Back in early January, I went to CES and was completely overwhelmed. My constant joke was (and still is) that the so-called booths are big enough to have their own zip code. I took a ton of video footage, convinced I would return home and turn that into a montage that really showed everyone the absolute strangeness of CES.

I failed. I came home, switched out suitcases, and headed back out on the road again pretty soon after returning. However, I discovered a video today from my CES partner-in-crime. I spent most of the event with my friend Jason Griffey, who is Head of Library IT at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. He’s in the midst of planning a new library building, and the place is going uber-digital. (Someday I should get him to write a post here on digital libraries.) Jason managed to put his own CES montage together and that’s what I’m dropping here.

Enjoy the oddness, the hugeness, and the just plain silly at CES 2010:

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Cheers!
Tweet Michelle @writetechnology, send her technology news at michelle[at]writetech[dot]net, visit her wine blog when you’re thirsty, and drop by her day job.

I spent a lot of time at CES in the eBook pavilion, looking at the various options. While I found most of the hardware to be knockoffs of the popular Kindle and Sony lines, there were one or two that caught my eye.

I got to take a look at the Alex from SpringDesign on Thursday, offsite at a traditional Italian restaurant called Piero’s. In retrospect, while I enjoyed the Italian lunch, this wasn’t the best place to host the event. The lighting was incredibly dark and the ceilings were low, leading to poor photo, video, and sound. But I did my best.

Alex is a dual-screen Android-based eReader and it fully integrates web browsing and reading. The 3.5″ color lower LCD screen on the Alex browses the web, but also allows you to manage your library. SpringDesign has announced deals with Borders and several other content providers. The neatest thing, for me, about Alex was the ability to pull a web page from the small (color) bottom screen to the large top 6″ eInk screen. You lose the color, but you gain in size. The Alex browser and virtual keyboard provide access to email, calculator and will accommodate a growing number of programs from the Google Android community.

Alex can connect with WiFi, 3G, EVDO/CDMA and GSM. It will cost $399 and be released on Feb 22 on the SpringDesign web site.

Below you’ll find a dark and loud video, 10 minutes, of the Alex demo’d at the Piero’s luncheon.

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Cheers!
Tweet Michelle @writetechnology, send her technology news at michelle[at]writetech[dot]net, visit her wine blog when you’re thirsty, and drop by her day job.

by Michelle Lentz

CES is gigantic. In fact, I think gigantic is a bit of an understatement. With so much to do, see, and learn, there can be a bit of sensory overload. I was about numb by the time I landed in the North Hall at the end of yesterday afternoon. A girlfriend of mine took one look at me and dragged me over to the Paro booth. That’s where I discovered Paro, robotic harp seals created to be therapeutic robots.

The "pacifier" is plugged into a battery charger.

The seals make cooing noises and respond to petting and loving. If you walk away, the seal tries to follow. It wags its tail and really enjoys chin scratches. The seal opens and closes its big black eyes (complete with long eyelashes) and is responsive to its name and several other greetings. The seal even gets sleepy at night and knows when it should be awake.

Playing with the seal, it was easy to forget that this wasn’t a pet and actually a robot, with chips and wiring making it work. The seal was created for medical therapy. Placed in nursing homes, used in rehabilitative wards, and used with Downs Syndrom and Cerebral Palsy patients,  everyone responds positively to the seal. In many hospitals and nursing homes, pets aren’t allowed because of hygeine and can cause injury to patients. The seal, as a robot, provides a lot of the same benefits as animal therapy, without the cause for concern.

Of course, the seal costs $6000 – ouch! Especially if you’re a non-profit rehabilitative center.

I plan on ending every day at CES playing with the Paros. They certainly brought a smile to my face at the end of a long day.

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Cheers!
Tweet Michelle @writetechnology, send her technology news at michelle[at]writetech[dot]net, visit her wine blog when you’re thirsty, and drop by her day job.

by Michelle Lentz

Yesterday at CES, Plastic Logic debuted the QUE ebook reader. This is more than just an ebook reader however; it borders on personal organizer.

Squarely aimed at type-A CEOs, the device comes in at $649 for the 4GB model with wifi and $799 for the 8GB model with wifi and AT&T 3G.  The QUE is oversized, more like the Kindle DX than the Kindle 2. They demo the device with several business publications loaded, including the Wall Street Journal and the Harvard Business Review. Plastic Logic has a content deal with Barnes & Noble.

