Awesome Gadgets

Samsung’s flagship Series 9 LCD HDTVs feature “art inspired” Touch of Color accents; ToC is hit-or-miss for most folks. Available: 46″ and 55″ models; LED backlighting; 120Hz technology.

Now available: the latest iteration of T-Mobile’s chat-friendly Sidekick. The 2008 version gives you more features (2.0 MP camera, higher resolution screen) for less ($150 w/contract, smaller size).

The possibilities are endless: a fake shark fin, beginner’s swim class at the local YMCA … all jokes aside, Sea-Doo’s Seascooters are ideal for divers with a max depth of 50m and speed of 3.3 mph.

Nvidia’s GeForce 9500 targets the sub-$100 video card market and competes with ATI’s Radeon HD 3850. Not for serious gamers, but it’s a good mainstream card with low power use and noise.

Netgear’s Wireless-N Upgrade Kit features an access point that plugs into your existing 802.11g/b router or gateway. Also included: a Wireless-N USB adapter which is 802.11g backwards compatible.

Dell’s new Studio Hybrid is 80% smaller and draws 70% less power than standard desktops. Available in six colors and bamboo, it features an HDMI port, 8-in-1 media card reader and optional Blu-ray.

The world’s first 16.4″ laptop, Sony’s FW Series gets a bigger screen in a 15.4″ footprint. Other specs: 6.4 lbs, 1600×900, MacBook-style keys, and optional Blu-ray RW drive.

HTC’s Touch Diamond is a GSM phone with a 2.8″ touchscreen, 3.2 megapixel camera and clickwheel. Its most unique feature: a glossy, faceted back which is also a bit of a fingerprint magnet.