princeedward
08-10-2008, 02:07 AM
There are many gadgets that have been relegated to the shadows while things like the iPhone get all the press -- gadgets that are in the background diligently winning over the public with their ability, not their hype. It is in this spirit that askmen.com present the top 10 underrated gadgets of 2008, products that are often overshadowed by the myths and mystique of their competitors but actually do the job quite well, sometimes better than what came before.
Number 10
Fraunhofer IDG MultiTouch Table
Overshadowed by: Microsoft Surface
You’ve probably heard all the hype surrounding the Microsoft Surface: The new touch tablet optimized to track 52 touches at one time. The Surface allows you to manipulate digital photos across the table with your fingers, rotating and moving them across the table naturally. Video games can also be directed with your fingers, and there seems to be no limit to the possibilities. To hear about it is easy, but to actually see it in action is another because it’s only available for corporate use. Thankfully, the research and development department at Fraunhofer IDG is developing a multitouch table that has a surface much larger than the Microsoft’s entry at 59 x 35 inches. And just like the multifinger interface of the Surface, the MultiTouch features 3D data visualization.
Number 9
Casio EX-S10
Overshadowed by: Canon PowerShot
Casio EX-S10 - Credit: Casio
Not that we don’t appreciate the beautiful Maria Sharapova playing with her dog in a short skirt, but the Canon PowerShot camera brand she promotes leaves something to be desired, especially when compared to the overshadowed Casio EX-S10. The Casio is lighter, thinner and has much better image quality for its 10-megapixel offering than Canon has for its own. The fact that the Casio lacks optical image stabilization is made up for by an array of automatic shutter settings. Image-quality support includes a 10-megapixel sensor and ISO capabilities from ISO 50 to 1600. Comparatively, the Canon PowerShot is not as heavy on the features and most of them are pretty standard.
Number 8
Sony Ericsson W902 Walkman Phone
Overshadowed by: iPhone
Sony Ericsson W902 Walkman Phone - Credit: Sony
Apple might be the reigning champion of music and cell phones at the moment, but back in the day it was all about the Walkman. Given Sony's history, it makes sense that the company would try to get its old flagship brand into the cell phone market. Enter the Sony Ericsson W902 Walkman Phone, equipped with an 8GB Micro M2 memory stick that can hold up to 8,000 songs and some stellar HPM-77 Sony Ericsson headphones. Moreover, the Walkman Phone includes video playback on its 2.2-inch screen and a 5-megapixel camera for good measure, making it a solid pick for our top 10 underrated gadgets of 2008.
Number 7
Gateway One
Overshadowed by: iMacGateway One - Credit: Gateway
Some men will remain PC guys regardless of how many clever ad campaigns Apple launches. And if you happen to be one of those guys, then No. 7 in our top 10 underrated gadgets of 2008 might be a nice alternative to the iMac. Sure, the screen size of the Gateway One is smaller, and the iMac’s have a 33% faster CPU and a dedicated graphics card, but the Gateway One features more RAM and more hard disk space (400GB compared to the iMac’s 320GB), and it has a wireless keyboard and mouse included. In the end, the decision between a Gateway One or an iMac is really about personal preference and what components are important to you.
Number 6
Sharper Image eVac
Overshadowed by: Roomba Discovery
Sharper Image eVac - Credit: Sharper Image
If you’re uncomfortable with having a robotic vacuum made by a company that also dabbles in military weapons, then maybe the latest iRobot Roomba, Discovery, isn’t for you. Thankfully, you’ll find a cheaper alternative with the more traditional Sharper Image eVac. Equipped with a powerful motor that outshines the Discovery, the eVac creates more noise but also has an excellent reputation as a thorough cleaning machine.
Number 5
ASUS Eee PC 901
Overshadowed by: MacBook Air
ASUS Eee PC 901 - Credit: ASUS
Quite a show was made of the MacBook Air when Steve Jobs took it out of that envelope, demonstrating that it was the thinnest laptop on record. However, the price for the MacBook Air is far from thin. In fact, you can get just about three ASUS Eee PC 901s for as much as it costs for one MacBook Air. The Air may outshine the Eee in pure performance and usability, but the Eee’s expandability, range of connectors and sheer portability means there is more room to grow. The lack of ports, the expensive price tag and the non-replaceable battery have Apple sucking air, not riding on it when compared to the ASUS Eee.
