TechNTools

It's best to explain what Apple's iPad is but identifying what its not.  It's not a netbook replacement since it doesn't have a...

• USB Port
• Camera
• Keyboard
• 16:9 HD Screen
• Adobe Flash

It's not even a tablet since it doesn't have handwriting recognition using a stylus.

What it looks to be is a great "content" device. I like to read a lot of online magazines and this seems like a good form factor.  The iPad should also add the functionality of watching video and listening to audio embedded directly into content.

This is the killer use for the device and since I don't yet own a Kindle, may still find it's way into my wishlist for 2010.

 

The 2010 Consumer Electronics Show just wrapped up this past weekend.  There were some very innovative new products and here's my list of gadgets to watch.

 

 The Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid is the one most people agree is the best gadget of CES.  Personally I've been looking for a laptop with a swivel screen that converts to a Tablet PC.  The removable screen of the U1 Hybrid is interesting but I'll actually buy the IdeaPad S10-3 when it hits the market.

 

 The Eye-Fi Pro basically gives the photographer an endless supply of space to take photos.  As you shoot photographs your pictures are automatically uploaded to your favorite online image site over a wi-fi connection.  Now if only this technology would work with legacy cameras I'd give it a go.

 

 The last item that caught my eye was the enTourage eDGe.  It claims to be the world's first Dualbook!  One side of the gadget is an e-reader while the other is a netbook.  What makes this attractive is the $499 price point.  Now we just have to wait for Amazon and Barnes & Noble to open up their bookstores and we'll be good to go.

Lastly why all the coverage for 3D television?  Didn't we all just upgrade our 20 year old televisions to HDTV's?  This looks like a play from the motion picture studios to combat movie pirates who record movies to their video cameras while in a theater.  Personally after spending thousands of dollars back in the day for Lasik surgery to avoid wearing glasses, I predict a 0% chance of this becoming a reality.