Comments: And today I thought I might write a few words of my own...
Not much - you should drink your drink while it is warm and fresh, not leaving it stewing for ages. And of course it takes extra power to keep it warm. Make your drink later if you dont want it now.
Posted by Debster on 9 December, 2006 at 11:02 AM
That's spooky. I was only discussing these with someone the other day. I agree with Debster re: drinks. However, don't rule out alternative benefits such as hand warming and eccles cake heating. I wonder if you could cook an egg on one? The built in hub looks dodgy [ ie non waterproof ].
Seen the gadget previously and done some calculations based on available power. Conclusion? even less effective than USB fans at keeping you cool. Place one hand around each side of mug and clutch as an equally effective alternative. But hey? as a present for a geek that has everything? why not?
Hmm, I think I'm with Ham, I can't see it would be able to suply enough power to keep anything thicker than a paper cup warm. Unless it's using microwave technology which would make it more efficient (though still wouldn't penetrate much)...
I would not recommend one of those USB-powered hotplates, there pointless, your USB socket can only output 5 volts @ .5 of am amp (500ma), its barely enough power to charge your mobile phone using one of those USB mobile charger leads, especiall if you have an N70/N80/N90 or N-Gage.
I have bought a hotplate for my husband, by brothers and my best friends husband. The men in my life are notoriously difficult to buy for and are all computer nerds. So every year they get computer tat for Christmas from me.
Posted by TigerFeet on 10 December, 2006 at 10:42 AM
The point I was making to Mr BW nicely proven folks, thanks :)
(He presented me with a corporately-branded hotplate that he'd 'acquired' from his goodie freebie cupboard thinking I'd be pleased... sadly... my tea goes down my throat, or on the Aga to keep prperly hot if I'm unexpectedly called away before it's drinking temperature).
Of course, he'd argue TigerFeet's point, no doubt, so I'm not going to win this one I fear :)
Posted by Blue Witch on 11 December, 2006 at 8:23 AM
Not much - you should drink your drink while it is warm and fresh, not leaving it stewing for ages. And of course it takes extra power to keep it warm. Make your drink later if you dont want it now.
Posted by Debster on 9 December, 2006 at 11:02 AMThat's spooky. I was only discussing these with someone the other day. I agree with Debster re: drinks. However, don't rule out alternative benefits such as hand warming and eccles cake heating. I wonder if you could cook an egg on one? The built in hub looks dodgy [ ie non waterproof ].
Posted by drD on 9 December, 2006 at 11:25 AMSeen the gadget previously and done some calculations based on available power. Conclusion? even less effective than USB fans at keeping you cool. Place one hand around each side of mug and clutch as an equally effective alternative. But hey? as a present for a geek that has everything? why not?
Posted by Ham on 9 December, 2006 at 11:51 AMI thought it looked rather appealing, actually.
Posted by z on 9 December, 2006 at 12:48 PMHmm, I think I'm with Ham, I can't see it would be able to suply enough power to keep anything thicker than a paper cup warm. Unless it's using microwave technology which would make it more efficient (though still wouldn't penetrate much)...
Posted by NiC on 9 December, 2006 at 1:52 PMI'd rather drink it while it's still hot, rather than wasting electricity keeping it warm.
Posted by Brian on 9 December, 2006 at 2:27 PMI would not recommend one of those USB-powered hotplates, there pointless, your USB socket can only output 5 volts @ .5 of am amp (500ma), its barely enough power to charge your mobile phone using one of those USB mobile charger leads, especiall if you have an N70/N80/N90 or N-Gage.
The gadget king has spoken.... :o)
Posted by James on 9 December, 2006 at 4:39 PMI have bought a hotplate for my husband, by brothers and my best friends husband. The men in my life are notoriously difficult to buy for and are all computer nerds. So every year they get computer tat for Christmas from me.
Posted by TigerFeet on 10 December, 2006 at 10:42 AMThe point I was making to Mr BW nicely proven folks, thanks :)
(He presented me with a corporately-branded hotplate that he'd 'acquired' from his goodie freebie cupboard thinking I'd be pleased... sadly... my tea goes down my throat, or on the Aga to keep prperly hot if I'm unexpectedly called away before it's drinking temperature).
Of course, he'd argue TigerFeet's point, no doubt, so I'm not going to win this one I fear :)
Posted by Blue Witch on 11 December, 2006 at 8:23 AM