Consumer Electronics Show 2010
By Bruce Wildstein

Once again Las Vegas hosted the annual consumer electronics show, the world's largest consumer electronics convention. Over 120,000 people attended this mammoth exhibition of gadgets, gizmos, and major product announcements. This year, 3-D TV was front and center with major manufacturers Sony, Sharp, Samsung, LG, and others showing off shiny new LCD TVs capable of showing 3-D movies at home. As in theaters, 3-D glasses are required, as well as a 3-D Blu Ray DVD player. With this type of investment required, it will be a while before 3-D TVs make their way into homes in sizable numbers.

The e-Reader market has exploded with new products being introduced in large numbers. Audiovox joined the market (which began with the Amazon Kindle) with its new Lexi reader, which will be sold under the RCA brand. Featuring exclusive content of over 1 million book titles from Barnes & Noble, the Lexi reader provides over 7,000 page turns on one battery charge. New innovative LCD displays now go beyond the standard black, white, and gray however to include full-color. These new e-Readers will also allow you to view newspapers, magazines, PDF files, Word document, and play music, and animations.

Tablet PC's were also in abundance at the show. Smaller than a standard laptop, these PCs aim for the ultimate in convenience when traveling. Hewlett Packard created much buzz with their soon-to-be released touch screen tablet. It will run Windows 7 and have multi-touch gesture and auto orientation capability. Lenovo seems to be at the cutting-edge of this technology with its Ideapad U1 Hybrid Notebook/Tablet. This is a notebook computer with a removable 11.6 display. Once removed, the notebook acts as a wireless Internet hub and the user can stay connected to the Internet.

Showstoppers held their annual media event with dozens of companies introducing cutting edge products. Sanyo introduced its "eneloop bicycle", a battery power-assist bicycle with its well-regarded eneloop rechargeable batteries. This bicycle allows the user to recharge the batteries while traveling in addition to a standard AC electric source. The power assist provides up to 40 miles of use before recharging is necessary. The 50-pound bike's three-speed 250-watt motor is recharged while pedaling, going down hill, and breaking. Rebit, Inc introduced their SaveMe backup and recovery solution. This product starts backing up your computer as soon as it is installed with virtually no setup required. Computer crashes, virus infections, and accidental file deletions can be fixed with this product, which continuously monitors and backs up your entire computer (www.rebit.com). CyberDefender introduced their new X-Ray Technology, which provides the user with an image-based display detailing any possible threats to their computer and a recommended course of action (www.cyberdefender.com).

We also stopped by Pepcom's Digital Experience, another showcase for new products. Speck had their complete line of innovative and fashionable computer and device cases on display. Everyone needs a good case to protect an Iphone, laptop, Blackberry, and iPod. Their line of affordable padded cases includes innovative travel bags, which help speed you through airport security. They also have colorful limited edition designs from emerging artists around the world. See the line at www.speckproducts.com. FLO TV was on hand giving demonstrations of its mobile TV product. This innovative service allows you to watch full-length TV shows on your mobile device/phone. With 24/7 service their palm sized personal television is being sold in major retailers like Best Buy. Just turn on Flo TV($249 retail), navigate the channels menu, and you're watching your favorite shows where ever you go. Coverage throughout the US varies, so check their website for more information(www.flotv.com). Intelius, the web-based information company was on hand showing their Date Check service. This service provides background information about a person that you may be thinking of having a relationship with. Information like marriage records, lawsuits, and criminal convictions can be sent directly to your mobile phone.

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