Looking back on a vibrant and energizing 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show that seemed to belie the world's economic malaise, here is one observer's view of some gems that made the show earlier this month sparkle. They come in all sizes and prices, linked by streamlined design and Internet connectivity.
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The new world of electronic entertainment and instant communication puts the user -- you, and your imagination -- at its dynamic epicenter. Some items here are sure to ring your bell. Every one of them rang mine.
This is electronic cool, times 10.
Sony Cyber-Shot Wi-Fi Camera (Model DSC-G3, $499)
The Web-connected camera is hardly a new concept, but Sony's slick Cyber-Shot raises the bar in combining image quality with easy connectivity. This is not a camera phone. The Cyber-Shot lets you shoot great-looking pictures or short videos (10 megapixels), then go to any wi-fi hot spot and upload to popular sharing sites like YouTube and Photobucket. Just like that, in the moment, friends and family can share your experiences. Available now.
Nyko Wand for Nintendo Wii ($40)
Among the many new gadgets keyed to the popular Nintendo Wii video game system is the Nyko Wand. An alternative to the Wii remote controller, the Wand includes vibration features for enhanced realism. The Wand locks into Nyko attachments such as a pistol that substitutes a trigger for the B (or action) Button and can provide full-force recoil, making the Wii games even more physical. Nyko says the Wand and pistol, as well as a keyboard, will hit stores this spring.
Pogoplug ($99)
If you have photos or information stashed on memory sticks or external hard-drives at home, and you want to be able to see them no matter where you are, then Pogoplug's a terrific option. Plug any USB drive into the chunky Pogoplug and connect it to your home's Internet router. Pogoplug does the rest, creating a personal Web site and making all the contents downloadable. You can share the Web address with friends, but you keep greater control over changing and removing files than either Flicker or YouTube allows. Due in February.
HP Touchsmart desktop PC (Model IQ508, $1,200)
If you're a PC user with Mac envy, this is a computer that you and your whole family will love. HP Touchsmart technology, previously offered in a laptop, now appears in this statement piece with fingertip features similar to iPhones, such as tap, pinch, flick and rotate. Just touch icons on the 22-inch screen and a world of info and entertainment pops into view. The slim, stylish unit includes a Webcam. Available now.
Pioneer VSX-819H audio-video receiver ($300)
This high-def entertainment control center is not your father's receiver. Pioneer's digital-age rethinking of the receiver, as the system power and switching hub, provides TV screen interfaces for iPods, iPhones and Sirius satellite radio, not to mention Blu-ray and HD picture and sound compatibility and multiple inputs for all your game consoles, cameras and other handheld devices. And it comes at a budget-conscious price. Available this spring.
Asus Model Eee PC T91 multitouch convertible tablet PC ($500)
Asus has developed a reputation for super-cheap portable "netbooks" for young adults who don't want to sink a lot of money into software and storage. But the newest model transcends this barebones image with a nifty touchscreen that completely swivels to convert itself into a tablet format, for watching TV with its built-in tuner, playing video games or enabling its built-in GPS capability for navigation on the move. At 2 pounds, and 1-inch thick, it's pretty cool field gear. Available in the spring.
MB Quart Television Mirror ($2,599 and up)
Here's a high wow-factor conversation piece for the master bath that you can install yourself, if you're handy. It's an on-wall mirror just 1-inch thick with a built-in 17-inch LCD television that literally vanishes behind the glass when you turn it off. Now you can wash your face and watch the news -- or the big game or a movie on DVD -- at the same time. Then click, poof, and there's no hint of a TV screen. Mirrors range upward in size from 24-by-36 inches. Available now.
Eton FR500 Solar Link ($100)
Let's say you're hiking deep in the outback when your cell phone battery -- or worse, your iPod power -- expires. No worries. You can recharge both off Eton's multi-purpose, solar-powered FR500 flashlight-multiband radio and weather station. The funky Solar Link, which won a CES Innovations award for its eco-friendliness, is part of Eton's Red Cross series of safety products. Oh, did I mention it also can be powered with a hand crank? Also operates on batteries and AC. Available now.
LG BD390 Blu-ray DVD player ($400)
Now that Blu-ray has won the high-def DVD battle, we're sure to see rapid development of new feature-laden models as well as tumbling prices. LG's Web-connected player lets you stream content wirelessly to your television from Netflix, YouTube and CinemaNow. It has 1GB of onboard memory to accommodate the streaming features and offers 7.1-channel surround sound. The BD390 is expected in stores by late spring.
Samsung HT-BD8200 Home Theater Sound Bar (price not set)
Touted as the first home theater sound bar with a Blu-ray DVD player, discreetly mounted at the center. Samsung's virtual surround system is wall-mountable to free up floor and shelf space. This sleek unit is also just 2.6 inches deep. Don't worry about missing that visceral connection to films that go boom in the night: The Sound Bar comes with its own wireless subwoofer. But should the sound become suddenly too loud, Samsung's Smart Volume control automatically corrects the level. Coming in late spring.
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BY Lawrence B. Johnson / Special to The Detroit News
Source：detnews.com
Lawrence B. Johnson is a Detroit-based technology writer. You can reach him at lawrencebj@gmail.com.
© Copyright 2009 The Detroit News. All rights reserved.
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