Um... yeah.. I'm lost...

I have to admit that I am definitely a person that needs a GPS system. I get lost just trying to get home from work and the thought of listening to someone tell me to go South and then South West gets me a little panicky.

If you're at all like me, then you're completely on board for putting a GPS system in every car. At Pixideal, we're about to introduce a GPS system section, so I figured it would be a good idea to do a review on the Garmin GPS system, which is a cost efficient and high quality GPS sytem currently on the market right now.

Rather than do a boring, how much, what is it, etc review, I thought I would tell a little story.

About 4 months ago, my dad and I decided to drive to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario from Montreal in order to attend my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. Although we've driven this 12+hour route a ton of times, my dad and I are hugely into gadgets... so, we decided to check out the new Garmin GPS.

The perks: Garmin GPS systems work pretty much everywhere. We only had one moment where we had to wait for it to connect to the satellites... the rest of the time, it was running smoothly, giving us everything we needed to know from directions to travel time.

The downfalls: The only thing I have to say that's negative about this GPS system is the fact that it is battery operated. We had to stop and change batteries twice, which wasn't the end of the world (as we used it throughout the trip), but was an inconvenience.

All in all, I'm a huge fan and gadgets, once again, made the trip interesting and productive. We got into Sault Ste. Marie an hour early and even had time to stop at the trading post :)

Stay tuned for Pixideal's GPS system section... coming soon!

Have a great weekend,
- Katie

Want to buy George Jetson's car?

Okay, well it may not be exactly the same car as the flying wonder from the popular cartoon, The Jetsons, but it sure does remind me of it and better than merely a cartoon, this futuristic car is actually going into productions!

The Aptera electric/hybrid car is available for pre-order with an estimated delivery time of about a year. Customers who are willing to put down a fully refundable $500.00 deposit are likely to be able to be cruising in their electric car / hybrid car sooner than we all thought imaginable.

Although the Aptera Typ-1 offers techy environmentally friendly options like solar panels in the roof to assist the climate control system, this car also has all of the common features one would expect to receive in a new car including: airbags, review camera, GPS system, awesome CD/DVD/MP3 player with XM radio... and more. It basically offers every feature one could think imaginable and then some.

What really makes the Aptera Typ-1 a car of the future, is not its wide array of interesting extra features or its slick Jetsons-esque look, but rather its unique engine system. Aptera offers you two distinct options: the electric car or the hybrid car. If you select the electric car engine then the Aptera Typ-1 will get you around town functioning on batteries. Simply plug it in at night and then you've got 120 miles of driving during the day. The hybrid car engine option will get you much further as it works with both electric and a fuel-line system. This option claims to make the Aptera Typ-1 the most efficient passenger vehicle to date.

While there is a price difference between the two engines models, it really is only about $3,000 and the car in total runs less than $30,000 USD brand new.

It is a bold step towards furthering a more environmentally friendly car industry and I personally am excited to see what's next.

-Katie

PS: Please note that there are only 14 days remaining in the month of October, which means that our Win a Free Digital Frame Contest is almost up. Please get your entries in soon in order to be included in this fantastic offer!

They always say, safety first!

In a world filled with accidents, it comes as no surprise that safety is a chief concern among most people worldwide. While some of us (and no, I won't name names) do go out of our way to avoid safety, on average, the rest of us are satisfied with buying into concepts and new technology that keep our safety in the highest regard.


Parking safety has been the newest thing under the microscope and with huge strides in new technology, we have now come up with technogical ways to keep our parking safety in the forefront. The largest concern in the world of parking safety is backing up one's car from a driveway or parking spot. The majority of accidents caused by inability to properly see what's behind your car is a growing problem and many electronics creators have been creating new technology to counteract this disturbing issue.


Introducing, Haodi USA -- Parking Safety Devices



The product: the PAS-404


The purpose: To be a "third eye" for drivers who have checked their blind spots, but still could possibly be unable to see objects and people behind their vehicles.


The facts:


• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported collision avoidance systems can potentially reduce motor vehicle crashes by approximately 70%.

• An estimated 20% of accidents are backing related.

• Failure, by the driver, to see a vehicle, object or person in the number one cause of backing accidents.

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Association reports an estimated 390 people die each year from being backed over.

• Children aged 1-4 are most at risk

• Every 1.6 minutes, another driver backs into trouble.


