'Tis the season to Crave: Dan Ackerman's picks
Editor's note: From now through the end of December, various Crave contributors will be sharing their top five (mostly) tech-related wishes for the holiday season.
A remarkable computer-generated simulation of what I'd look like if I had any holiday spirit--which I do not.
1. Either a BlackBerry Storm, Samsung Omnia, or Apple iPhone: After getting laughed at one time too many when whipping out my chunky Treo 700P, it's finally time to give in and get a new smartphone. Initially, as a long-time Verizon customer, I was torn between the BlackBerry Storm and the Samsung Omnia. After playing around with both, I wasn't convinced--the Storm's click screen seems like it would get annoying real quick, and the Omnia, despite the rave reviews, just felt sluggish to use, and the low screen resolution made it hard to read text in the Web browser.
Now, I'm also considering making the switch to AT&T and joining the iPhone masses, just on the strength of the interface and general ease-of-use. I use my phone primarily for Web surfing and AIM, not so much for calls, but even so, Verizon's good reputation for service in NYC (and AT&T's less-than-stellar rep) gives me pause. I'm still undecided, so let me know what you think...
2. Flip Video MinoHD: As a one-time film student, I still have the folding chair and tilted beret of a big-screen director in the back of my mind. To help kick off my alternate career as a documentarian in the mold of the Maysles Brothers or Werner Herzog, I'll start with this handheld HD mini-cam.
3. M-Audio Keystation 88: If you're a part-time musician like myself, figuring out how to squeeze the most music-making power out of your gear is always an important topic. There are as many combos of hardware and software, digital and analog equipment out there as there are music styles, but my personal preference is a PC-based ProTools setup. I currently use a Digidesign Mbox and ProTools LE 7.4, with Propellerhead's Reason software ReWired into it for keyboards and sequencing.
If that's all Greek to you, the point is, I've used a variety of different 49-, 61-, and 32-key USB controllers (essentially dummy devices that look like piano keyboards but have no onboard sounds and are used to control music software) over the years, but have never had a full-size 88-key controller. Since they're basically just plastic keys wired to a USB port, they're usually moderately priced, such as this $249 model from M-Audio.
4. Logitech Harmony One: What's the single greatest tech invention of our lifetimes? It's an easy call--the Logitech Harmony remote control. A universal remote that actually works, you just plug it into your computer via a USB cable and the software walks you through the setup with simple questions ("So, what kind of TV do you have?"), and downloads the appropriate command codes automatically. I've had a basic Harmony for years, and it's literally changed my life--but maybe it's time to trade up to the newest model--the Harmony One, which includes a tiny color touch-screen interface.
5. The Snuggie: OK, I don't really want one of these, but the crazy TV commercial is just too good to ignore. It's basically a blanket with sleeves, designed for the absolute laziest of humans--those who can't be bothered to put on a sweater. On the plus side, the promo copy points out you can now "use your laptop without being cold."
PREVIOUS CRAVE HOLIDAY LISTS: Sharon Vaknin, Anne Dujmovic, Erica Ogg
New York native Dan Ackerman, a former radio DJ turned journalist, has written about technology and music for publications including Spin, Blender, The Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today. He hosts the weekly Digital City podcast and the New York edition of Editors' Office Hours. Dan's new album, Tales Out of Night School, is available now. E-mail Dan.
If you like it i would suggest http://www.theslanket.com/ This way when you don't pay your gas bill you can still handle the PS3 controller and stay warm. Assuming you payed the electric bill :)
Sweetie, where's my Snuggie?
I tried the HTC Touch (the little white one, horrible device) then I switched to the Dare. Probably the best phone on Verizon, but still no iPhone as far as interface goes. When the Storm came out, I was incredibly excited to get it. I made the switch and was roughly as disappointed as when I found out Santa was really my Dad. That phone is horrible and those that continue to defend it (even with the 12/05 firmware upgrade) are kidding themselves. I could literally count to five before the accelerometer would kick in. And typing on it doesn't "take getting used to". It takes eventually learning to deal with it.
I took it back, and as much as I hated to leave "THE" network (Verizon), I have never had a gadget of any sort that I have enjoyed as much as my new iPhone 3G. The Cons? The ONLY one is no Picture messaging. This is truly a ridiculous flaw. However, I wouldn't use cut and paste so I don't see that as a con. But honestly, I am a die hard Verizon fan and ever since I got my iPhone I couldn't be happier. Is the AT&T network as good? It is not. However, if the iPhone worked on Verizon, it would be perfect, and then we would have nothing to complain about. And the reception is not horrible, just some dead spots at work.
Some of the apps are nothing short of futuristic. "SnapTell" allows you to take a picture of ANY book or DVD and it tells you what it is, reviews of it, you tube previews (for movies) and prices. How the heck does it do that? But that's just one of the fun ones. There are an endless supply of them. The screen is one that will continue to be the GOAL of other manufacturers.
Why do you think every phone is looked at as a potential iPhone "killer". Because the iPhone is king... that's why.
But even if you don't go iPhone, Dan, avoid the Storm like you would avoid the girl with the "great personality" back in college. Don't say I didn't want ya.
http://www.theslanket.com/
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by carguy622
December 17, 2008 10:26 AM PST
- Do you really need a Snuggie to keep you warm when you use a laptop... lord knows my MacBook get plenty hot!
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