The design is absolutely gorgeous. QUE design was inspired by a piece of paper. The size of a pad of paper, about 1/3 inch thick, and weighing less than many periodicals (about a pound), QUE features a 10.7-inch shatterproof plastic display—the largest display in the industry. The display screen is rimmed with a shiny black frame. It’s gorgeous, but I suspect it would attract fingerprints – a small complaint really.

The QUE does more than just read newspapers and books. The screen displays your latest emails and calendar, pulled from Outlook. It also displays your favorite subscriptions and books so that you can access those with one touch instead of moving to a Table of Contents screen. In the midst of all this is also the content you are reading. With one touch, you can move from the Organizer style home screen to your content.

When we asked what formats the QUE supported, I laughed. This device is so geared at business that the rep told us “Word, Powerpoint, and Excel.”  Upon further inquiry, she added GIF, JPG, PNG, BMP, TXT, and HTML as well as RTF, Visio, PDF, and ePub. (Right now, I’m almost positive that the Kindle is the only eReader on the market that does not support ePub. Get with the program Amazon – time for another firmware update.)

The QUE is a beautiful device. They clearly put a lot of effort into everything from the design to the one-touch navigation. However, I don’t think it will make a dent in the ever-growing ereader market. From what I saw at CES, only the Alex ebook reader really had some features that can compete with the Kindle, the Nook, and Sony. The QUE is aimed at an affluent, niche market. It’s lovely, but for us average folks, it’s not really practical.

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Cheers!
Tweet Michelle @writetechnology, send her technology news at michelle[at]writetech[dot]net, visit her wine blog when you’re thirsty, and drop by her day job.

By Miiko Mentz

The blogosphere is buzzing this morning about the news that Polaroid has teamed with Pop Diva Lady Gaga. Last night at a press conference (and in a press release issued last night), Polaroid revealed that Lady Gaga is its new Creative Director. Polaroid plans to collaborate with Lady Gaga and introduce a specialty line later this year.

This news is definitely bubblicious, but it doesn’t surprise me and just seems like a natural next step for her as she grows her Haus of Gaga, which includes music, fashion, photography, and technology products. Last year she introduced heartbeats by Lady Gaga, in-ear headphones developed in conjunction with beats by dr. dre and Monster.

Lady Gaga was not in attendance at the press conference last night, but she will be at Polaroid’s booth today at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center through Sunday.

Only time will tell if Lady Gaga can help Polaroid rise from the ashes. But one thing is for sure, she is one smart, beautiful and talented lady!

Follow me on Twitter: @MiikoMentz

Looks like 3D TV will be making a huge push in 2010 with the news coming out today ESPN and Discovery are launching 3D programming this year. Discovery has already been involved with incredible IMAX programming over the recent years and the move to the small screen seems logical.

Sports on HDTV has brought an incredible element to live broadcast events and the announcement by ESPN adds more to the overall “being on the sideline” feel and will surely be a welcome addition to both casual Super Bowl viewers to hardcore sports enthusiasts.

ESPN plans on bringing its first live 3D event during the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match between host South Africa and Mexico on June 11. Other events planned for 3D include the 2011 BCS National Championship Game, college basketball and football contests, up to 25 World Cup matches and the Summer X Games.

As of now, you will need to have an HDTV with built-in 3D technology to be able to enjoy 3D programming, with plenty of manufacturers showcasing the new sets at CES this week. For those who haven’t jumped into the HDTV arena yet, Mashable’s Christina Warren points out a great point, the slow adoption of HDTV may benefit the 3D set vendors as consumers may hold off on their purchase until 3D technology is integrated into the industry.

It’s a long way from my first experience with 3D TV with a local UHF station showing “The Creature From the Black Lagoon” in 3D back in the early ’80s. I remember my Dad having to mess with the TV color controls and wear the old red and blue lens cardboard glasses to get a slight 3D feel. There is truly nothing that can compare with the immersed IMAX 3D experience but I am looking forward to seeing this 3D technology on the small screen version. I am hoping some eyewear designers take notice and offer some more appealing versions of 3D glasses. It would be nice to sport a pair of stylish Oakleys instead of the functional, yet ugly 3D glasses out there right now.

What follows is a repost of my contribution to Intel’s Inside Scoop blog. As an Intel Insider, I advise the company on new media as well as share my thoughts and views on tech…

CES 2010 is the next stop for all gadget lovers and technologists. In many ways, the holidays and the slower pace that ensues serve as an excuse to recharge so that we may effectively travel the miles of booths featuring new electronics, tech, and consumer products.

It’s overwhelming, wonderful, and an easy way to start my wish list for the holidays next year.

