ARTICLE:
The latest &
greatest in the technology world
Ready for some unplugged
toys?
The computer industry has
been playing around with "palm,"
"hand' and "pocket" devices
for a few years now. What is it that
we want to carry around with us anyway?
Some of the tools below - maybe offer
something worth "holding"
on to! That is - if their price tags
haven't burned a hole in your pocket.
T-Mobile Sidekick
We'll start slow and easy.
This "do-it-all" gadget is
just a little more expensive than your
basic cell phone. It includes a full
keyboard, cell phone, PDA, wireless
access for email and AOL Instant Messenger.
This slick device was ranked #1 in Entertainment
Weekly. If you're already using both
a PDA and phone - why not trade those
in for one easy-to-use "Sidekick?"
Samsung
A500
If all you need, and would ever want
is a great cell phone - then try Samsung!
A stylish, easy-to-use flip phone also
has a sharp and colorful screen. If
your business communication relies heavily
on a cell phone - you might as well
go for the best!
Sony DCS-TRV50
A digital video recorder
and camera in one! With a little practice
and tips from the experts - you can
product great looking digital photos
for your web site. Then put the recorder
to work next time you rent out your
property for a wedding or family reunion!
This particular model is highly packed
with features - including zoom lens,
large viewing screen and the ability
to connect to the Internet! Connection
to the Internet requires a little help
actually - from a compatible Sony cell
phone with wireless capability.
TiVo DVR Series 2
In those rare moments when
you sit back and take in some quality
TV programming, this little "box"
will take your viewing to another level.
With the TiVo, it IS possible to avoid
commercials and search for programs
much like you browse through your computer.
If you happen to have a favorite TV
show - with the TiVo you can arrange
recordings of future showings.
i-Pod
If you haven't heard the term MP3 -
let me make an introduction. For years
you've saved your letters, forms and
many other items in a computer format
called ".doc" For music files
saved on a computer or CD, they appear
in MP3 format. The I-Pod is another
superbly designed device from Apple.
Many of you have maybe experienced the
instability of trying to play a CD on
a portable CD player. Now you can save
your favorite CDs and songs on an I-Pod
which weighing only 6.5 ounces is easily
portable and provides better listening
too! It comes in 3 different models
- with the deluxe one saving up to 4,000
songs! If you're wondering how one browses
through a menu of that many songs, Apple
as usual has a smart answer. A "touch
wheel" lets you easily circle through
the menu!
Sony
CLIE PEG-NX70V
We reviewed the CLIE handheld earlier
- and Sony continues to produce a great
device scoring high in providing speed
and functionality. This particular model
is top of its line with built in digital
camera, and a voice recorder for those
of you who like to playback your "to-do"
list for the day! It's a little pricey
- but if you need a digital camera AND
a PDA then it's not a bad deal. In ZDNET's
Christmas review - it was rated as "the
most capable--if not the most compact--pocket
computer on the market."
PEG-SL10
B/W CLIÉ™ Handheld
Then again - if all you need is a PDA
- you can opt for the basic model for
a cool price of around $130. And still
enjoy good Sony design!
Dell Axim X5
Dell is a well-trusted provider of PCs
for many innkeepers. They've done a
great job of producing a compact PC
as well! The Dell Axim includes a fast
processor, bright screen, dual expansion
slots, and a sweet low price; the Axim
may just be the perfect PDA. Dell also
offers a lower priced version for those
who only need the basics!
