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Once again, I gave an item a quick glance and decided it was not worth my time… but when I came back, I realized it could actually be very useful.

The 4-in-1 LED Light sounds like any other LED device: just a light on a stick, what’s the big deal? The important thing here is the magnetic base. I remember the last time I tried to poke inside my computer, hold the flashlight with one hand, the screwdriver with the other hand, pull the card out with the third… oops. And there’s probably a dozen other places you can find an use for this. And when you’re not in need of light, you can use the laser pointer.

I don’t get which are the 4 functions this can fulfill, but I think the main one alone is worth the $6.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $5.99 on GizFever.com.

Via OhGizmo!

We’ve seen solar powered torches, battery powered torches… is there any other way to make a lightbuld or LED light up? Of course.

You can use your car ligher socket. The Rechargeable LED Torch is something all drivers should probably have. It sits in your lighter socket, happily charging out of the way, until you happen to have a flat tire on a deserted road. You’l be glad you have it then.

I don’t have a car (or plan to drive, ever), but I’ve heard stories from my friends. They’re the type of people who never bother with things like maps or torches or extra water, because of course you can always find a gas station! Until you don’t. I think I know what presents I’m buying on the next occasion.

How much under $29.99?
A little: ~$26 on FlashWear.com.

Via HippyShopper

I might be a little dim today, because I fail to see what could make someone pay $20+ for this.

The USB 32-LED Light Show Stick is a stick, with LEDs, which spells out a message in light. It connect to a computer via USB and short messages or logos can be programmed using the included software (85 characters of text or a 128 x 32 pixels image). In order to show the results, you have to wiggle the stick.

And this is where it ends. Why would I want to wiggle a stick until my hand hurts to say ‘I (heart) U’ or ‘U suck’? Admittedly, it might be marginally useful at concerts (profess your love for the lead singer in red LEDs) or raves, but it still isn’t worth the money.

How much under $29.99?
A little: $22 on Brando.co.hk.

Via Gizmodo

Paranormal activity probably occurs in the vicinity of my block of flats, because once every 2 weeks the lightbulb in front of the door stops working. Unfortunately, said door is in a dark area, so finding the right key and then unlocking the door turns into a small adventure.

How I wish I had the LockLite this evening… The concept is very simple: you slip a stainless steel cap over your key, press the button on it and a powerful LED lights up, enabling you to find your keys and the key hole. It works up to 3 meters, so you can also use it as a flashlight if the way to your door is longer.

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $9.70 on Firebox.com.

Via Coolest Gadgets

After you buy a new (and maybe expensive) table, those “weird” people who insist on you using coasters don’t seem so weird anymore. It’s not such a big effort, and furniture just looks better without stains.

But, if that reason isn’t enough for you, here’s another one: fun! Yes, coasters can be fun. At least LED Coasters can. They come with built-in LEDs that light up when you place your drink on them. So you can get a fun blue or pink gin tonic (and at least you won’t confuse your glass anymore).

A bit too expensive for just some fun, but damn it, they just look so cool!

How much under $29.99?
A little: $24.99 on Brookstone.com.

Via ShinyShiny

The light in front of my building tends to work once every two days or so, therefore I often play that game we all know and hate - “find the keys in the bag”.

I could use one of these. The Diamond Ring Key Squeeze Light has a very powerful LED which you can use to shine some light inside you bag or purse and hopefully avoid freezing to death in front of your front door.

The thing I don’t like is the diamond ring “theme”. I want a light, not a glittery fake-leather thing with a diamond on it. This is taking girly too far. But hey, at least it’s cheap!

How much under $29.99?
A lot: $4.99 at PerpetualKid.

Via ShinyShiny

Sometimes a gesture says more than a thousand words. Especially when you’re driving and that gesture doesn’t employ all the fingers available. But… that’s so low tech… and the driver behind you might not get the full view to appreciate it. Beside, there’s no gesture for saying you’re happy.

Luckily someone thought about those techy drivers and invented the Driving LED Emoticon. It’s basically a LED sign you can attach to your rear window (via the suction cup included) and can control wirelessly. It can display 5 messages: 2 faces (smiley/frown) and 3 texts (”Thanks”, “Back Off” and “Idiot”). The nasty messages outnumber the nice ones, but… let’s admit it, most people only feel like comunicating with their fellow drivers when they’re pissed off.

How much under $29.99?
Exactly $29.99 from ThinkGeek.