(These facts are taken from http://www.haodiusa.com/)


The cost: $150.00 + depending on system choice.


At such a low cost and with such a high reward, this new product appears to be a fantastic answer to this growing concern. If these electronics can save the lives of children and adults alike, then I personally believe they should be placed in every car.


Should http://www.4pixideal.com/ sell this product on our website? Leave us a comment below. We'd love to know what you think.


-Katie

You NEED a digital frame!

Okay, so maybe telling you what you need (or don't need) isn't the most effective way to convince someone to do something (AKA, enter the Pixideal win a digital frame contest), but I figured it was worth a try anyhow seeing as it is October 15, 2007 and we only have 17 days left in the contest.

Rather than write a huge post about how easy it is to win (it really is), how little time it takes to enter (seconds, really) and how happy it would make me (thrilled!), I'm going to tell you WHY you need a digital frame. Brace yourself...

Top Ten Reasons YOU need a Kodak Digital Frame

(yes you...)

1) Digital frames are a great way to display digital pictures.

2) You don't have to pay to have photos developed to show them off.

3) Owning new technology is awesome.

4) You want to be cool, don't you?

5) Kodak has been around since 1881. That's a long time.

6) Pixideal wants to GIVE you one... for FREE

7) It can display your digital pictures in a slideshow... with music!

8) It comes with its own remote control. Just like a TV!

9) You can print your pictures right off of it and give them to your friends.

10) Did we mention we're giving one away for free?

Need to know more about this fantastic opportunity? Join our Facebook group or drop me an email at contests@pixideal.ca

-Kate

Waterproof computers -- what's next?

Will wonders never cease?

Well, I can honestly say that I never thought I'd see the day when I could mix water and electronics together, but the Flytech K790 has proved me wrong. Amazing new technology allows the Flytech K790 computer to be the first in the new world of waterproof computers.


Although not much has been said about waterproof computers, or specifically the Flytech K790, I expect within not too long information about this new technology will be readily available. The Flytech K790 has a stainless frame and a touch screen display. It comes in 4 different sizes.

What do you think about waterproof computers? Is this a new technology you'd be interested in buying? Have some more information on the Flytech K790? Leave me some comments below. I'd love to hear from you.

-Katie

Gadgets for the Lazy Man

With obesity on the rise across North America, clearly what we really need is to make things easier for the lazy man, who spends most of his (or her) time on the sofa. Or not.

Regardless of the fact that our society continues to delve into more lazy habits every moment, we continue to release a number of gadgets which are specifically catered to the lazy man. These lazy gadgets do the mundane tasks we should be doing ourselves and help us to avoid getting off the couch. I mean, I am all for gadgets, but lazy gadgets? They may seem unbelievably attractive on the surface, but what they're actually doing is teaching us that we don't have to do anything for ourselves anymore. Have we not seen the movies where all of our technology dies and we cannot even make food for ourselves? Let us hope that we are not as reliant on our technology as we may seem. After all, gadgets should exist to help us make things simpler, not to make us idiots.

Recently, the Onion did an article on a new remote control for remote controls. Of course, the Onion is a satirical online magazine that writes fake news reports for laughs, but their point is clear. We are getting lazier by the day.

Let us take a look at some of the lazy gadgets we probably have lying around our houses. I will readily raise my hand to admit that I own three of the five listed items.

How reliant are you on your lazy gadgets?

The Top Five Lazy Man Gadgets

1) The Universal Remote Control
- Don't even bother getting up to change the channels. This gadget will do it all for you.


2) Electronic One-Touch Can Opener
- Crank a can open the old fashioned way? Never. Simply touch once and no more lid!


3) Electronic Toothbrush
- Moving back and forth with my toothbrush was such a pain. Now I just hold it.


4) Self Stirring Mug
- Stir my own coffee? Insanity.


5) Robomower
- Don't ever mow your own lawn again. Don't even pay the neighborhood kids to either.

Have a thought about lazy gadgets? I'd love to hear it. Leave me a note below.
-Katie

The Nintendo Gameboy taught me everything I need to know

Remember the Nintendo Gameboy? Recently I've been blogging about new gadgets and the insane world of things to come, but I thought this post I would reflect back on past gadgets, namely the Nintendo Gameboy. Handheld game consoles have come a long way since the Nintendo Gameboy was released in 1989. Sega Gamegear brought us coloured screens and Sonic the Hedgehog and now handheld game consoles have everything we could ever imagine or expect including the ability to watch movies, access the internet, play games with amazing graphics, save images and more.




