35mm film processing on the decline

Had enough of your 35mm point and shoot camera? Or did your favorite photo finishing lab discontinue processing 35mm film? A few mini labs will be able to handle your 35mm film processing requests for a while, but it seems that larger operations like Costco are the first to have set cut off dates. Depending on demand levels per store they have notified customers that they will cease development of the film itself. They will however allow you to order reprints if you bring in your negatives from previous processed film. My local Costco has advised its members that as of Feb. 19 they will no longer accept 35mm film rolls for processing. This news leads me to believe that most who haven't converted to some sort of digital camera will have to very soon. So if you are looking to purchase a new Digital SLR camera this year check out the great deals to be had on these Nikon cameras, lenses and accessories here!

Panasonic DMP-BD55K Blu-ray Disc Player

Panasonic's new slim, BD-Live compatible, feature-filled Blu-ray player offers cutting edge technologies focused on producing the ultimate movie-viewing experience.The BD55 features a HD Audio Decoder (Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus and DTSTM-HD Master Audio Essential), delivering 7.1-channel surround sound through a 7.1-channel receiver equipped with an HDMI terminal. The DMP-BD55 features high-end audio components and can also output analog signals for 7.1-channel sound, so even receivers that are not compatible with HDMI can produce the newest 7.1-channel surround sound.Both models are equipped with an SD Memory Card slot that makes it easy to transfer images from an HD camcorder or digital still camera that uses SD Memory Cards and are compatible with Panasonic’s VIERA Link function so they can be operated by the VIERA HDTV remote control. The combination of a Panasonic Blu-ray player, Home Theater audio system and a VIERA HDTV converts the home entertainment experience into a true-to-life cinematic experience. Consumers can now view and enjoy movies the way the film maker intended -- in stunning High Definition video and audio – right from the comfort of their own home. Get yours here today!

Western Digital launches first 2 TB Hard Drive

Just when you thought you needed more space for those endless home video movies and photos you got sitting on your small 750GB hard drive, Western Digital has come to the rescue. So what can you store on the new 2TB drive? Up to 571,000 digital photos Up to 500,000 songs (MP3) Up to 50,000 songs (uncompressed CD quality) Up to 150 hours of Digital Video (DV) Up to 880 hours of DVD quality video Up to 240 hours of HD video WD's Eco-friendly, Cool and Quiet, WD Caviar® Green™ Drive Marks the Largest Capacity Hard Drive in the Industry WD Caviar Green drives use less power and supports quieter, cooler-running desktop PCs and external storage devices. 10% of current hard drive sales today are at the 1TB level and above to satisfy consumers current level of data storage needs. MSRP for the WD Caviar Green 2 TB hard drives (model WD20EADS) is $299.00 USD

Top HDTVs 40 Inches or Larger

With the SuperBowl just days away electronic retailers see a surge in Flat Panel HDTVs every year around this time. Discounts can be found on most models and those who order online can get free shipping from most retailers. Our friends at Amazon.com have compiled a list of the best selling models which you can view here.

BlackBerry Storm 9530 in U.S.

Designed to satisfy the needs of both consumers and business customers, the BlackBerry Storm smartphone offers a revolutionary touchscreen that dramatically enhances the touch interface and enables easy and precise typing. The world's first "clickable" touchscreen responds much like a physical keyboard and also supports single-touch, multi-touch and gestures for intuitive and efficient application navigation. Whether traveling to Europe or Asia, the Storm provides globetrotters the freedom of reliable global connectivity with Verizon Wireless's reliable, high-speed 3G CDMA network in the United States and compatibility with GSM networks abroad. Get yours or upgrade today!

