valentine's day

How to drive loved ones away

It's only been a few days since this season's Valentine's Day products began appearing in earnest, and we're already thoroughly nauseated. In fact, given the selection offered so far, we're surprised it took this long. Here's one that certainly doesn't help the cause: the "Heart Mouse" from, of all places, the Victoria and Albert Museum. (At least it doesn't profess its love for you, as did the last one seen in this space.) It's products like these that make the "FPS Gun Mouse" look better all the … Read more

Sony hearts its 'Red Collection' notebook

Just after Dell and Microsoft introduced a line of crimson PCs for (Product) Red, Sony is using the same color for its own limited-edition laptops--but for Valentine's Day instead.

Despite the unfortunate juxtaposition of the two campaigns, Sony can hardly be singled out for the superficial marketing ploy of its "Red Collection." February is barely a week away, and companies will be coming out in droves to peddle their wares as Valentine gifts. (Apple announced its own entry with a new Nano, albeit pink instead of red.)

Sony's offering is a $1,000 package that comprises … Read more

Nano goes pink for Valentine's Day

Now that CES and Macworld are over, gadget makers are turning their attention to--what else?--Valentine's Day marketing. And that means pink is back, as if it had ever left.

Apple's suggested sweetheart offering is its brand-new pink 8GB Nano "perfect for people who are searching for a special Valentine's Day gift," which follows the pink Shuffle that was released in September as part of an industry-wide campaign against breast cancer. Unlike the special-edition Shuffle, however, the pink Nano appears to be a permanent addition.

Red Zunes

Sammy Hagar must be smiling: Microsoft is adding red to its line-up of 80GB hard-drive Zune players. They're marketing it as a tie-in to Valentine's Day, complete with Valentine-themed playlists, including one that features all Barry White songs with spoken intros. 20 new engraved designs are also available from ZuneOriginals.net.

I said it before, I'll say it again: great device, poor software. Seriously, Microsoft, can you imagine this kind of post appearing on an iPod fan forum? Here's hoping Microsoft sends Zune users a Valentine in the form of a software update.

Seeing pink?

If giving your girlfriend roses, teddy bears or chocolate isn't your thing, may we suggest these cool gadgets in pink? Choose from a list of cool pink MP3 players, adorable pink cell phones, pretty pink digital cameras to capture the moment or challenge her to a few games of Super Mario on the pink DS Lite. Whatever you choose, I don't think you can go wrong with pink on Valentine's day.

Top 10 geek lovers at Crave UK

Turing and Morcom. Linus and Tove. Dave and Hal. Geek love is a many-splendored thing, and our colleagues at CNET UK have compiled a list of their 10 favorite couples for Valentine's Day. Click on over for (mostly) warm and fuzzy tales of love among scientists, cosmonauts, coders, and code breakers.

Love is in the Webware

Happy Valentine's Day from Webware. We don't have chocolate, flowers, or cheesy cards for you, but we do have a roundup of Valentine's Day-related Web services and specials for you to get in touch with that special someone.

>> YouTube is offering video valentines. You've got six kitschy and humorous videos to choose from, featuring a slightly overweight cupid who causes more harm than good. For quick and easy personalized Webcam videos to your sweetheart, try out Viddler or Gabmail.

>> If your honey is stuck in the office all day, cheer him or … Read more