Technology
Ring in the New
Celebrate the latest innovations without breaking your spending resolutions.
January 03, 2012
Samsung WiFi-Only Series 5 Chromebook
Just in time to kick off the new year in an affordable fashion (and perfect for a belated holiday gift), mobile computing titan Samsung introduces its latest Chromebook. Based on Google’s Chrome operating system, it’s designed to provide a faster, simpler and more secure computing experience. Automatic software updates, coupled with Samsung’s sleek, industry-leading design aesthetic, make this a computer that gets better with time. The new Chromebook, available in shiny Piano Black, features an oversized multitouch track pad, a 12.1-inch SuperBright Display (36 percent brighter than standard displays) and an eight-second start-up. $349. www.samsung.com
Lenovo IdeaPad Tablet A1
This new, ultra-affordable tablet demonstrates that great things do indeed come in small packages. Measuring 7 inches and weighing less than a pound, it comes loaded out of the box with apps from Documents to Go, Adobe, eBuddy, Kindle, mSpot and others. Enjoy videos and movies on the go and in vibrant clarity with its 1024 x 600 resolution LED screen. With an integrated camera you can capture moments in still photographs or video or speak face to face with colleagues, friends and family with Skype and other popular VoIP programs. And surfing the Web is a breeze, thanks to the built-in Adobe Flash Player 10.2. The Android-powered tablet provides access to hundreds of thousands of apps in Android Market, as well as apps tested for the Lenovo device in the Lenovo App Shop. Furthermore, its unique off-line GPS navigation technology lets you get to where you’re going faster by connecting directly to a satellite, regardless of an Internet connection. Available in black, white, pink or blue. $229. www.lenovo.com
Verbatim Wireless Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard
This brand-spanking-new wireless keyboard is designed to work with any Bluetooth-enabled iPhone, iPad, iPad 2 and Android tablet device with HID keyboard support, such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Motorola Xoom. Ultra-compact and foldable for maximum portability, its enhanced Bluetooth capability allows you to pair it with up to six devices at one time. A built-in media console lets you play, pause and control your digital music with the touch of a button. It also includes new smart keys for added convenience on Apple iOS devices, including “cut,” “copy,” “paste” and “undo.” The keyboard also boasts a bonus iPhone stand that lets you place the phone in a convenient viewing position while you type. When not in use, the stand slides into the keyboard body for easy storage and protection. Powered by two AAA batteries (included). $79.99. www.verbatim.com
Lorex Live Connect
The latest innovation in plug-and-play home security video monitors, the Lorex Live Connect is an easy-to-use portable monitor that features remote viewing over the Internet using Skype, so you can access the camera anywhere in the world. This breakthrough product is the first of its kind to carry the Plugged Into Skype designation — when plugged into your home router, it automatically connects to the Skype server, so there’s no need to leave your local computer on or have Skype running in order to access your camera from another location. Simply log in to Skype and place a free call to the camera, just as you would connect to another Skype user. You can connect via Skype from a PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPad 2. At home, the Live Connect system includes a convenient handheld monitor; use it to take snapshots and record video which can then be copied to a computer and shared through social networking. Video and audio transmission between the camera and handheld monitor is private, secure and will not conflict with other household wireless devices. $399.99. www.lorextechnology.com
