Logitech Harmony 650 Universal Remote
The Logitech Harmony 650 is one of the best universal remotes you can buy for less than $100.  A powerful universal remote with great ergonomics; color LCD screen surrounded by five contextual buttons; web programmable via Windows or Mac; excellent button layout and overall design; supports custom sequences/macros. On the downside it only controls five devices, requires Internet-connected PC to program the remote, and adding favorite channel icons is a bit more difficult than it should be.

The Harmony 650 improves on the 600’s monochrome screen with a color version (it can display colorful favorite channel icons instead of just text, like the 600). The 700’s price tag is slightly more expensive–it retails for between $120 and $150–but it controls six devices to the 600/650’s five, and it has the ability to recharge its Sanyo Eneloop batteries by attaching the USB AC charger (both included). As is standard for Logitech remotes, all three models are programmable via a Mac or Windows PC, and use activity-based commands such “Watch TV” or “Listen to Music” to control a home AV system.

Roku LT
The Roku LT is an extremely small Wi-Fi streaming-media box that costs only $50. It offers dozens of streaming video and audio services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, HBO Go, Pandora, MOG, Rdio, and MLB.TV. It also supports older TVs using an included breakout cable. However, the Roku LT isn’t a good choice for playing your personal digital media collection. There’s no Ethernet port, so you’ll need a solid Wi-Fi signal in your home.

Roku has managed to shave the price all the way down to $50, jettisoning unnecessary features, while keeping all of the streaming content that we love. There’s still an argument to be made for Apple fans to favor the Apple TV, since it works so well with other Apple products. But for the money, the Roku LT deserves a very strong recommendation and is sure to be a hit this holiday season.

Kodak PlaySport Zx5
An exemplary shoot and share minicamcorder, the PlaySport is a very good choice for capturing those spur-of-the-moment clips. Plus, its rugged construction means you can take it where other devices can’t go.

The waterproof/shockproof Kodak PlaySport Zx5 produces very good video quality for its price and size, is easy to use, and has good editing/sharing software. However, the PlaySport doesn’t have a built-in USB connector, there’s no flash or video light, and the battery can’t be removed. The bottom line is the rugged Kodak PlaySport Zx5 is a very good minicamcorder.

Pedometers have helped people measure walking distance for many years. Skip forward to present day and the original pedometer has evolved; offering more bells and whistles for the “step-counting” population. One of the more intriguing offerings in the current generation of pedometers allows the user to view their walking, running and other motion activity on their computer and online. These computer-linked pedometers come in many designs, but their basic functionality is the same. Essentially, the recorded data from the pedometer is uploaded and then tracked to monitor the user’s fitness progress. These are great motivating tools for the growing population of people looking for ways to improve their fitness and if used correctly, lose weight. Here is just a small sampling of the various computer-linked pedometers offered on the market.

The Fitbit Tracker is a small pedometer clip that measures steps, distance, calories burned and also has a unique flower icon that displays daily activity levels. The Fitbit connects wirelessly to a base station that uploads the user’s daily fitness data to the Fitbit website. In turn, the user is able to view and track their fitness progress on a computer or mobile device, as well as log food intake and sleep times. It is PC/Mac compatible and also has no additional fees to use the Fitbit website.

The Omron HJ-720ITC pedometer measures daily steps, calories, distance and fat grams burned. It comes with a separate holder that clips to the user’s waistband and a USB cable that uploads the fitness data to a computer. With its own Omron Health Management Software, the user is able to view and track fitness progress without having to go online.

The Nike+ iPod Sport Kit requires a pair of Nike+ running shoes and a Nike+ iPod sensor that slips into a built-in pocket on the bottom of the shoes. The sensor transmits workout-based stats such as calories burned, distance, speed and time-elapsed during and after a workout to an iPod Nano (which requires a separate receiver), an iPod Touch or iPhone 3GS. Some cool bonus features include, customized workout programs and music playlists, as well as real-time voice feedback during the workout. After the workout, the data is uploaded to nikeplus.com where the user can monitor their fitness progress and goals.

These are just a few of the next-generation pedometers on the market. With so many to choose from, anyone considering buying one of these should do their own research for which one best suits their needs. Bottom line is that any of these pedometers would be a great addition to a workout routine.

The vinyl record, tape cassette, CD and MP3 player all changed the way we listened and accessed music. And now, Apple, who is responsible for changing the way we satisfy our entertainment sweet tooth has done it again with the announcement of the iCloud. But before I go into what Apple is going to bring us, let me explain exactly what cloud computing is.

Chances are all the applications, music, contacts, photos and movies you have live on your computer, tablet or smart phone. In other words, it was downloaded or installed and stored locally on your device. What cloud computing does, is allow you to store and access files and information securely on a data server, and access them either through your data plan or through a wireless network. Think of it as your own personal hard drive in the sky.

On to Apple’s iCloud. First off, let me say yes. Yes Google and Amazon both offer a watered down version of cloud based storage. Yes they officially did it before Apple. Yes both of their services will crumble on what iCloud is going to offer us. So don’t waste your time with either one. It’s a Steve Job’s world and he lets us live in it and I am fine with that. Plus, iCloud is free.

So here are a few examples of what iCloud is going to do for us. You are at home on your desktop computer, and you purchase a song, tv show, or movie from iTunes. Once the transaction is complete you will be able to download it to any of your Apple devises without having to sync to your computer. Is this the end of syncing? Sort of. What iCloud will do is give us instant syncing. No more being tethered to your computer with a usb cord to transfer files.