Number 4
Sony Reader
Overshadowed by: Amazon Kindle
Sony Reader - Credit: Sony
The Amazon Kindle isn’t exactly taking the world by storm, but of the digital readers out there, the Amazon name allows for a barrage of media attention. Unlike its lesser-known competitor, the Sony Reader, the Kindle doesn’t have format neutrality and can’t read open formats like PDfs. With the Sony reader, you can read any file format, including blogs and RSS feeds, without paying $1 every single time. The design is also vastly improved on the Reader; it is smaller, lighter and looks more like a book with a simpler interface than the clumsy Kindle.
Number 3
Microsoft Zune
Overshadowed by: iPod
Microsoft Zune - Credit: Microsoft
When the Zune first launched it was regarded by many as somewhat of a malnourished half-sibling of the iPod. Now that the second generation of the Zune has been released, however, many early faults, such as the smaller storage capacity, have been rectified. In fact, the Zune's storage capacity of 80GB equals that of the iPod classic, its touch-sensitive dial is similar to the iPod click-wheel and the screen size of 3.2 inches is slightly larger than the iPod’s. The Zune also has Wi-Fi connectivity, photo sharing and will soon allow homemade games through its XNA developer tools.
Number 2
Sony PSP
Overshadowed by: Nintendo DS
Sony PSP - Credit: Sony
Nintendo has held dominance over the handheld video-game market for decades, and the Nintendo DS is now the top-selling handheld in Europe and North America. However, while the features of the DS are only geared toward gameplay, the PlayStation Portable is a literal home theater in the palm of your hand. Specifically, along with its gameplay capabilities, the PSP also a digital video player, digital music player and fully functional web browser. It’s a wonder it isn’t a video player first, as the amazing 480 x 272 widescreen LCD display dominates its surface. Bottom line: It’s the PSP's versatility as a multimedia player that carries it over the game-centric DS
Number 1
Samsung Instinct
Overshadowed by: iPhone 3G
Samsung Instinct - Credit: Samsung
If your instincts are directing you toward the iPhone 3G for your next cell phone purchase, they may be leading you astray. Though the lineups for the 3G wind through cities around the world, thanks partially to the heralding of GPS on a phone, the Samsung Instinct already has a GPS that is voice-guided. Moreover, the Instinct also has live TV and shoot-and-send video, which the iPhone doesn’t. Lastly, not only does the Instinct have more features than the iPhone, but it’s also cheaper. Let the suckers bite into Apple -- you’re fine following your Instinct.
Click Here For More Info! (http://www.askmen.com/top_10/entertainment_300/348_top_10_list.html)
Number 10
Fraunhofer IDG MultiTouch Table
Overshadowed by: Microsoft Surface
You’ve probably heard all the hype surrounding the Microsoft Surface: The new touch tablet optimized to track 52 touches at one time. The Surface allows you to manipulate digital photos across the table with your fingers, rotating and moving them across the table naturally. Video games can also be directed with your fingers, and there seems to be no limit to the possibilities. To hear about it is easy, but to actually see it in action is another because it’s only available for corporate use. Thankfully, the research and development department at Fraunhofer IDG is developing a multitouch table that has a surface much larger than the Microsoft’s entry at 59 x 35 inches. And just like the multifinger interface of the Surface, the MultiTouch features 3D data visualization.
Number 9
Casio EX-S10
Overshadowed by: Canon PowerShot
Casio EX-S10 - Credit: Casio
Not that we don’t appreciate the beautiful Maria Sharapova playing with her dog in a short skirt, but the Canon PowerShot camera brand she promotes leaves something to be desired, especially when compared to the overshadowed Casio EX-S10. The Casio is lighter, thinner and has much better image quality for its 10-megapixel offering than Canon has for its own. The fact that the Casio lacks optical image stabilization is made up for by an array of automatic shutter settings. Image-quality support includes a 10-megapixel sensor and ISO capabilities from ISO 50 to 1600. Comparatively, the Canon PowerShot is not as heavy on the features and most of them are pretty standard.
Number 8
Sony Ericsson W902 Walkman Phone
Overshadowed by: iPhone
Sony Ericsson W902 Walkman Phone - Credit: Sony
Apple might be the reigning champion of music and cell phones at the moment, but back in the day it was all about the Walkman. Given Sony's history, it makes sense that the company would try to get its old flagship brand into the cell phone market. Enter the Sony Ericsson W902 Walkman Phone, equipped with an 8GB Micro M2 memory stick that can hold up to 8,000 songs and some stellar HPM-77 Sony Ericsson headphones. Moreover, the Walkman Phone includes video playback on its 2.2-inch screen and a 5-megapixel camera for good measure, making it a solid pick for our top 10 underrated gadgets of 2008.
