC

It's a computer and decoration piece!

This little gadget was intended to be a multimedia player of a computer, coming with a wireless keyboard, DVD, a video camera and other gadgets. It was designed to resemble an ottoman when closed, unfortunately it resembled a toilet when it was open.

#16: Gateway Destination

It's the computing dream machine, provided you had a friendly bear or gorilla to help you get it in the house!

This computer features a massive 31-inch CRT TV instead of a standard computer monitor. This computer could not only run Windows 95, but it also had a TV tuner so you could watch Television on it.

#15: Compaq Presario 3020

All in one computers have come a long way!

Built in the 90s, this was basically an attempt at combining the monitor with the computer box that powers it up. The unit features a adjustable screen fitted onto a rectangular case.

#14: LG Internet Digital DIOS

It stores both food and data! Talk about a win!

In the 2000s LG released this monstrosity to the masses. It is a fridge with a little LCD screen on it that could tell you about the foods inside, list recipes and had TV functionality among other things. It also had a webcam for inside the fridge, a MP3 player and three-level automatic icemaker.

#13: Moneual I*magine

Hell with squares! Cylinders are the way of the future!

This cylindrical device not only acted like a Windows Vista computer, but it could also stream media like shows and music. It could be connected to your preexisting Television and was controlled either through it's touchscreen or voice commands.

#12: APF Imagination Machine

All you need is imagination🌈!

This was an early attempt at combining video game consoles and computers. It had 2 components; the APF-M1000 game system and an addon docking bay that included a keyboard and tape drive.

#11: Aurora 7

Who needs that many screens!?

Made by Expanscape, this huge laptop has a whopping 7 screens: One attached to the keyboard, three attached to that screen, two attached to the side screens and one right on the keyboard beside the mousepad.

#10: Holborn 9100

The computalians have landed! Run for your lives!

Made during the dawn of personal computers in the late 70s to early 80s, this strange little device has its monitor sticking out of its keyboard like some sort of alien head.

#9: Samsung SPH-9000

The computer fit for a certain Straw Hat Pirate!

This little computer comes with Windows XP, a built-in camera and the ability to make phone calls. In addition to that, the screen and keyboard are foldable so you can put the device in your pocket when you're not using it.

#8: Asus ROG GX800

Talk about giving overheated pcs the cold shoulder!

This is a gaming computer with a built-in liquid cooling chamber in the back. This chamber works by pumping liquid through specialized tubes in the computer that would take heat away from the processors and graphic cards. This heat would then be blow away by fans.

#7: Maingear Prysma

Forget the PC box, try PC Pyramidas on for size!

Built in the shape of a pyramid, this was a unique take on Intel's Viiv media center standard, meaning it could be plugged into an HDTV to playback shows and movies.

#6: DeepCool Tristellar

The computing is strong with this one!

This computer case differentiates itself from others with a sci-fi like appearance. It has 3 chambers: one for the GPU and SSD, one for the power supply and hard drive, and one for the motherboard and cooling system.

#5: Google Glass

Like it or not, you can't say it wasn't revolutionary!

This strange little device could be used either on its own or with your preexisting glasses. It was basically a head worn device that held a little display in front of one of your eyes. It also featured a camera and could be controlled with either voice commands or a little touchpad on the side.

#4: WME Emperor 200

All that's missing are a connected minifridge and toilet and it'd be perfect!

This scorpion-shaped beast of a workstation comes equipped with 3 computer monitors, reclining chair, touchscreen controls, a web cam and optionally a built in PS3 amongst many other features.

#3: Jack PC

Better a Jack Pc than a Jackass!

This tiny little thing was essentially a wall outlet that let you turn your LAN outlet into a wall-based hub for your computer. The connected computer would get power over Ethernet and the unit itself consumes very little power.

#2: Triumph Adler TA-1000

Meet possibly the hardest personal computer in the world to lose behind the couch!

Meant to be an all-in-one accounting computer for small to medium businesses, this was a computer system that was built into a desk rather than sitting on top.

#1: Iasis IA-7301

Also called the Computer in a Book, for obvious reasons.

This was an early training computer meant to help people with programing and other computer stuff. What makes this little device most peculiar is that it was stuffed inside of a 3-ring binder alongside the 250-page training course.

