The idea of creating wireless electricity was actually around in 1890 and was invented by Nikola Tesla. The basic idea consisted of an electromagnetic induction that states that electric current flowing through one wire can induce current flow in another wire. Tesla’s idea, however, did not work.

Now a team at MIT, headed by Marin Soljacic has found a way to make wireless electricity, AKA WiTricity, a reality. Much like Tesla’s original idea, Soljacic created a pad that contains a powered coil that creates a magnetic field. In turn this magnetic field induces a current to flow through a secondary coil (any portable device like a phone or BlackBerry). This electricity then charges the device’s rechargeable battery. Everything is done wirelessly and in some cases a battery may not even be necessary!

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For users of the iPhone and iPod Touch, or even other WiFi-enabled smartphones and devices like Sony’s PSP, storage capacity is often an issue and streaming media from the internet isn’t always an option. Let’s face it though, WiFi hotspots are popping up all over the place, they aren’t everywhere and even when they are their speeds are often less than spectacular. The exact same goes for wireless cellular data coverage.

So what happens when your iPhone or iPod Touch is only the 8GB version or your WiFi device only supports storage of up to 16GB, you’re sick of listening to the same old tunes or watching the same old videos, and you’re stuck in a wireless deadzone? You turn on your AirStash and stream away.

AirStash is a new device that allows you to stream and share your media from your pocket, glove compartment, hair bun — just about anywhere, really, with no need for anything but an SD card (with a capacity up to 32GB) and a WiFi-enabled device equipped with a web browser. When powered on, AirStash creates a wireless 802.11 b/g network that allows data stored on the inserted SD card to be shared with any available wireless device. Essentially, it acts like a wireless media server. And security needn’t be an issue, as WPA2 encryption can be enabled.

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If that iPad thing isn’t working out for you, there’s still the nook. Remember that little guy? He’s the Barnes & Noble e-reader, which the company says is now available in stores.

The retailer had been teasing patrons last fall with a sneak peek, but finally made the nook available in stores starting Wednesday, February 10. It’s also available at nook.com.

B&N seems to think that the eReader will be a hot item for Valentine’s Day. In fact, they plan to offer exclusive holiday-themed online content, such as Kevin Zraly’s column “Read Between the Wines” (get it?) and a tasty red velvet cupcake recipe from Anne Byrn, the Cake Mix Doctor.

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Thanks to the guys over at hField Tecnology we had an engaging new gadget to play with over our holiday vacation. The Wi-Fire is a USB device that extends wireless access connections from up to 1,000 feet away which is three times further than a traditional internal wireless adapter.

The Wi-Fire uses a powerful directional antenna, highly sensitive receiver and proprietary software (which is included) to find and enhance normal Wi-Fi signals. Now we are not saying that just because you will be able to find and connect to a range of wireless connections that you should do so willy nilly but, with this product and an open network or with the help of the guys over at Whisher you will be equipped to do so.

Right out of the box the Wi-Fire delivered. We installed the simple to use software, plugged in the directional antenna, and instantly we were able to see 6 new connections that were previously undetectable with our regular Linksys USB adapters. In addition to our new found networks our own network signal went from 85% to a full 100% once we properly aligned the antenna.

If you live in an area with a lot of open Wi-Fi networks or have a large area to cover with your own network the guys over at hField are definitely on to something with the Wi-Fire. With an MSRP of just $79 you should seriously consider the Wi-Fire the next time you are in the market for a new wireless adapter.