Smarter TV's

Looking to buy a new super slim flat panel anytime soon? Well, if so, you have plenty of choices. 3 years ago it was "Is it 120HZ", last year it was "Does it have 3D"?, and now, you really don't want to get a TV without Internet Apps! The new Samsung models have "Smart Apps" and even have the ability to do a true search on the web! Very nice if you want the internet surfing experience on your Big Screen TV! Most popular apps you see are Vudu, FaceBook, and Netflix. If you are still ordering movies in the mail and don't think movies streamed are as high quality? Think again!, not only are they available in HD, but you get them instantly as opposed to waiting by the mailbox or stalking your mail carrier. Be sure to have a "N" band wireless router though, or a hard wired Broadband internet signal feeding that new Smart TV.

So, before you buy that next new Flat Panel TV make sure it has internet apps and understand what each app can do for you!

The new Jawbone ERA

Nothing says "I'm Cool" quite like a piece of plastic hanging out of your ear....But, if it frees your hands to do more important stuff like "drive", it can be worth a little fashion faux pas here and there. I picked up the latest Jawbone ERA Bluetooth headset the other day and I must say it's very impressive. I want to first start out by stating the obvious. As most of you who use Bluetooth headsets know, they aren't perfect, but this one comes close. The size of this Bluetooth headset is larger than previous and most models out there, but this was something I liked initially about it. Usually if something is small, thin and light, it isn't too far from also being cheap and unimpressive. Well, the new Jawbone ERA is still light, but the bigger size yields to its more efficient and larger speaker. Also, this Bluetooth is smart. Touch the back and it will tell you how much battery power is left "About 5 hours of talk time remaining". It also features customizations like changing the speaking voice and telling you the name of the person that is calling. It supports HD audio and sound. Even though it's just playing in one ear, it's nice having audio from your PC or phone coming right to your bluetooth headset. I previously owned the Jawbone Prime and this is a major step-up from that model. Very reliable, and great acoustics! Pick one up for $130 at your local retailer.

-KAS via CC Newsletter 2/23/11

New Intel Processors

If you're looking to buy a new Computer this year, wait until manufacturers release their latest Intel chips! The new Intel chips are faster, more efficient and should provide an overall better experience to the end user! What should you look for when checking out a new laptop or desktop? Well, the new processors in the "i" family have 4 digit numbers. So, anything in the 2000 series is new. If you see 600 series, these are last year's model processors. See the advertising image above and notate the gold stripe through the processor emblem as well. Dell is starting to release the new Intel chips and Apple is reported to be using them in their MacBook Pro Line. That MacBook Pro update appears to be getting released this week!

- KAS via Constant Contact Newsletter 2/23/11