I still think that everything I needed to know, I learned from the Nintendo Gameboy.

• Life is about sharing - When you don't share the Gameboy, no one gets to play.


• It is OK to lose sometimes - When Mario falls off a cliff and dies, he always gets another chance.
  
• Never give up - No matter how many times you fill the screen at Tetris, you can get to the next level with a little bit of perserverence.
  
• Good will triumph over evil - Maybe not right away, but if you wait for it, good always wins.
  
• Don't forget to stretch - There's nothing more painful then getting a cramp when you're in the last level of the game.
  
• No cheating - You cheat, you die. It's that simple.

If handheld game consoles have taught me anything over the years its that people love to play. We create gadgets to help us make work less difficult and fun more... well... fun. Nintendo Gameboy made a child out of all of us and taught us that there is more to life than work.

Have a Nintendo Gameboy memory you want to share? You know I'd love to hear it. Leave it in our comment section below.

-Katie

Smart Pen proves that the pen is mightier then... the computer?

As a writer, I am thrilled to announce the FLY smart pen.

This great new gadget is a digital pen that records everything you write and allows for easy transfers of all of your writing onto your computer. Now you don't even need to drag your laptop to class or work, you can simply carry this fat ball point pen and it will record everything you write down with it. Of course, you'll need to put in the AAA batteries and have the special paper, but all in all, this is one of the new gadgets I'm excited to try.

More then merely a cool new gadget, the FLY smart pen is also an educational tool. Priced at around $100.00, this digital pen is a great gift for children and students who can actively learn through the act of writing as well as profit from having their notes backed up on the computer. It is no surprise that the creator of the FLY smart pen is no other than LeapFrog, a company that has reached huge success from the creation of educational computers and electronic toys for children.

This digital pen comes with software programs that include math exercises, FlyTones (which teaches children about music), a calculator and a schedule mode. Additional software cartridges can be purchased at an additional cost.

While many other digital pens have been previously released on the market, the FLY smart pen is the only one that read software right off the page as it moves. This new technology bodes well in a market where time is of the essence and new gadgets are always widely accepted with open arms.

To learn more about the FLY smart pen, check out the LeapFrog website by clicking here.

I want a talking robot

The ConnectR robot is one of the coolest new inventions I've seen in a long time. Attempting to connect people to one another, the ConnectR is one of those everything-in-one sort of gadgets. Not only does it have a wi-fi connection to the internet, it also has a built-in video camera, microphone and speakers and even vacuums the home.

Can a robot really replace a family member? This gadget is meant to allow busy family members to virtually be in two places at once, but it seems to me like all it really does is give family members a reason to be away from their family longer and more often. Oddly enough, it seems as though new gadgets and technology are serving more to extend work hours then to help us manage our hectic lives.

The ConnectR robot is definitely a modern marvel and a great robot, but the concept behind it leaves this gadget geek a little troubled. The ConnectR robot will undergo a test cycle before released to the market for a starting price of $499.99. If you'd like to try out the ConnectR robot during the test period, they'll give it to you for only 199.99. A steal of a price to replace your loved ones.

Introducing Kodak's Digital Photo Frame..

Well as we're giving away the Kodak EasyShare EX-811 Wi-Fi Digital Picture Frame I figured it was probably a good idea to do a product review. After all, we do have these guys lying around the office and I'm all about borrowing things from work for education's sake. I'm becoming more of a geek girl by the moment.


Digital frames have recently become the latest "must have" new technology. Since no one really seems to bother developing pictures anymore, it seems only logical that we would create a new technology that would function alongside our new lifestyles. In steps digital frames. Now we can display up to a hundred pictures at a time and still maintain the classy frame look. Has anyone seen Antitrust? I remember a scene in this 2001 technology-esque movie where the Bill Gates type character has these "paintings" on his wall that shift depending on his mood. I can clearly remember commenting to my friends how "wicked cool" that was. Now it seems terribly average. My digital frame sits on my book case and switches between my vacation pictures and candid "around town" shots. It's a great world.



