Whats the hottest gadget out right now?

[TheSavage]

I'm looking for something cool, neat and new.

Something like an iPhone, iPad, PDA, etc. I'm mainly seeking a tech-gadget, but if its something else, that may be cool also. Is there anything out there that has games, wi-fi, etc... also like.. a PSP?

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[LEOcab'89]

The Nintendo GAMEBOY. It has a 2.6" reflective dot-matrix LCD screen with 2-bit color, stereo sound, and it comes with Tetris.

 

[BK]

Do a google search for the Archos 10.1 Internet Tablet - it should be coming out next month. Following is my response to another question that asked for the differences between the Archos 101 IT and the iPad but it will tell you about the features and cost. It looks really nice.

Here’s a run-down of the key differences:

* Thinner and lighter: the Archos is 16.9 ounces to the iPad’s 24 ounces. Based on my hands on time with the iPad, this makes a big difference when you need to carry around the device with just one hand. The Archos 101 IT is also slightly thinner.

* Storage: Just like the Galaxy Tab, the 101 IT is expandable up to 32GB of extra storage via a MicroSD card. Not to mention a customer could use multiple cards—whereas iPad users are forever limited to the built-in SSD.

* Ports/connectivity: this is where the some of the biggest differences exist. The 101 IT has a webcam (although only 0.3 MP?? Really???), HDMI output, and a USB host port—likely a mini-USB like most smartphones. In contrast, the iPad only includes a proprietary jack for connecting a USB dongle.

* Speed: both use a 1GHZ ARM-designed processor. Where the two devices differ is that the iPad’s GPU is combined onto one die with the processor (known as a “system on a chip”). According to specs provided by Archos, the 101 IT appears to use a separate OpenGL 3D accelerator. Without hands-on, though, it’s difficult to compare the two devices’ performance, but equal prowess is a reasonable expectation.

* Kickstand: another nice touch is that it has a built-in kickstand. The iPad has a docking accessory, but it’s nice to be able to prop a tablet without holding it in one hand.

Since it hasn't come out yet, the rumored price is around $300. Keep in mind that the cheapest iPad is $499 for the 16GB version with no 3G option but that the price can go all the way up to $829.

Battery life is listed as 10 hours for web surfing, music playback at 36 hours and video playback at 7 hours which is almost identical to the iPad.

I own an Archos 5 Internet Tablet and an Archos AV 700 40 GB Mobile Digital Video Recorder, and Archos does build solid hardware.

Android 2.2 with Flash 10 support is HUGE compared to the iPad. Free apps from the Android Market is awesome.

The one big gripe you always hear about Archos is this - they tend to nickle and dime you to death by requiring you to purchase all these "upgrades" that they should just put in the product to begin with - $25 for a codec to play all multimedia type formats, $25 for this, $25 for that. It is a pain.

I know Archos is attempting to keep the basic model price down, and if you want additional features, you can pay for them. Still it's a gripe from people who want "everything included" for one price.

Make sure to read some reviews of the 10.1 Archos when it hits the streets. It looks amazing in the videos and pictures that I've seen.

I own an iPad but will probably get this as well if the reviews are sound.

OK I just checked out the Tech Specs for the 10.1 at

http://www.archos.com/products/ta/archos…

and Archos will continue to charge additional $$ for extra features that I wish were just standard:

Video upgrade - With optional plug-in (downloadable on www.archos.com):
• Cinema: MPEG-2 (up to DVD resolution MP/D1, 30 fps@10 Mbps)

Audio upgrade - With optional software plug-ins (downloadable on www.archos.com):
• AC3 5.1

OK so if you want those additional video and audio upgrades be prepared to spend $15-$25 for each.

Still $300 base price is outstanding.