Call me a gadget head or a techie, but I love electronics!
Each year, I buy the latest and greatest electro-innovations in an ongoing attempt to leverage high tech into a happier and more productive life. Each year, a few gadgets rise to the top of my tool kit, and likely they would work for you too.
1. Flip Mino HD - Hands down, this is the greatest video camera innovation since the original handicam. In a package the size of an iPod, you get full screen quality HD (MP4) video that's as easy to publish as buying it on Amazon. This is a design victory, where the software lives on the camera - making it plug and share. Check out this video I shot at Farmer's Market. NOTE: MacBook Pro users should buy the Ultra HD instead, because it's USB output fits correctly.
2. Steam Bug Travel Iron - For years, I've been loyal to a Sunbeam steamer to bring dress shirts and some suits back to life on the road. Sure beats the shower steaming approach at hotels. But there's always too much water coming out, etc, with the Sunbeam. I dare not use the iron in the hotel room, as I've had bad experiences with water crud, stains, burned clothes in the past. The Steam Bug is a Brookstone invention that gets out the wrinkles with modest (dry) steam. The only thing is that you have to use it horizontally (it turns off when vertical). But in the end, it's the best solution for me.
3. My iPhone - Eventually, the smart phone will subsume every incremental device I use (except one's for cooking, cleaning, etc.). It's a gadget killer for sure. When people see my iPhone, they often ask me, "what's your favorite app?" Usually, I tell them about my Guitar Tools app (only 9.99) that eliminated my need for a guitar tuner, metronome and chord chart. I have other gadgets on the phone too: Converter, GPSish map function, and of course games. I sold my PSP recently, why have it now? Eventually, the camera and video camera functions will be good enough for me -- eliminating those gadgets from my life too. For decades I believed that the only truly integrated device that works is the toaster-oven. I stand corrected.
Tim, those are great picks.
But what are your top 3 web applications/services that you have most enjoyed from 2009?
Thanks, Ryan
Posted by: Ryan Dawidjan | January 01, 2010 at 07:28 PM
Have to agree about the Flip camera. Amazon had them below invoice too. Pretty cool.
Posted by: John M | January 01, 2010 at 05:52 PM