In Steps the Kodak Digital Frame



Kodak's Easyshare EX811 digital frame is a pretty cool gadget. Not only does it have a remote control (which let me tell you, has just made me the LAZIEST person alive), but it has a crisp 16:9 high resolution display. My pictures look clearer and more vivid on this little digital frame then they do on my camera itself. The best feature of this new technology, in my modest opinion, is the built-in speakers. You can program this digital frame to play your favorite tunes. It's like a personal slide show that you can bring anywhere you want.

Kodak is one of those name brands that actually is high quality at a reasonable cost. I was impressed by its durability and the resolution on the 8" screen. If you're a picture-obsessed person who loves embracing new technology, then the Kodak digital frame is definitely for you.



If only I could enter the digital frame contest...

Microsoft's New Zune MP3 player takes on iPod again...

Microsoft is at it again. Not satisfied with being completely outsold and forgotten, Microsoft is releasing their newest attempt to take down Apple's iPod -- the Zune. Yeah, we've heard this before, but this Zune is sleek, comes in a variety of colours and looks oddly similar to the iPod video nano.

Introducing... the Zune...

I have to admit that although I've always been a strong advocate of taking down Microsoft, they definitely do seem to have something better to offer this time around with their latest video mp3 player. These cool gadgets come in 4GB and 8GB formats and sell for approximately $199.99 USD. Although they have the same touch navigation system as the iPod, this video mp3 player has something unique to offer. The Zune has a wireless synchronisation system, which can access the internet over wi-fi networks. It also comes with a built in FM tuner, for those of us who just want to listen to the radio every now and then. You can even import recorded TV shows via Microsoft's Windows Media Center for Vista. This time around, they're not holding back.

Please welcome the iPod Video Nano...

There's just something about the iPod nano that always makes me want to run out to the nearest electronics store and pick one up immediately. Perhaps it is the cool colours, or the look and feel of the device, but these little guys just seem to say "buy me." On a slightly less biased note, this video mp3 player offers up to 5 hours of uninterrupted TV, movies, music and video podcasts. It does not have the wireless capabilities of the Zune, but is offering an enhanced interface with a larger resolution (320x240) and a 65% brighter than before display screen. It even boasts to hold up to 7,000 pictures. iPod is definitely not fading out in the background with this device. Keeping the same great look and feel, they've merely enhanced certain elements and added some features.

So the major question in this article is -- Will Microsoft's Zune be a contender in the video mp3 player playing field or will the iPod nano prevail yet again? You decide.

Suggestions, Comments, Thoughts, Criticisms?

Website up and new contest in the works and we have to admit that things have been getting a little crazy here at 4Pixideal.ca. We're excited for what's coming up and we have a lot of really interesting and (we think) great ideas for the future, but more importantly...

What do you think?

We would love to know what you'd like to see up on 4Pixideal. Are there new gadgets you'd love to buy that you simply can't find here? Do you have suggestions on better models/makes that we don't currently offer? We'd love to know what about 4Pixideal you like and what you think we should tweak in order to make it more accessible to our customers. Leave us a comment here, or drop me an email at katie@pixideal.com and let me know what you think.

Win a Digital Frame Contest

We are giving away a Kodak digital frame monthly to the best digital picture taken and uploaded onto Pixilive. It's a great contest and there really is no catch, so send in your entries today. Send 'em in again tomorrow if you'd like. We don't have any limits on the amount of photos you can send, so get out your cameras and get snapping.

As always, any questions or comments can either be posted here or emailed to me at katie@pixideal.com. I answer all my emails, so don't hesistate. Just send! :)

Win a Free Digital Photo Frame!

Pixideal is holding a digital photography contest!

Digital cameras are everywhere. Why not use yours to win a free digital frame?

Display your pictures with style, class and a whole lot of fun with Kodak's Easyshare EX-811 digital picture frame. We're giving one away monthly to the BEST digital picture. If you think you've got what it takes to impress our panel of judges, submit your original digital photography TODAY!

How to Enter:

1) Go to Pixilive at http://www.pixilive.com/

2) Upload your original picture

3) Send the link (URL) of your picture as well as your full name to contests@pixideal.ca

4) Stay tuned! We'll announce the winner right here and by email on the 1st of the month

What You'll Win:

You will win a Kodak Easyshare EX-811 digital picture frame. This free digital frame is a great way to display your original digital photography to friends and family. A frame full of features: music, slide shows your way, thumbnails, copy, delete, and print. Set the mood with music—listen to your favorite MP3s with built-in speakers. Selectable viewing hours featuring automatic on/off settings.