Number 7
Gateway One
Overshadowed by: iMacGateway One - Credit: Gateway
Some men will remain PC guys regardless of how many clever ad campaigns Apple launches. And if you happen to be one of those guys, then No. 7 in our top 10 underrated gadgets of 2008 might be a nice alternative to the iMac. Sure, the screen size of the Gateway One is smaller, and the iMac’s have a 33% faster CPU and a dedicated graphics card, but the Gateway One features more RAM and more hard disk space (400GB compared to the iMac’s 320GB), and it has a wireless keyboard and mouse included. In the end, the decision between a Gateway One or an iMac is really about personal preference and what components are important to you.
Number 6
Sharper Image eVac
Overshadowed by: Roomba Discovery
Sharper Image eVac - Credit: Sharper Image
If you’re uncomfortable with having a robotic vacuum made by a company that also dabbles in military weapons, then maybe the latest iRobot Roomba, Discovery, isn’t for you. Thankfully, you’ll find a cheaper alternative with the more traditional Sharper Image eVac. Equipped with a powerful motor that outshines the Discovery, the eVac creates more noise but also has an excellent reputation as a thorough cleaning machine.
Number 5
ASUS Eee PC 901
Overshadowed by: MacBook Air
ASUS Eee PC 901 - Credit: ASUS
Quite a show was made of the MacBook Air when Steve Jobs took it out of that envelope, demonstrating that it was the thinnest laptop on record. However, the price for the MacBook Air is far from thin. In fact, you can get just about three ASUS Eee PC 901s for as much as it costs for one MacBook Air. The Air may outshine the Eee in pure performance and usability, but the Eee’s expandability, range of connectors and sheer portability means there is more room to grow. The lack of ports, the expensive price tag and the non-replaceable battery have Apple sucking air, not riding on it when compared to the ASUS Eee.
Number 4
Sony Reader
Overshadowed by: Amazon Kindle
Sony Reader - Credit: Sony
The Amazon Kindle isn’t exactly taking the world by storm, but of the digital readers out there, the Amazon name allows for a barrage of media attention. Unlike its lesser-known competitor, the Sony Reader, the Kindle doesn’t have format neutrality and can’t read open formats like PDfs. With the Sony reader, you can read any file format, including blogs and RSS feeds, without paying $1 every single time. The design is also vastly improved on the Reader; it is smaller, lighter and looks more like a book with a simpler interface than the clumsy Kindle.
Number 3
Microsoft Zune
Overshadowed by: iPod
Microsoft Zune - Credit: Microsoft
When the Zune first launched it was regarded by many as somewhat of a malnourished half-sibling of the iPod. Now that the second generation of the Zune has been released, however, many early faults, such as the smaller storage capacity, have been rectified. In fact, the Zune's storage capacity of 80GB equals that of the iPod classic, its touch-sensitive dial is similar to the iPod click-wheel and the screen size of 3.2 inches is slightly larger than the iPod’s. The Zune also has Wi-Fi connectivity, photo sharing and will soon allow homemade games through its XNA developer tools.
Number 2
Sony PSP
Overshadowed by: Nintendo DS
Sony PSP - Credit: Sony
Nintendo has held dominance over the handheld video-game market for decades, and the Nintendo DS is now the top-selling handheld in Europe and North America. However, while the features of the DS are only geared toward gameplay, the PlayStation Portable is a literal home theater in the palm of your hand. Specifically, along with its gameplay capabilities, the PSP also a digital video player, digital music player and fully functional web browser. It’s a wonder it isn’t a video player first, as the amazing 480 x 272 widescreen LCD display dominates its surface. Bottom line: It’s the PSP's versatility as a multimedia player that carries it over the game-centric DS
Number 1
Samsung Instinct
Overshadowed by: iPhone 3G
Samsung Instinct - Credit: Samsung
If your instincts are directing you toward the iPhone 3G for your next cell phone purchase, they may be leading you astray. Though the lineups for the 3G wind through cities around the world, thanks partially to the heralding of GPS on a phone, the Samsung Instinct already has a GPS that is voice-guided. Moreover, the Instinct also has live TV and shoot-and-send video, which the iPhone doesn’t. Lastly, not only does the Instinct have more features than the iPhone, but it’s also cheaper. Let the suckers bite into Apple -- you’re fine following your Instinct.
Click Here For More Info! (http://www.askmen.com/top_10/entertainment_300/348_top_10_list.html)