Feature Article

Electronic gadgets have, over the past couple of decades, moved from the gutters of geekdom to a position of cutting-edge coolness. Technological evolution has revolutionized many aspects of our existence, and promises abound for further advances. Good technology makes life easier and more enjoyable. So what could make a better holiday gift or means of executing a New Year’s resolution than new tools of technology? eGadgets promise convenient fun. (But then, is there really any other kind?) And, after all, tech goodies are much better than exercise equipment for a forgotten-by-Valentine’s-Day resolution to shape up.

The three main categories for eGadgets are computers, communications and cameras. These overlap—or at least connect—of course. One of the main purposes of technological gizmos is to link our lives together through various mediums.

COMPUTERS

The basic unit of technology these days, the pivot around which most other devices revolve, the computer is at the very heart of technological tools.  Through masterful evolution, the size of the computer has shrunk while its capabilities have grown. No longer do the behemoths of the 1980s (and even 1990s) dominate our desktops. Today’s models are sleek, stylish and loaded with more power than the room-sized computing machines of decades past.

Options abound, but the most basic (yet often challenging) choice is: desktop or laptop? Or—as many shoppers may see it—value-packed, sensible sedan or sleek, sexy sports car?

Desktops

With desktops, you are assured more bang for your buck. But, beyond budget, consider your needs. Flashy models are definitely available (avg. $5000), but scaling back a bit makes sense for most people.  The average computer user upgrades every three years, so—just think—what was top-of-the-line technology just a few months ago is bound to be affordable today. Sensible shopping will leave you much better off from both an electronic and an economic standpoint.

So, if you’d rather not pay used-car prices for a new computer, consider mid-to-upper-class models from such reliables as Dell, Gateway, HP and Sony. For around $1500, you’ll be able to perk up your desktop with, well, a new desktop.

Laptops

If being tied to a desk to do your computing just isn’t for you, you probably favor laptops. (Also known as notebooks, if you prefer—although weighing in at 3-8 pounds, most average more bulk than school notebooks of even the most studious of students.)

The sturdiest, most serious new notebooks are viable desktop replacements, offering almost as much power and technical prowess as their larger stationary counterparts, along with the added bonus of portability.

There is, of course, a trade-off: bulk with brains or sleek and scaled back? No laptop yet packs all the punch possible into a featherweight case. The most popular notebook with business travelers, who truly need a toteable workstation, remains midsize, midprice models.

Firewalls

Whatever your choice of computer, if you plan to enable it for Internet endeavors through DSL or a cable-modem connection, you’ll want to protect your new investment—and everything you plan to store in it—with a digital security system. This way, would-be hackers won’t be able to gain an all-access pass to your personal information via your Internet connection.

There are a few options in security devices. Microsoft’s Windows XP comes with a built-in firewall. Useful, provided you remember to turn it on. This operating system inclusion is far from foolproof, however. The best choice for home computer security is a firewall from a respected software company such as Norton or Sygate.

COMMUNICATIONS

The point of technology, in one form or fashion, is ultimately to communicate. Whether we are reading or writing text, composing music or creating art, almost everything we use our eGadgets for is eventually about sharing our ideas with others. Or we may choose to simply partake in the ideas of others by perusing the vast amounts of information available on the Web.

Cell Phones

If the computer is at the heart of today’s advances in technology, the cell phone surely occupies the lungs, breathing life and luster into on-the-go communication.

With a myriad of options available in the wireless marketplace, untangling the options can seem daunting. Which company? How many minutes? Color screen or basic black and white? Internet- or text-capable? Photo-enabled?

The key to getting the best deal is to shop for a network first; the actual phone is secondary. Find a company with service that provides good coverage in your area. With six major providers battling for U.S. marketshare alone, you’re sure to find a winner no matter where you live. Once your service is secured, getting a phone with the gizmos you want will be much less taxing.

PDAs & Hybrids

Replacing the to-do list (and a host of other organizational tools) for many in recent years, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) have come a long way. Many economy models now include features like e-mail, video games, expense accounting, photo editing and even double as a personal stereo.

Some of the most interesting handhelds to emerge are actually computer-phone hybrids, merging the capabilities of the PDA with the convenience of the cell phone. Need to send e-mail or instant messages from your cell phone? Not a problem. Want to use the same device for surfing the Web, playing tunes and chatting? Completely do-able, if you have a hybrid. Popular models include T-Mobile’s Sidekick, Handspring’s Treo 330 and Toshiba’s e740.

Keep in mind, though, that packing all of these features into one little package invariably leads to trade-offs. Each one on the market today falls short of the device’s potential. The new hybrids pack a lot of punch, but at a price.

CAMERAS

The Information Age may be largely powered by words, but a picture is still worth a thousand of them. Whether you plan to purchase a digital camera to replace your traditional one or simply to share your Kodak moments via e-mail, getting the right camera will make the experience much more enjoyable.

The three most important considerations for digital camera evaluation are megapixels, memory and usability. The number of megapixels will determine how large and crisp your photos can be. The amount of memory will determine how many images your camera can store. And usability, of course, refers to how intuitive the camera’s features are and how simple it is to operate. (Obviously, you could read the user’s manual to determine how to work your new toy, but who wants to do that?)

Popular models this season are the Canon PowerShot S330 Digital ELPH and the Minolta Dimage X. Both retail for around $399 and offer about 2 megapixels.

Wi-Fi

One final fantastic eGadget that you may want to add to your holiday shopping list—particularly if you already own most of the aforementioned items—is Wi-Fi. By enabling you to wirelessly network your electronic gadgets, Wi-Fi allows you to “tie it all together,” minus the obtrusive cables and cords. The market leader to hook you up, wirelessly, is Linksys.

No matter what eGadget is on your wish list, finding your dream model doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Just remember: Don’t over-buy. Choose the right tools for the job, and you’ll have all that you need—and not a lot of useless extra stuff that you don’t. After all, you probably don’t have a turbo-charged street machine for the daily commute, so why employ a warp-speed wonder for puttering around with your computer or camera?

Oh, and if you’re still not sure if eGads are worth including in your holiday plans or resolutions for next year…hey, there’s always exercise equipment.

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