These are highlights of some of the most sought after Tech Toys for 2006.  The only way to review them is to just jump right in so here we go.

 

Best Camera
With the ease of point and shoot but the availability of advanced options, the Kodak Z760 has all you need.  This 6.1 MP camera allows continuous shooting, 3X zoom, one touch sharing, 16 scene modes, professional quality lens and everyone’s favorite, movie mode with video and sound.  All this for less than $300, the Z760 is a high end device with a medium end price.

 

Media Center PC
Rated the smallest desktop ever by Computer Shopper Magazine, the Winbook JiV Mini offers great design, built in TV tuner, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.  Jiv Mini serves up 1GB of memory, 100GB hard drive, Intel Core Duo processor and DVI video out for high definition images.  Try this one out on your plasma and enjoy pure bliss.

 

 

Home Theater in a Box
Get a great-sounding home theater up and running quickly with this DVD home theater system. Just plug your Panasonic SC-HT930 into your TV and start to enjoy full surround sound speakers, 5 disk carousels and 1000 watts of foundation shifting power.  This unit offers high power with low distortion, sleek design and cool effects for about $450.

 

 

 

Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
Logitech’s diNovo keyboard and mouse are some of the most functional and beautiful desktop ornaments you will find.  This Bluetooth ensemble combines an ultra-flat keyboard with an advanced mouse, charger base and a separate 10 key that doubles as media controller/calculator.  This pad even tells you when you have new mail.  You might consider the diNovo line for your Media Center PC.  Price is around $120.

 

Best Universal Remote Control
Logitech’s Harmony 890 remote makes universal control for home entertainment and advanced lighting systems simple.  Because it can reach as far as 100 ft away, the Harmony has the ability to reach passed cabinet doors and closets to operate hidden equipment.  This “learning” remote uses both infrared and radio frequency plus is compatible with Mac and PC. Don’t forget to keep your batteries charged by placing the remote on its docking station.  This device however is not cheap, selling for around $400.

Best Smart phone
Well, looks like the rave right now is the new and improved Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system for smart phones.  The MDA by T-Mobile is a messaging powerhouse with GPRS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 1.3MP camera and the Mini SD slot for up to 2 gigs of space.  Synchronize your calendar and contacts, jam with the Window Media player, and use voice commands to start programs or maybe dial up your friends and family.  Let’s not leave out web browsing, video playback, instant messaging and reportedly, soon to be released, ITunes for Windows Mobile.  Word, Excel and PowerPoint are standard allowing for a quick edit and email of just about any piece of work.  Different versions of the MDA seem to be popping up everywhere but are all selling for about $450.

 

Best GPS device
Well, if you have a Smart Phone, the Tom Tom Navigator can be added to allow for satellite communication.  Basically, a pocket sized GPS receiver talks to your smart phone via Bluetooth while the software does the rest.  You can leave the receiver in the car or take it with in order to get turn by turn voice commands in addition to points of interest along the way.  If you do not have a smart phone you still have the option to buy a stand alone navigation unit for about $150 bucks more.  Standard price for the Tom Tom Navigator for your phone is about $299.

Best Mp3 Player
Since IPod needs no introduction let me just say that besides looking super cool, deep down, IPod is a portable media player. On that note allow me to introduce an alternative.  The Creative Labs Zen Vision all in one plays music, recorded TV shows, photos, video, FM Radio and more.  Take digital entertainment from your PC with you on the go while enjoying the easy to use, Windows Media Center software.  The Zen Visions 30GB version sells for about $230 and allows for several upgrades such as docking stations, longer life batteries and IR remote.

Printable Version

If you need further assistance with technology on this article or any of our featured articles, please feel free to contact us via email or by calling our office at 713.979.4500.