As an Intel Insider, it’s my responsibility to not only stay current with innovation, but also to live and breathe all that inspires the next trends and those that also should have, but didn’t. Technology is part of us now and while living the digital lifestyle was once a prediction, the truth is that we tech is an extension of who we are and what we do.

As the curtains of 2009 draw to a close, I wanted to share some of the tech that propelled me through the year. So while this is less of a top gadget list, I am sharing the very products that I use and rely upon daily.

Beats by Dr. Dre

Bose has dominated the high-end, noise canceling headphone market for quite some time. It would take an unlikely alliance between Monster and Dr. Dre to create a product that rivaled Bose and also delivered the balance fidelity and noise suppression necessary to achieve a satisfying and intimately level of audio ecstasy. In fact, I was introduced to these headphones at CES last year and remain a loyal user.

Canon 5d Mark II

I carry this camera with me practically everywhere I go. In fact, this camera is, by DSLR standards, quite possibly the most incredible camera I’ve used yet – so much so, that I ended up buying a second body.

It captures stunning, detailed images with it’s 21.1 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor featuring a DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a ridiculous ISO Range of 100-6400 (expandable to ISO L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600). The other feature that inspired me to spread my wings is its ability to shoot jaw dropping, dramatic, and absolutely beautiful HD video.

To see samples, please visit my album on Flickr.

RODE Stereo VideoMic

I’m exploring the HD video capabilities with the new Canon 5D Mark II, but one thing I’ve noticed is that the internal microphone doesn’t quite match the level of cinematic beauty recorded by the camera.

After much research, I opted to purchase the Rode Stereo VideoMic to provide portable, studio-quality stereo audio while on the road. It mounts directly on the camera body using the camera-shoe mount. For those shots where you need a bit of distance between the camera and the subjects, I purchased an inexpensive cable extender and mount the mic on a stand closer to the sound source.

The X/Y configuration enables the StereoVideoMic to capture the true ambiance of the recording space, while still offering a high level of rear rejection and low noise. The StereoVideoMic offers 9V battery operation, an LED battery status indicator, high pass filter switch, and a -10dB pad switch.

Dell Adamo XPS

At only 9.99 mm, the Dell Adamo XPS is the thinnest laptop in the world. It’s simply unbelievable. This is by far the most elegant notebook running Windows. The only other laptop in the world that rivals its design is, of course, Apple’s Macbook Air.

The Adamo XPS features a 13.4-inch widescreen HD display, a full-size keyboard that seemingly disappears inside the display when folded, and a one-touch capacitive latch release that unlocks the notebook to unfold simply by sliding your finger.

It features a 1.4GHZ Intel Core 2 Duo ULV processor, runs Windows 7 flawlessly powered by 4GB 800MHz DDR3 dual-channel memory, and includes a 128GB solid state drive. Note to the potential suitors however, this notebook requires the optional extended battery which offers up to 5 hours in comparison to the sub 2 hour performance with the included slim battery.

iPhone 3GS

The iPhone 3GS is in my opinion, the first iPhone to have everything it should’ve included looking back to the first generation of phones. However, I’ve remained begrudgingly loyal over the years as it is by far the most integrated experience on the market, one that keeps up with me in everything I do, everywhere I go – almost anyway.

I wholeheartedly depend on many of the new features that are now standard in the 3GS such as the faster processor, video camera, internal compass, and also voice control. Now all we have to do is focus on improving the actual “phone” part which is something AT&T will have to address sooner than later.

HyperMac

The Dell Adamo XPS is not the only laptop in my arsenal of content creation devices. I also travel extensively with a Apple Mac Air and a 17-inch Macbook Pro. One of the greatest strengths is also one of the most challenging hurdles. The integrated batteries maximize life however on a longer flight, they’re irreplaceable. Dimming the screen and turning off wifi and Bluetooth only goes so far…I still frequently found myself without power with an hour to spare on coast-to-coast flights (mostly westbound). On international flights, I actually brought two notebooks as a means to ensuring consistent productivity.

Enter the Hypermac, an indispensable solution for keeping Macs online while on the road or in the field. Available in four different models, the Hypermac is essentially an external battery for Macbooks providing anywhere from five to over 20 hours of additional life per charge. I picked up the MBP-100 and it travels with me everywhere I go. One charge, for example, lasted from San Francisco to Frankfurt, 3 hours at the Frankfurt airport and an additional flight from Frankfurt to Stuttgart with room to spare.

Oh, and a bonus for you, it includes a USB port to power any device that can power-up via USB.

