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HP Touchpad: Get One for $99 Before They’re Gone

HP TouchPad 300x225 HP Touchpad: Get One for $99 Before Theyre Gone Yesterday, Hewlett-Packard announced that they were discontinuing all of their webOS devices (i.e. smartphones and tablets). So today, they told a number of retailers — big box sellers Best Buy and Staples in Canada to start — to liquidate their stock. Which means you can get an HP Touchpad for as low as $99 — at least $300 off the sticker price.

While the prices might not drop as low as $99 in the U.S., it’s a good bet that you’ll be able to pick up an HP Touchpad for much lower than the retail price.

Should you buy an HP Touchpad? For less than $150 (which is how much the larger 32GB version will fetch on sale), it’s a worthwhile buy if you have some cash to spare. The tablet is a solid mobile device — lightweight, a decent number of apps (though the fate of future apps is a good question) and great for browsing and checking email on the go.

Where can you grab a discounted HP Touchpad?

Right now, the liquidation order was only issued in Canada, but as we mentioned, U.S. retailers will be dropping their prices starting this weekend as well. Keep an eye on prices at Staples and Best Buy.

Already have an HP Touchpad? If you picked it up recently, try to go back to the retailer and get a refund of the price difference (which you can do within 14 days on most purchases, as an FYI).

Gloss Find: Star Wars Tauntaun Sleeping Bag

Forget the gossip and makeovers — the reason I’m dying to throw a sleepover is just to have an excuse to roll this baby out.

Originally conceived by ThinkGeek as an April Fools’ joke a few years ago, the Star Wars Tauntaun Sleeping Bag ($99.99) became a reality after tens of thousands of geeks — myself included — demanded the real thing.

Complete with a lightsaber zipper pull, a plush Tauntaun-head pillow and intestine-print lining, the bag is a reference to a scene in The Empire Strikes Back in which Han Solo finds a nearly frozen Luke Skywalker and stuffs him inside the belly of a dead Tauntaun to keep him warm… which, as I’m typing it, sounds pretty terrible but in plush sleeping bag form, the idea, I assure you, is decidedly awesome.

Empire Strikes Back fans rejoice — this is the sleeping bag you’re looking for.

Star Wars Tauntaun Sleeping Bag – $99.99 at ThinkGeek.com

Gloss Find: Birch Headphones with Fabric

birch headphones l 300x202 Gloss Find: Birch Headphones with Fabric Who woulda thought that listening to digital music that comes out of a palm sized electronic rectangle could look so handmade and natural?

These Birch Headphones with Fabric ($85) give a whole new look to being plugged in.

Best of all, beyond the available fabric options, you can send in your own fabric or even images you’d like transferred onto the wood of the headphones! I love customization!

Gloss Find: Bioserie Cases Made From Plants

bioserie iphone cover 286x300 Gloss Find: Bioserie Cases Made From Plants Bioserie iPhone cases, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

One: Made from plants, Bioserie cases are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, unlike plastic and silicone which contain harmful petrochemicals and toxins.

Two. Green and functional, thanks to a slim, lightweight design that protects your device from scratches and impact without added bulk.

Three. These plants can perform, too. Using an advanced bioserie-exclusive bioplastic material, cases are strong and durable.

Four. Available in a rainbow of candy colors, carrying a Bioserie case doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.

Five. And did I mention that it’s made from plants?

Bioserie: so cool.

Available for iPhone 3 and 3GS, iPhone 4, iPod Nano (5th Generation), iPod Touch (2nd, 3rd Generation), and as of Spring 2011, the iPad, $30 – $35 at bioserie.com.

Your Desk’s Dirty Secret – 6 Ways to Clean Your Workspace

popsci 300x210 Your Desks Dirty Secret 6 Ways to Clean Your Workspace Filthy, germ-ridden desks at the office certainly aren’t breaking news but that doesn’t mean it’s any less gross. The desk, in terms of bacteria, is 400 times more dirty than your toilet, according to Charles Gerba, PhD, a professor of environmental microbiology at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Of course, the major culprits are the germs from people not washing their hands after using the restroom and eating food at their desks. But considering that most people spend 8+ hours a day at said desk, these facts are especially shudder-inducing.

