Seven tech treats for Christmas [Ferrari Watches]
You have to wonder how far our society has fallen when a pushy consumer resorts to assaulting her fellow shoppers with pepper spray in order get her hands on a discounted Xbox console, which is what happened in a Wal-Mart store in Los Angeles over the weekend.
Yes, it's Christmas shopping season again, and while Australians don't generally carry around pepper spray, we do love our gadgets.
With that in mind, we've put together a Christmas shopping list for the tech-savvy business traveller. Here's seven things we'd almost use pepper spray to get our hands on.
1. iPad keyboard case
The gadget that many thought would become the “third device” behind the smartphone and the laptop has become ubiquitous for millions of executives.
When combined with a wireless keyboard, the iPad is becoming a true laptop replacement, transforming the lives of mobile workers.
There's a growing number of devices that combine a case for your iPad with a keyboard, but those on offer from ZAGG are worth getting excited about.
The ZAGGfolio comes in 11 colours, with three keyboard options. At around $130 you'd want to be committed to the idea of turning your iPad into your main travel PC, but you'll also be getting highly durable protection for your tablet which could save you a lot more the next time you drop it.
2. Lytro camera
The Lytro light field camera allows you to point and shoot at anything, and then focus the image later on your PC.
No-one seems to know how this camera actually works, other than its ability to capture more light, but you have to admit being able to adjust the focus of the picture you take after you take it, using just the camera, is a novel concept.
For $US399 you can join the other guinea pigs that will be experimenting with this new form of photography and get a camera that fits in your pocket.
3. Telstra 4G (LTE) dongle
If you travel a lot and speed matters in your line of business, then you've probably already got your hands on Telstra's 4G offering which delivers download speeds of up to 41 megabits per second.
While not truly 4G as it doesn't reach speeds anywhere near the LTE-A standard of 1 gigabit per second, Technology Spectator reviewer Nerav Bhatt says it offers a significant potential speed increase compared to the sometimes congested Telstra NextG 3G network, and is the best mobile broadband solution for workers with time pressure.
The dongle costs $299 outright for Telstra business customers or is included in the cost of a monthly plan eg: $49/8GB or $39/8GB if bundled.
4. Jawbone UP
Anyone that travels regularly for work knows one of the biggest challenges is maintaining your sleep, diet and exercise routine, all of which can impact performance.
The Jawbone UP is a wristband that tracks all of those things and syncs to your iPhone to help analyse activity and set up regular reminders.
With all that tracking set up, you'll be inspired to live healthier, and it also has a smart alarm feature designed to help wake you up at the optimal time (by monitoring your movements during sleep) so you feel more refreshed during the day.
At $US99.99 the Jawbone website says they're currently on backorder, proving they must be popular with more than just the geeks.
5. iPod nano watch
When Apple first announced its new iPod nano with watch faces many saw it as a cheap gimmick. But it didn't take long for smart designers to start building a range of wristbands designed to turn the nano into a functional and stylish watch.
One of those designers, who's product features at Apple's last launch, is Scott Wilson, who used to be creative director for Nike Watches. Wilson managed to raise nearly $US1 million on crowdfunding site Kickstarter.com to make his idea for a watch that fitted Apple's design ethos a reality.
Combine the new iPod nano with Lunatik's latest band – the Lynk, and you've got a sleek looking wristwatch that will help ensure you never miss a meeting. You'll have to be keen for the bragging rights however, as the nano will set you back $149 and the wristband another $US129.95.
6. Kobo Touch eInk eReader
In all the tablet hype it's often easy to overlook eBook readers, but as Technology Spectator reviewer Neerav Bhatt explains, they're doing a great job stealing paper and hardback book market share.
If you're serious about reading work-related books while on the move, then you'll need a dedicated book reader with a non-reflective eInk screen which doesn't cause eye strain, can be read in even the brightest sunlight and allows font style or size to be changed.
The Kobo Touch eReader is one such device, and at less than $140 from Collins Booksellers it's one tablet you can unashamedly add to your Christmas wish list for the family.
7. SHOWWX+ Laser Pico Projector
Micro projectors that can be plugged into your phone have been around for a while, but many have had issues with brightness, resolution and image size.
Offering images of up to 250 centimetres, the SHOWWX+ laser pico projector is almost getting to home theatre proportions. It also works with multiple devices, including iPads.
