Blog #11

I totally hit the jackpot this week. I found an article in The New York Times about the Flip video camcorder, that Dr. Ball showed us in class on March 20th. I also learned about the #2 in line behind the #1 iPod Nano. It is called the Sansa Fuze player. I also learned about Acer’s virtual theater in a laptop. It is a Blueray player and offers several features I will mention in a minute. They had an article about a stay-in-place wireless headset called the JayBird. I also learned about a new mini surge protector with an U.S.B. Charger. Last but not least, I am going to save what I feel to be an appropriate ending to our blogs, an article titled So You Want to Be a Blogging Star? The article provides information from successful bloggers, on how to be successful in the blogging world. That will have to wait for my grand finale in blog #12.

Now to get back to all of the other cool information I found in Thursday March 20, 2008 in The New York Times Business Day, Section C.

The Flip video camcorder: This camcorder, invented a year ago, has since taken 13% of the camcorder market. The latest model is called the Flip Ultra. It has slightly improved video quality, greater capacity, a tripod mount and better looks. It has been Amazon.com’s best-selling camcorder since its debut, six months ago.

Why is such a cheesy looking camcorder so wildly popular? It is the very definition of “less is more.” You turn it on, and in two seconds, it is ready to start filming. The size and shape allow you to carry it in something as small as your coat pocket. The video and audio are surprisingly good and far superior to a cellphone video. According to the article, the shocker is the Flip’s low-light abilities, which trump even $1,000.00 camcorders.

The Flip has other features and the article went on to explain its competition. If you are interested in reading the article, it is titled Camcorder Brings Zen To the Shoot.

Sansa Fuze player: This little gadget is competing mainly on price with the iPod Nano. It is 4-gigabytes and priced $50.00 less than the iPod Nano. iTunes service does not work with the Fuze. However, the device does work with Rhapsody, Napster, Urge and Yahoo Music. Its main advantage over the Nano, may be its slot for a microSD flash memory card that has the ability to add as much as 8 gigabytes of storage.

Acer Aspire 8920G: The price ranges anywhere from $900-$1,700. All versions feature a wide 18.4 inch screen to display high-definition video that comes from the laptop’s Blueray player. It comes with a socket for an H.D.M.I. cable that can connect to an HDTV. It also has an impressive six speakers and a subwoofer. You can upgrade the graphics card for playing “intense” video games, and it also comes with an optional TV tuner.

JayBird: Not out until April of 2008, this Bluetooth headset transmits stereo audio and phone calls. It includes an iPod adapter that adds wireless Bluetooth ability to almost any Apple music player. This waterproof headset fits into the ears and is secured with a loop behind the ears. The internal rechargeable battery lasts up to six hours. Price: $160.00

Belkin $25.00 Mini Surge Protector with U.S.B Charger: Belkin is apparently so sure your electronics will be protected against electrical surges; it provides a $75,000 warranty for connected equipment. This surge protector makes three outlets out of one, and is small enough to fit in a laptop bag. It will be available in April. You can check it out under the Power link at catalog.belkin.com

Ok, I think I have gone well past my 250 words. I just wanted to share my excitement of what I found in The New York Times on the same day that we worked with the Flip video.

Talk to you next week when I tell you how to become a master blogger.