Tech Reporting Needs to Improve

In Ryan Naraine's tech column on ZDNet, guest columnist Roel Schouwenberg made the following bold statement in a somewhat interesting piece about some marginally insecure issues related to the Autorun feature in Windows: "[...] tons of USB devices are leaving the manufacturing plant infected — Seagate, TomTom, Apple to name but a few of a very long list. Again, this is very reminiscent of the boot virus era where new pre-formatted floppies had quite a good chance of being infected with something." Tons of infected USB devices are leaving the plants? Tons? How many? 2? 5? 1,000? Or maybe just a few thousand USB devices (which is bad enough) that the tech reporters have blown up into a disaster of biblical proportions? As long as casual hyperbole rules the day, we'll never know for sure. New pre-formatted floppies had quite a good chance of being infected with something back in the day? I personally purchased well over a hundred thousand SS and DSDD floppies during the late '80's and early '90's and never once encountered a new floppy (from Maxell, Sony, BASF, Kodak, TDK, Memorex, Verbatim, etc., etc.) containing a boot virus (or any other kind of virus). Neither did any of the fifteen people I polled after reading Schouwenberg's article. We're genuinely curious about the reasons for the appearance of what we think are far too many useless, inadvertently deceptive or poorly worded statements in tech articles published over the past few years. As tech writers, we're supposed to help, not hinder understanding of the current state of technology.

Epson Artisan 700 Photo All-in-One Printer

Unleash your creativity with a new Epson Artisan. This sophisticated, yet simple all-in-one masterfully combines the world of style and technology. This premier product will empower you to make your personal and business projects rise above the rest. Express your style and simplify your life with the Artisan 700. Producing Ultra Hi-Definition 6-color prints at blazing fast speeds, this amazing all-in-one includes a host of high performance features including two paper trays for plain and photo paper. And, with easy wireless networking, you can print from anywhere in your house. Built with you in mind, the Artisan 700 allows you to easily customize photos, presentations, cards, calendars and more all with the touch of a few buttons. With direct CD/DVD printing, you can create professional looking discs that are easy to identify. The Artisan 700 even includes Auto Photo Correction, so you get stunning photos every time. Technical Details: - Up to 38 ppm, photos in as fast as 10 sec - Auto photo correction; preview on LCD monitor - Professional quality CD/DVD printing - Wi-Fi and Ethernet networking - Two-sided printing saves paper Check out the Epson Artisan here.

Peek Mobile E-mail Device

Peek is a super thin and stylish device that lets you take your email with you and stay connected when and where you want it. Designed for and dedicated to your personal mobile email, Peek is packaged in a lightweight, slim design with a color display, full keypad and simple menus to make email on the go a breeze. Get unlimited email and text messaging for a flat, low monthly rate of $19.95. Monthly service is billed to directly to your credit card, so no need to worry about bills, late fees or penalties. And best of all, there are no contracts ever. Peek is compatible with most major email providers including Yahoo, Gmail, AOL, Hotmail, AT&T, Comcast, Verizon, Roadrunner, BellSouth, SBCGlobal, Earthlink, Cox, Charter, Cablevision, NetZero, Mac, Optonline and many others. Plus, it is super simple to set-up -- enter your email address and password and that's it. You'll start receiving emails in less than 2 minutes! Peek works on a high-speed wireless data network with nationwide coverage so it will work almost anywhere. Critics have been raving about Peek. The New York Times says Peek is "simple" and "elegant." The Wall Street Journal says its "stylish and simple" and Time and Wired magazines have named Peek the Best Gadget of 2008! What's in the box: Peek mobile email device, AC charger, Rechargeable lithium ion battery, Quick start guide. Get one today!

Apple iPod touch 32GB 2nd Generation

Apple has renovated the iPod touch 32GB with a sleeker design, integrated speaker, longer battery life and even more functionality. This touch can even help your workouts with the Nike+iPod sensor (optional) inserted in your shoe for improving your workout. The touch still utilizes the same multi-touch interface that has made the iPhone famous. View your favorite media on the stunning 3.5" widescreen display while the Wi-Fi web browsing capabilities will let your surf the web with Safari, watch YouTube videos or buy content directly from the iTunes Wi-Fi Store. At only 4.2 oz and 8mm deep, it is astounding what you can do with the iPod touch. Get yours here!

