Light-up planet balloons for your over-the-top home planetarium
(Credit:
TakaraTomy)
What is it with these astronomy gadgets that aim to recreate the cosmos inside your living room? I totally dig some of them, like the laser star projector, but some others just go way too far. These are the Furawito floating lamps made by the Japanese company TakaraTomy, and they're a little bit excessive, to say the least. They are, essentially, helium balloons that happen to be shaped like the earth and moon, with LEDs to make them glow. Yeah, totally unnecessary. They cost about $27 apiece--waste of cash.
Plus, you'll need to replenish the helium. That sounds more annoying than just changing a light bulb.
P.S.: In addition to the earth and moon lamps, there are also Fuwarito lights in the shape of a jellyfish and a dolphin. Just in case you aren't a jellyfish-hater like Steve Jobs.
(Via Technabob)
Caroline McCarthy, a CNET News staff writer, is a downtown Manhattanite happily addicted to social-media tools and restaurant blogs. Her pre-CNET resume includes interning at an IT security firm and brewing cappuccinos. E-mail Caroline. 
