These days “Techy” or not, it’s difficult NOT to get sucked into the world of the Gadget. But with the mind boggling array of Cameras, Camcorders and GPS systems to choose from, it’s enough to make even the pros want to run away from Best Buy clutching their credit card tight! Skeptical shoppers rejoice – because we’ve broken down the 5 hottest new products on the market, telling you how they will make your life easier and why they are the must haves for fall!


(1) Sony Cyber-shot G3, (2) TomTom GO 740, (3) Amazon Kindle 2

Sony Cyber-shot G3 Digital Camera

The 10.1 mega pixels and slim yet stylish design is enough to make this Sony point a shoot a sure thing, but what makes it so unique is the built in Wi-Fi! For those who need to free up space, or even just eager picture posters - snap away, then head to a Wi-Fi hot spot (airport, hotels, coffee shops) and upload your pictures (using the cameras 3.5” LCD touch screen) directly online. But before you do, don’t forget to reduce that red eye by using one of the ten ‘In Camera Retouching Tools’.

TomTom GO 740 LIVE

Time is precious, so why waste it sitting in traffic? The newest TomTom GPS device not only updates every 2 minutes with traffic reports, but also offers you alternative routes during rush hour. Also amazing is its Fuel Price Service (tells you which stations have the cheapest gas prices that minute) and the Buddies feature (exchange location info, favorites and text messages with fellow users). Use the touch screen to search Google for businesses or talk hands free using the built in Bluetooth, whatever you do rest assured – you will never get lost again!

Amazon Kindle 2

Perfect for the commuter, the Amazon Kindle 2 allows you to keep a library of over 300,000 books in your pocket. Download books, magazines, and newspapers (best sellers are priced at around $9.99/publication) to this lightweight device in less then a minute anytime, anywhere with no wireless bills. Read for up to 4 days without recharging on the glare resistant screen and store up to 1500 books at one time. Never worry about losing your page thanks to the automatic bookmark, and if you get stuck on a word don’t fret – just head to the built in dictionary or Wikipedia application! Also cool – the ‘Read to Me’ feature, so if your eyes get tired doze off to the soothing sound of your favorite words.


(4) Philips HF3480 Light, (5) Flip UltraHD Camcorder

Philips HF3480 Wake-up Light

If you are like me, you want to wake up every morning to a peaceful sunrise with the waves splashing against the rocks – which is precisely why this new Philips alarm clock is amazing. With the light gradually increasing for 30 minutes before the alarm goes off (noise options include; radio or your choice of 4 different nature sounds), wake up feeling refreshed and relaxed. At the end of your day adjust the brightness level to use as a lamp as you read in bed, and then set the dusk simulator to drift off as the light and sound gradually send you peacefully back into la la land!

Flip UltraHD Camcorder

Stars like Beyonce and Gwen Stefani are going B-A-N-A-N-A-S for this mini camcorder, and between the price, simplicity and features that is no surprise! Never miss a video op again, just take the device out of your pocket, flip it open and shoot up to 120 minutes of HD footage. With built-in software making it a breeze to edit and share, the Flip is a definite must have for that chick on the go!

Which gadgets can you not live without?

by Katie Coristine