Peapod. The MP3 Player for Babies
It’s somewhat of a great marketing strategy for the digital music industry.   Get them hooked while they are still in diapers.
When Urban Thought told me about Peapod, the MP3 player for babies, I wasn’t surprised. Kids today are now playing with cell phones, iPods, digital camera and laptops. Just over 7 years ago it wasn’t like that. Time sure has changed. Elementary kids today are constantly bothering their parents for the latest gizmos and gadgets.Â
The Peapod is set to be released this spring. It’s the first sign that cell phones for babies are not that far away. On the bright side, researches say that if you allow your baby to listen to classical music during their infant stage, they are likely to become smarter. Like Urban Thought says, hopefully this gadget is safe as they claim to be.
It’s Coming: BlackBerry 8800 Smartphone
It’s a worthy successor to the Blackberry Pearl. It’s scheduled to be released on February 21, 2007. Rim finally got it right with its latest berry version. It’s a powerful smartphone with first-class phone capabilities such noise cancellation, voice recognition and a very intuitive call management functions.
Get up close and personal with the BlackBerry 8800. It’s sleek design and light weight makes this one a winner in my books.Â
Palm Treo 700wx vs. 700p. Which one to get?
When my Blackberry 7750 got classified as vintage mobile technology, I began my search for a new mobile device that will meet my personal and business needs, a device that may be considered top of the line for the next two years.
I decided to check out the Palm devices. Thankfully TELUS, my service provider carries these devices. They have the Palm 700p and the Palm 700wx. What’s the difference you ask? That’s what I wanted to know too! The 700p runs using the Palm OS, an upgrade to the ever popular 650 model. The 700wx runs using Windows Mobile OS.
Before I begin my review I’d like to note that I will not get into the details of the device as you can find the full specs on the Palm website. I also want to make a note that I personally tried both versions because of the 30 day exchange policy with TELUS.
I started off with the Windows version and I immediately fell in love with it. At first I was a little worried about the transition from a Blackberry to a Palm. But the windows version really made it easy to use, due to the windows interface which most of us are familiar with.
Both models come with EvDO technology which makes browsing the net fast, similar to that of DSL or High Speed, up to 600 kpbs. Both can be use as a modem for your laptop. The email application on the 700wx version is perfect if you are using MS Outlook as your main email program. Synching your contacts, calendars, and task are easy as 123 using the active sync software. Unfortunately I use Lotus Notes, so if you are using another email program to hold all your information; you may be required to purchase third party software to sync your data.Â
The one feature I really like about the 700wx is the pocket msn, which enables you to directly connect to your hotmail or msn messenger. It also comes with pocket windows media player as your media device. I find this better than the pTunes which comes with the Palm 700p. Another feature that the 700wx version has that out does the 700p is the voice command, having a voice read out my appointments gives me the ability to never miss an appointment or a meeting.
Like most products there are cons, the 700wx only has a 240 x 240 screen size and lower resolution vs. the 700p, which has 320 x 320 and higher resolution. I also find that the chatter for the 700p amazing, it keeps records of all your text messaging making it seem like a chat session.
After trying out both devices, I ended up with the 700wx version, despite needing to purchase third party software to sync my data I find this version to look better, the today screen can be personalized to your own liking. There are also more features than the 700p, like games and IE. Don’t get me wrong there are those who actually prefer the 700p, but many of those users are 650 Palm users so they are naturally comfortable with the Palm OS version.
So there you have it. After all the trouble of trying both devices and finally making a decision on which one to use, I was pretty disappointed when I read the press release of the preview on the iPhone. Damn you technology, why do you move so fast?
Microsoft Zune is no match for the Apple iPod
Apple’s iPod has dominated the digital music player since it was first introduced in October 2001; they currently have a hold of about 77% of the market share. With Microsoft getting ready to release their version called Zune, most says that it will not make a dent on the iPod and its market domination.
Microsoft Zune has features that can’t be found on the iPod such as wireless connection for easy music sharing or an FM radio, even with these features analyst says it is not compelling enough for most digital music buyers.
iPod’s success also has to do with its direct relationship with iTunes. iTunes recently enable the ability to purchase not only music videos, but also movies and television shows.
I’m a proud user of the Apple iPod for a few years now. If you haven’t jump the band wagon yet, make sure you pick up an iPod today. (You’re welcome Apple)
Sony’s Vaio SZ Series Notebook - My Product Review
After a month of using Sony’s VGNSZ360 PC Vaio SZ Series Notebook, I can’t help but do a product review. Here are my thoughts. (Note: I am not a techi)
Performance: High performance, system-efficiency, multiple intensive programs. The Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor gives you unprecedented levels of multitasking performance, all this using only 28% less power. What ever that means, just as long as my computer doesn’t freeze, crash, or take long to load, its all good.
Look/Design: Attractive and modern design. It’s just under 1 inch thick and less than 4 lbs, makes traveling light. The casing is carbon fiber-clad that gives it that sophisticated look, without losing it’s masculinity. It includes a 13.3†Widescreen XBRITE LCD, which is designed for maximize viewing. It has an anti-reflective coating that allows you to enjoy beautiful clear images from any angle. I no longer have to carry a brick around and when I pull this lap top out I get the “Ooohhh… Aaaahhhh†sounds from people and not the “Eeeewwwâ€.
It also includes features such as integrated camera and microphone for easy web conferencing without the messy look of a webcam. G Sensor Shock Protection gives me the opportunity to throw it around and not worry about my hardware getting damage. (j/k I don’t throw it around, but you get my point). It also includes many features that I will not list, you can view the product’s features by visiting Sony.
My favorite feature of this awesome notebook is the Biometric Finger Print Sensor. This technology gives me the peace of mind that my files will be safe. Unless of course someone else has the same finger print as me.
Although I think highly of the Sony VGZ SZ Series, I can’t help but make one negative comment. The battery! It’s advertise for up to 6 hours of battery life. It is far from that, unless of course you are only using Microsoft Word for 6 hours than that I can see lasting. But if you’re like me who multi task between various programs, than your lucky if you can stretch it up to 3 hours. I recommend that if you are going to purchase one to make sure you get the extended battery. To sum it all up, this is a good notebook, that is reliable, portable, and it looks good. I give it 8.5 out of 10.
MySpace vs. Apple - Huh?
It looks like MySpace is once again, going to try and eat another piece of the pie, and not just the social network pie, but also the digital music pie. MySpace being the hottest social network online, with over 100 million users will soon introduce MyStore.
MySpace has partnered up with SNOCAP to develop an easy to use tool to sell and purchase songs online, which can be used not just within MySpace, but also on any other sites, blogs and even emails.
What’s next MySpace? You’ll open up your own online auction? What are you going to call it MyBay? lol…
Although MySpace has a large audience, I personally don’t think it will steal market share from Apple iTunes, because of it’s close relationship with its iPod. But we will see how it plays out. Hopefully with the upcoming new release of Apple products, they will win back some brownie points.