Author Topic: Tech toys?  (Read 421 times)

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Offline Questor

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Tech toys?
« on: December 03, 2009, 07:32:43 AM »
I used to think MP3 players were just something for kids until my wife tried one and I got hooked. Podcasts have replaced much of the radio shows I used to listen to, it enables me to listen to some shows I like at anytime because they are now available on podcast, and it allows me to keep my music in a very compact form. Very cool stuff.

Digital cameras are awesome too.

Laptop computers. Fabulous.

Text messaging. Nice as a replacement for a pager. Otherwise worthless.

Facebook etc. Gimme a break.

Got some favorites yourself?
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Offline MGMorden

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Re: Tech toys?
« Reply #1 on: December 03, 2009, 08:12:44 AM »
I'm a pretty extreme technophile so I have everything you listed :) (even have Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter ;)). 

I think what we're seeing now though, and will continue to see more and more of, is convergence of all these devices.  I carry an iPod Touch with me for example.  It's literally always with me - I use it a lot for music and podcasts (like you I've gotten REALLY into podcasts), but with the apps that it contains it totally replaced the Palm Pilot I used to carry.  If I need to jot down a quick note or do simple little tasks then the device makes for a very good PDA.  It also has enough little casual games to use as pass-times that I don't carry a Gameboy or anything either.

What's interesting though, is that with the WIFI of the unit, I have found that a lot of times I can make do with the iPod in places where previously I would have needed my laptop (which I often don't carry).  Need to log into Yahoo and find a list of nearby Indian restaurants?  The iPod works fine - so long as I'm near a wifi hotspot.

Most of these types of devices have been merged with phones for a long time - I still haven't bought one yet, but I'm seriously looking at the Droid Eris.  Being on the celular network for data also alleviates the need to always to on the hunt for a hotspot.  Interestingly enough most of those also are coming with decent cameras now too.  Most of the new smartphones are sporting cameras in the 5MP range.  Now I've got an INCREDIBLY nice Canon Digital Rebel XT for when I want to takes some good pictures, but the thing with that is that it's bulky, and like with a lot of my other devices, I just don't have it with me when I want to use it.  These newer cell phone cameras are getting good enough now that they can actually take a halfway-decent picture in a pinch. 

Getting a good phone that also works well as a PDA, laptop replacement, makeshift camera, etc is top of my list. 

Offline Swampman

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Re: Tech toys?
« Reply #2 on: December 03, 2009, 08:19:36 AM »
All of the above.  I have a 16gb Itouch & a Facebook page.  This is coming from my Itouch.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

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Offline Graybeard

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Re: Tech toys?
« Reply #3 on: December 03, 2009, 10:41:17 AM »
Wal Rudy from that list I have a digital camera. I don't see me getting involved with any of the rest in this life time. Faye has jumped into face book with both feet and seems rather addicted to it. She spents more time there daily than any other activity other than sleeping I think. Dunno why but that along tells me it's a bad thing to be involved in.

I do have a cell phone but no texting and it is seldom even turned on. Most months of the year it doesn't even get turned on. It's for an emergency if I have one not for regular use.


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Offline gypsyman

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Re: Tech toys?
« Reply #4 on: December 03, 2009, 07:15:18 PM »
Just got my first cell phone in June of this year. Most of the time it's off.Message's might be on it 2 days before I listen to them. This 'puter. And a set of RCBS digatal scale's that are probably close to 20 years old. That's all my high tech stuff. gypsyman
We keep trying peace, it usually doesn't work!!Remember(12/7/41)(9/11/01) gypsyman

Offline Glanceblamm

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Re: Tech toys?
« Reply #5 on: December 04, 2009, 01:42:25 AM »
Quote
Facebook etc. Gimme a break.

Ditto!

Why do you need facebook when you have GBO 8)

Offline Swampman

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Re: Tech toys?
« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2009, 01:44:46 AM »
Facebook helps me to find and keep up with lots of old friends and family.  It's a great tool.  I recently reconnected with several highschool friends that I haven't heard from in 35 years.

"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

1st Special Operations Wing 1975-1983
919th Special Operations Wing  1983-1985 1993-1994

"Manus haec inimica tyrannis / Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" ~Algernon Sidney~

Offline Brett

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Re: Tech toys?
« Reply #7 on: December 04, 2009, 02:05:52 AM »
Cell phone, digital camera, GPS & desk top PC.   The phone is used for phone calls (how novel) and I have no desire to twitter, face book or whatever on the PC.  I waste enough time on this and two other forums I visit almost daily. 
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Offline Victor3

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Re: Tech toys?
« Reply #8 on: December 04, 2009, 02:19:51 AM »
 I'm a flashlight geek.

 The latest Cree LED's are ~3x more efficient than the best emitters of a few years ago. Some of the new 'neutral' and 'warm' LED's also put out light that looks more like an incandescent, so you don't have that flat, monochromatic blue output of the old ones.

 I just yesterday received a 1 AA-cell light about the size of my index finger that blows my old 4 D-cell maglight away...

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=93&products_id=1853&osCsid=ac6a2b6d15d1cf9b2192a4dac8909041
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