If you spend a lot of time on the road presenting and want something more impressive than your iPad, this device will set you back around $180.
Yes, it's Christmas shopping season again, and while Australians don't generally carry around pepper spray, we do love our gadgets.
With that in mind, we've put together a Christmas shopping list for the tech-savvy business traveller. Here's seven things we'd almost use pepper spray to get our hands on.
1. iPad keyboard case
The gadget that many thought would become the “third device” behind the smartphone and the laptop has become ubiquitous for millions of executives.
When combined with a wireless keyboard, the iPad is becoming a true laptop replacement, transforming the lives of mobile workers.
There's a growing number of devices that combine a case for your iPad with a keyboard, but those on offer from ZAGG are worth getting excited about.
The ZAGGfolio comes in 11 colours, with three keyboard options. At around $130 you'd want to be committed to the idea of turning your iPad into your main travel PC, but you'll also be getting highly durable protection for your tablet which could save you a lot more the next time you drop it.
2. Lytro camera
The Lytro light field camera allows you to point and shoot at anything, and then focus the image later on your PC.
No-one seems to know how this camera actually works, other than its ability to capture more light, but you have to admit being able to adjust the focus of the picture you take after you take it, using just the camera, is a novel concept.
For $US399 you can join the other guinea pigs that will be experimenting with this new form of photography and get a camera that fits in your pocket.
3. Telstra 4G (LTE) dongle
If you travel a lot and speed matters in your line of business, then you've probably already got your hands on Telstra's 4G offering which delivers download speeds of up to 41 megabits per second.
While not truly 4G as it doesn't reach speeds anywhere near the LTE-A standard of 1 gigabit per second, Technology Spectator reviewer Nerav Bhatt says it offers a significant potential speed increase compared to the sometimes congested Telstra NextG 3G network, and is the best mobile broadband solution for workers with time pressure.
The dongle costs $299 outright for Telstra business customers or is included in the cost of a monthly plan eg: $49/8GB or $39/8GB if bundled.
4. Jawbone UP
Anyone that travels regularly for work knows one of the biggest challenges is maintaining your sleep, diet and exercise routine, all of which can impact performance.
The Jawbone UP is a wristband that tracks all of those things and syncs to your iPhone to help analyse activity and set up regular reminders.
With all that tracking set up, you'll be inspired to live healthier, and it also has a smart alarm feature designed to help wake you up at the optimal time (by monitoring your movements during sleep) so you feel more refreshed during the day.
At $US99.99 the Jawbone website says they're currently on backorder, proving they must be popular with more than just the geeks.
5. iPod nano watch
When Apple first announced its new iPod nano with watch faces many saw it as a cheap gimmick. But it didn't take long for smart designers to start building a range of wristbands designed to turn the nano into a functional and stylish watch.
One of those designers, who's product features at Apple's last launch, is Scott Wilson, who used to be creative director for Nike Watches. Wilson managed to raise nearly $US1 million on crowdfunding site Kickstarter.com to make his idea for a watch that fitted Apple's design ethos a reality.
Combine the new iPod nano with Lunatik's latest band – the Lynk, and you've got a sleek looking wristwatch that will help ensure you never miss a meeting. You'll have to be keen for the bragging rights however, as the nano will set you back $149 and the wristband another $US129.95.
6. Kobo Touch eInk eReader
In all the tablet hype it's often easy to overlook eBook readers, but as Technology Spectator reviewer Neerav Bhatt explains, they're doing a great job stealing paper and hardback book market share.
If you're serious about reading work-related books while on the move, then you'll need a dedicated book reader with a non-reflective eInk screen which doesn't cause eye strain, can be read in even the brightest sunlight and allows font style or size to be changed.
The Kobo Touch eReader is one such device, and at less than $140 from Collins Booksellers it's one tablet you can unashamedly add to your Christmas wish list for the family.
7. SHOWWX+ Laser Pico Projector
Micro projectors that can be plugged into your phone have been around for a while, but many have had issues with brightness, resolution and image size.
Offering images of up to 250 centimetres, the SHOWWX+ laser pico projector is almost getting to home theatre proportions. It also works with multiple devices, including iPads.
If you spend a lot of time on the road presenting and want something more impressive than your iPad, this device will set you back around $180.
2011-11-29 11:48
nice!(0)
コメント(0)
トラックバック(0)
コメント 0