(Man I wish I’d had the forethought to post a photo of a laptop on my site before I took this photo.)

How long has it been since you thoroughly cleaned your computer? That’s what I thought.

I clean mine about as often as l spill something on the keyboard. But to keep your computer in good working order, you should scrub it down about twice a year–more often if you like to eat chips while you work. But how do you get everything sparkly without damaging anything? I did a little research.

Before you start, you’ll need some supplies: a large microfiber cloth, a can of compressed air, and a solution of 50 percent isopropyl rubbing alcohol and 50 percent mineral water, and a pair of tweezers. Once you have everything together, shut your computer down (if you’re cleaning a laptop, remove the battery as well). Read more…

So, my friend Phillip has a controversial idea. He launched a startup called Blippy that lets you share information about your purchases online. When I first heard about it I recoiled. I thought it was in poor taste, I thought it was kind of gross, I thought I wanted an invite.

Bicycle Capris, $38

I told myself I was just curious to see who was using it and how, but really my wheels were already turning. Y’all know I love to shop, but mostly I love telling everyone about cool stuff. I figured this could be a way to do that more easily. And you can be selective about what you share and how, so why not give it a try?

Ion USB Portable Turntable, $140

I want every design blogger I know to sign up so I can figure out when the jaw-dropping stuff goes on sale, and when designers think it’s worthwhile to pay full price. I want to know when my music-snob friends all buy tickets for a band I’ve never heard of. And what about the consumer performance art that’s certain to emerge? How long before the Fireland of Blippy is buying a pint of chocolate ice cream, some advil, and a box of tampons, just so everyone knows where he’s at?

Fuji Instax Instant Mini Camera, $99

So is Blippy hideous or intriguing? My friends, it’s certainly both.

For now, Blippy is still in beta, so you’ll need an invitation. Enter MIGHTYGIRL2010 on the signup page if you want to play. I have a limited number of invites, so first come, first served. I’ll see you there.

I did a roundup of Eco-Gadgets for WePC.

Did you know there’s a gizmo you can attach to your washing machine that cleans your clothes without detergents or hot water? Me either, but now I want one. Go have a look.

Please go read it. Thank you.

For those of us who still leave our laptops in the care of strangers at the coffee shop when we need to use the restroom, my most recent WePC post is a roundup of anti-theft devices for your computer.

My favorite is inexpensive homing software that lets you disable a stolen computer remotely until the police can track it down. There’s also a pricey electric briefcase that envoltifies would-be thieves, but I’m pretty sure your name ends up on some government list if you buy one. Sort of like checking out Mein Kampf at the library, or muttering under your breath about Dick Cheney.

Who I’ve heard is a very nice man, by the way.

1. Top Five Genuinely Useful USB Gadgets, in which we discuss whether you really need a George Foreman USB iGrill.

2. What’s in Store, which is more about how much I need a foolproof backup system to protect me from myself.

Do you have any USB toys that you use all the time? Or more ideas about smart stuff to store online in the event of an emergency? Let me know.

There’s a new post up for the WePC campaign. This one is about my dream docking station. It has shockingly little to do with Fleet Week, which is strange because “more sailors” is always on the wish list, am I right ladies?

Ahem.

Please go read it.

Have you been to Maker Faire? You should go.

Maker Faire is an annual DIY bonanza with a focus on science and technology, though there’s an excellent crafts hall as well. Essentially, if you make something cool with your own hands and brain, you can apply to be one of the “Makers” the Faire hosts each year. It’s so huge in the Bay Area that it always seems to be sold out by the time I get my act together.

But this year! This year was different, because of Margaret. Margaret is the kind of friend who ends up with spare tickets to movie previews, or coronations, or space shuttle rides. It’s seriously uncanny. So last week she called to say that she had an extra ticket to preview night at Maker Faire, which means all the cool stuff with none of the lines or parking conundrums. So I made out with her. You would too if someone took you to see a fire-breathing snail car.

Here’s my latest post for WePC, it’s about keeping laptops out of landfills. Even if you’re not into computers, please scroll down to the final diagram I drew, because it is funny.

Thank you.