[29.09.2007 first posted on silicon republic]
Girls really do prefer pink. Or so claims a study published by neuroscientists at Newcastle University last month, and as much as I hate stereotypes I will believe anything that someone in a lab coat tells me. This might explain why I was drawn to http://www.shinyshiny.tv.

The décor of this gadget review site is decidedly … well … pink but it’s not sickeningly flowery or overly cutesy.
One would be forgiven for thinking that this is all frothy, silly fun but the uber-girly aspect is firmly tongue-in-cheek and the site has solid, well-written product reviews that could be enjoyed by either of the sexes.
Are you a tech geek with a secret penchant for Hello Kitty? Well, you’re not alone because one whole section of the site is dedicated to Japan’s favourite feline.
Shiny Shiny opened my eyes to the world of Hello Kitty laptops, iPod charms, keyboards, USB lap warmers, the list goes on, and of course for buying all these wonderful items: the Hello Kitty credit card.
You can tell the reviewers know what they’re talking about - they’re proper geek girls - but it’s done with a great sense of humour, I was giggling at most of the writing.
There’s also a geek chic section with bags, iPod cases, Nintendo DS covers and the like though I’m not sure that I would be convinced to get a customised bag with “Bill Gates 4 eva” emblazoned on it.
Lots of the reviews are in video format and can be found in the YouTube section - product reviews always seem to make more sense when you can actually see the reviewer getting to grips with the device.
When I stumbled across Shiny Shiny I decided to see what other gadget sites were out there that were also fun or unique - there are too many to mention but one of note is http://www.thedailygeek.tv which is a great mix of geek culture and reviews of all kinds.
There’s an entire geek/chic subculture out there where people mix technology, music and fashion. As soon as a few kids wear or listen to something they slap it on YouTube and it spreads like wildfire.
I’m off to put on my Skull Candy and practise my Tecktonik dance routine. If you have no idea what I’m talking about get yourself to Shiny Shiny and beyond.
By Marie Boran