Who said game consoles got to have all the standing out fun? Some honorable mentions include the Sega Terradrive (it's basically an IBM computer with a built-in Megadrive), the Zypad (I covered that in the previously mentioned smartwatch list), the Zadak 511 Helicarrier (It looked more like a toy than a computer), and the Packard Bell Corner PC (besides it's odd shape it didn't stand out too much). If you know of any computers that you think should've been included, you know what to do. Thanks for reading and be safe on the Internet.

Sources

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

30 Crazy things made by famous companies

These days companies will do anything to gather buzz, won't they? Whether they're beauty products by fast food companies, soda-scented paper products or unique novelty merch, here are 30 of the strangest pieces of merchandise made by major companies.

#30: M&M's peanut ball

That's just nuts!

A football shaped like an M&M? Sure, why not?

#29: McDonald's American Idol MP3 Player

McDonald's will partner up with anything that's popular, won't they?

If you could upload your own songs to this thing, it would be amazing!

#28: Lego shoes

For the Lego maniac in you!

If you could stick your Lego bricks to these, they would be the coolest shoes ever!.

#27: Dr. Pepper Scented Tissues

Who needs nose spray when you have these?

If had these, I'd blow my nose way more often!

#26: Xbox Mini Fridge

Give Microsoft credit for having a sense of humor!

People joked that the Xbox One looked like a fridge, so Microsoft decided to make a fridge that looked like an Xbox One!

#25: Mentos Bath Bombs

In more ways than one they're the freshmakers!

Warning: Unlike the actually mints, these aren't edible.

#24: Vegetable Jell-O

Jell-no thanks, I'll stick to salads.

Back in the 80s Jell-O tried to make savory Gelatins that had vegetables suspended in their jiggly bodies. As you may've guessed, this wasn't a popular move.

#23: Lamborghini Vodka

Just don't drink this while behind the wheel!

Talk about mixed signals!

#22: Cereal Records

Before MP3 players, CDs and even cassette tapes, kids had these things!

Remember when Post cereals came with little records? Yeah, me neither.

#21: Microsoft ActiMates

Back then Microsoft was trying to make Toy Story a real thing!

These were Barney, Arthur and Teletubbies dolls that would seemingly come to life when they see certain episodes of their respective shows. Yeah, that's not scary at all.

#20: NASCAR Romance Novel

It's spicy and speedy! A win win!

Here we see NASCAR's attempt to break into the Twilight demographic.

#19: McDonald's Michael Jorden Fitness Fun Range

Yeah, this doesn't seem hypocritical at all!

If you're going to McDonald's, chances are good that exercise isn't your top priority!

#18: KFC Fire Log

Nothing says Christmas quite like 11 herbs and spices!

The tastiest smelling yule log imaginable!

#17: Cheetos Lip Balm

That's one way to use Cheetos dust.

I don't know anyone who thought Cheetos flavored lip balm was a good idea, which is probably why this idea was so short lived.

#16: Hooters Air

The planes aren't the only things rising on these flights!

An airline that serves Hooters food and has Hooters girls for its staff? Sounds like a good deal to me!

#15: Hot Pocket Shorts

Talk about taking your brand name literally!

Not gonna lie, I kinda wish I had these. It would let me take some hot food on my walks.

#14: Pizza Hut cologne

MMM. Pizza scent.

You can't spell date night without pizza. Actually you can, but why would you?

#13: McDonald's Frork

I could describe this thing, but I'd rather let Anthony Sullivan do it.

#12: Crayola Calculator

Now that's colorful!

Give Crayola credit for trying to make math fun.

#11: Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce

Twenty three flavors, one sauce!

There's soda flavored everything these days, so why not?

#10: Pizza Hut Pac-Man Boxes

Pac-Man fever strikes again!

Pizza Hut had several game boxes, but this is by far the coolest (provided you had a phone with you)!

#9: McDonald's Fry Radio

Too bad you can't call Ronald McDonald on this thing!

Maybe one of these days McDonald's will open a radio station! Eh, probably not.

#8: Nintendo Love Hotel

Leave it to Japan to think outside the box!

Back before they became the gaming juggernaut they are today, Nintendo did a lot of things. One of those things were hotels where couples could rent rooms and "get acquainted with one another".