Hitachi DZ-BD7HA Blu-ray Disc Hybrid Camcorder

Hitachi's DZ-BD7HA Blu-ray Disc Hybrid Camcorder with a built-in 30GB Hard Disk Drive satisfies those who long for Blu-ray while providing for those in the HDD and DVD camps. The DZ-BD7HA can store up to four hours of footage when recording to the hard drive at 1920 x 1080 HD and up to eight hours when recording at 1440 x 1080. Hitachi also gave this hybrid in-camera one-touch dubbing for burning video from the HDD onto Blu-ray or DVD. The DZ-BD7HA also features 1-second quick start, photo capture from recorded video and LSI image enhancement. 8 cm BD-RE, BD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW and DVD-R discs are all compatible with this camcorder. If you're looking for a true hybrid camcorder the DZ-BD7HA is your answer. For more information click here.

Palm Treo Pro Cell Phone

A great choice for business road warriors who want to stay on top of both their professional and personal lives, the Palm Treo Pro features a new, streamlined design and Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional operating system. Packed with a wide range of connectivity options, you'll be able to access email and documents via tri-mode 3G reception and Wi-Fi as well as navigate to new destinations with the built-in GPS mapping. And with the power of the updated Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, you'll stay easily connected to your business and personal data on the go with support for a wide variety of email accounts as well as the ability to edit Microsoft Office documents. Carry your calendar, contacts, tasks and notes, so you're prepared and organized wherever you go. You can sync with Outlook, accept meeting invites, look up people in your company's directory, or set an Out of Office email reply when you're away from your computer. Stay on top of your latest Outlook email on your touchscreen thanks to Microsoft Direct Push Technology. You can also access your Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo! mail accounts and view graphics and links in HTML email. This phone provides Bluetooth version 2.0 wireless connectivity, and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, audio/video remote control, and printing. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can also use the Treo Pro as a modem for your PC using Bluetooth to connect to 3G connectivity. Grab one here!

Sony VAIO VGN-Z520N/B 13.1" Laptop

Built tough for business, the Sony VAIO VGN-Z520N/B blends easy portability with high-performance computing. Weighing just 3.31 pounds, this Z-series notebook offers a 13.1-inch screen featuring scratch-resistant XBRITE-DuraView LCD and a 250 GB hard drive with Sony's G-Sensor Shock Protection technology. A multi-layer carbon-fiber casing covers the LCD panel and bottom of the chassis to help protect against knocks and bumps, and a seamless aluminum keyboard panel adds structural rigidity to help keep internal components protected. And with up to 9 hours of standard battery life, it has the stamina to power you through your most demanding applications. It's powered by the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processor--with Centrino 2 technology--which boosts speed, reduces power requirements, and saves on battery life. The 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 includes a quick 1066 MHz front-side bus and 3 MB of L2 cache, providing an optimized, multithreaded architecture for improved multimedia and multitasking performance. This VAIO Z notebook also features Sony's Hybrid Graphics System, which lets you toggle between internal Intel GMA 4500MHD and external NVIDIA GeForce 9300M graphics chips, enabling you to choose lighter battery consumption or better performance depending on the situation. Additional information can be found here.

ASUS Eee PC 1000HA 10-Inch Netbook

The Asus Eee PC 1000HA provides the power of a full-sized laptop in a compact body with an extra-large 10-inch screen, and is now powered by the latest Intel mobile processor. Designed specifically for mobile devices, the 1.6 GHz Intel Atom processor uses a brand new design structure new hafnium-infused circuitry--which reduces electrical current leakage in transistors--to conserve energy, giving you more time away from the wall outlet. Coupled with the ASUS exclusive Super Hybrid Engine, you'll also enjoy up to 7 hours of battery life with this Windows-powered laptop. Technical Spec: - XP-Preloaded with 160G large HDD. - ASUS Super Hybrid Engine and 6 cell high density battery pack allow for longer battery lifespan of up to 7 hours. Super Hybrid Engine offers a choice of performance and power consumption modes for easy adjustments according to various needs. - High Speed Connectivity Anywhere with Wi-Fi 802.11b/g. Eee Connect for an easy way to connect two or more users through a remote desktop feature for easy troubleshooting. - Exclusive 10GB Eee Storage with easy accessibility anywhere online. - Free 1 YR Warranty Click here for more information.

