Here's my next installment of "best of 2008" lists: Gadgets.
I'm an electronic gadget kind-of guy. I love how a gadget can solve a problem. I'm a traveling man also, so gadgets are pretty important to me. I'll buy over a dozen a year. Some rock, others sputter.
Here are 3 gadgets that changed my life this year:
USBConnect 881 (ATT-3G)
This handy gadget changed my life. I'd be the first to admit that the internet connection speeds can be slow, but more often than not, I online in two minutes anytime/anywhere (with no login and no reconfiguring my outgoing email, etc.) Oh yeah, and it's got better mobile security too!
It saves money on hotel internet. My only complaint is that sometimes I have to unplug and reinsert the antenna for it to find reception in hard to reach areas (like airports).
If you like to keep good time while playing an instrument, this is a fabulous solution!
This fits neatly into your ear and gives you metronome clicks for the full tempo range. I use it while playing acoustic guitar. It keeps the click private and improves your playing at the same time.
My only beef is that you only get every 2 or 4 beats to choose from (no 92BPM for example).
A great gift for your favorite musician friend!
This is hands down, the top gadget of the year for me. This is the smallest camera you can get that maintains good picture, image stabilization and great sound.
You'd be shocked how good the video turns out on YouTube (check out this interview and this one from Hawaii). It also takes decent pictures. Buy a mini tripod and BOOM, you can video blog all you want. It fits in the palm of your hand, because it uses SD memory cards instead of MiniDV tapes.