So how can you protect yourself from illness and general desktop ickiness? Aside from washing your hands and not eating at your desk, a new high-tech solution is to use products that have antimicrobial protection built right in. Microban, for example, is built-in to a number of products during manufacturing and claims to provide continuous protection without washing out or wearing off.

However, products with Microban are not a substitute for soap or hand sanitizer. These are engineered to protect the product – a bacteria-free keyboard and phone means the less likely it is for you to transfer and spread germs. Microban reports everything is totally safe and that they’re even approved by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), but if you prefer a greener route, we have some “clean” ideas for you, too…

fellowes1 300x245 Your Desks Dirty Secret 6 Ways to Clean Your Workspace

For PCs
Slimline Cordless Combo with MicrobanThis ultra-thin keyboard (60% thinner) features Scissor-Switch technology for higher quality tactile feel with faster key response, and the 2.4Ghz wireless connection has reception for up to 15 feet. Includes an ergonomic mouse with 600 dpi optical readability.

Slimline Cordless Combo is $125.99 at fellowes.com.

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For Macs
ProTouch Protectors with Microban by iSkiniSkin’s ProTouch Keyboard Protectors are designed for a normal, non-obtrusive typing experience and work with all MacBook models (released after late 2008). Available in three styles: Classic, FX (with LED/glow-in-the-dark features) and Vibes (colorful graphic print, enlarged key characters).

For the Mighty Mouse: ProTouch is also available. 6 colors: Blush, Kiwi, Blue, Black, Arctic and Orange.

ProTouch Protectors for MacBooks and Apple Keyboards are $25 – $35. The ProTouch for the Mighty Mouse is $20, all on iskin.com.

MORE on GLOSS: yumGLOSS – How to Declutter Your Kitchen

Experts don’t recommend you use hand lotion at work because its moisture attracts and clings onto germs, and can transfer them to other surfaces you touch. Luckily, our fitGLOSS guru, Jeannine Morris, found the perfect solution: CLEAN Antibacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream!

clean1 Your Desks Dirty Secret 6 Ways to Clean Your Workspace

CLEAN Antibacterial Moisturizing Hand CreamThis advanced hand cream kills 99.9% of germs on contact for continuous four-hour anti-bacterial protection. Skin stays moisturized with Vitamin E, avocado, jojoba, grape seed oil and patented cotton seed extracts. Unscented and alcohol-free.

CLEAN Antibacterial Moisturizing Hand Cream is $10 at sephora.com.

henryhoover11 300x223 Your Desks Dirty Secret 6 Ways to Clean Your Workspace

Henry Hoover USB VacuumTidy up with this silly desktop vacuum. Simply plug it into your USB drive – and watch Henry will go to town on crumbs, dust, dirt, or any other unfriendly mini particles.

The Henry Hoover USB Vacuum is $24.59 at stupid.com.

A Greener Solution?

Try making this sweet-smelling surface cleaner at home – the alcohol, vinegar and essential oils in the liquid soap kill bacteria naturally and effectively. Protect your keyboard from crumbs, spills and germs by buying a keyboard cover and wiping it down regularly.
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DIY Antibacterial Lavender Surface Cleaner

2 cups of warm water
2 teaspoons of Dr. Bronner’s liquid Lavender castile soap
1 teaspoons vinegar
2 teaspoons rubbing alcohol
Optional: 8-10 drops of lavender essential oil

Mix all ingredients well and pour into a spray bottle. (Pictured: Get Clean Spray Bottles, $8 for three at myshakelee.com.)

hand sanitizer sampler 2 copy 2 300x264 Your Desks Dirty Secret 6 Ways to Clean Your Workspace

All-Natural Hand Sanitizer by CleanWellThe only all-natural and alcohol-free hand sanitizer, CleanWell products are non-toxic and made with a formulation of patented essential plant oils that they say, has been proved to kill over 99.9% of germs. Available in foaming desktop bottles, sprays or wipes.

Sanitizer Pack (pictured) is $17 at cleanwell.com.