Philips 6.5-Inch Digital Photo Frame

The Philips 7FF2FPAS/27 digital photo frame offers a crisp, clear display of your favorite photos on its 6.5-inch screen. The high ixel display shows off your treasured photos with the same real life rich detail and vibrant colors as high quality prints. The full color display brings out the best in your photos with vibrant, real life colors by displaying the same full range of colors found in professionally printed photos. The seven button control makes it easy to adjust and control settings of the frame. Enjoy viewing your pictures in a variety of different display modes. Choose to display your photos one image at a time, in thumbnail mode for quick and easy searches or create a slideshow of your favorite photos. The USB connectivity allows you to upload pictures from your computer quickly and with ease. The frame features SmartPower, which allows you to set the hours for frame to be on and automatically shuts down during off hours. The SmartPower feature reduces energy consumption and saves up to one-third of your frame¿s energy costs. This frame has a high quality design and is made from exquisite materials including a solid stylish stand, designer frame and detailed finishing that conveys an impression of value and refined taste, adding luster to the photos displayed. Details: - 7-inch frame; 6.5 inch viewable display; 800x480 resolution; 3:2 aspect ratio - 16MB Flash built in memory; Two memory card reader slots for extra external memory; compatible with Compact flash type 1, SD SDHD, Mulitmedia Card, xD card, Memory Stick, and Memory Pro - Compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 2000/XP or later, and Mac OS X - Photo edit: copy, delete, rotate, zoom, and black and white effect - Includes AC-DC adapter, USB cable, stand and quick start guide Purchase yours here!

Microsoft Arc Mouse

You take your notebook PC everywhere. That's why the Arc™ Mouse is designed to go with you. Expanded, it's a sturdy and comfortable full-sized mouse. Folded, it fits perfectly into your bag. Designed for comfort, the Arc Mouse folds to 60% of its fully expanded size, with the folding motion controlling turning the mouse on and off. Features: - 2.4 GHz wireless with up to 30-foot range - Laser tracking - 4 buttons - Carrying case included Get yours here!

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera Body

The Canon EOS 5D Mark II improves upon the EOS 5D by increasing the resolution by about 40% to 21.1 Megapixels and adds a Live View feature that allows users to preview shots on the cameras High resolution 3.0" LCD display. It even incorporates the ability to record full motion HD Video with sound, so you can capture the action as well as superb images. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II incorporates a high-fidelity (920,000 dot) 3" LCD screen and includes a 'Live View' feature that permits the user to frame their shots on the LCD display, and adds framing functions that are not possible with a traditional SLR viewfinder including the ability to zoom in and navigate the preview image to ensure proper focus, and a grid overlay to assist in proper composition. The Live View focusing system also enables focus modes such as Quick mode, Live mode and Face Detection Live mode. Furthermore, the Live View Feature enables HD video recording that can capture true HD-quality (1080p) video at a frame rate of 30 fps with Face Detection and sound. The magnesium-alloy chassis of the EOS 5D Mark II ensures the durability of the camera so users can take it on safari or to a press junket and be assured that the camera can take it. In addition the camera body incorporates extensive dust and weatherproofing features including seals and gaskets where body panels and/or camera controls meet. To further keep the imaging sensor free from dust, Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust particles off of the sensor's low-pass filter each time you power up (or manually when needed); this ensures that your images will be spot free and reduces time needed for image retouching. Other professional quality features found on the Canon EOS 5D Mark II include 14-bit A/D conversion, a bright viewfinder (with 98% image coverage), Auto Light Optimizer, Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction, 9-point AF plus 6-point assist AF, 25 Custom Functions with 71 settings, and 5 metering modes (35-Zone EV, 8% Partial Spot, 3.5% Spot, Center-Weighted, and Pre-Flash E-TTL II). Altogether, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II has been designed to serve the needs and interests of serious enthusiasts as well as professional photographers who are in pursuit of the perfect image. We've just received word from our friends at B&H Photo that the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Body is available in limited stock. Simply "add to cart" and ignore the initial "back-ordered" message to get your hands on this hot item! Check out the Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital Camera Body at B&H Photo!

