With Mother’s Day just around the corner, what better time to talk to eBay toy and gadget director Cat Schwartz! Cat is one of the leading tech experts in the country and she has appeared on NBC’s “Today” show, “Howard Stern” and “Live with Regis and Kelly,” and in Stuff magazine! See our interview below for some of her picks for the hottest gadgets and check back next week when we’ll touch back with Cat about her tot toy picks!
TS: First off, what a cool job! Could you tell us a little bit about an average day for Cat Schwartz?
Cat: I know, my job is the best job in the entire world and I feel so lucky! Every day is different. On a good day, my son Jack will have stayed in his own room until 5:30 a.m. He immediately forces me to get him a bottle and I’m usually one step ahead of him with one ready to go in the fridge. Once he gets his bottle, he’ll come into my room and let me snooze until about 6:00 a.m.
We get up, listen to music, and eat breakfast. I take him to daycare, head home, flip on the TODAY Show, then hit the blogs. I read everything I can and then I attempt to plan out what gadgets need to be plugged in and tested. I test away and remind myself just how lucky I am that this is what I get to do day in and day out. Once I enter the latest info into my database, it’s time to go get Jack and finish up the day.
Having him next to me at the end of the day is the best part of the 24-hour period!
TS: As a working woman and full-time mommy, you know all too well how hectic things get! What are some of the new gadgets that can help mothers save time?
Cat: You HAVE to check out the SmartShopper! This is a device that lives on your fridge. When you’ve run out of something in your house you go to the device and hit the record button. Through voice recognition technology, you tell the device what you need and it will light up on the screen. When you are ready to go to the store, you hit the print button and out comes your list, organized by category! It’s a lifesaver.
TS: Whenever and wherever – moms want pictures of their kids! What should mothers look for when they buy a camera?
Cat: Overall, look for a slim body size, large LCD size, a lens that has protective casing because diaper bags can be a scary place, easy functions that make sense, and a price tag at or below $300. eBay is a great place to compare all the digital cameras out there and find the prefect one for your busy life.
TS: I’m not all that tech savvy, so I love all those rhinestone encrusted gadgets (never too much bling :)). What are some cool gadgets or ways to personalize products that make things that might otherwise seem complex, more accessible and fun?
Cat: Sticking little crystals on your gadgets is actually really fun and easy to do. Just be sure you really want to bling it out because the glue is pretty amazing and once they’re on, that’s it.
Another great idea is to customize your homepage. Most Web based email services allow you to sign in and trick out your homepage. Do it! I use iGoogle and from my homepage, I can see the latest tech news, my emails, weather, and even pictures from my photo service.
This one may seem obvious, but go ahead and download new ringtones and images to your cell phone. It’s really fun!
TS: Here at Snob Global Media, we are all about our handbags! What are some of the staple gadgets you always tote around?
Cat: I’d have to say my Sidekick is #1. If I’m out and about I have it on at all times. I can type an entire blog entry on it as well as take pictures, play music, and stay organized. You’ll also never catch me without my Plantronics Bluetooth headset, Sony Cybershot, Panasonic HD Video Camera, Disney Mix Max video player, and Magellan Maestro GPS device.
Look for Part 2 of this interview next week!
