Gadgets Are a Guy’s (and Gal’s) Best Friend Every Holiday Season

By Anthony Heredia

1.      MiFi Wi-Fi 3G Wireless Router

a.      Wish you had an iphone with Verizon coverage? Tired of never having decent internet connection? This little baby extends 5 of your devices 3G Wifi internet simultaneously so you can browse on your ipod touch and laptop at the same time. Great business tool. The Intelligent Mobile Hotspot is your portable, wireless Wi-Fi hotspot. From wherever you are in the coverage area, it detects the Verizon Wireless network and allows you to access a reliable broadband connection. In Wi-Fi mode: Connect up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices at once. Use the lithium-ion battery for up to 4 hours (40 hours standby) of usage or plug the device directly into an outlet. In USB mode: Connect the MiFi device to your notebook via the included USB cable to use it as a modem.

b.      Where Can I Get It?      www.verizonwireless.com

c.      How Much?     $100 or $50 with a 2 year contract

2. Acer Aspire One 11.6″

a.      Need the world at your busy fingertips, then it’s time to take on a netbook. Thesewonderful machines do it all in the compact size of your palm now.

b.      Product Description –

i.      The definition of a Netbook keeps getting fuzzier around the edges, with displays growing from the original 7-inch designs, and the selection of CPUs expanding to include Intel, AMD, and Via. If we are to take 12-inch systems such as the HP dv2 and Samsung NC20 as Netbooks (we’ve so far let them slip in under the wire), then an 11.6-inch model is a sure thing. The slightly larger $379 Acer Aspire One AO751h-1545 is an excellent compromise between size and usability as too small can be a pain if you type a lot. The catch is that Acer has decided to use the 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520 as its CPU, instead of the faster (and much more common) 1.6GHz Atom N270 version.

Price as reviewed $379
Processor 1.33GHz Intel Atom Z520
Memory 1GB, 533MHz DDR2
Hard drive 160GB 5,400rpm
Chipset Intel SCH US15W
Graphics Mobile Intel GMA 500 (integrated)
Operating System Windows XP
Dimensions (WD) 11.8 x 8.5 inches (8.8 inches with battery)
Height 1.0 inches
Screen size (diagonal) 11.6 inches
System weight / Weight with AC adapter 3.0/3.6 pounds
Category Netbook

c.      Where Can I Get One?  http://www.acer.com/aspireone/ or any computer store

How Much?     $379

3. Vuzix® Wrap(TM) 920

a.      Wish you could carry your massive big screen around with you or work on a larger computer screen when on your laptop? Well it’s time.

b.      Product Description –

With unmatched styling and performance the Vuzix® Wrap(TM) 920 video eyewear is the most advanced wearable display available today! This sunglass-style eyewear, with a virtual 67-inch screen as seen from 10 feet, displays crystal clear 2D and 3D video while sitting by the pool or in an airplane at 35,000 feet. With support for standard 2D movies as well as virtually all common 3D video formats, you’ll be able to watch all the latest movie releases, as they were meant to be seen.

Vuzix’ Wrap 920 eyewear connects to all NTSC or PAL audio/video devices with video-out capabilities and composite video connections. An included* Composite A/V Adapter for iPod®/iPhone® ensures simple plug ‘n play connection to today’s most popular portable media player. Optional Wrap Adaptors provide connections to HDMI equipped devices and even desktop PC and laptops for watching movies. A single pair of video eyewear for all occasions. Never before has a single pair of eyewear offered this degree of connectivity.
The Wrap 920 is designed to connect to all NTSC or PAL audio/video devices with video-out capabilities. Supported devices include

·        Apple® iPod® / iPhone® / iPod touch® media players

·        Portable DVD players

·        Cellular phones with video out

·        All composite video devices

·        Digital cameras

·        Camcorders

·        PC and Laptops with VGA port*

c.      Where Can I Get It?    www.vuzix.com

How Much? $ 349.95

4. Fueltank DUO

a.      Tired of your iphone, itouch, earpiece, Smartphone or other gizmos running out ofpower with none around? It’s time for a Fueltank.

b.      Product Description –

(1.) Fueltank® can simultaneously charge two small electronic devices without the use of an outlet. It contains a rechargeable lithium ion battery which has more than 7 times the capacity of a standard mobile phone. The Fueltank utilizes device-specific adapters – the same ones used for Chargepod® – so you can customize your Fueltank(TM) to meet the exact needs of you and your family. Proprietary voltage regulator technology senses the amount of power required to charge your devices. LED fuel capacity indicators display when charging indicator button is pressed.

(2.) Performance

·        Rechargeable power for two devices simultaneously

·        Indicator lights display battery capacity level

·        Charge your devices multiple times without refueling

·        Weighs less than 8 ounces and is perfect for traveling

(3.) Compatibility

·        Works with thousands of mobile devices such as iPods, cell phones, Bluetooth headsets, PDAs, digital cameras, navigation units, mp3 players, digital readers, and portable gaming systems

·        Uses the same device adapters as Chargepod

(4.) What’s Included

·        Fueltank base unit

·        AC/DC Wall Plug

·        Mini-USB adapter (MUSB-0001)

·        Carrying pouch

·        Voucher for 1 FREE adapter redeemable at Callpod.com

c.      Where Can I Get It?    www.callpod.com

How Much?     $49.95

5. Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera

a.      Missing great moments that need to be captured on video because you don’t want to carry a bulky camera around? Capturing 1080p HD video from a pocket cam is now available.

b.      Product Description

Define yourself in high definition.

It’s small enough to fit in a pocket, but why would you ever want to put it there? Whether out on the town or just hanging with friends, the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera captures every experience in stunning 1080p HD video. Stay in focus while you’re on the move with integrated image stabilization. Then kick back and watch all the action on your HDTV or share your scene on YouTube with the built-in USB. The Zi8 pocket video camera has all you need to define yourself in high definition.

Product Features

·        Take full HD 1080p videos wherever you go

·        Get sharper videos and less blur thanks to built-in image stabilization

·        Premiere your videos in the palm of your hand with the vivid 2.5-inch color LCD

·        No cables to worry about-just swing out the USB arm to upload, share and charge

·        Get a new perspective-take amazing 5 MP 16:9 widescreen HD still pictures

·        Share on Facebook and YouTube with ease-built-in software makes editing and uploading simple

·        Compatible with PC and MAC (Use with Apple iLife Suite of products) operating systems

·        Compatible with iTunes for syncing with Apple TV, iPhone and iPod Devices

·        Plenty of room for more-record up to 10 hours of HD video (Record ~20 min per 1 GB at 720p HD at 30 fps) with the expandable SD/SDHC Card slot that can hold up to 32 GB

·        Capture your friends in their best light with smart face tracking technology

·        See more details and accurate colors in low light

·        Make audio awesome-the external microphone jack lets you record in stereo

·        Be ready for the big screen right out of the box with complementary HDMI cable

·        Record from a distance or play back on your TV with ease with available remote control

Grab attention and define your style with the ultra-compact design, stunning looks, and a range of colors

What’s in the Box:

·        Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera

·        KLIC-7004 Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery

·        Adapter and cable for battery charging

·        HDMI and AV cables

·        Wrist strap

·        User’s Guide

·        ArcSoft MediaImpression Software for Kodak (on-camera)

a.      Where Can I Get It? www.amazon.com or www.kodak.com

How Much?     $149.99 – 179.99