Navigon 2200T 3.5-Inch Portable GPS Navigator with Text-To-Speech and Free Traffic Alerts

Both portable and stylish, the Navigon 2200T combines an elegantly designed black case with a 3.5-inch screen that provides photo-realistic images of virtually every highway intersection and exit complete with sign text and lane guidance. Pre-loaded with maps of the continental U.S., the 2200T comes with free real-time traffic updates (for the life of the device) and simple rerouting with the touch of a button. Other features include text-to-speech capabilities for turn-by-turn directions with street names, speed display, and millions of pre-loaded points of interest. The features and functions of the Navigon 2200T are controlled via intuitive, easy-to-use animated menus that use predictive text input to quickly and easily select your city, state and address. It comes pre-loaded with complete maps of the lower 48 states of the U.S., providing you with superbly accurate, seamless door-to-door directions wherever your vehicular travels might take you. It's powered by a 375 MHz ATLAS III AT642D-XAC processor and runs the Microsoft Windows CE Net 5.0 operating system. You can load additional optional maps via MicroSD memory cards or by connecting to your PC with the USB 1.1 port. Technical Details: - Advanced Text-to-Speech Voice Guidance. Turn-by-turn directions with street names. - Free Real-Time Traffic Updates. Coverage across 80 cities for the life of your product. - Reality View Pro. Never miss an exit with automatic 3D guidance. - Auto Day/Night Mode. Adjusts your screen for better daytime or nighttime viewing. - Auto-off Feature. Turns off your system when you turn off your car. Grab yours today!

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

Incorporating Canon's second-generation Image Stabilization technology, this 70-200mm telephoto zoom responds in as little as 0.5 seconds while providing up to three stops of correction for camera shake. As a result, you can easily capture the far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with a blurred background. The lens's autofocus (AF) system, meanwhile, has been refined for better response time and tracking speed. And photographers will love the new eight-blade circular aperture, which offers a more pleasing out-of-focus image. Constructed to pro standards, the EF 70-200mm lens is highly dust- and moisture-resistant and carries a one-year warranty. Focal length: 70-200mm Maximum aperture: 1:2.8 Lens construction: 23 elements in 18 groups Diagonal angle of view: 34 to 12 degrees Focus adjustment: Inner focusing system with USM Closest focusing distance: 4.3 feet Zoom system: Rotating type Filter size: 77mm Dimensions: 3.4 inches in diameter, 7.8 inches long Weight: 3.24 pounds Upgrade your current lens or add this to your gear here!

Apple MacBook Pro 17-Inch Laptop

Redesigned with a precision unibody enclosure crafted from a single block of aluminum, the 17-inch MacBook Pro is thinner and lighter than its predecessor as well as stronger and more durable. But Apple didn't stop innovating with the body's design. The MacBook Pro also includes a new high-resolution LED-backlit widescreen with a 1920-by-1200-pixel resolution, a greater color gamut for more vibrant colors, and a 700:1 contrast ratio that makes whites brighter and blacks blacker. It also includes the new glass trackpad that does away with the trackpad button (for larger tracking area) and features Apple's Multi-Touch technology. The non-removable battery lasts up to 8 hours on a single charge and can be recharged up to 1000 times--compared with only 200 to 300 times for typical notebooks. Technical Details: - Built-in lithium-polymer battery. Up to 8 hours of wireless productivity. - NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT discrete graphics processor and NVIDIA GeForce 9400M - integrated graphics processor; 512MB of GDDR3 memory - 320GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive - 4GB of 1066MHz DDR3 memory; two SO-DIMM slots support up to 8GB - SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW) Pre-order yours today!