Another great example is that iCloud isn’t just about music. Lets say you are eating dinner at a restaurant and you run into an old college friend. You add their phone number and email address to your contacts and snap a photo with your iPhone. The photo and contact information is immediately sent to iCloud and will be instantly listed in your contacts on all your other devises. iCloud will also sync other data like apps from the app store, calendars and text messages.

Though some of iCloud’s features are already showing up in iTunes and on the iPad and iPhone, it is still in it’s beta stage. iCloud will be fully available for free this fall when Apple releases iOS 5. As always, iOS updates are free.

For more info visit www.apple.com/iCloud

Your cell phone is not an accessory, so don’t wear it like one. Well, that just isn’t true anymore.

Smartphone cases send just about as many messages as the technology they hold these days.  They range from really simple to down-right trendy and they come with options that serve passions as well as your style.

If you want to Sport Along
Look into Official NBA skins, MLB skins, NFL, NHL and your favorite college team skins, made from a 3M product that “brands” you and your device.  You can show your love for just about any team around. Check out skinit.com and amazon.com.

Clean and Green
The world’s only bioplastic covers made of plants! No oil! No petrochemicals! That’s right, they are made of biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials, and Bioserie provides you with your own stylish, clean and really innovative protection for your iPhone, iPad, iTouch and iPod. This is major green science on the cutting edge. You can enjoy technology with a greener conscience. Check out bioserie.com.

Back up charging
Thin, thinner, thinnest rechargeable battery cases that are designed to virtually double the time you have to talk, surf, and send with your iPhone 3G or 3GS. These cases have rechargeable external batteries concealed inside a protective form-fitting case. They offer you the full protection of a hard-shell case while still providing twice the battery life of the iPhone by itself; and all that in a really ultra thin, low profile design.  Check out mophie.com, search “juice pack”.

If you are more in touch with the simpler options there are still a wide range of choices to make.  Gel covers that protect the phone from falls and blunders.  Leather, metal or silicon, cases that clip and hold; they come vertical or horizontal, color or plain. Your choices are extreme, just like the technology.

by Reese Gray

They are becoming a way of life.  More automobile manufacturers are equipping new autos so they match up with applications on today’s smart phones. Motorists can be just a jingle away from pushing a button to automatically start their car or check its fluid levels.

The 2011 Volt, the all-electric vehicle from General Motors, is equipped with its own application. It enables the driver, or preferably the passenger, to get directions, order stuff online, check in with friends on Facebook, identify songs being played on the radio, and look for nearby lodging and restaurants. Additionally, the application will allow motorists to track how much power and battery life the car has left, find a charging station and schedule the recharging of batteries.  IPhones using Google’s Android software means that GM has just the right app for you.

The Leaf electric by Nissan already has a similar wireless for smart phones, and it looks like this type of option may be headed for standard equipment.  Similar features are now being added to OnStar, GM’s satellite-tracking system for automobiles, which aids its drivers in time of need.

iQ Power, Chrysler’s touch screen power system, is being placed in its 200C four-door electric auto.  And also on the Chrysler scene, a new tracking system that will help locate stolen vehicles is being honed by engineers.

Warning systems for backing and self-parking electronics are almost old hat now with the first of these technologies emerging in the Lexus LX 460 in 2006. Now, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Toyota offer similar parking aids that have become common use accessories for drivers. Most cars have optional rear warning systems and computer readouts on pending engine and drive-train system problems.  Most also have read-outs on dates for needed vehicle service, a built-in compass and outside temperature readings.

Our cars are getting smarter and helping us keep up with the maintenance needs and giving us systems that help with better living options.

by Reese Grey

It’s really smart to use it when you take notes at a meeting or lecture. With special paper, Livescribe’s new Echo records everything you write, plus it records all of the audio in the background. Later, you can hear everyone’s words as well as seeing the notes you took.

You plug the pen into a computer via USB cable to access the digital file and you can share files on the Livescribe Web site.

The new Echo priced at $170.00 to $200.00 has 8 GB of storage.  The pen is flat so it won’t roll away and has a rubberized grip and is lighter than earlier models of predecessor pens.

The coolest thing about the Echo (and the Pulse before it) is its ability to record and play back audio–with an innovative twist. Instead of requiring you to cycle through your recorded audio to find the clip you want, the Echo ties audio to your written notes. By tapping a Record button on a printed page, you start recording a lecture or other spoken words as you write. While you’re scribbling your notes, the pen records audio that’s linked to whatever you’re writing.

As you read your notes later, you can tap your written words with the pen to hear the audio recorded at the moment you wrote them. Livescribe includes a standard 3.5mm headphone jack on the top of the Echo–as well as an embedded speaker–for listening to your audio clips. The pen is perfect for classes and interviews.

You can’t use just any legal pad or notebook, the Echo works only on special dot paper. A high-speed infrared camera at the tip of the pen captures your movements on the special paper, which is also the secret for connecting captured audio to written text.

The pen comes packaged with a 50-sheet starter notebook containing perforated, lined dot-paper with various controls printed at the bottom of each sheet. Tapping the printed controls activates various functions of the pen.  Additional paper supply can be purchase online at the Livescribe store ($20 for a four-pack of traditional-style notebooks, or $25 for a two-pack of hardbound journals).  You can print your own dot paper with a color laser printer that can print at a resolution of at least 600 dots per inch.

You also get 500MB of free storage on the Livescribe Online service as part of the package. For archiving your notes, the Livescribe system includes Livescribe Desktop 2.1.1 for Windows or 2.1.2 for Mac OS. This downloadable desktop software (available via the Livescribe site) enables you to digitize, organize, and share your handwritten notes via Livescribe Online once you’ve connected the pen to a Windows or Mac computer.