Free Gadgets for Your Desktop

You can easily download computer gadgets to enhance the productivity of your desktop. For example, if you want to simplify your communication tasks, you can download an integrated e-mailer, IM, video conferencing, and VoIP gadget for your desktop.

These types of integrated free gadgets for electronic communications are widely available on the Internet. Just use a communication productivity suite that will be suitable for your needs. Such computer gadgets will enable you to use different channels to communicate with your business contacts.

You can also download free gadgets that can serve as automated organizer and scheduler. Such schedule manager gadgets can ensure that you will not miss an important meeting or event. Even the Google Calendar can serve as a schedule manager and this gadget is available for free at Google.

However, if you want a highly productive schedule manager, it is best to download a computer gadget that can be synchronized with your Outlook organizer. This way, your gadget can work with your primary email and scheduler client.

Computer Gadgets that Can Enhance Your Website

If you have a website, then you can use productivity or enhancements gadgets to make it more attractive to visitors. Web gadgets can be downloaded for free. Simply copy the HTML codes of such gadgets and embed them on your website.

You can embed financial forecasting gadgets on your website to attract visitors interested in financial trends. There are also news aggregator gadgets so that your website can have fresh content everyday.

There are numerous web gadgets available for you for free. There will surely be a web gadget that will be suitable for the theme of your website. Take note that web gadgets can slow down your website. So as much as possible, only embed few gadgets on your web pages.

Computer gadgets can improve your productivity. These gadgets can also improve the appearance and functionality of your website. You need to use them wisely so you can get the best benefit from your free gadgets.

So here are some important tips that could help you choose the top computer gadgets that will be suitable for your lifestyle.

Green Computing is In

It is best to go green when you look for top computer gadgets. There are tons of non-biodegradable and non-recyclable computer wastes lying around the world’s landfills. So make it a point to change your buying habits. Look for top computer gadgets that are friendly to the environment.

For example, you can buy computer gadget made from biodegradable and recyclable materials. There are lots of bamboo-made laptops today as well as external hard drives made from bamboo and reusable aluminum.

You can also buy USB peripherals today that will allow you to reuse old internal hard disk. This way, you can recycle your hard disks which could also provide good savings for you.

You can make a significant contribution in reducing carbon emission if you go green when you choose top computer gadgets.

Choose Top Computer Gadgets to Make Life Simpler

Top computer gadgets should be able to streamline your computing tasks. This will simplify your life and you will become more productive.

For example, you can use combo wireless devices that can integrate keyboard, mouse, speakers, and LAN. Instead of plugging several USB devices in your computer, you can simply use an integrated wireless device that can serve as a hub for all your computer peripherals.

Integration of devices can make your computing tasks simpler. You can become more productive at work or at home if you choose computer gadgets that streamline your devices.

Consider Mobility When Choosing a Gadget

Mobile computing is becoming very critical today. That is why it is very important if you can choose a computer gadget that will enhance or improve mobile computing.

You can use gadgets for your laptop that can establish connectivity with your home TV and home security cameras. You can also use computers that have slots for mobile phone SIM cards. These gadgets will enable you to work without losing touch with your daily activities.

Before you buy a new computer gadget, make sure that it can simplify your life and enhance your mobility. It is also important to choose a gadget that would be friendlier to the environment.

Clipboard history

Do you often find yourself getting mad for pressing Ctrl+C when you still have valuable information copied on the clipboard? No worries anymore because there’s a gadget to answer this problem – the Clipboard History gadget. The Clipboard History gadget notes down the last several clipboard entries and lets you copy back any of them to the clipboard with just a click. Its backgrounds are nature-centric and you have the option to change the character length and font size, as well as the font color. This should definitely be a part of your cool gadgets list.

Download Clipboard History Gadget

Search

Are you fond of searching just about anything in the worldwide web? Then you must install the Google-bar and Wikipedia search gadgets. The Google bar lets you search between an image and a web page. The Wikipedia search lets you choose your language through an options dialog. These two cool gadgets are a must-have especially for students who always use the Internet for answering their assignments.