LG Unveil their LHX Range

LG have launched their new svelte LHX Slim Wireless LED Backlit HDTV. This new HD unit measures less than 1in at its thickest point and also features a media box that supports the wireless streaming of Full HD content. This cool 55in HDTV features a full array of LED-backlighting, which unlike traditional edge lit LCD's, offers a picture that has a wider colour gamut, deeper blacks and a contrast ratio of up to 2,000,000:1. Key features include: • Full HD 1080p via Uncompressed Wireless Transmission from media box • TruMotion 240 Hz • LED backlighting with Local Dimming • 2,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio • 24p Real Cinema (5:5 Pulldown) • Four (4) HDMI V. 1.3 ports with Deep Color • USB 2.0 for access to digital music and photos (MP3, JPEG) • LG SimpLink™ (HDMI-CEC) • Smart Energy Saving Plus • LG Core Technologies LG offers other models in the LHX range which sport the same technology but without the media box. They come in 42in, 47in and 55in sizes and also feature 4 HDMI 1.3 connections.

Is the fax machine dead?

Well maybe the stand-alone models. According to Gartner research the sales of stand-alone models have tanked but sales of multifunction printers—which also copy, scan, and, fax has increased 340 percent from 2001 to 2007. These space saving 3 in 1 and 4 in 1 multifunction units are still the life line in millions of doctors offices, small and large businesses, SOHO and consumers homes. So the fax machine has just evolved with the times. Are you looking to replace your stand-alone fax and purchase a multifunction unit ?

New Camera and Camcorders from CES 2009

Are you a gadget fanatic? If so, you might like to know about the next-gen products generating buzz at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show. Highlights include the stylish Sony Webbie HD camera and the astounding 26x optical zoom of the Olympus SP-590UZ digital camera, but you'll want to be sure to check out the rest of the exciting new products available now for purchase. See more from CES!

Next generation SD memory card spec to hold 2 terabytes

Recently, there has been news of a new type of memory card specification called SDXC. The XC stands for eXtended Capacity. This new specification will eventually be able to hold up to a 2 terabytes of data. So how much is 2 terabytes of data you might ask? - it's about 100 HD movies and about 500 times the storage capacity of today's 4MB SDHC memory cards. But hang on....the full storage capacity of the SDXC spec is years away. Be on the look out for the first release of these new cards by the end of 2009 or early 2010 with storage capacities comparable to today's current storage media of 32MB. Manufacturers will eventually increase the size of these cards as the market warrants.

Windows 7 beta available to the public

Just an update to a previous post - Microsoft will be making available the latest Windows 7 beta to the public starting tomorrow. Anyone with a PC and about 45 minutes of time can download the beta here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows7 . We don't recommend installing the OS on your main machine but rather on a test machine if you have one. We here at Kickstartnews will be sure to evaluate Microsoft's latest release and provide you with a review in the coming days.

Logitech Harmony 1100 touch screen remote

Yesterday Logitech introduced the latest Harmony 1100 touch screen remote at CES. Imagine combining all of your remote controls into one programmable unit to run your entertainment system - that's what the Harmony series of remotes does for you. In a nutshell, all of your entertainment gear and their corresponding remotes are selected via Logitech's website and then programmed using an available USB slot on your PC that connects to the remote. Your entertainment equipment list is kept on Logitech's website that can be accessed at any time with you user ID and password. The advantage of this is that you can upgrade your remote at any time if you add new hardware to your system. The Harmony 1100 universal remote has a customizable touch screen, 3.5 inch color display and should be available in the U.S. and Europe starting this February with an approximate retail price of $500US. In the meantime you can check out these other great Harmony remotes

Sanyo PLC-XW55A LCD Projector

The Sanyo PLC-XW55A projector is equipped with classroom and business friendly features. The short throw projection lens is perfect for small rooms. This three panel LCD projector has true XGA resolution and 2000 ANSI Lumens of brightness for crisp and clear presentations. The light output from this projector can either fill a big screen or light up a dark blackboard. Sanyo's Blackboard Mode automatically adjusts the image's white balance and gamma to project an image on just about any surface. The variable audio out is a convenient feature that allows the user to control the audio level right from the projector. This centralization of video and audio controls help in educational applications by ensuring the technical quality of the presentation and eliminating the fuss of separating outside audio controls. Want more details about this projector? Look here!