Contest Rules:

1) You must be a Canadian citizen

2) All photos submitted must be original photos

3) You can enter as many times as you'd like

4) Your original picture must be hosted at Pixilive

5) All pictures must be G rated. No nude photos, pornography or violent photos will be accepted.

If you have access to a digital camera and can take a good picture, you can WIN a FREE digital frame, curtosy of Pixideal. 4Pixideal, for a good deal!

We look forward to seeing your amazing pictures! :)

Want to learn how to take a great picture? Tips on digital photography

Amazon to Rival iTunes for Downloaders

Just when you thought Amazon.com couldn't possibly sell MORE items, they've come up with a new way to get us to open our wallets and fork over some cash.

Say hello to Amazon MP3

Amazon has decided to sell legal music downloads, which will put it in direct competition with Apple's download software, iTunes. iTunes has held the monopoly on music downloads thanks to its association with the incredibly popular, iPod mp3 player. Amazon MP3, as the new Amazon.com Inc. division will be named, will offer a wide range of music priced from $0.89 to $0.99 per song. Amazon MP3 claims to offer the largest selection of music downloads, with over 2 million songs online ranging from songs from major labels to independent labels.

Users can download music onto any of the popular mp3 players including: iPods, Zunes and Zens, as well as other devices such as PC or Mac computers and cell phones. Users can organize music downloads using either Windows Media Player or iTunes and can burn music onto CDs.

What is drawing a lot of attention is Amazon MP3's choice to release their downloads in DRM-free MP3 format, running the risk of having unlocked tracks on iTunes. This move is being hailed by anti-DRM advocates. The RIAA must be having a hayday with this latest news.

Three cheers for cheaper tunes.

Now you can carry your pictures with you digitally

My mother adores pictures. What mother doesn’t? As for technology… well, she’s catching up, but isn’t quite there yet. I’ve been debating the idea of buying her something technologically savvy for her birthday, but also easy for her to use. With so many new technology gadgets on the market, it’s difficult to choose the one that would suit her best.

Enter the TAO digital keychain…



With digital cameras becoming more commonplace in homes around the world, digital frames are now rising in popularity across the world. Making it easy to view a large amount of pictures with little to no effort, digital frames are a great way to share a lot of special memories at once and in a subtle and aesthetically pleasing way. What’s great about digital frames is their ability to blend into the background of a room. Simply place them on a slideshow mode and they’ll display your pictures to whoever passes by. Many digital frames also have special features, such as allowing you to add music.

A digital keychain is a tiny digital frame that you can carry on your keys. With this great mini gadget, you’ll no longer have to remember to carry digital cameras with you in order to show friends and family your favourite moments. The TAO digital keychain comes in a variety of models and styles and can hold up to 56 digital photos depending on which model you select. Included with the keychain is user-friendly software available for Mac and PC as well as a standard AC adapter to recharge the device. The TAO 1.5-Inch Digital Keychain Frame has the following technical details:

• Holds up to 31 photos


• 1.5-inch OLED LCD screen


• 8MB internal memory


• PC/Mac compatible


• Rechargeable battery

While TAO does not hold the monopoly on the digital keychain, it is the highest ranked among its competitors and offers many models and styles for customers to select from. It appears to be the perfect gift for those who love pictures, but are not as technology inclined.

My boss has an iPhone and I don’t

I decided a long time ago that life is unfair. That may be a little on the drastic side, but this is an article about the iPhone and the fact that I still do not have one is making me drastic, but I digress…

Voila! The iPhone

On June 29, 2007, Apple launched their new smart phone, the iPhone, and marked yet another notch on their impressive belt of success. While the Apple Corporation has been in business for years, it is only with the release of new gadgets such as the iPod and now the iPhone, that they have finally driven their business to international fame and success. Apple’s success with their MP3 player and smart phone have come as a hit to Microsoft, whose MP3 player, the Zune, did not reach the success that they had expected. Today, Apple products have become a popular trend. Apple users band together and support the new technology they love.

The iPhone’s user-friendly functionality and sleek interface has made it an instant success among Apple addicts and those who love new technology. Comprised of a liquid crystal display touch screen and an overwhelming amount of features, the iPhone is a perfect gadget for those who are constantly on the go. It is easy to use and looks great.

