Right after the holidays, there is another very special weekend known as the CES.  That is the Consumer Electronics Show that is put on every year in January in Las Vegas.  This year it is from Jan. 7 to Jan. 10.  All of the biggest companies bring out their shiny new toys to parade in front of us gadget lovers.  It is one of my dreams to be able to actually attend all of these events.  So, if someone can help me pick the right Powerball lottery numbers, I’d appreciate it.  I feel like before the show starts that anything is possible, maybe even my all-in-one smartphone robot that can do my laundry.  You can never tell who will bring the biggest surprise. 

There is so much going on at the show that its impossible to take in all the of the devices and accessories, so I always have a few areas of particular interest.  Here’s my ‘I can’t wait to suck up every ounce of info’ gadget list:

1 – Android Smartphones

Yes, I have been the Palm girl for some time.  I still use my Centro with its old OS, but its time for something new.  My eye has begun to wonder to the Android platform.  There are plenty of apps, plus with what I have seen and heard about the OS, there is not a big learning curve.  Google Navigation is also a GIANT bonus.  I do love my Navigon GPS, but I do not love paying $80 to update my maps.  Free is a beautiful thing in the realm of big data contracts from carriers.  I do suffer from the classic geek disease of ‘if I wait another couple of months something even better will appear’.  However, I have drawn the line in the sand, and its time to make a decision.  So, I will be surveying what everyone has to offer that will be out on Verizon.  The Nexus One has an early lead, but the game is only beginning.   

2 – eBook Readers

This will be the explosion category this year.  Everyone wants a piece of the Kindle pie, just like everyone wanted a piece of the iPod pie a few years back.  The item I will be keeping my eye out for is innovation.  I have seen a bunch of Kindle clones.  Honestly, if I want to buy something that looks just like a Kindle, I’ll get a Kindle.  First, I want to see if anyone has an affordable color ereader.  I would love to be able to read my comic books on an ereader.  They take up bunches of room around the house.  Second, I am fascinated by the dual eReader and netbook combo.  I think its a fabulous idea.  Plus, I also think there is room in the eReader market for a quality reader that you can highlight and take notes on.  I know the Kindle DX experiment at different colleges has received about a C, so there is an opportunity there. 

3 – Tablets

This is more of just following along with the hype.  Tablets, tablets are going to be the next big thing.  Well, I’d like to see more of them out there, and see if Apple has one up their sleeve.

4 – Creative and Cool Gear Bags

I LOVE BAGS!!!  I just do.  Bags and cases with fun designs just make my heart flutter. 

So, what’s on your CES dream list???  Phones, home theater equipment, car tech, GPS, music, etc.  The sky is the limit!!!  Geeks everywhere rejoice!!!