InfoTech: 2009 technology buying guide
1 Jan, 2009 By: Tyler Whitaker Landscape ManagementLet's face it: For many, 2008 was a tough year. Talk of recession, bailouts, financial meltdowns and endless election coverage has left us a little sober and in dire need of some fun. So with Christmas over and a new year ahead, it's time to get yourself the gifts you really wanted for Christmas. I've collected a list of my favorite technology to help brighten your New Year.
T-Mobile G1 (Google) Phone | www.t-mobileg1.com
Looking for a new phone for the coming year? Check out the new phones running the Google Android mobile operating system. This next-gen mobile platform integrates all of your favorite Google software and search functionality into a state-of-the-art user experience.
T-Mobile is the first carrier to support the Google phone with its G1 offering. It's packed with all the features you have come to expect: high-speed 3G, Wi-Fi, touch screen, full keyboard and a 3.2-megapixel camera. Look for more carriers and handsets to be available in for 2009.
Dell Inspiron Mini 12 Laptop | www.dell.com
Now there's no need lug around that laptop, or learn to type on your smart phone using chopsticks. The latest trends in laptops are the new super-small "netbooks." At less than 3 lbs., these small laptops are the perfect replacement for your day planner. The Dell Mini offers plenty of storage (80 GB), speed (1.6 GHz) and battery power (six hours) for all of your mobile needs. The only thing you need to provide is the excuse for working poolside, instead of in your office.
2009 Tesla Roadster | www.teslamotors.com
If all the recent talk of climate change has really damped your spirits, you might consider the all-electric 2009 Tesla Roadster. This two-seat, rear-wheel-drive sports car will take you from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds. With a top speed of 125 mph, you can put your cares far behind you.
The best part is the guilt-free, 248-hp, 375-volt AC induction air-cooled electric motor that powers the car. A 3.5-hour charge will get you a range of 220 miles.
This is the kind of car that should have "Congressional bailout dollars" written all over it.
Eye-Fi Wi-FI SD Memory Cards | www.eye.fi
Spend a little less time wrangling your digital photos this year with a Wi-Fi enabled secure digital (SD) memory card from Eye-Fi. If you're like me, then you love taking digital pictures. I've found that taking them is the fun part, but uploading them to my home computer is another story.
These standard 2- and 4-GB SD cards work just like your existing cards. They also have a built-in Wi-Fi chip that can connect to your home wireless access point or the Internet. Imagine taking pictures and having them automatically uploaded to your home computer or one of 20+ online photo-sharing Web sites. This is one technology that let's you spend your time making memories instead of uploading them.
So start out 2009 with a little fun. With the right technology, your outlook on life is sure to pick up. And with a little luck, your business, the economy and the country will get back on track.
The author is a freelance technologist. Contact him at 801/592-2810 or visit www.tylerwhitaker.com.
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