Top 5 Must-Have Gadgets

Chuck — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 23:03:00 -0400

The good folks at CNET published this top 5 must-have gadgets video a few weeks ago. CNET’s top 5 must-have gadgets are:

I agree with some of the items on this list, but if you’ll indulge me, here’s my top 5 must-have tech toys.

I would move the Slingbox to the top of the must-have list. If you aren’t familiar with the Slingbox, take a look at Slingbox Review - Are you slinging? Last week, Sling Media released a couple of new Slingboxes. The new models supposedly offer a 300% improvement in performance over the current Slingbox. Still, the limiting factor in remote video quality is your high speed internet (HSI) upload speed. If you plan on remotely watching low-action video (regular TV shows), then the current Slingbox maybe a good value as the price continues to drop. However, if you mainly watch high-action/sports programming, the Slingbox Pro and upgrading your HSI upload speed is the way to go.

The next item on the list is for high definition (HD) fanatics. The Tivo Series3 (S3) can now record HD programming. As you can see in this entry, Tivo Series3 - Is it worth $800?, I’m waiting for the price to come down but the S3 is an HD lovers dream come true.

I really like the Motorola Q as seen in my Moto Q post. However, it doesn’t belong on the top of the must-have list because it’s only offered by Verizon. Other providers will be offering competing products, such as the Samsung SGH-i607 thru Cingular shortly.

Number four on my list is a niche product for avid cyclist. The Garmin Edge 305 offers GPS, a heart rate monitor, an altimeter, a cadence sensor, a customizable display and a personal trainer (pace yourself with a pre-loaded route or a previously ridden one). Here is an excellent, in-depth Garmin Edge 305 review from pocketgpsworld.com. The Edge 305 is a great training tool, which can turn that everyday ride exciting again, as you race yourself on your route.

If I’m going to put an MP3 player on the must-have list, then it has to be the new iPod Shuffle (the old shuffle image may still appear). When my 1st generation shuffle died on me, I wrote iPod Shuffle Why Have You Forsaken Me? I’m extremely happy that the 2nd Gen Shuffle is coming out on October 31st. I have already pre-ordered it. If you want a display on your MP3 player, then you are going to hate the iPod Shuffle. However, if you want the smallest, almost weightless (0.55 oz) MP3 player that will be used in shuffle mode while exercising, this is the perfect player. And it costs less than $80. It shouldn’t be your primary MP3 player, but your workout companion!

So that’s my top 5 must-have gadgets, what’s yours?

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Top 5 Must-Have Gadgets