Gloss Find: Digitwirl

digitwirl 300x226 Gloss Find: Digitwirl Yeah, we know a lot about tech and must-have gadgets here on GLOSS but when someone comes along with a great idea — we’re happy to share the scoop.

For a weekly dose of tech knowledge that’ll make your life better — seriously — head on over to digitwirl. Carley, a tech maven, shares her amazing finds and quick tips that make tech work for you. In just her first few Twirls (aka 3-minute videos packed with lots o’ info), we learned about Zingsale — a fab personal shopper / sale site, found out about a greeting card site that does all the work for us and got tips about customizing our iPads.

And, it all comes to our inbox weekly and with Carley’s girlfriend-in-the-know voice that we love.

Digitwirl – subscribe for free at digitwirl.com

Sneak Preview: MAC Cosmetics’ Wonder Woman Collection & Pop-Up Store

wonder woman 300x231 Sneak Preview: MAC Cosmetics Wonder Woman Collection & Pop Up Store Remember the MAC Cosmetics and Wonder Woman collaboration that I first told you about back in August? Well, Evildoers beware — a preview of the hotly anticipated MAC Spring Colour 2011 collection is finally here!

So, what kind of makeup does a fiercely accessorized Amazon champion who fights crime (and even the evil of the Nazis) inspire?

According to MAC:

“For Spring 2011, take a trip to Paradise Island with a legendary line up of super-sized Mineralize Skinfinish, bold Eye Shadow quads, Pigment, Opulash, Lipsticks and oversized Lipglass, jumbo-big Powder Blush and Penultimate Eye Liner, Nail Lacquer and Lash inspired by the larger-than-life Bold Babe. Dashing and dazzling, the iconic super heroine reminds us that inside every woman is a Mighty Aphrodite full of courage, confidence and charisma. Kaboom! Mission Accomplished!”

A blend of both soft shimmers and ultra-bright bolds, this vivid collection is as fierce and feminine as the iconic DC Comics heroine herself. (Although I do think they could have benefitted from inviting an fangeek to the product development meetings — some of the names are definitely less than inspired.)

wonder woman mac11 184x300 Sneak Preview: MAC Cosmetics Wonder Woman Collection & Pop Up Store The collection won’t be available nationwide until February but New Yorkers will get to snap their favorites up two weeks early at the MAC Wonder Woman Pop-Up Store open now through April. In addition to the collection, fans can also peruse larger-than-life renderings, reproductions of vintage comic books, and Wonder Woman-inspired custom jewelry by one my favorites, nOir Jewelry.

Fans in New York, Atlanta, Houston, and Los Angeles can use Foursquare to check in at one of the participating MAC locations. Customers will then receive a page of limited-edition Wonder Woman stickers, with a select few (approx. 30 per store) revealing a winner message for an exclusive custom-made M·A·C Wonder Woman POW-ring.

Uh, consider me the Future Foursquare Mayor of MAC Store – Beverly Center.

The MAC Wonder Woman Spring 2011 Collection will be available February 10, 2011 through April 2011. The Pop-Up Store is located at 109 Spring Street; (212) 334-4641.

mac wonder woman lip glass 253x300 Sneak Preview: MAC Cosmetics Wonder Woman Collection & Pop Up Store

LIPGLASS ($19.50)
Emancipation – Pale neutral pink
Wonder Woman – Bright red with soft pearl
Athena’s Kiss – Bright blue fuchsia
Secret Identity – Mid-tone copper with soft pearl

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OPULASH ($15)
Victorious – Purple
Army of Amazons – Green
Themyscira- Blue
Black

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LIPSTICK ($15.50)
Marquise d’ – Sandy cream peach (Lustre)
Russian Red – Intense bluish-red (Matte)
Spitfire – Bright creamy magenta (Satin)
Heroine – Brown bronze (Frost)

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EYESHADOW QUADS ($40)
DEFIANCE
Defiance – Iridescent white pink (Veluxe pearl)
Paradise Island – Soft warm pink (Satin)
Star Studded – Mid-tone violet pink (Satin)
Real Drama – Dark burgundy with pink pearl (Satin)