The iPhone is a phone, a camera, a multimedia device, and a mini internet ready computer… it even plays games!

Smart phones have made life easier and the iPhone is no exception. Its wide range of features allows users to access all forms of technology in one simple device:

- Check your email from anywhere
- Make important phone calls
- Visit websites
- Play music
- Take pictures
- Send text messages
- Download ringtones
- Play games

What makes the iPhone a trendy gadget in the world of new technology is its sleek liquid crystal display touch screen. Rather than searching through endless menus to find what you need, the iPhone users can simply touch the image of the item they want to open and it opens. The large screen is easy to read and shows images with a high resolution, clear display. Turning the iPhone to a horizontal position moves the image that is open on the display to a horizontal position as well. This feature makes it easier to see certain images on a larger scale.

"iPhone – Exclusively from AT&T and Apple”

While Apple is in discussion concerning the possibility of releasing the iPhone to more cell phone service providers, AT&T remains their original choice and currently holds the monopoly over the smart phone’s service. AT&T boasts that this decision is supposed to allow for “seamless integration between network and device”, but it is difficult not to assume that more than half the reason was to drive users to choose AT&T as their service provider. AT&T is also supposed to have the best network in the United States, offering a broader range of cell phone reception than its competition.

Why not Canada?

It seems as though Canada’s lack of population has limited our abilities in the cell phone world. We have fewer options than the United States and even fewer than Great Britain. Currently the iPhone is not available in Canada, although we should get it eventually. In Canada, patience is a virtue.

As my boss continues to show off his impressive phone to all of us here at Pixideal, I will try to remain patient. The iPhone’s popularity is definitely not diminishing and so, eventually, I’ll be able to get one of my own. Maybe then, I can be the cool one.

Another spy gadget for James Bond's arsenal

James Bond would be envious of the new, world's smallest spy camcorder...

It's called the PI-Camcorder TinyTek Stick and it is so small that it fits inside an empty pack of gum. In a world where smaller is better, this digital camcorder is receiving a lot of buzz for being the new smallest digital camcorder in the world. Easy to throw in your bag or pocket and virtually undetectable, this ultra-tiny digital camcorder makes filming unknowing friends and family fun. No one will know that you are filming them, making this digital camcorder truly a spy gadget that even the pros would benefit from.

Remember all those hidden camera shows from the nineties? Now you can have your own hidden camera show anywhere you want. Who knows what great information you can gain, all without the knowledge of the subjects you’re filming. While most digital camcorders are too large to subtly film anyone, anywhere, this spy gadget takes away the threat of being caught.

Simply press the “Record/Stop” button to get this spy gadget going and it will subtly flash green to let you know it is recording. Record up to 33 hours of video on a 1Gb Micro SD card. The pinpoint hidden camera lens is next to impossible to see, but records a high quality digital video. This spy gadget includes a USB driven battery charger, allowing for an easy recharge. You can even send the video files to your cell phone or PDA.

Currently costing $395.00, the PI-Camcorder TinyTek Stick is expensive, but as far as spy gadgets go, not as expensive as it could be.

Three Cheers for Solar Technology

There are a lot of cool gadgets out there today. From digital cameras and camcorders to digital frames and MP3 players, today’s technological gadgets have really developed over the last twenty years. These gadgets are becoming more and more commonplace in our lives and the cost is definitely dropping. The mass majority of North Americas own a variety of gadgets that they use at home and on the go and we have all come to rely on the new technology of the 2000s. What is interesting to note is the new rise in solar technology and a thought-pattern of going green.

As our planet continues to face global warming, pollution and energy-waste, more gadget-makers and distributors are exploring using alternate power sources for their gadgets. Aside from hybrid cars and solar panels for rooftops, new gift ideas and unique items are starting to surface around the world that also have the “going green” focus. One such item, called the Sun Jar, is a simple lamp that soaks up the solar energy throughout the day and uses this solar technology to glow at night. A great way to teach kids about solar technology, the Sun Jar is a wonderful example of a movement towards positive change in the world of gadgets.

The Solar Tent is yet another interesting example of merging technology and nature together. It is equipped with a 7-inch solar panel designed to capture sunlight to power the interior LED lights and charges your batteries. Family fun that doesn’t wreck the environment is always a great thing.

