# The perfect Christmas present for. . . . well, an idiot I guess **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 25, 2012, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049 "2012-11-25T07:14:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Jenaroph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e8c25b/32.png) [@Jenaroph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jenaroph)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/21 "2012-11-26T14:48:09Z")
> [@Pai325](#): > > I saw that a while ago on think geek, and immediately wanted one. Sometimes I want both my hands free when I talk. Also, my android phone is so boxy and I have small hands, so it’s difficult to hold. It’s easy to cradle something like that in your neck while you work, but if the sound quality is bad I guess I will pass. It worked well with MY phone actually; it just didn’t like HIS phone. Making fun of the Snuggie is old hat by now, but I am still amused by the “before” footage of people incapable of using a blanket properly. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/22 "2012-11-26T14:48:18Z")
> [@AaronX](#): > > [http://www.ilenesmachine.com/images\_blog/handsfree\_small.jpg](http://www.ilenesmachine.com/images_blog/handsfree_small.jpg) ? Sweet! Can someone buy me a rubber band for Christmas? ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/23 "2012-11-26T16:13:59Z")
> [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > :dubious: > > Are we being whooshed? How is holding a handset to one’s ear more comfortable than holding a regular smartphone to one’s ear? It totally is. Do you perhaps have small hands? I have big hands and I can’t hold my cell phone for too long without my hand cramping. I definitely can’t hold it to my ear using my shoulder (big hands and no shoulders!) If one had arthritic hands, holding a cell phone for very long would be right out. ---
**Author:** ![Pai325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/24 "2012-11-26T16:22:27Z")
I understand why the OP is laughing at it, and it is funny to look at, but I have problems with my neck and one of my arms, so when I hold the phone it has to be with my good arm and I can’t do anything else. So I’m unusual, and not a reason the item shouldn’t be mocked by the general public. However, for me it would be a help. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/25 "2012-11-26T16:26:10Z")
> [@Machine\_Elf](#): > > :dubious: > > Are we being whooshed? How is holding a handset to one’s ear more comfortable than holding a regular smartphone to one’s ear? Am I being whooshed? A handset is far more comfortable. It’s shaped to fit the ear and face, and not just a flat piece of plastic. Plus with the handset, I have no worries about accidentally pushing a button and hanging up with my ear. Also, can lean it between my head and neck to have my hands free - smart phone shapes are usually too small to do so comfortably. ---
**Author:** ![Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e47c2d/32.png) [@Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hershele_Ostropoler)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/26 "2012-11-26T22:25:19Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > According to the Technical Details: > > _-Eliminates up to 99 percentage of the radiation absorbed compared to a direct use of mobile phones_ > > That might be a major selling point to many buyers??? Well, considering 99% of nearly nothing is slightly more nearly nothing, I see no reason to suspect this is wrong. ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/27 "2012-11-26T22:31:43Z")
This > **[Amazon.com: Eggstractor Egg Peeler](https://www.amazon.com/Eggstractor-Egg-Peeler/dp/B01DDBF02U)** > > At the tip of every egg there is a small chamber of air called the Air Cell. Inside the Eggstractor, pressure forces air from the air cell and causes the shell to separate from the egg. The egg pops out, perfectly de-shelled. ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/28 "2012-11-26T22:33:55Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > According to the Technical Details: > > _-Eliminates up to 99 percentage of the radiation absorbed compared to a direct use of mobile phones_ > > That might be a major selling point to many buyers??? Except now the radiation is confind to your pocket:eek: ---
**Author:** ![Leaper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/4bbf92/32.png) [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Post date:** [November 26, 2012, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/29 "2012-11-26T23:07:50Z")
> [@April\_R](#): > > This > [Amazon.com: Eggstractor, White : Home & Kitchen](http://www.amazon.com/Eggstractor-Easter-Egg-Peeler/dp/B000OGY97K) Wow, I Pitted that thing [way back in 2004!](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=245581) You mean they’re STILL selling it? I’d have thought it’d have gone the way of the dinosaurs by now! My opinion of Western civilization sinks even more. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/30 "2012-11-27T00:39:04Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Am I being whooshed? A handset is far more comfortable. It’s shaped to fit the ear and face, and not just a flat piece of plastic. Plus with the handset, I have no worries about accidentally pushing a button and hanging up with my ear. Also, can lean it between my head and neck to have my hands free - smart phone shapes are usually too small to do so comfortably. Consider yourself whooshed. I can buy [this](http://www.westcoastmall.net/jabra-c150-universal-hands-free-corded-cell-phone-headset-with-25mm-jack-p-8565.html?osCsid=e8fdb78b299e2fb2e2a77d0571d1cdb5) for even less than the old-fashioned home-phone handset in the OP. It’s hands free, & it’s smaller so it will fit in my pocket when not on the phone. So why would I want the handset in the OP, excluding novelty purposes? ---
