While the overview article for this feature focused on CIOs? Christmas Technology Wish List, this part of the feature covers my Technology Wish List. Yup, this is where I get to take a look at a whole lot of funky kit, and pick and choose what I would like to see in my stocking this December.
Please bear in mind that I am not a techie, and the products have been chosen on the basis of how cool I think they are, and how applicable they are in today?s environment, i.e. my life, and an average day in it, and how relevant they are to today?s users.
The first item on my list is not something that I would actually use. Those of you reading this, however, probably will, and I think it is cool, so here goes.
1. Digital IP surveillance
Available in South Africa from The Surveillance Factory, which specializes in designing, implementing and managing remote monitoring and security surveillance solutions, which operate on IP networks. Basically, this is a CCTV system that uses Web cams and runs over your IP network.
Why it is cool: Makes use of open standard protocols and networks for communication, allows real-time access to images or data, images are stored on hard disks, the solutions utilize advanced surveillance tools such as, wireless cameras, remote monitoring, automatic notification alarms (SMS, e-mail), analogue-to-digital converters and archiving and permit remote access to the camera infrastructure from anywhere.
Contact: The Surveillance Factory -- http://www.sfactory.co.za.
2. Iomega Micro Mini 128MB USB 2.0 drive
Iomega Corp."s Micro Mini 128MB USB 2.0 Drive is available in SA for R299 (US$50), including VAT. It is a super-compact flash memory stick. Users can transfer files at a speed of up to 8MBps (read speed), making it more practical to manage presentations, photographs, graphics, music, videos or even homework. Lightweight at only 0.3 ounces (9 grams), the Iomega Micro Mini USB 2.0 drive fits in the smallest places, and includes three snap-on caps in three different colors, and a keychain. Naturally I like it because of the color options.
Contact: Digital Planet, Storgate Africa or Datashuttle.
3. D-link wireless media player DSM 320
The DSM 320 is a wireless multimedia storage device which allows wireless data to be streamed from a PC to a TV. This allows users to store multimedia files in one central place. The device also allows users to view multimedia files, like digital photos, video clips and graphics through the TV, and it plays music or MP3 files through the DVD and sound system. The DSM 320 supports 802.11g wireless standards with transfer speeds up to 54Mbps. AV jacks are on the back of the panel, and it plugs directly into the TV. The DSM 320 is available from DCC and the retail price is R2,100 inclusive of VAT. Convergence of devices -- you gotta love it.
Contact: Drive Control Corporation - http://www.drivecon.net.
4. The Canon Digital Ixus 40
The Digital Ixus 40 4-mega pixel digital camera is apparently the slimmest model yet from Canon Inc. It features a large (two-inch) LCD, 3X optical zoom and VGA-quality movie clip functionality with sound recording and playback.
?This slim digital camera packs quite a punch as, despite its size, it is bundled with important functionalities, such as Direct Print and PictBridge compatibility, Windows PC uploading and Digic II processing,? comments Roger Machin, product manager at Canon SA.
The Digital Ixus 40 also features six scene modes as well as Canon?s image gateway -- for 100MB free online photo sharing. Nice and slim, which makes it easier to fit even more clothing into your suitcase, when packing for your holidays.
Recommended retail price: R3,999, inclusive of VAT.
Contact: http://www.canon-sa.com.
5. The Gainward GeForce 6800
The new Gainward GeForce 6800 graphic card is targeted at the high-level gaming enthusiast looking for a top-class gaming experience. The GeForce 6800 has been designed to deliver 3D performance with the new superscalar 16-pipe architecture, ultra-realistic cinematic effects with the Microsoft DirectX 9.0 Shader Model 3.0 feature set, and an allegedly unprecedented on-chip video-processing engine. Recommended retail price is R2 999, inclusive of VAT. Go big on graphics, or go home, what?
Contact: http://www.axiz.com.
6. iPod Mini
Fashionably compact and weighing in at just over 100 grams, Apple Computer Inc."s iPod Mini is apparently the world?s smallest portable music player to hold up to 1 000 CD-quality songs. It is encased in a portable, lightweight anodized aluminium body, available in five colors -- silver, gold, pink, blue and green, which means that it can go with just about anybody?s wardrobe. The iPod Mini features the Apple Click Wheel for one-handed operation, along with the same user interface as the rest of the iPod family, and works with Apple?s iTunes.
IPod Mini retails for R2,239 inclusive of VAT. All iPod Minis will include ear-bud headphones, an Apple iPod Mini power adapter, a belt clip, a 1.2m 30-pin to FireWire cable, a 1.2m 30-pin to USB 2.0 cable, and a CD with iTunes for Mac and Windows computers.
Contact: http://www.digicape.co.za.