Tech toys
Sun
Vado Pocket Video Cam, Creative
TomTom GO 930
Palm Centro smart phone, Palm
1. Vado Pocket Video Cam, Creative, $100
It’s the summer for cool new pocket videocams and Creative has introduced its entry, the Vado, which is available in the U.S. and comes to Canada in July. Like Pure Digital’s Flip Ultra, which recently arrived in Canada, this pocket cam lets you point and shoot with the click of a button and post your videos directly to YouTube and other video-sharing sites. The Vado is a slimmer version with a rechargeable battery that recharges via USB and it records up to two hours of video. Unlike the Flip, it doesn’t come with extra accessories like a TV-connection cable but it’s 50 bucks cheaper. Comes in hot pink or silver. www.creative.com.
2. TomTom GO 930, $500
As GPS navigators go, the new TomTom Go 930 is just about as handy as having your own driver. It takes voice commands so you don’t have to drive off the road while you’re trying to punch in an address. It comes with Bluetooth remote control and can connect to your Bluetooth phone, a docking station to hook it to your computer, a window mount to put it in the car and a carcharger. A thin design with a 11-cm screen, it also has TomTom’s MapShare that lets you update and share maps and it has a built-in FM transmitter. www.tomtom.com.
3. MD400 and MD400g, HSPA USB modems, Sony Ericsson
These combine a high-speed broadband modem and a M2 Memory Stick Micro and a microSD slot. With a built-in antenna and extra swivel antenna, these gadgets close up with a retractable USB connector. The MD400g has a built-in GPS receiver to show location. Download speeds of 7.2 Mb/s and 2.0 Mb/s upload. Available in the fourth quarter of this year. www.sonyericsson.com.
4. Palm Centro smart phone, Palm, from $300 with Rogers
Smart phones are your go-everywhere accessory and if you’re not among those waiting for the iPhone to arrive, check out Palm’s latest entry, the Centro. It has a colour touchscreen and a full keyboard. E-mail, Web, text, a 1.3 megapixel camera with video plus an MP3 player. A touchscreen that keeps you in touch and more. www.palm.com/centro.