Download Search Gadget

Panda cam

Have you ever been tired of watching the slideshow of pictures stored in your computer? Why don’t you try the Panda Cam. It shows the video of a live Panda at the San Diego Zoo. Though there’s no guarantee that you can see a panda all the time, there’s always a big chance that you can see one at least once in a day.

Download Panda Cam Gadget

Piano

Ever wanted to play piano in your computer? Then download the Piano gadget. It lets you play a virtual piano via the A through K keys, considered as the octave. Hold the SHIFT key to play the lower octave. It’s also useful for tuning instruments like the guitar.

Download Piano Gadget

Remember that the coolest and useful gadgets are those that you use for the first time and tell yourself, “I should have had this a long time ago.” What’s important is that you frequently use them and that they really serve you the purpose that you wanted from them.

There are two ways to download computer gadgets. First, you can download computer gadgets for free from a trusted site. This is ideal if you do not want to spend for gadgets or if you prefer to use open source gadgets.

Another way to download computer gadgets is to purchase it from software vendors. You need to spend a bit if you opt to download computer gadgets through direct purchase. The advantage is that you can get full technical support for your gadgets if tech issues or conflicts arise.

Downloading Free Gadgets

There are hundreds of free sites where you can download software gadgets for your computer. One of the best sites you can use to get free gadgets is Google Labs. The search giant regularly develops computer gadgets for free.

However, you may need to open a Google account in order to access Labs. Almost all types of gadgets for different purposes will be available for you at Google Labs.

You can also download free computer gadgets from several trusted download and file sharing sites. Just make sure that the site you use is not a malware distributor. Look for software security certification before you download anything from file sharing and download sites.

It is best to avoid torrent download sites when getting computer gadgets. You may be violating intellectual property rights especially if you download proprietary software from torrent site. There are also big chances that you can catch a virus on these torrent sites.

Downloading Proprietary Computer Gadgets

It is best to download computer gadgets from the vendor of your operating system. For example, if you want to install a Vista gadget, then the Microsoft‘s gadget gallery would be your best choice. You will have to pay for such gadgets but you can get technical support from the software vendor.

Downloading computer gadgets is fast and easy. You also have wider choices of different downloadable computer gadgets today. You can get a gadget for free or you can pay for it if you want to take advantage of bundled software support.

CPU meter gadget

The CPU meter, one of the gadgets Windows Vista benefits from, is used to display the CPU usage and physical memory usage. It displays the usage in terms of percentage. The gadget is already included in Windows Vista and you can find it in the gadgets window of your Windows Sidebar. Just choose CPU Meter. It will then be added to your sidebar automatically. If you like to keep track of your resources then this gadget is a must-have.

Download CPU Meter Gadget

DriveInfo gadget

If you want to monitor the free space of your hard drives, then you should add DriveInfo gadget into your sidebar. It’s one of the gadgets Windows Vista will take advantage since it is simple yet it offers essential information. It displays the free space of one or more of your hard drives in GB and percentage. You can download DriveInfo gadget from the Windows Live Gallery for free.

Download DriveInfo Gadget

Wireless network gadget

Any gadgets Windows Vista can offer for wireless network freaks? Yes there is and it’s called Wireless Network gadget. It monitors the strength and security of wireless network. It’s a well-designed gadget that will surely fit in with your other gadgets in the sidebar. You can freely download this gadget from the Windows Live Gallery.

Download Wireless Network Gadget

Memory Meter gadget

Do you want to know the total amount of memory, memory remaining, and the percentage and amount of memory being used by Vista? Then you should download the Memory Meter gadget. It displays all those information regarding your system memory usage. You can download Memory Meter gadget from the Windows Live Gallery.

