Kindle - Electronic Portable Reader
By: Dave Darr
Kindle could follow the path of the iPod and set the stage for an impending rise of electronic portable reading devices. With enough room to hold 90,000 digital books, magazines, and newspapers, this little device could replace whole libraries. Imagine, instead of waiting on the mailman to deliver your copy of The New York Times or AP Magazine, you can just download it right when it's available. The problem is that it could quickly increase illegal file sharing of digital books, magazines, and newspapers. Also, the Kindle just looks plain and boring. However, I can see a lot of copycats coming out with their own devices that are more slick, giving the Kindle a run for their money. Perhaps Apple and Microsoft are already on it!  If you want "the first." you can snag your own Kindle
for $400. I would rather wait for something a little more stylish and affordable.
 
 
ION - USB Turntable
By: Dave Darr
I came across this sweet little device from Urban Outfitters' online webstore.  This is a basic turntable that can be used to play your favorite albums (new or old) however it has an USB output device where you can copy vinyl onto your computer hard drive.  I dont know about you, but some of my favorite songs are on those limited edition vinyl 7"s bands have been putting out lately. I get pretty bummed out when I cant listen to the music in my car.  Well, my answer has been found.  The ION USB Turntable will easily turn my favorite vinyl songs into digital audio that can be transfered into accessable music. On the techy side of things, it works with PC or MAC. It works with all speeds 33 1/3 and 45s.  It comes equipped with RCA outputs, a built-in pre-amp and more!  For DJs, if you're wanting to be the next Paul Oakenfold, I would go with a more high-end professional turntable, but it could work for the novice I guess.
 
 
 
Zune 2 - Microsoft MP3 Player
By: Charles Ray Hastings
Just in time for the holidays, microsoft releases the new and improved hand-held
media player from the Zune line! Zune 2 is a huge leap from microsoft's previous
answer to Apple's ipod. The new installment of the microsoft product comes in two forms, an 80GB hard drive based model, and a flash model with either 4GB or 8GB capacity. Along with the new menu system and interface, they've launched a networking site called Zune Social that posts your most listened to songs in an attempt to document "the soundtrack to your life" and share with other Zune Socialites. It's a belated attempt to catch up with Apples hippness in hardware. Though I will not take away brownie points from it's compatibility with your average PC. For the same price as the Apple's 80GB ipod, it's all up to the buyer and their feelings towards being the only kid on the block without an ipod.
 
 
 
Luna Nutrition Bars
Although the wrapper reads “the whole nutrition bar for women,” you dont need boobs to enjoy these little scrumpsious bars of chocolately, granola goodness!  With flavors like Chocolate Peppermint Stick, Iced Oatmeal Rasin, Cookies n’ Cream, S’mores, Peanut Butter Cookie, and loads more, their is a flavor for anybody-breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  www.lunabar.com