Hawt Gadgets

Apple’s iMac remains a competitive choice for all in one desktop computers users. This is partly due to its stable operating system, the Mac OS X v10.6 Snow Leopard, and the handy iLife ‘09 software included.

The iMac is a 21.5 inch LED-backlit screen at a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and 1920×1080 HD resolution. Inside you will find a 3.06GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 4GB of memory (supports up to 16GB), and a 500GB hard drive.

This 21.5 inch model also features improved graphics with the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M integrated graphics processor. It also has an 8x slot-loading SuperDrive with double-layer DVD support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW) and a built-in iSight camera for video chatting. The MB950LL/A has four USB 2.0 ports, one FireWire 800 port, and one Mini DisplayPort video output. iMacs now come with a wireless keyboard and Apple’s new multi-touch Magic Mouse.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com

Available in silver, blue, or red, the Canon FS200 is a solid choice among similar priced camcorders. It’s among the most affordable ways to get stunning video. It is also small, measuring only 2.2 X 2.3 X 4.8 inches and weighing 7.9 ounces. It is one of the better standard-definition consumer camcorders available.

This 680k-pixel resolution camcorder features a Canon 41x Advanced Zoom and DIGIC DV II Image Processor for vivid images quality at any range. The FS200 can easily record movies and photos, there is a Dual Shot option that lets you capture both types of images in the same mode. You record all directly to a removable SDHC memory card.

Overall, the FS200 is simple to operate. A five-way joystick and a row of large buttons sit next to the 2.7-inch LCD. This allows the user to readily control basic functions or advance controls such as focus or exposure.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com

Having a true prepaid (pay-as-you-go) service from a well known provider like AT&T appeals to a wide audience. The AT&T GoPhone wireless plan lets you pay in advance for the service minutes you need. In addition, the rollover balance feature lets you carry over your unused account balance when you purchase refill minutes before your balance expires.

The LG Neon GT365 messaging phone features a 2.4 inch LCD touch screen and a slide-out keyboard. This phone has Bluetooth wirelss connectivity, a digital audio player (MP3, AAC/AAC+, and WMA files), and a 2-megapixel camera with video capture. The phone comes with 14 MB internal memory, which is expandable via optional microSD memory cards (up to 4 GB in size). The LG Neon GT365’s battery is rated at up to 3 hours of talk time and up to 244 hours (10+ days) of standby time.

An EXTRA $50 GoPhone airtime credit is currently available on this phone.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com

Televisions with 720p resolution offer significant value compared to the higher resolution 1080p. Most high-def broadcast are actually done in 720p. Games for the Xbox 360 and PS3 are also commonly in 720p resolution. True 1080p resolution is only routinely available from Blu-ray discs. Realistically, the difference betweet 720p and 1080p output begins to be noticeable only in larger screens (45-50-inch or larger screens), or if you sit close to the screen(closer than 1.5 times the diagonal measurement).

The Samsung LN32B360 represents a great way to get a LCD HDTV at a very affordable price. The 32 inch screen offers crisp, clear 720p resolution. At this screen size 1080p is hardly necessary or even detectable. What is noticable is the 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, it ensures vivid colors and deep, dark blacks. The easy to navigate menu offers numerous ways to adjust the images.

The back panel includes two HDMI, one component-video, one VGA-style PC, one AV input with only composite video, and one RF input, along with optical digital and analog stereo audio outputs. You will get superb picture quality from a flat panel high definition television at an affordable price with the LN32B360.

- Edwin, HawtGadgets.com