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It doesn't matter if you're an electronics geek, or electronically challenged. Gadgets can be really cool. It's our opinion that the best electronic gadgets not only serve a legitimate purpose, they also have a big-time "wow" factor. Following are our picks for five of the coolest new gadgets.
Flip Video™
If you have children, or if you love shooting video at a moment's notice, a Flip Video camera is for you. Roughly the size of an iPhone, only a little thicker, the Flip can fit in your pocket and be taken anywhere. It's also a breeze to operate.
What's really cool about this video camera is that it doesn't utilize videotape or even a memory card. The video chip built in to the unit holds up to one hour of video recording, which can be easily uploaded to either a PC or a Mac. The best part is there's no software to install in your computer. It's all built right into the camera. Plugging the Flip in to your computer is also easy. With one push of a button, out pops a USB arm and it's ready to go.
With models starting at $129, the Flip Video camera can be purchased at many different retail outlets, or online. To find out more about this most awesome product, log onto theflip.com.
NU-M8® from LOK8U™
According to LOK8U (locate you), the NU-M8 (new mate) is the world's first GPS device designed with the safety of children in mind. Concealed as a wristwatch worn by your child, the device monitors their whereabouts with an accuracy of 10 feet.
The parent monitors the child by either plugging a portal into their computer, or via their cell phone's text messaging feature. What's cool about this gadget is that if the child's wristwatch is removed, the parent is immediately notified through either email or text message. You can also set up a defined area by time and day. If the child strays outside the area, you get notified. The device has no range limit and can be used at home or abroad.
Developed in the UK, NU-M8 made its US debut at the Consumer Electronics show this past January. Word has it that it will be available for purchase by late spring. While prices haven't been confirmed, it is rumored the unit will cost roughly $218, plus a monthly service plan. To find out more about the NU-M8, log onto LOK8U.com.
Kindle 2 from Amazon
If you are an avid reader, the Kindle 2 is sure to bring a smile to your face. Just over a 1/3 of an inch thick and weighing in at 10.2 ounces, the Kindle 2 is a wireless reading device that can be used anywhere.
The Kindle 2 costs $359 and is available at Amazon.com. Once you purchase the unit you have the ability to buy and download over 225,000 books, newspapers and magazines. Downloads take less than sixty seconds from start to finish, with no computer needed.
While the Kindle 2 holds up to 1,500 titles, Amazon backs up your entire library and allows you to re-download any selection at any time. It operates off of a 3G wireless service and there are no monthly fees or service plans. All you pay for are the titles you purchase.
We really like this gadget for two reasons. The first is the amount of paper it saves. A more selfish reason is that you can bring your entire library with you everywhere you go.
Ultimate Ears® from Logitech®
For anyone who's not a fan of the earphones that come along with most MP3 players and cell phones, we've got some good news. Ultimate Ears (recently purchased by Logitech) is producing several lines of professional quality earphones that are receiving a tremendous amount of positive feedback.
The way the story goes is that Van Halen's sound engineer, Jerry Harvey, was looking to help the band's drummer better hear the rest of the band while on stage. What he came up with were custom in-ear speakers that blocked out all outside noise. In 1995, Jerry started Ultimate Ears, catering only to professional musicians. In 2004, the company began selling to the public.
Ultimate Ears now carries four lines of earphones catering to everyone from commuters with iPods to bona fide audiophiles and serious musicians. Models range from $49 to $1,200. Some models also include miniature microphones, making them perfect for people with cell phones that double as MP3 players. From comfort to overall sound quality, Ultimate Ears is a fantastic product.
To find out more about the various models, or to purchase your own set of Ultimate Ears, log on to UltimateEars.com.
Virtual Video Glasses from Zetronix™
Twenty years ago, virtual video glasses were relegated to science fiction movies. Now, they are not only a reality, they are incredibly cool.
Imagine a pair of glasses that look like something the Terminator would wear. These glasses, however, come with earphones and an AV input. Connect them to anything with an AV output (iPod Video, DVD player, VHS player, DVR, TIVO, video game consuls, etc.) and you're ready to watch movies and TV shows, or play video games.
What's cool about these glasses is that the experience is completely personal. That's right, the video and audio can only be seen and heard by you. If that's not cool enough, the glasses block out all light, simulating a home theater viewed from the optimal distance of six feet. Models that simulate a 50-inch screen start at $150. Higher end models that simulate bigger screens can cost as much as $400. Many of the more expensive models are also wireless, 3D ready, or both.
To purchase or to learn more about Virtual Video Glasses, log on to Zetronix.com.
So, there you have it - our top picks for the coolest new gadgets. Check them out and see what you think. It may be time to embrace your inner gadget geek.
courtesy of: http://www.robertjrussell.com