Panasonic HDC-HS9 Hybrid 60GB HDD/Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder

Record in full 1920 x 1080 HD with Panasonic's HDC-HS9 Hybrid 60GB HDD/Flash Memory High Definition Camcorder. The 60GB HDD records for up to 23 hours while an 8GB SDHC card will capture up to 80 minutes of video. Forget carrying around tapes or DVDs - even the most prolific shooter will have plenty of room for capturing every last detail of family vacations, sporting events and children's plays! The HS9 features a 1/6" 3CCD image sensor for high quality video and 2.1Mp still images, 10x optical zoom, 24p record for that film-look. The 1.7 second Quick Start gets your camera going fast for recording on the fly. In addition, Face detection can detect up to 5 faces and automatically corrects for exposure, ensuring that your friends and family always look their best upon playback. With simultaneous video and still capture you don't have to stop recording when you want to take a still image. Use the 2.7" widescreen LCD for composing the perfect shot and playing back footage for friends and family. Check out the Panasonic HDC-HS9 Video Camera here!

Canon PowerShot G10 Digital Camera

The PowerShot G10 is the 8th generation of Canon's lovely G-series PowerShot cameras, and is a great choice for any user wanting superior control in a point and shoot that stands out as much for its styling as for its images. The G10 has dials which change the exposure mode, exposure compensation, and ISO setting, as well as a Canon 'quick control' dial on the rear which mimics the familial control of the EOS SLR cameras. These traits are certainly unusual in the point and shoot world. And at less than 2" thick (46mm) and weighing about 12 ounces (350g), it is a camera to take on a long journey without fanfare.Responsive, stylish, and capable of great imagery, the PowerShot G10 is an excellent 'bridge' between the best of SLRs and point and shoots. Looking to pick one up for yourself? Check out the G10 here.

Aiptek GO-HD High Definition SD Memory Card Digital Camcorder

The Aiptek GO-HD 720P High Definition Digital Camcorder is a compact and affordable camcorder for those who want HD quality with point and shoot simplicity. The GO-HD large CMOS sensor captures 5 Megapixel still photos and records 720P HD video at 30 frames per second with advanced H.264 technology. The lens on the GO-HD features a 5x zoom as well as a macro mode for those great up-close shots. The built-in LED light and night shot mode ensure you get a great picture in all environments while the spare battery makes sure you always have the power to capture all of life's special moments. Get yours today for only $99! at B&H Photo Video

Windows 7 out in the wild

Last month, Microsoft released Windows 7 (the successor to Vista) to select beta testers. The evolutionary update to Vista is supposed to be shown at the upcoming CES show. The beta was leaked on some bit torrent sites and many have thought that Microsoft let this happen to dispel some of the rumors and change the public perception that the new OS is better, more reliable and stable - if Microsoft did this, it's a great marketing ploy. Early reports back of the current beta have indicated a much easier install and improved stability over its predecessor. All the hold outs from XP will have to jump ship eventually, and Windows 7 is looking functional enough to finally allow you to do so. You can't purchase the new OS yet, but if you're looking to upgrade, check out Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1 Upgrade

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions

As 2009 begins, you may start thinking about the changes you'd like to make. To help you get started, Amazon.com is featuring a Top 10 New Year's Resolution event, filled with hundreds of products and great savings. To see Amazon.com’s list of Top 10 Resolutions and find out which ones are getting the most customer votes, go here.

N97 Unveiled

Nokia announced their Nokia N97 at the Nokia 2008 World Convention in Barcelona,Spain. The mobile is designed to meet the needs of Internet-savvy consumers and nokia have claimed it is the world’s most advanced mobile. The mobile features both a QWERTY and touch screen display with 5.0-megapixel camera with high quality Carl Zeiss optics, 16:9 DVD quality video capture. The N97 supports up to 48 GB storage, including its 32GB onboard memory. Includes multiple sensors, memory, processing power and connection speeds. The Nokia N97 will be available during the first half of 2009 with an estimated non-contract retail price of 550 Euros.