Download Memory Meter Gadget

Uptime gadget

Interested to know how long you have been playing World of Warcraft? Or more exactly, how long you have turned on your computer? Then try Uptime gadget. This gadget keeps track of the time your Windows Vista has been powered on. When you reset your system it will also restart. It’s the only thing that it does but it is useful to check how stable your system is. Unstable systems usually need to be restarted periodically, so this is a welcome addition to your sidebar to keep track of that time. You can also download this in the Windows Live Gallery.

Download Uptime Gadget

zCalendar

zCalendar is probably one of the most popular vista sidebar gadgets out there. zCalendar looks like a twin of the built-in calendar, but it allows you to do more things than just showing dates. You can set alerts, highlight your appointments, play a sound of your choice for your alerts, and lets you take notes about your events and appointments.

Download zCalendar Gadget

Digital World Clock

If you work with a lot of people from different countries, it would be great to have a clock showing a time from their countries especially if you want to set a conference call without disturbing them from their sleep. Though you can add more time zones to your vista system tray clock, it only displays your own time and you have to mouse hover the system tray clock to display the other time zones. With the Digital World Clock, you can add as many time zones as you like and see them all at the same time.

Download Digital World Clock Gadget

ProWeather

Do you always want to be informed about the weather even if you’ll just be staying at home for the whole day? Then you should download the ProWeather gadget. It’s one of those useful vista sidebar gadgets that you can commonly see in people’s sidebars. Its display is simple while showing the temperature and location. Clicking the small arrow at the bottom will show you tons of weather information. The slide-out display contains a full 10-day weather forecast, which includes wind speed and direction, humidity, air pressure, UV index, visibility, the day’s high and low, dew point, time of sunrise and sunset, and chance of rain.

Download ProWeather Gadget

Language Translator

Have you ever found yourself trying to impress your friend living in China by having your email salutation in Chinese? Then fear not because there’s a Language Translator gadget you can download at your perusal. You just type the phrase in the top box, select the language from the dropdown box, then click the Translate button and you’ll have an instant translation.

Download Language Translator Gadget

Usage patterns

Before you start coding the JavaScript of your sidebar gadget, you must first classify the type of gadget that you want to create. There are various patterns of sidebar gadgets and these are just few of the following: information gadgets, utility gadgets, fun gadgets and system information gadgets. Without knowing the particular type of gadget that you want to create, you’ll be at lost in making the UI design since not all design patterns are applicable to a particular use of the gadget.

Interaction

You must use the standard Window behavior of pointers in sidebar gadgets. If your mouse hovers on a link then the cursor must switch to the hand-pointer. You must also not allow automatic resizing of the gadget because this really annoys a lot of computer users. Instead, let the gadget be resized by clicking.

Don’t display error messages through a dialog box because this is quite typical only in programs or applications and this can also cause panic to the computer user. Instead, you should show it through a simple message displayed in the gadget or by changing the state or color of the gadget.

Options dialog boxes

You should only use dialog boxes for displaying options only if needed. Options include design and functionality customization of the gadget, such as adding and removing necessary contents. You may also try direct changes on the gadget itself like using a drag-and-drop mechanism or switching the text into a dialog box to display the selection list.

Sizing

There is no maximum height or width for docked gadgets but it would be best that they use the space efficiently to allow more gadgets in the sidebar. More importantly, gadgets can’t be too big if it is just displaying a small amount of information. Remember that gadgets need to be compact too.

Design concepts

When considering what gadget to create, your primary concern would be its functionality that would be useful most of, if not, all the time. Sidebar gadgets should be useful every time a person uses the computer, otherwise it would just be a waste of space in the desktop.

Sidebar gadgets must be easily accessible yet not distracting. Computer users must be focused on doing their main tasks. When they do need information from a gadget, they must remember where to find it on the desktop through motor and visual memory and access it easily when needed.

A gadget must be able to do a single task very well. No need for additional functionalities since these may just clutter the gadget’s UI. You should use gadgets that perform one task then combine them all into one because this gives the user freedom to choose which functionality he can use.

