PDA IS NOT FOR EVERYONE

I don't use a PDA. There. I said it and I feel fine. So many of my associates still can't believe that a technology savvy computer columnist like myself doesn't use a PDA. And if I don't use one, you may not need one either.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no Luddite. A PDA can be a remarkably useful device. But it just doesn't fit into my everyday lifestyle. I don't need most of the functionality offered in a PDA. I do however, use a cell phone to make my calls, store names and phone numbers, record text messages that contain combinations and passwords that I require and don't want to memorize, and that's about it. I don't have to plan schedules, consolidate meetings, store maps, manage travel expenses (I don't travel), etc. I know there are PDAs that now have an integrated cell phone but they are still clunky to handle and making a phone call can become a production I'd rather avoid.

A good friend of mine recently purchased an expensive color PDA and carries it everywhere he goes. He uses it to listen to mp3 music, stores some animated files he likes to watch and show over and over again, plays games on it, and has maps to the New York City subway system. He lives in Florida most of the time so I'm not sure why he keeps the subway program loaded. In fact, he keeps showing me cute little items he discovers on the Internet and loads them into his PDA. I watch his face as he proudly shows off what his PDA can do. I believe this is his desperate attempt to find some kind of vindication as to why he shelled out over $400 for this piece of technology. I'd be willing to bet money that you probably know someone like this too.

If you ever feel the pressure to get a PDA from coworkers and friends, recognize that this is either a big sales push from someone who now owns a PDA and can't find a good use for it, or evangelists who don't recognize that what is right for them isn't necessarily right for you. Or perhaps you fear that technology may be passing you by. Whatever the reason you may feel the urge to buy a PDA, temper it with some good judgment. Because if you really do need a personal organizer that can synchronize to your computer, the PDA is a great way to go. There are countless people out there who swear by their PDAs and truly find them to be indispensable. Just don't be pressured into buying something that you don't really need.

Good speakers are over inflated.

If you're looking for something novel when it comes to speakers for your computer or stereo system, you may find that the new speakers from Ellula might literally blow you away. That's because you inflate these speakers with air. That's right, you blow them up as you would a balloon. But instead of tying them to a string, you plug them into your computer. The HotAir Revo speakers are made from a soft flexible plastic skin the puffs up from two inches flat to nine inches in height. The enclosed air acts as a resonance chamber that unleashes a wide frequency response range along with a rich bass sound. But its the looks that will sell the HotAir as it is unlike any other speaker you'll see floating around the stores this season. Colors available are transparent green, clear, blue, opaque blue, yellow and pearl. Just imagine everyone's expression as you pull these speakers out of your pocket, blow them up, hook in your portable mp3 player and bring an air of distinction to your next gig. Around $45 to $50.