**Author:** ![SciFiSam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/47e85d/32.png) [@SciFiSam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SciFiSam)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/31 "2012-11-27T00:56:07Z")
> [@Jenaroph](#): > > As for inventions that make me go “whut” there’s [this one.](http://www.asseenontv.com/instahang/detail.php?p=365365&nav:Alpha+Sort) C’mon. Hammer. Nail. Not that difficult. If you do it halfway competently it holds way more than this thing does. It’d be handy if you’re not allowed to hammer nails into your walls, like in some rentals. I use No More Nails for similar tasks on some walls in my house because I need/want to hang stuff up but I seem to have an incredible number of walls that can’t be hammered into, due to either pipes, wires or solid stone. > [@Spiderman](#): > > Consider yourself whooshed. I can buy [this](http://www.westcoastmall.net/jabra-c150-universal-hands-free-corded-cell-phone-headset-with-25mm-jack-p-8565.html?osCsid=e8fdb78b299e2fb2e2a77d0571d1cdb5) for even less than the old-fashioned home-phone handset in the OP. It’s hands free, & it’s smaller so it will fit in my pocket when not on the phone. So why would I want the handset in the OP, excluding novelty purposes? It costs a lot more, is harder to use and yeah, doesn’t have the cute novelty value which I’m sure is its main selling point. I have a headset, but annoyingly the sound on it just isn’t very good and it cuts out a lot, and it wasn’t a cheap one either. ---
**Author:** ![Taomist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@Taomist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taomist)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/32 "2012-11-27T01:20:10Z")
In my opinion, the product in the OP wouldn’t be complete without [this.](http://blog.modernmechanix.com/telephone-holder-is-curved-to-fit-contour-of-shoulder/) With THIS, it’s alllll good. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/33 "2012-11-27T02:29:59Z")
> [@Taomist](#): > > In my opinion, the product in the OP wouldn’t be complete without [this.](http://blog.modernmechanix.com/telephone-holder-is-curved-to-fit-contour-of-shoulder/) With THIS, it’s alllll good. I had one of those for the desk phone at some old job; worked pretty well. I think it would be great to pair that with the handset in the original OP. The phone will fit in your pocket, you just need a bag about the size of an airline-approved carry on to hold the accessories. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![GreasyJack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/df705f/32.png) [@GreasyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GreasyJack)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/34 "2012-11-27T02:43:37Z")
They also have this: [http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/edd5/?rkgid=275668648&cpg=ogpla&source=google\_pla&gclid=CPb1jKqP7rMCFexAMgod1VUAGw](http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/edd5/?rkgid=275668648&cpg=ogpla&source=google_pla&gclid=CPb1jKqP7rMCFexAMgod1VUAGw) Handy if you live in a state where CB radios are exempted from the distracted driving laws. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![TokyoBayer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tokyobayer/32/13989_2.png) [@TokyoBayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TokyoBayer)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/35 "2012-11-27T03:05:30Z")
> [@GreasyJack](#): > > They also have this: [http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/edd5/?rkgid=275668648&cpg=ogpla&source=google\_pla&gclid=CPb1jKqP7rMCFexAMgod1VUAGw](http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/edd5/?rkgid=275668648&cpg=ogpla&source=google_pla&gclid=CPb1jKqP7rMCFexAMgod1VUAGw) > > Handy if you live in a state where CB radios are exempted from the distracted driving laws. 😉 That site is fun. I just [found this](http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/e86a/), which is a good solution for people who can’t use chop sticks. ---
**Author:** ![Chef\_Troy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@Chef\_Troy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chef_Troy)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/36 "2012-11-27T03:17:51Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > “Hey! You’re the guy who can’t open milk!” 🙂 “See, I actually CAN open milk, but I had you believing I couldn’t. Now that’s acting!” ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/37 "2012-11-27T03:49:16Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > Consider yourself whooshed. I can buy [this](http://www.westcoastmall.net/jabra-c150-universal-hands-free-corded-cell-phone-headset-with-25mm-jack-p-8565.html?osCsid=e8fdb78b299e2fb2e2a77d0571d1cdb5) for even less than the old-fashioned home-phone handset in the OP. It’s hands free, & it’s smaller so it will fit in my pocket when not on the phone. So why would I want the handset in the OP, excluding novelty purposes? One problem with cell phones and especially handsfree phones is that the audio pickup is somewhere around the sideburn area. This means that a lot of ambient noise is likely to be picked up. As someone who has a bit of a hearing problem, this can make getting a call from someone using a Bluetooth almost impossible to understand. IMO, a SMALLER item isn’t always better. Might be better for the caller, but not better for the listener. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/38 "2012-11-27T05:46:25Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > Sweet! > > Can someone buy me a rubber band for Christmas? Last week I saw a Middle Eastern lady driving along, talking on her cellphone with the phone tucked up into her hijab. > [@Chef\_Troy](#): > > “See, I actually CAN open milk, but I had you believing I couldn’t. Now that’s acting!” It’s really a moo point. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Butterscotch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dc4da7/32.png) [@Butterscotch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Butterscotch)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/39 "2012-11-27T12:21:55Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > “Hey! You’re the guy who can’t open milk!” 🙂 The cartons are so flinging flanging difficult… ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2012, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049/40 "2012-11-27T13:05:54Z")
> [@Hershele\_Ostropoler](#): > > Well, considering 99% of nearly nothing is slightly more nearly nothing, I see no reason to suspect this is wrong. And ‘up to 99%’ can mean ‘anything less than or equal to 99%, including 0%’ - so there’s hardly any way this claim \*can be \*wrong. Unless it eliminates _more than_ 99%. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-perfect-christmas-present-for-well-an-idiot-i-guess/642049.md?page=3)