Gadget Reviews

Technology always captivates consumers. Some of the best gadgets and technological advancements are introduced each year in the International CES in Vegas, really addressing new meaning in pioneer and intelligent devices.

The best gadgets announced at CES 2010, according to experts and consumer reviews, are the following:

a)      Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid

Featuring fascinating notebooks with IdeaPad U1 Hybrid on the lead, Lenovo has really made a striking impression at this year’s CES. Being the first PC in the industry that allows users to remove the screen and switch to a six-screen multitouch tablet that functions independently with its own processor and operating system, the IdeaPad U1 integrates Lenovo’s Hybrid Switch technology allowing both PCs to function perfectly on the two processors effortlessly.

Featuring textured surface on the inside and a sleek, transparent dark red cover that cannot but capture the consumer’s eye, the shiny round notebook comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon ARM processor in tablet mode, 11.6″ HD LED display, 4GB of memory RAM and 160GB storage capacity on the SSD running on Windows 7 Home Premium. When pulled out of its showcase, Lenovo switches to Skylight UI that functions as a detached tablet with an ARM processor running alongside Lenovo’s customized Linux Skylight operating system.

The base, when detached, continues to work as its own Core 2 Duo SU41 opening up potential for the U1 to truly act as two devices in one. Both laptop and tablet modes support over 5 hours of 3G Web browsing and up to 60 hours of 3G standby. The tablet’s edge-to-edge glass is comfortable and the chromed edges tempting, but some areas that need attention are the keyboard (too flat for Lenovo’s standards), and perhaps ergonomics (notebook weight is 3.7 pounds, tablet weight is 1.6 pounds).

The Lenovo IdeaPad U1 Hybrid is not expected to hit the market before June 1st, 2010, while its suggested retail price is $999.

b)      Motorola Backflip smartphone

Scheduled for a global release at the Q1 2010, the Backflip comes with a 528-MHz Qualcomm MSM 7200A processor on Google Android 1.5 OS, 3.1″ touchscreen that natively supports 320 x 480 resolution, Wi-Fi, 3G and 5-megapixel camera. Besides, the device supports Moto Blur social-networking add-ons, Bluetooth and a 2GB memory card that can be expanded up to 32GB.

However, the best asset of the Backflip is its unique design. When it is closed, both the screen and the keyboard face out. The device can be flipped in a V-shape or totally flat to watch a movie or it can be used as a picture frame or alarm clock. When the device is open, it allows users to navigate on its touchscreen or use a trackball for navigation.

c)      Sony HDR-XR550V camcorder

Featuring a 240GB HDD, 3.5″ LCD with 1920 x 1080 Full HD video recording, 12-megapixel still image capture with wide angle Sony G Lens with 10x optical zoom and Direct Copy feature, Sony HDR-XR550V camcorder is a unique camera that enable users to capture astonishingly smooth video from wide angle to full telephoto shooting.

Besides, the HDR-XR550V is a great device to experience low-light sensitivity with enhanced image clarity and considerably reduced grain due its revolutionary ‘Exmor R’ CMOS sensor. Designed exclusively for compact cameras and camcorders, the ‘Exmor R’ CMOS sensor is intended for shooting video in lower lighting conditions with superior results. Also, the Sony G Lens offers enhanced optical performance delivering bright, accurate color reproduction and sharp, astonishingly detailed images.

d)     Panasonic VT25 Plasma HDTV

Panasonic announced the release of the new plasma VIERA VT25 Series that is expected to hit the market in the spring of 20102 and offers users the full HD 3D capability. The set will include one pair of 3D glasses for an unforgettable 3D experience and an active LC shutter system. What is even more impressive than offering the 3D glasses – at a time that no other manufacturer provides them – is that the left and the right lens of the glasses lightens and darkens successively and too quickly to be perceived, while the TV displays the corresponding left and right-eye-specific images at the same time. The result is Panasonic’s ‘Full HD 3D’ content of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels for each eye.

Besides, the set features Skype video calling, Wi-Fi connection (optional), the option to add Pandora, Twitter, Netflix and Fox Sports to own content through VieraCast interactive suite and infinite Black Pro, among others.