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T-Mobile Color Sidekick
Description: A portable communication device manufactured by Danger Inc. that boasts e-mail, instant messaging service, and internet browsing in addition to the features of a normal cellular telephone. We covered the black and white version a couple of months back, but T-Mobile has now released the Sidekick in color.
Whats Cool: The device is only slightly larger than a cell phone but still manages to include a color LCD screen and a full keyboard. Whats more, the CPU and T-Mobiles gateway software allow fast internet browsing and web searching.
Whats Not Cool: The Internet services cost $20 per month in addition to a normal cell phone plan or $30 with no telephone option. Although it is very powerful as a web browser and e-mail device, the Sidekick isnt capable of downloading or installing new applications, making its potential as a computer very limited.
URL: http://www.t-mobile.com/promos/sidekick.asp
MiTAC 8380 SmartPhone
Description: An all-in-one cell phone that includes a digital camera, an audio recorder, wireless internet, and a built in entertainment device.
Whats Cool: MiTAC has paid attention to even the tiniest details: for example, the camera has zoom capabilities and its focus and brightness are adjustable. Also, the 8380 makes use of a Microsoft Operating System, making its user interface familiar and usable.
Whats Not Cool: Currently, the phone is steeply priced at around $500USD and is only available in Taiwan.
URL: http://www.mitac.com/micweb/products/main.htm
naviPod
Description: This is a wireless remote produced by Ten Technology that controls the iPod, Apples portable mp3 player.
Whats Cool: Once the iPod is plugged into speakers or a stereo receiver/amplifier, it can function as a home audio system that can be controlled from across the room.
Whats Not Cool: Since the primary use and design of the iPod are geared towards portability, the actual utility of the naviPod is somewhat questionable.
URL: http://www.tentechnology.com/
Phillips Streamium MX-i6000
Description: A home entertainment system that can wirelessly access media stored on networked computer hard disks and from the internet through Phillips Streamium service partners.
Whats Cool: The MX-i6000 makes a wealth of digital media available to users – without wires! – that would otherwise be unavailable or difficult to access.
Whats Not Cool: It wont be available until early next year. The product is currently set up to operate on an 802.11b, as opposed to 802.11g network, which loses some functionality at long distances.
URL: http://forums.designtechnica.com/showthread.php?s=502f367f85bbe8fb5ef2fc06c9bdf4f5&threadid=2366 (for more information)
Philips HDD100 Recording Audio Jukebox
Description: This product rivals Apples iPod as a portable 167 gram mp3 player that can store 15GB (or about 3,000 songs).
Whats Cool: The HDD100 offers quick data transfer, courtesy of its USB2.0. Additionally, the portable 15GB of space can be used as a portable hard drive to easily transfer data from one computer to another.
Whats Not Cool: The product is dependant on a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, which can be expensive to replace.