A sidebar gadget must have a visual theme that signifies their task or functionality. If your gadget is a currency converter, it can have a background image of a world map with some bills and coins. Visual theme is important because it makes it easy for users to remember the functionality of their gadgets.

States

Consider having two or more states for your gadgets that provide simple and complex information. Use the docked state as default for displaying simple information and use the floating state for displaying more information.

Sidebar gadgets must retain their state across different sessions. A gadget must retain the same information or selections that a user has recently used so that when the user comes back to use the gadget again, he or she doesn’t have to change it back the last time he or she used it. This is more important in gadgets like puzzles or crossword games.

Be prepared though to spend top dollars because these latest gadgets are not cheap. However, you will be able to get good value for your money because of their state of the designs and durability. So here are some of the latest gadgets you can try to improve your RC toy collections.

Virtual RC Racing Kit for PC

If you want to sharpen your RC racing skills and test new techniques to become the top RC driver, then you will certainly need the Virtual Reality RC Racing for PC. This is one of the most favorite latest gadgets of novice RC drivers.

The virtual simulator kit can be plugged easily to your PC so you can instantly race all day. Take note that even veteran RC racers are also using this virtual RC racing simulator kit to improve their skills.

The virtual RC racing simulator will be ideal also if you lack the necessary space to set-up a race track. So before you compete in any RC racing event, better hone your skill in the virtual simulator first.

The Chinook Replica RC Chopper

For RC flyers and pilots, this exact replica of the Chinook Military Transport Chopper could be their dream RC gadget. Latest gadgets in the RC chopper market are usually standard helicopters only.

This Chinook however offer a new twist because of its fully functional double co-axial rotors. Such rotor design provides complete stability for your military RC chopper. You can lord the sky and become a top RC chopper pilot if you can have this Exact Replica Chinook Military Helicopter.

1/10 Scale Off-Road ATV RC Racer

This ATV RC is for the serious RC driver. This toy gadget is ultra-lightweight giving it top speeds so you can always finish the race in first place. The RC ATV racer is also suitable for jumping ramps, navigating rough roads and obstacles.

Your RC toy collection will be incomplete if you cannot have these latest gadgets. You will certainly have a grand time playing with these latest gadgets of the RC world.

Email

One of the Google gadgets integrated with the sidebar is the Gmail gadget. You can still use Outlook instead by installing the Outlook express plug-in.

Web clips

The Web clips gadget stores the history of the web sites you’ve visited for the last 24 hours. You can also manually put websites here so it can automatically be updated. There’s a slider that shows the more detailed information about the updated items. Truly this is one of the Google gadgets that are useful enough.

Scratch pad

Undeniably one of the useful Google gadgets in the Google Desktop sidebar because of its functionality similar to the notepad is the Scratch Pad.

Timer

You can also install a Timer gadget for use on the desktop sidebar. You can basically use this to time your recess or break period so you’ll manage your time efficiently and you can do a lot of things faster because you have a timer that keeps track of your time usage.

Top Digg stories

Are you quite the Digg fun? Then you should install the Digg gadget. It would probably be one of your most used Google gadgets. It displays the most recent Digg stories and it is updated every five minutes.

MS Outlook Tasks

Do you want to automatically see your Outlook tasks instead of copying them manually to your scratch pad? Worry no more because there’s a gadget for displaying your MS Outlook tasks in the Google desktop sidebar.

Games

Do you want to take a break from doing your tedious work? Why not try downloading games for your Google Desktop sidebar. There are tons of games to choose from, such as Pacman, Tetris and puzzles. Just be sure to put it in the bottom list of your Google gadgets so you won’t be distracted.

There are still a lot of Google Gadgets out there at your disposal. You can view them by categories to let your gadget search much easier. Just an advice, don’t install too much or you’ll clutter your Google desktop sidebar.