Electronics Corner
Christmas 2010 is just around the corner and if you have a special someone on your list (yourself included) then here are 5 new or new and improved electronics you just might want or need.
Pic Source: http://www.google.ca/
Apple iPad 3G
The iPad is the gadget of the year, hands down I’ve read! It's sure to thrill any technophile who needs to stay connected 24/7 and experience the hottest way to access the Web, email, photos, and video.
With a large, high-resolution LED-backlit IPS display, an incredibly responsive Multi-Touch screen and an amazingly powerful Apple-designed chip. All in a design that’s thin and light enough to take anywhere. iPad isn’t just the best device of its kind. It’s a whole new kind of device.
note: I don’t have any of the latest and greatest technology; I don’t even have a cell phone. I personally like not being connected 24/7, but if you’re the opposite of me, after reading a few blogs and reviews on the iPad 3G, you need to get this!
Source: http://www.apple.com/ipad/design/
Kindle Wireless Reading Device
For a reading device, this is the one. The all new Kindle Wireless Reading device is lighter at 8.7 ounces and thinner - only 1/3 of an inch thin. It has an ergonomic design, it never gets hot and it’s simple to use – no computer required. It has 50% better contrast so the text is clear and unlike LCD screens it reads like real paper with no glare out in the sunlight.
Storage is double the size so you can pack 3 500 books into it. With fast, free wireless delivery, you can start reading books in less than 60 seconds. No computer required. The battery lasts up to one month but if you want to keep wireless always on, you can still go for as long as 3 weeks, all on a single charge.
note: I love to read a good novel...usually have one or two on the go and an extra in the car in case traffic is really bad. Although I prefer a real book in my hands, the kind that doesn’t run out of battery power, the Kindle has staying power. Also what is cool, if you finish one book but didn’t remember to bring another along, in seconds I can have one. The fact that the screen actually displays a page the size of a real paperback is a definite plus too.
Source: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Y27P3M/ref=kindlesu-1
Apple iPod Touch 32GB
The new Apple iPod Touch has 32 GB capacity which means 7 000 songs, 40 000 photos or 40 hours of video. On a full charge you can listen to 30 hours of music or watch 6 hours of video playback. The Apple iPod Touch has 3.5-inch widescreen Multi-Touch display with 480 x 320 pixel resolution.
With iPod touch, you don’t just play your music. You hear it, and see it, in entirely different ways. Let Genius search your library and automatically create a mix just for you. Or give Genius playlist a go, and Genius will use a song you really love to find other tracks from your library that go great with it. Music, games, TV and video, the Apple iPod Touch is fun all in one.
note: Because I don’t have all the latest “tech toys” available (I really don’t have a cell phone) I’m not sure what I’d do if I had 7 000 songs or 40 000 pictures in my pocket BUT the fact that I could if I wanted to, I think is really frickin’ amazing. How long would it take to listen to 7 000 songs I wonder?
Source: http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/
Western Digital
1TB
Portable External Hard Drive
If you want high capacity storage to go, the WD 1TB Portable External Hard Drive is what you want. The world’s number one selling portable hard drive offers high capacity storage with up to 3 times faster transfer rates.
It’s got dual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility. Use it with USB 2.0 now and step up to USB 3.0 speed when you're ready.
So what can this little piece of technology hold?
Up to 200 000 digital photos
Up to 250 000 songs (MP3)
Up to 25 000 songs (uncompressed CD quality)
Up to 76 hours of Digital Video (DV)
Up to 300 hours of DVD quality video
UP to 120 hours of HD video
note: Ok, I finally started using USB sticks about a year and a half ago and I’ll tell you, I couldn’t live without them now, and these are just 8GB. Knowing that I can buy a gizmo about the size of my wallet that holds 250,000 MP3 songs is really amazing. How long would it take to listen to all of those I wonder?? I can still remember when PC’s first came out (yes I’m that old) 4 MB WAS HUGE !!!
Source: http://www.wdc.com/en/
Microsoft Kinect 
I was trying to concentrate on ‘non gaming’ technology but the Microsoft Kinect for Xbox 360 has to be mentioned here. It’s the latest to the gaming world that will probably give the Wii a run for its money.
Kinect brings games and entertainment to life in extraordinary new ways without using a controller. Imagine controlling movies and music with the wave of a hand or the sound of your voice. You are the controller. No gadgets, no gizmos, just you!
Microsoft surprised everyone; rather than coming out with a motion capturing controller, they changed the playing field – they created a system that captures movement but requires no hand held controller.
A camera senses your body in full three dimensions and transfers this to the XBOX 360. Microsoft Kinect is far more than a simple camera though; it features a RGB camera, a microphone that can detect and recognize voices, and a depth sensor that combines with the RGB camera to track movement in three dimensions.
note: Based on the previous “notes” I’ve written above, you probably think this is something I’d pass on too. But you’d be wrong. I’ve played video games on and off since they came out. The original video games like Pong and Space invaders, not Super Mario...video games have been around a lot longer than that. Anyway, I’ve played Xbox and I’ve played Wii games and I think that this latest creation by Microsoft has GOT to be a blast!! Hope my nephew gets it for Christmas...he’s been good this year Santa !
Source: www.microsoft.com
Well hopefully you were a good boy or girl this year and Santa brings you one or two or all of the above “toys”. If you don’t get any of them, you probably weren’t a good boy or girl this year but, no worries...Santa usually drops off the extras at your local electronic store in time for Boxing Day sales!!
Steve Burghardt
Source: Me