Sprint MiFi

I’ve been a vocal supporter and user of USB-attached broadband devices for portable access to the Web. The problem, if there really is a problem with having anywhere, anytime access to the online connectivity, was that the tethered devices drain precious laptop battery life.

Now that MiFi devices are becoming commonplace, do yourself a favor and get one. They are essentially portable wifi hotspots. They provide portable broadband connectivity for up to five PCs, each accessing the device via wifi. The MiFi fits in the palm of your hand and boasts its own internal, rechargeable battery.

If you want to be a popular person at the airport bar, fire it up and offer free access to all of those who buy you a drink!

iMax IMP500

Perhaps by now, it’s become quite clear that I spend a great deal of time travelling. As such, I’m an avid iPhone user, spending as much time talking on the phone as I am sending email and surfing the Web. One thing about the iPhone 3GS that you can count on is that its battery will not make it through the day with constant usage.

So, like the HyperMac for MacBooks, I picked up the iMax IMP500 as a referral from good friend Paul Greenberg. It is an external, high capacity battery that can power an iPhone for days on end. It’s a bit bigger and heavier than the iPhone, but it works. It works extremely well.

Kodak Zi8

When I can’t carry the Canon 5D Mark II around everywhere, I do carry the Kodak Zi8. Similar to the FlipCam HD, the Kodak Zi8 shoots high-definition (HD) video in a highly portable, palm-sized device featuring a pop-out USB dongle to connect content instantly to any PC. The camera includes editing software onboard to edit upon connection. And, I also use my RODE mic when I need to combine excellent video with crisp and audible audio.

Amazon Kindle 2

Say what you will about the new Barnes and Noble book, I still prefer my Amazon Kindle 2, for the time being. Why? Well first off, I was able to get one. Second, the Kindle is already in its second generation, having worked out many of the bugs and hiccups over the years.

The Kindle is thin, light, and ready to download books and blogs almost anywhere there is access to 3G, in and out of the U.S. Now if we could get airlines to amend their no electronics rule for ebook readers during takeoff and landing, I could spend more productive time reading what I want versus what lies in the seat pocket in front of me.

2nd Generation Pogoplug

If you’ve ever contended with a VPN, the idea of plugging in a drive directly to a router and accessing it from anywhere a Web connection is present might seem like fairytale. However, Pogoplug is an incredibly affordable and easy to use device that let’s you access and share the content from an external drive – even a USB drive – over the Web. Think music, movies, files, etc. It’s all there, ready when you are.

Sonos S5

The Sonos S5 is an all-in-one wireless music system. One system. One jukebox. One experience. Now you can play a world of music–from iTunes and the Internet–throughout the house or office. This little box can fill the room with rich sound and warmth. Sound travels from one device to multiple devices without wires. Each system can either play music simultaneously or serve as its own musical hub in each room.

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by Brian Solis

Adam Duritz of The Counting Crows

During CES, Intel & PC.com hosted a red carpet, celebrity-attended event at the popular LAX night club in Las Vegas to help us get “computer smart.” And, no true CES party would be complete without a performance from a major artist or group. When I heard that the event would be headlined by the Counting Crows, I was overwhelmingly surprised and ecstatic.

I’m a fan of the Crows and I was planning on seeing them over the Summer in support of their current CD Saturday Nights and Sunday Mornings. However, between the travel and logistics in support of TechSet New York and TechSet Las Vegas, I unfortunately missed the concert. Intel just made my year; so much so, I’m shopping for an UMPC again

The concert was intimate, in comparison to the other major CES-related concerts taking place during the week. It was nice to be able to connect with everyone throughout the night.

As if the Counting Crows wasn’t enough to complete the evening, Intel and PC.com also recruited the one and only Brooke Burke to emcee the show. Brooke attended with her husband, David Charvet. Both were incredibly friendly and actually spent time talking with everyone. My new friend, LeVar Burton, was also in attendance and I have to say, he’s an incredible human being.

Brooke Burke

David Charvet

Levar Burton and Cathy Brooks

Levar Burton and Brooke Burke

Janna Robinson

Frank Gruber, Sarah Austin, and I were able to make our way up front, which made for some spectacular photos.

I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story…

Adam Duritz is one of the most passionate and evocative singer/songwriters in the business today

Dan Vickrey

David (Immy) Immergluck

Charles Gillingham

Jim Bogios

David Bryson

LAX

LeVar Burton and Brian Solis

Taryn Southern

Brooke Burke and Brian Solis

You can follow the Counting Crows, Brooke Burke and LeVar Burton on Twitter.

For more pictures, please visit my album on Flickr.

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