LADY JUSTICE
Lady Justice – Bright silver with white pearl (Frost)
Insurmountable – Dirty blue grey (Veluxe Pearl)
Bold Babe – Deep metal blue with white pearl (Frost)
Deep Truth – True dark blue (Frost)

LADY VALIANT
Valiant – Light lime with yellow pearl (Frost)
Spinning Transformation – Deep olive bronze with yellow pearl (Frost)
Diana Undercover – Dark forest green (Satin)
Manila Paper – Pale frost white gold (Veluxe Pearl)

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POWDER BLUSH DUO ($24)
Mighty Aphrodite – Warm peach coral with gold pearl/Bright coral pink with gold pearl (Satin/Frost)
Amazon Princess – Bright yellow pink/Deep blue pink with gold pearl (Satin)

mac wonder woman bronzer 300x265 Sneak Preview: MAC Cosmetics Wonder Woman Collection & Pop Up Store
MINERALIZE SKINFINISH ($35)
Pink Power – Peachy rose with pink shimmer/Soft rosy bronze/Soft shell pink with fine shimmer
Golden Lariat – True coral with fine gold shimmer/Soft suntanned bronze/Soft gold with fine shimmer.

mac wonder woman glitter 300x121 Sneak Preview: MAC Cosmetics Wonder Woman Collection & Pop Up Store
REFLECTS GLITTER ($21)
Reflects Pearl – White glitter with a pearl sheen
Reflects Bronze – Sparkling rich gold

PIGMENT ($21)
Bright Fuchsia – Bright magenta
Marine Ultra – Vivid marine blue

mac wonder woman nail lacquer eyeliner 257x300 Sneak Preview: MAC Cosmetics Wonder Woman Collection & Pop Up Store
PENULTIMATE EYE LINER ($18.50)
Rapidblack – True black

NAIL LACQUER ($14.00)
Obey Me True Red
Spirit of Truth Navy blue

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MAKEUP BAGS ($30)
INVINCIBLE MIRROR ($20)
UTILITY BELT BRUSH FACE and EYE SETS ($49.50)

geek gloss logo1 Sneak Preview: MAC Cosmetics Wonder Woman Collection & Pop Up Store geekGLOSS’ Jennifer Latkiewicz is an 10th Level Apple fangirl who loves robots, “Star Wars,” Rickrolling, Wikipedia and “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose.” She currently resides in Los Angeles and remains undecided about The Singularity. Reach her via e-mail at geekgloss@mygloss.com or on Twitter at @gloss and @geekgloss.

Giveaway: StylePC Laptop Bag By Athena

athena stylepc set 300x266 Giveaway: StylePC Laptop Bag By Athena Tired of those snooze-inducing gray or black gadgets and devices?

For the chic geek who wants to make a style statement, there’s StylePC by Athena, a new collection of notebook PCs, portable external hard drives, and neoprene laptop bags and sleeves that feature unique fashion and art-inspired designs from a team of international designers. Bold, bright and colorful, there’s a StylePC for every personality!

Merging style with technology, each lightweight StylePC packs a punch with an Intel Atom Dual Core Processor, Microsoft 7 operating system, 2 GB DDR2 memory, 320 GB hard drive and 11.1-inch screen, and comes with its own coordinating laptop bag.

Athena has also launched a line of Style Bags, neoprene bags in 12″ and 14″ sizes that feature the eight laptop designs as well as a few others not available in a StylePC set — the floral “Fascination” in gray is definitely a favorite.

Athena’s StylePC Laptop Sets and Style Bags don’t come cheap — the laptop and coordinating bag will set you back $599 while a bags are $79 — but for serious fashionistas, it may be worth the splurge.

Enter to win an Athena StylePC Laptop Bag ($80 value)!

athena stylepc 224x300 Giveaway: StylePC Laptop Bag By Athena One lucky winner will receive this colorful StylePC Laptop Bag in Ocean Surprise, an $80 value! Carries and protects laptops up to 12″, and includes a removable adjustable strap.

To enter to win, leave a comment telling us what your style statement is — Preppy? Vintage meets glam rocker? Girly with a dash of boho chic? We want to know! Ends Monday, November 22, 2010 at 12pm PST. Good luck!