HOLIDAY LINKS TO THE COMPUTER
It seems like more and more of today's consumer electronics utilize the personal computer in some manner. That link ranges anywhere from a small feature enhancement to total dependency. Consider the PDA for example. These little hand-held powerhouses can do so much on their own but without some kind of periodical access to a computer, they're not very useful. Digital cameras are fast replacing their counterparts that require film. But again without that link to a PC, they'd run out of memory and the only place you¹d be able to display your images would be on the camera's little view screen. The computer link lets you print the images, save it to a CD or DVD, email them, post the images on a web site and lots more. Yes, I know there are models that can bypass a PC by connecting directly to a printer but if you want to modify the images you've taken, nothing beats being able to download everything into something like PhotoShop.
 Keeping the computer link in mind, I'd like to suggest some holiday technology gifts that take advantage of the data link. If you want a PDA that fits on your wrist, check out the new offering from Timex. The Ironman Data Link, according to Timex, is the first watch to combine a personal organizer with a multi-function sport timekeeping device. With the included software, the link lets you customize and operate the watch. You can set it, even re-order the modes that can be accessed via the buttons on the watch. You can keep track of phone numbers, maintain a contacts list and organize your schedule. Plus special software applications give the watch even more abilities such as keeping score for 18 holes, a calorie counter and more. All that combined with a 200 lap chronograph, multiple event countdown timer multiple alarms and three time zones and you'll be ready for just about any licking you can take. Software for Windows as well as Apple's iCal scheduling program is available. $90.
www.timex.com
Digital camera for beginners
If you've been considering a digital camera to replace that antique film model you got from your grandfather but were afraid to make the commitment, then you may want to consider the relatively inexpensive PalmClix multi-function digital camera. This tiny little marvel fits in the palm of your hand, yet it can take up to 208 compressed low resolution pictures or 26 VGA resolution images before having to offload them into a computer via any USB port. Now granted the resolution isn't something to write home about but consider that the PalmClix is also capable of taking short videos and can also be used as a webcam for video conferencing. It even has a 10 second delay times. It comes bundled with Ulead Photo Express 4.0 that helps you manage as well as touch up your digital images. For the money (under $50), it's an inexpensive way to experience all of the advantages that come with a digital camera without having to make a big financial commitment.
www.palmclix.com
Something's fishy
 This has to be up there on the weirdness scale of bizarre computer products but it may appeal to you, especially if your favorite screensaver is one of those fish tank displays. Lian-Li makes some high quality computer enclosure cases. One of their models includes a fish tank display. The PC-6010 case has a luxurious brushed aluminum finish, as well as drive bays and a motherboard tray that can be easily removed. The enclosure case also includes three 80mm cooling fans, and color-changing LEDs that can be seen through the ventilation holes on the front of the case. The entire case is quite pleasing to the eye. But if you opt in for the aquarium kit, your computer's going to stand out in the crowd. You get six plastic fish that can be viewed through the clear side panel. The included blue cathode light and air pump makes them appear as though they are swimming through a sea of bubbles. But don't worry. A rear-mounted power switch turns the cathode light on and off in case the fish become too much of a distraction. $169.99.
www.thinkgeek.com |
