iPad Mini

iPad Mini

For those pining for an iPad, but in need of more transportability – welcome the iPad Mini. With the same 1024×768 resolution of the iPad 2, the 7.9″ screen of the iPad Mini can be held in one hand. Working universally with existing iPad Apps, the iPad Mini is powered by Apple’s A5 chip and features two cameras (one for FaceTime video chatting and the other for 1080p HD video recording and 5 megapixel stills). Available with wi-fi or a data plan, the iPad Mini is also the cheapest iPad ever – starting at $329 for the 16GB wi-fi model.


Nexus by Google

google nexus phone tablet player

With the launch of the Nexus line, Google is taking a stab at three Apple devices – the iPhone, the iPad and Apple TV. The Galaxy Nexus Phone ($350 unlocked) features a 4.65″ HD (1280 x 720) Super AMOLED contour display and is the first phone to run on Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, which is powered by a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor. The Nexus 7 is a 7″ HD Android tablet that undercuts the iPhone with a pre-0rder price of $199. The Nexus Q brings it all together, and works as a streaming command center for your entertainment needs. With the Q you can stream content from Google Play and even allow your friends to queue up music and videos on your playlists via their Android devices over wi-fi. With a pre-order price of $350, the Nexus Q requires no downloading, synching or saving – all the content is served via the cloud.


Microsoft Surface Tablet

microsoft surface pc tablet

What if your iPad smart cover had a fully functional keyboard and trackpad incorporated into it? Well, apparently Microsoft asked that same question when developing their new Surface tablet. Available in two versions, one running on Windows 8 the others Windows RT, the Surface features a 10.6″ HD touchscreen display, two cameras, USB port, and SD slot for additional storage. No release date or price yet from Microsoft, but it’ll definitely be interesting to see how this new device with its 3mm thick magnetic connecting keyboard impacts the iPad dominated tablet market.


The New iPad

new ipad

Not sure why Apple is calling it “The New iPad” vs an iPad 3, but either way – it’s here. The most notable upgrade is it’s razor sharp retina display as found on the iPhone 4. The 3.1 million pixels are powered by a new A5X chip with quad-core graphics. The camera is upgraded to 5MP and also takes 1080p HD video. The wi-fi models come in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB storage variations, and are priced from $499-$699. If you need to be connected at all times, the 4G models offer the same storage options and are priced from $629-$829.


Blendtec 1560 Watt Blender

blendtec blenderSpending $600 on a blender may seem nuts, but when you see what this thing can do it makes a lot more sense. The Blendtec 1560 Watt 3 HP super blender spins its stainless steel blade at 29,000 rpm. With six blending modes, this blender is a grain mill, juicer, bread machine, ice-cream maker, smoothie maker, blender, milkshake maker, coffee grinder, and ice crusher all in one. Blendtec also has a great series of “Will it Blend?” promotional videos where they chop up all sorts of things. Below is the episode where they try to blend an iPad.

GET IT: $435 (27% OFF)

Parrot AR Drone Quadricopter

Parrot AR drone ipod iphone controlled helicopter

Helicopters are cool. iPads, iPod touches, iPhones and Android phones are cool too. A remote control helicopter that you can control with your iOS or Android device while viewing a live video feed from the air is super cool. Controllable from an augmented reality app the Parrot Quadricopter is perfect for spying and you can play augmented reality in-air dogfights with other drones. Also included is a protective hull so the propellers won’t get damaged if you fly into stuff.

GET IT: $299

DODOcase for iPad 2

DODOcase for iPadAfter seeing one of these iPad cases today, it was clear that we missed something in our coverage of the iPad 2. The DODOcase from iPad 2 is hand made using traditional book binding techniques. While it feels like a quality book while carrying, the case is molded perfectly for the device and even props your iPad in two positions. Both stylish and functional, it is designed with angles appropriate for both typing and video functionality, as well as for easy in and easy out for the use of the new rear facing camera feature.

GET IT: $60


Kindle Fire

Featuring a full color 7″ touch screen display and attractive $199 price point, the Kindle Fire may be the first device to put a dent in the iPad’s dominant tablet market share. Compatible with popular apps, the Fire will also allow you to surf the web, watch movies, read books, listen to music and more. Best of all, you can forget about storing all your media – it links up to Amazon Cloud storage at no extra charge. Releasing November 15th it is now available for pre-order and we suspect it to fly off the shelves, so order yours now if you’re interested.

GET IT: $199

Nintendo Wii U

In 2012, the revolutionary Nintendo Wii game system will be replaced by a new model, the Wii U. The most notable thing about the U is the controller, which has a 6.2 inch, 16:9 touch screen and traditional button controls. So basically, picture a mini iPad built within a stretched out Nintendo 64 controller. While the Wii focused on gameplay rather than graphics, the Wii U will retain the features of the Wii but also output a 1080p resolution. With additional features such as a second screen experience on the high tech controller, along with cameras and microphones – expect a lot of cool game features. It’s also backwards compatible with Wii controllers and software.