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.

Connect with Brian Solis on Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Plaxo, or Facebook
—

Get the new iPhone app

Read BrianSolis.com on your Kindle
—
Click the image below to buy the book/poster:

by Brian Solis

Intel, along with Sarah Lacy, Frank Gruber, Tony Hsieh (CEO of Zappos.com), yours truly, and the Intel Insiders, kicked off 2009 with a bang! Hosted at the former 40/40 Club at the Palazzo in Las Vegas, the party merged industry veterans with a new generation of bloggers, influencers, trend setters and thought leaders. Together we celebrated innovation in the consumer electronics, new media and digital industries. To say that it was one of the highlights of CES would be a complete under statement. Hundreds of amazing people shared experiences and forged and also renewed relationships throughout an evening that progressed that thankfully seemed to last all night long.

Thank you Intel, Sarah, Frank, Tony and the Intel Insiders!

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

Julia Allison and Sarah Lacy

iJustine

Jeremy Tanner and Cathy Brooks

Sarah Perez of ReadWriteWeb and Illija Ognenovski if worldsings.com

Jason Goldman, Jeremy Tanner, Andrew Hyde

Frank Gruber & Jessica Berlin (Justin Levy & iJustine background)

Joe Said and Efren Toscano

Justin Levy, Jennifer Klein, Chris Brogan, Karin Klein

Ken Kaplan of Intel and Joshua Pollack

Ilija Ognenovski & Ashley Biever

Frank Gruber and Tony Hsieh

Ted Murphy of Izea

Jeff Pulver

Kenneth Hong of LG

MC Hammer and Sarah Lacy

For more pictures, please visit my album on Flickr.

Connect with me on:
Twitter, FriendFeed, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Pownce, Plaxo, Plurk, Identi.ca, BackType, Jaiku or Facebook

by Brian Solis

Originally published on Intel’s InsideScoop blog. Disclosure, I’m an Intel Insider.

With CES right around the corner, I wanted to take a moment to spotlight some of the hottest gadgets to debut in 2008 – especially before we look forward to the most anticipated products set to hit the streets in 2009.

2008 was an almost overwhelming year rich with advancements and innovation that practically warrants a top 100 list to do it justice. However, I’ll focus on the products that specifically had a direct or indirect impact on my day-to-day workflow, personal entertainment, and also those few products that are currently sitting on my wish list.

Without further ado, let’s just jump right in. Listed in no particular order:

Jawbone

Jawbone’s second-generation Bluetooth headset absolutely rocks for me. I upgraded from the bigger, bulkier first generation model the very day the new unit arrived in stores. It lives up to its promise, providing a personal NoiseAssassin (TM) to kill surrounding noise allowing you and the personal on the other end of the line to speak and hear clearly.

Credit: Brian Solis

Flip MinoHD

The Flip camera line emerged practically out of nowhere to create a market for easily capturing high quality, Web-ready video and sharing it through email or YouTube, MySpace, and AOL. The new Flip MinoHD adds high definition video to the mix, allowing just about anyone to shoot and share HD video, taking advantage of YouTube’s new HD support.

Apple TV with Boxee

Apple TV is not new, but the ability to integrate (read: hack) a new DRM-free media dashboard and entertainment social network called Boxee transforms the Apple TV into a full-blown library and player for all of your movies and music, even for those not purchased through iTunes. It provides support for almost every format so that you can enjoy all of your content in one box.

Blackberry Storm

Dubbed as the first real threat to the iPhone, the sleek and elegant Blackberry Storm, stormed the market recently. It’s the first touchscreen Blackberry available, and while it’s unique to those considering a Blackberry product, and as, will do very well with consumers, I’m not quite sure it’s a threat to the iPhone. Perhaps it’s the iPhone for the Windows-centric workforce.

MediaGate 450HD

The Apple TV for the rest of us. The MediaGate connects directly to your HD TV via HDMI and provides a wireless connection to seamlessly stream or transfer media files directly from you main PC. Like the Apple TV with Boxee, The MediaGate 450HD system offers a visual dashboard for you to manage and enjoy your libraries of movies, pictures, videos, and music through your TV.

OPPO

Forget the debate over Blu Ray and HD DVD, most of us have collected dozens, if not hundreds of standard definition videos over the years. The OPPO DV-983H 1080p is an up-converting DVD player with ABT and 7.1CH Audio that transforms standard DVDs into HD-quality, breathing new life into your existing movie investment.

Zink

I was introduced to Zink at a past DEMO. Zink, which stands for Zero Ink, offers a printing solution for digital photographers to print pictures without ink cartridges.

At the heart of the ZINK Technology is the patented ZINK Paper, an advanced composite material with cyan, yellow, and magenta dye crystals embedded inside, and a protective polymer overcoat layer outside. The crystals are colorless before printing, so ZINK Paper looks like regular white photo paper. Heat from a ZINK-enabled device activates the crystals, forming all the colors of the rainbow.

Wii Fit

Wii is still one of the hottest products of 2008 and also one of this season’s hottest gifts. It’s a combination of fitness and fun in one, balance and pressure sensitive controller board. It’s not only for exercise and yoga, it can also be used for any game where your stature and agility are instrumental in navigating through the experience.