#7: Vintage Coca Cola toolkit

Routine repairs go better with Coke!

The best friend of both repairmen and Coca Cola fans!

#6: Culper Block 19

A perfect pairing with your M&M bullets!

Add a bit of nostalgic flair to your target range shooting practice!

#5: Pokémon Gengar blanket & pillow

For that guy whose a little too into Pokémon.

Do I even need to describe this thing?

#4: Bic disposable underwear

Is that a Bic pen in your pants or are you just happy to see me?

Perfect for people who never wear the same underwear twice!

#3: Evian water bras

What better way to keep them goods cool then surrounding them in water, am I right ladies?

Perfect for if you're going somewhere that doesn't have AC or a pool you can dive into!

#2: Smart Doritos

Just when you thought the days of novelty music players was over!

First they're making chip bags that can play music. Next thing you know they'll be making pizza boxes with built-in tablets or soda cans with built-in Gameboys!

#1: KFC Nail Polish

I know their moto is "Finger lickin' good" but this is ridiculous!

Fried chicken flavored nail polish is arguably the craziest product KFC ever made. Keep in mind that this is from the same company that gave us fried chicken bun sandwiches and gaming computers that double as air fryers!

You can't make a big, widely recognizable company without making a few odd choices here and there. Some honorable mentions include the McDonald's chicken nugget handheld (I covered that in a previous list, plus as evident by this list that's far from the strangest thing they've put in their Happy Meals), Colgate entrees (besides being made by a toothpaste producer, there wasn't much that was odd about them), the MLP:FIM Lyra plushie with a hole in the rear (officially licensed products only!) and Smith and Wesson bikes (they're bikes, take it or leave it). If you can think of any products you think should've been included, you know where the comment section is. Thanks for reading and be thankful the Covid-19 pandemic is over!

Sources

Saturday, April 13, 2024

20 Unique gaming consoles

Thinking inside the box is for normies! Whether they have some abnormal controls, were a little too ahead of the times or had some really outrageous gimmicks, here are 20 rather bizarre video game consoles.

#20: Nintendo DS and 3DS

It's amazing that for all the consoles that tried to be the Gameboy killer, it was something from Nintendo themselves that succeeded!

Both systems had a clamshell design and 2 screens. The top screen was just for displaying games, while the bottom screen was a touchscreen that you could use to interact with the games or other applications. The 3DS goes further by including a little joystick and a switch that lets you view the game you're playing in 3D.

#19: Watara Supervision

Even if it didn't catch on, you can't it doesn't look unique.

This was one of many systems released in the 90s to compete with the Gameboy. It featured a tilting screen and could be hooked up to a Televison via an official accessory, years before that practice became commonplace.

#18: Wonderswan

Who doesn't love buttons (besides Apple)?

Made by the legendary Gunpei Yokoi, this console had 2 sets of buttons so you could play games on it either vertically or horizontally.

#17: Gizmondo

This thing tried to be smartphones before smartphones! Too bad being ahead of the times isn't always a good thing.

Made back in 2005, this console tried to be an all-in-one device: Featuring games, a camera, mobile data, GPS and more. Unfortunately, the system was plagued with technical problems and was discontinued only one year later.

#16: McDonald's Chicken Nugget Console

Remember when McDonald's had LCD games in their Happy Meals? Apparently, China does!

Created by McDonald's of all companies and available only in China, this is a tiny handheld that looks like a chicken nugget and plays Tetris.

#15: Vectrex

Too bad this came out during the gaming crash of 1983.

Made in the 80s, this console came with its own CRT screen, so you didn't have to plug it into a television to play it. As if that wasn't different enough, all the games had vector graphics and were all in black and white. To simulate color, you had to put little overlays over the screen.

#14: Apple Pippin

We all have to start somewhere.

Years before they became the tech juggernaut they are today, Apple created this console. It runs on a modified MacOS and was designed to be a console, computer and multimedia player all rolled into one. The oddness also extends to the controller, which is shaped like a boomerang and has a trackball in the middle.

#13: N-Gage

Gaming on a phone in the 2000s? Who ever heard of such a thing?

This Nokia creation tried to combine the worlds of consoles and cellphones way before smartphones became the norm. It used a dial pad on the front which can be used either to play games or call other people. To change games you had to take out the battery pack.