While I am no way suggesting we toss our gadgets off a cliff because of their battery operated-ness, there is something to be said about checking out some new products that actually benefit the environment, while at the same time being cool and trendy. Going green can be a lot of fun in the gadget world as more and more interesting items surface on the market.

MP3 = Music on the Move

Wait a minute -- does everyone have an iPod?

I remember being ten years old and getting a Sony Walkman for my birthday. Remember those? I thought it was just about the coolest thing ever… that is until the Discman came out and all my tapes started converting into CDs. Nowadays, I sport my video iPod, which I’ve convinced myself that I “need” for my thirty minute train ride into work. I have to admit, I love using it and it was a good investment. Whether it’s checking the time, watching a TV show or movie, or simply listening to music, the video iPod is one of those all-around useful gadgets. It makes the train ride zoom by.

MP3 players like the iPod, Creative Zen, Sandisk and Sony are all competing to make our life a little more enjoyable. Instead of staring off into space while we are stuck on public transit or working out at the gym, we can be entertained. Longer battery life and new features like video capabilities and car adapters have made owning a MP3 player similar to having your own portable entertainment system in your pocket. More than that, they’ve also become a lifestyle in themselves. It’s trendy to have a MP3 player, and all of us who held off for a bit will admit to being jealous when all the “cool kids” had one and we didn’t.

The vast selection of iPod accessories only serves to prove the immense popularity the gadget has risen to. iPod headphones, protective covers, speakers, splitters, voice recorders, car adapters and more are sold every day en mass. While other MP3 players, such as the Creative Zen may even be more user-friendly, cost-efficient and powerful, the iPod remains the trendy MP3 player of choice. It’s variety of colours and sizes appeals to its target market of teenagers and young professionals. What started off as a niche market has quickly grown into an empire. Apple’s extensive advertising campaigns have been immensely successful and it shows.

MP3 players, which used to simply play music, are now being incorporated into many cell phones. These “smart phones” allow you to call your friends, check the time, listen to music and video, surf the web and much more. The only question that remains is how did we ever get along without these gadgets?

Today the average price of an MP3 player starts at around $40.00 and continues upwards the more bells and whistles you want to add. It’s always a good idea to browse around before settling on a choice as each brand and model offer different options. Check out http://www.pixideal.ca/ for great deals on MP3 players.

From Polaroid Popularity to Digital Simplicity

“Why can’t I see them now?” Jennifer asked her father, Edwin Land.

This simple question spawned the creation of the Polaroid Company and the development of instant photography. Prior to Edwin Land’s creation of the first commercial instant camera in 1947, photography had been a hobby reserved solely for photographers. For the everyday person, photography was expensive and time consuming, but that would change drastically.

If Edwin Land were still alive today chances are he would be thrilled to see the lengths his concept of “instant photography” has reached. Digital cameras, especially the Digital SLR's like Nikon’s D40 have made even the most photography inept person into a professional. It’s never been easier to take awe-inspiring shots. It’s even possible to delete the ones that don’t come out too well, without having to spend a penny for development. Yes, life has certainly changed.

Back in 1947, Land released the Land Camera in order to make photography accessible for everyone. The Land Camera provided its user with instant pictures and cut out the time consuming and expensive trip to the development center. In a flash, North America became photographers. The Polaroid craze spread throughout the continent. These portable and user-friendly devices captured smiling faces at birthday parties, family vacations and holiday get-togethers. By the mid-eighties most families in North America owned at least one camera and a pile of photo albums marking all the important highlights of a person’s life were commonplace in every home.

These days it’s even easier to take great pictures. With digital camera prices becoming more and more reasonable, it’s no surprise that North Americans are going photo crazy. Although Polaroid cameras offered the simplicity of having tangible prints of your photos almost immediately after you click the button, digital photos can be manipulated, used online and even printed either at the local Wal-mart photo center or at home on a personal photo printer. The options are truly endless. I’d like to think that Edwin Land would be proud of the strides we’ve made in making photography cost-efficient, easy and a whole lot of fun. He could finally say, “You can see them right now, Jennifer.”

While SLR digital cameras like the Nikon 40 range in cost from $600.00-$1000.00, more basic digital cameras can be purchased for as little as $99.00 and most are even small enough to fit in your pocket.

Unfortunately the Land Camera is a thing of the past, but with prices continuing to drop and quality on the rise, right now is a perfect time to find the best digital camera for your needs and get those professional quality photos you’ll love for a lifetime.