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We’ve been hearing talk of mini-sized nuclear reactors for a year or longer, but now it looks like Hyperion is actually starting to build them. The hot tub-sized fission nukes, each capable of cranking out 25 megawatts of clean power (enough to run 20,000 homes), will use what’s called “low-enriched” uranium fuel.

The $25 million mini-nukes, also called “nuclear batteries,” will have no moving parts, and will be sealed up in a cask that’s buried deep underground, operating without the need for human intervention for five years at a time. They’re going to be cost-effective, too — in a 10,000-home community it would cost about $2,500 per home served. Many homeowners spend that much on energy in a year. If this happens, that’ll be some cheap power.

The company says it’s already begun construction of the first 4,000 units in three factories, with the initial 100 destined for industrial use in remote locations. Good thing “hype” is part of the company’s name, because selling this idea to an illogical, radiation-terrified U.S. population is going to be a public relations and marketing nightmare.

Hyperion, via Money

Now you can boldly go where no Star Trek: The Next Generation fan has gone before, decorating your place with such 24th-century accuracy that you’ll never get laid again.

While the uninitiated might be unfazed by such realism, our phasers are on stun with these Star Trek switchplates, turning simple light switches and sockets into instrument panels from a federation starship. These babies should go perfectly with your Star Trek command chair, while you set the mood with a couple of brewskis opened with your Star Trek bottle opener.

We especially like the way these switchplates hide those 20th-century screws that attach them to the wall. We only wish they offered dual or triple switchplates. You can beam your choice of outlet plate, paddle switch or regular switchplate aboard your own vessel for $17.99 apiece.

Via Think Geek

It’s no secret that we love Eye-Fi’s wireless SD cards. Since they debuted about a year ago, they’ve been the perfect way for lazy people (read: us) to share their photos online. Instead of digging out a USB cable, connecting to your PC, firing up a photo-editing program, and then uploading to Flickr, Facebook or whatever, the Eye-Fi just uploads them automatically, straight from the camera. Some versions of the card will even geotag your pics, using the same location tech as the original iPhone.

The cards previously came only in 2GB capacities. Now Eye-Fi debuts a 4GB version, called the Eye-Fi Anniversary Edition. We love the upgrade, though we take issue with the price: $129 ($99 at Costco). Even though we’re willing to pay a premium for the wireless abilities, when you consider that regular 4GB flash cards are around 10 bucks (or even less), you start to wonder if pulling out that USB cord is really that inconvenient.

Via Eye-Fi