It's been a while since I wrote to the big guy in the red suit. I'll probably help my son do that (he's 3) in a few days :D
In the meantime I was trying to figure out what *I* will get this Xmas...
- What about a new camera: I've been using a Sony PC 110€ camcorder + digital camera for almost 4 years now. Resolution back then was 1MP. It seems it's time for an upgrade. Mathieu Nouzareth told me that Nikon's D70 is a great choice. I really don't mind using a reflex, actually I'd prefer that! You might have better models to propose from Nikon or other brands such as Canon? I think I should also get something in my pocket: either a new camphone with over 1MP (see below) or a small Sony Cybershot DSC-T3S ? I'm not into buying a new camcorder as yet.
- what about a new computer ? My most recent laptop is a Sony PCG Z1RSP. Cool, nice, but getting old. In addition, I'm getting bored with spending too much time with viruses. Folks are suggesting a laptop from Apple: the 15" iBook... But I'm told a G5 laptop is on its way soon ?
- what about a new phone. Aaargh this one is tough: I have been postponing the decision for some time now. Now that 3G is here, that 1MP camphones are around, I guess I should go for a Nokia 6630 right ? IT even has Symbian 8.0 so that I can run Agile Messenger on it! Gilles Babinet was carrying it last night and I played with his device a bit. The problem is that I looked for it on the French web 2 days ago, and I couldn't find it :( The other problem, is that I find Motorola's Razr Z3 very slicky... What should is be ?
Finally maybe I should jump ship, and get a Blackberry device. Ok I checked, I can manage up to 10 accounts on it (great, as I use up to 5 accounts daily). Now their new 7290 model looks great (what models do you use?) but I can find it with French operators. Both Orange and SFR only carry the older 7230 and 7730 (no way to figure out what the differences are... :( I need to check what kind of mobile IM they support, as that is a key requirement for me.
- what about some extra storage at home ? I passed by a computer shop the other day, and almost got myself a new external USB2.0 hard drive. Why ? I like the idea of plugging an external device, pressing a button, and shazam! backup all my stuff. A perfect mirror of my data, so that in case I lookse my computer, or my disk crashes, I have a solution. Iomega has a whole range of devices, including a 250Gb external HD. Cool, but do I need it ? My current laptop only has 60Gb... But at the current price points (less than 1€ per Gb), I should plan for the future, right ? I'm also told that Maxtor (I like the OneTouch concept) and LaCie also have great devices. Or should I go for Iomega's network drive, so that it is always on, and available to all my laptops and computers ? Maybe 2 HD make sense as they serve different purposes.
- Finally, I think time has come for a real digital PVR at home (Personal Video Recorder). I saw a combo PVR with hard disk and DVD burning capabilities the other day, but I don't remember the brand right now. It was maybe this Pioneer model. I probably need to browser the PVR Blog a little more.
Price is not a real problem, although it should remain reasonable. Who said digital convergence was not happening ?
Input appreciated, I need an answer before December 25th. What are you folks writing about to Father Xmas ?
