Mobile Phones
Serious iPhone Challengers
- Blackberry Storm
- Nokia 5800
In form, look and functionality, these are serious challengers to the iPhone, especially in markets where the cult phone did not succeed. With a touchscreen similar to that of Apple Inc's iconic phone, the Storm is expected to live up to its name and create a whirlwind in the market. And don't forget Nokia 5800 with a form factor and interface that's all too familiar to those acquainted with theiPhone.
Coming in December '08.
High-Res Camera Phones
- Sony Ericsson C905
- Samsung M8800
- LG KC 910
There's been a big leap by phone cameras in recent times. From the 2-5 megapixel average, Sony Ericsson took a quantum leap to 8.1 MP. Samsung and LG followed with 8 meg forget-me-nots. And these are also feature-rich smart phones with a who's who of features stuffed into their relatively compact form factor-Wi-fi, Bluetooth, USB, Touch Screen and enhanced sound capabilities. And yes, they can also help you make a phone call.
Expected in India in the next 6-10 months.
Digital Displays
While the world's fighting overLCD and Plasma, a new, entirely different panel surfaced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas: Laser TV. Unlike itsLCD and plasma counterparts which have angle limitations, this offers "laser sharp" images from all angles; it uses less power too. Also on the horizon is a foldable display. Expect some high-res action in laptop and LCD displays too. Samsung and Dell have introduced the QWXGA (Quad Wide Extended Graphics Array) display with a resolution as high as 2048 x 1152.
HTC-Dream
First to work on the Google phone platform (Android), the HTC-Dream (launched as T-Mobile G1 in US & Europe) combines full touchcreen functionality, a QWERTY keyboard with a rich mobile web experience, dozens of Android market applications and popular Google products-Google Maps Street View, Gmail, YouTube et al.
Cameras
Hi-Def Video
- Canon HF10: Rs 72,995
- Sony HDR-HC5E: Rs 69,990
With LCDs and plasma replacing displays at home, normal videocameras have had to make way for high-def ones. And so, domestic video cameras are no longer amateur toys but have the configuration to make a professional out of you. Canon's Vixia HF10 camera, for instance, produces hi-definition video of 1,920 x 1,080.
- Canon EOS 1DS Mark III: Rs 3.99 lakh
- Canon EOS 450D: Rs 48,995
- Nikon D90: Rs 69,950 (Body only)
Gaming
Sony PSP 3000 : Rs 9,490
After being around for a few years, Sony Corp's cute little portable game machine has grown up. The new version-PSP3000-includes Internet access, a webcam and a microphone, apart from having a higherresolution screen. It has been just launched in India.
Philips Cinemaone
This is convergence at its best. The Philips CinemaOne is a complete all-in-one home theatre system that combines a DVD and CD player, an iPod dock, a five channel amplifier, six speakers, and a 4-inch subwoofer in a single stylish box of the size of a football. Unveiled late this year, it is slated to be one of the hot products of 2009.
MacBook Pro:
Around Rs 1 lakh
It might be a misfit in the race for thinner, lighter machines, but like its other products, Apple Inc's MacBook Pro is sure to pull in a huge fan following. Carved from a single block of aluminum, the new MacBook Pro is strong and light at about 2 kg. It also has a revolutionary pair of graphic chips designed for an unbelievable graphics-'n-gaming experience. In addition, the long-life battery will keep you hooked for hours.