#12: Playdate

Thank you Kickstarter!

This Gameboy-like device is the newest console on the list, debuting in 2022 after a successful Kickstarter campaign. It features a black and white screen, a crank on the side for additional control, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability and when it's not in use it has a low-power clock mode.

#11: Entex Adventure Vision

The Vectrex wasn't the only 80s console with its own screen!

This arcade machine-looking device was one of the first handheld consoles that utilized cartridges. It features red graphics, a spinning mirror that updated the screen 15 times a second and 2 sets of buttons on both sides of the joystick for left or right-handed play.

#10: Bud Light BL6 Console

Now that's pretty cool!

Created of Bud Light of all companies, this six-pack shaped console has 2 unique features. Firstly it has a projector so you can play your games on the wall. Secondly it has 2 compartments for chilling your beers or other preferably canned drinks.

#9: Nintendo Switch

Apple and Google, take notes!

This is a hybrid console that can be used either on its own as a handheld or docked to be used as a home console. The controllers, dubbed Joy Cons, can be used while attached to the unit, detached and used like Wiimotes, or attached to a special grip and used like a standard controller.

#8: Magnavox Odyssey

This thing is like the dinosaur of the console world!

I know I already talked about the controller in a previous list, but the strangeness of this system doesn't end there. The console itself looks like an alien spaceship and pretty much all the games were just 2 movable lines. To make up for the lack of unique graphics, each game came with an overlay you'd place on your TV while you played.

#7: Nintendo Virtual Boy

Years later, Oculus does what Nintendon't!

Again, I talked about this thing's controller in a previous list, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. The system itself is essentially a pair of binoculars on a stand and it was originally meant to be a VR system. Unfortunately, very few of the games were actually VR and all of them were in red and black, which could cause headaches and eye strain if played for too long. Plus, there wasn't a strap so actually playing the games was difficult.

#6: Mattel Hyperscan

This thing would've revolutionized the gaming market... If it worked worth a damn, that is!

This console has a book-like design in a world where most video game consoles are rectangular. The draw of this unit was the built-in RFID scanner; players would scan special cards to do things like unlock characters within their games. Unfortunately, the console was plagued by performance issues, including instances where the scanner would refuse to work, and was thusly cancelled after only a year on the market.

#5: KFConsole

Finally, a way to use that excess heat your gaming PC makes!

This gaming PC was born from a collaboration between Cooler Master and KFC. Where this PC differs from others is the chamber built into the device. You'd place chicken or probably some other food into this chamber and it would be cooked using the heat that the PC generates during play time.

#4: Action Max

You never heard of playing games on VHS tapes? Honestly, I don't blame you.

This is a game console that works with your existing VCR to play light gun games with VHS tapes. I think that description is more than enough to show how odd this thing is.

#3: R-Zone

More proof that not everything that look's good on paper is actually a good idea!

While it looks like a futuristic headband, it is essentially a Tiger LCD game that you play in front of your own face. Every cartridge for this device had its own transparent LCD display that would be projected onto a mirror on the device when turned on. Much like the Virtual Boy, the games were all in red and black.

#2: Tomytronic 3D

If this isn't the great ancestor of the Oculus Rift, I don't know what is!

This spaceship-like device was a 3d gaming device that you wore on your head. It simulated 3D by having 2 LCD panels that were lit by outside light via a window on top of the device.

#1: Coleco Telstar Arcade

In the words of a certain nerd who reviews bad games, what madman came up with this?

Way before the ColecoVision was a thing, Coleco made this triangular monstrosity. It features Pong controls on one side, a steering wheel and lever on another and a revolver on the last. Even the cartridges for this thing were weird, as they were triangular and went on top of the unit rather than inside of it.

Don't you just love it when video game console makers get creative? Some honerable mentions include the Panasonic Q (It's literally just the GameCube with a built in CD/DVD player, plus I have enough Nintendo systems on this list), the GPD Win line (they're basically mini-Windows computers with built-in video game controls), the Small Universe X Sugar Cube (as of this post's release date that system was still in development) and the Ultravision (scrapped consoles will get their own list some day). If you know some unique, gimmicky or downright bizarre consoles I might've missed, don't be afraid to mention them in the comments. Thanks for reading and have a nice gaming session.