While it seems like the whole world is in love with Apple, that they can do no wrong, not everyone is looking at an oversized iPod Touch through rose colored glasses. Honestly, I have to say that for the most part, I agree with this article. Sure, Apple is going to tout the iPad as a “game changing device”… they are trying to sell it to you. They want your money. They stand to potentially earn MILLIONS of dollars by selling it to you… so you be the judge. Is there really a market for the iPad, or is Apple just trying to create one and cash in? I’m hard pressed to see the real market for these devices. How about you? Share your thoughts with us using the comments option below.

I’ve got tons of retail management experience.  I was managing computer retail stores between the ages of 16 – 18. I’ve been a gadget geek all my life.

One of the things that I usually advise people against when purchasing electronics, though is purchasing an extended warranty.  Unless you are going to be taking said electronics into a somewhat less than hospitable environment (like my family room, with my boys and most of their toys), the only thing that purchasing an extended warranty plan does is increase margin dollars for the store.  Most products, if they fail, usually fail during the warranty period, and the manufacturer’s warranty is usually sufficient to cover the loss or needed repairs.

Is AppleCare worth the price..?

Today’s the day!  "Our latest creation" is set to be unveiled later this morning/early this afternoon (depending on where you are).  I’ve got a cool little article on iTechGear.org on what to purchase immediately following the Apple Press Event today; and no, I’m not talking about the rumored tablet…at least not exactly.  If the graphic didn’t give it away (too obvious??), then just hang out for a sec and think about it.  AppleCare is NOT just about the extended warranty, kids. Its a lot more. A LOT more…

Why don’t you take a quick jaunt there, check it out and then COME BACK to JAMM, as a couple of us are going to be commenting on what happens and will have some cool commentary on the event this afternoon!

Stay tuned, kids, just we’re gonna JAMM this event!

Late last year, I ran into a lot of trouble with my MyBook World Edition 1TB NAS.  Installing Mionet 4.0 Beta seemed to kill the drive.  Shortly after the drive itself was updated, it began to run hot and eventually both drives in the RAID configuration died.  Luckily, I was able to get most of my data off (though it took me almost a month to do it); and Western Digital did a very good job of making good on the then 13 month old drive.

Recently, I got notified of the upcoming beta testing of Mionet 4.1, WD’s remote drive access application.  The beta actually begins today, and as I’ve applied for the beta, my drive should be automatically updated by this time tomorrow.

Mionet comes with WD MyBook World edition drives and allows you to

• Access your drive from anywhere on the internet
• Share files
• Share your desktop
• Remotely control another computer (also running Mionet)

The beta is supposed to officially include support for

• Windows 7 (both 32bit and 64bit) as well as Vista 64bit OS’. 
• Increased reliability
• Improved performance

Mionet 4.1 Beta

We’ll see how it goes. The auto upgrade process has already started on my Fuji tablet. I will see what happens with the work PC, and if it doesn’t upgrade itself by the time this posts, I’ll upgrade it manually.  Given all the work that Western Digital and I did with Mionet 4.0, I’m confident they worked out most if not all of my earlier concerns and issues (right John??)

Earlier today, at CES, DXG announced their new line of cameras, and I have to say that I am pretty impressed.  I am not going to say too much here because I think these specs will speak for themselves.  The upcoming DXG-A80V features:

· Highest video capture with true 1080p at 30fps, or 1080i at 60fps

· 5X optical zoom

· Impressive 10 megapixel still camera

· Built-in Gyro sensor for electronic image stabilization

· 3-inch LCD touch screen

· Auto and manual focus

· Supports SDHC up to 32GB

· Outfitted with an HDMI interface and package includes an HDMI cable

Wow.  Just wow.  Of course, specs only go so far, so we will be putting this one through its full paces soon,and we will see how the real thing stands up to these specs.  I will say, however, that I am pretty excited by the prospect of true HD video capabilities, and those touch screen controls.

In addition to announcing this new flagship camera, DXG also previewed a few other cameras which they expect to release later in the year.  These include:

· DXG Sportsters: DXG creates true waterproof HD video capture technology – with features such as 1080p HD video recording, a built-in 12 megapixel still camera, and waterproof design up to 10 feet, the Sportsters line will be perfect for any water adventurist.

· DXG QuickShots: Combining key design and performance features for easy video capture at a budget price, QuickShots will be the ideal gadget for video enthusiasts seeking quality and affordability.

· New Luxe Collection: DXG will be adding chic new designs to its popular Luxe line of couture high-definition camcorders. New styles will include the Chelsea Series (houndstooth designs), Paisley Series (paisley designs) and the Kensington Series (tartan designs) with vibrant color combinations.

The DXG-A80V is the first entrant in DXG’s new Pro Gear line of cameras.  It is available now from a variety of retailers for $299.99.  For more information, check out DXG’s website (www.dxgusa.com)

HTC announced today a new compact touch device with an intuitive user experience based on HTC Sense technology. This is a fully customizable Smartphone with Qualcomm’s Brew Mobile Platform, providing a higher end device at a reasonable price.

This is a nice looking device, and we’re curious to find out more regarding the Brew implementation.

Check out the full Press Release below:

HTC smart defines a new category of

smartphones for the masses

HTC Smart’s friendly, compact design and integration of HTC Sense will

appeal to a broad range of people all over the world

LAS VEGAS, Consumer Electronics Show (CES) – Jan. 7, 2010 – HTC Corporation, a global smartphone designer, today unveiled HTC Smart, a new type of smartphone that creates a new category of easy-to-use, connected smartphones that are accessible by people all over the world. The HTC Smart will be available this spring across Europe and Asia.

“HTC has always focused on listening to customers and setting the stage for new mobile categories, and HTC Smart is the response to customer demand around the world for an easier-to-use, affordable smartphone,” said Peter Chou, chief executive officer, HTC Corporation. “Just adding a touch interface doesn’t mean a phone is a smartphone. The integration of HTC Sense brings an unparalleled smartphone experience for people looking to do more on their phone.”

Bringing HTC Sense to the Masses

HTC Smart begins with a friendly, compact touch design and integrates an intuitive user experience that is centered around HTC Sense, an HTC design philosophy that puts people at the center by focusing on three core areas: Make It Mine, Stay Close and Discover the Unexpected. HTC Smart enables personal customization of each person’s own phone experience. It also provides a quick and easy way to see what friends are up to via various social networks as well as quickly communicating over the phone, through text messaging or e-mail.

“HTC Smart breaks new ground in delivering the powerful, in-demand smartphone features that consumers want on a more accessible device for global markets,” said Paul Jacobs, chief executive officer, Qualcomm Incorporated. “We are pleased to be supporting HTC as they utilize the capabilities of Qualcomm’s Brew Mobile Platform open operating system to offer high-end capabilities and a compelling mobile user experience at mass-market price points.”

Qualcomm Brew Mobile Platform (Brew MP)

HTC Smart utilizes Qualcomm’s Brew MP, a popular mobile operating system that enables smartphone devices to be offered at more aggressive price points, providing HTC with the flexibility to deliver smartphone features on devices across multiple tiers.

About HTC

HTC Corporation (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry and continues to pioneer industry-leading mobile experiences through design, usability and innovation that are sparked by how the mobile phone can improve how people live and communicate. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.

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The names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.