Livescribe

Also previewed at DEMO, Livescribe is one of the most sophisticated and natural solutions on the market today. Livescribe is a paper-based computing platform that turns plain paper into a computer screen and bridges paper and digital. The solution features the Smartpen, a Montblanc-size computer with advanced processing power, audio/visual feedback, and memory for handwriting capture, audio recording, and applications. The complementary Dot Paper features Dot Positioning System (DPS), technology, enabling interactive, “live” documents using plain paper printed with micro-dots.

Livescribe’s first key application is “Paper Replay.” When taking notes during a discussion or lecture, the smartpen records the conversation and digitizes the handwriting, automatically synching the ink and audio. By later tapping the ink, the smartpen replays the conversation from the exact moment the note was written. Notes and audio can also be uploaded to a PC where they can be replayed, saved, searched and sent. Additional applications will be available for download from www.livescribe.com.

Credit: Brian Solis

Tesla

Zero to 60 in under 4 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph and a redline of 14,000 RPM, this all electric sports car is redefining the automotive industry. With a price tag of $109,000 and a waiting list consisting of an A-list from Hollywood and the tech industry, Tesla has become Silicon Valley’s media darling by offering an eco-friendly vehicle that can travel up to 244 miles per charge. This car has been on my wish list since I attended the grand opening of the dealership in Menlo Park. you’ll be pleased to know that this sleek roadster will only cost you pennies per mile.

Credit: Brian Solis

Apple 3G iPhone

For the second year in a row, I joined Robert Scoble as we ventured to the Apple store in San Francisco to witness the debut of the new iPhone, well, and to also purchase a few. The iPhone 3G delivered on the promise to offer an all inclusive personal entertainment and productivity experience now supported by mobile broadband connectivity. The new phone also marked the debut of the iPhone App Store, which is further fueling the frenzy by providing a mobile marketplace for application developers and consumers. Apple claims that the App Store has served more than 300,000,000 downloads to date. The iPhone has done nothing short of completely reinvent the user experience, inspiring almost every consumer electronics company to rethink product designs, interfaces, and usability.

Photo Credit: Brian Solis

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

As a photographer, this has been on my list well before its official public release. And, now that it’s finally available and shipping, I’m forced to continue my wait until production can meet the phenomenal demand.

Canon’s update to its full frame EOS 5D features a stunning 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor, a vast ISO Range of 100-6400 (expandable to ISO L: 50, H1: 12800 and H2: 25600), plus EOS technologies like Auto Lighting Optimizer and Peripheral Illumination Correction. Perhaps most notably, it features full HD video recording at 30 fps. View sample videos here: http://tinyurl.com/5zsljo.

The 5d Mark II can also shoot up to 3.9 fps, offers 9 AF points plus 6 AF assist points, a new 98% coverage viewfinder, and a 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots/VGA).

UPDATE: My 5D Mark II arrived today. After shooting the first picture and HD movie, the auto focus on my 35mm prime Canon L series lens gave out. Hmmm. The picture and the video are incredible however.

Intel Atom Processor
Yes, while I’m an Intel Insider, I’m almost positive that Intel’s new Atom Processor will make many “Best Of” lists for 2008. It’s yet another breakthrough, which serves as a catalyst for innovation in mobile computing, social networking, and collaboration.

The Atom is Intel’s smallest and lowest power processor processor to date and powers the latest Mobile Internet Devices as well as the rapidly emerging category of netbooks and nettops.

Designed from the ground up, 45nm Intel Atom processors integrate an astounding 47 million transistors on a single chip measuring less than 26mm, making them Intel’s smallest and lowest power processors to date.

Looking forward to seeing you at CES 2009 in Las Vegas along with the rest of the Intel Insiders! (Note:  See Intel Insider stories featured on the Consumer Electronics Insider site.

Connect with me on: Twitter, FriendFeed, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Plaxo, Plurk, Identi.ca, BackType, Jaiku, Social Median, Facebook

by Brian Solis

Mark Cuban at TC50 2008

In a surprising move, The SEC filed and officially announced insider trading charges against Mark Cuban. The SEC contends that Cuban sold 600,000 shares of the stock in Mamma.com (now known as Copernic), an Internet search engine company, on the basis of material, non-public information concerning an impending stock offering.

According to Linda Chatman Thomsen, Director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement, “Insider trading cases are a high priority for the Commission. This case demonstrates yet again that the Commission will aggressively pursue illegal insider trading whenever it occurs.”

Mark Cuban, however, responded to the allegations through his blog, “I wish I could say more, but I will have to leave it to this, and let the judicial process do its job.”

He continued in a formal statement, “I am disappointed that the Commission chose to bring this case based upon its Enforcement staff’s win-at-any-cost ambitions. The staff’s process was result-oriented, facts be damned. The government’s claims are false and they will be proven to be so.”

Ralph C. Ferrara, Esq., Cuban’s attorney, also published a statement, “This matter, which has been pending before the Commission for nearly two years, has no merit and is a product of gross abuse of prosecutorial discretion. Mr. Cuban intends to contest the allegations and to demonstrate that the Commission’s claims are infected by the misconduct of the staff of its Enforcement Division.”

Connect with me on:
Twitter, FriendFeed, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Pownce, Plaxo, Plurk, Identi.ca, BackType, Jaiku or Facebook

Subscribe to the bub.blicio.us RSS Feed.