| Top-10 gift ideas for the Windows Gadget Geek |
Nov. 09, 2007
 Got a Windows Gadget Geek on your shopping list? You can't fail with a gift from this guide to the ten hottest Windows-powered devices gleaned from WindowsForDevices.com's news throughout 2007. There's something for everyone, at prices from $350 to $20,000, organized from least to most expensive. Enjoy!
Top-10 gift ideas for the Windows Gadget Geek
UbiQ-350 home theater remote --  This remote control panel for home theater (HT) is claimed to be the world's first to offer both WiFi and ZigBee wireless interfaces. Advantech's device also features a 7-inch touchscreen and a "Windows CE 5.0 core" operating system. Price guesstimate: $350.
RM-A4000 motorcycle GPS --  This Windows CE 5.0-based aftermarket motorcycle GPS from RWC is waterproof and intended to be used with gloves on. The device provides spoken route-guidance prompts and uses Bluetooth to communicate with an in-helmet headset (supplied). Price guesstimate: $400.
VoomPC-2 Car PC --  This Windows XP-compatible car PC can accommodate a slim ATAPI drive, and boasts a futuristic faceplate. The unit is based on a "powerful" mini-ITX motherboard that incorporates a 1.5GHz Via C7 processor. Priced around $400.
Ectaco iTravl handheld translation device --  Ectaco's iTravl electronic dictionary and translation device runs Windows CE. The device is claimed to use "the world's most sophisticated speech recognition" to understand what a user says, then provide spoken translation from English to any of eight different languages. Priced around $600.
HTC Touch Dual --  This exciting handset from Taiwanese device-maker HTC combines the company's distinctive touchscreen interface with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The device runs Windows Mobile 6 Professional, and boasts 3.5G wireless technology claimed to transfer data up to 9 times as fast as 3G. Price guesstimate: $600. Alternatively, your favorite geek might prefer the original Touch, which lacks the slide-out keyboard but is priced under $450 unlocked.
RobuDOG -- Robosoft's four-legged robot dog runs Windows XP Embedded and reportedly offers "power ... far beyond standards seen to date." The RobuDOG also features ankle movement in its front legs, allowing it to kick a ball with more accuracy. Fun for all ages! Price guesstimate: $800-1,000.
Thuraya satellite/cellular phone with GPS --  Thuraya's multi-purpose mobile phone combines satellite, tri-band GSM, and GPS functionality. The six-ounce, Windows CE-powered SG-2520 makes ordinary cellular calls when it can get a signal, and automatically switches to satellite calling at other times. Don't leave home without it! Price guesstimate: $1,100.
MyFountain automated bartender --  Digital Beverages has announced a computer-controlled beverage dispenser that runs Windows XP Embedded. Aimed at both home and institutional users, the MyFountain can automatically pour hot, cold, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Your gift-giving parties will never be the same! Priced "under $2,000."
FlipStart palm-sized computer --  FlipStart's first product, the FlipStart 1.0, squeezes the power of a full Windows PC -- including a 1.1GHz processor, hard drive, display, keyboard, and wireless communications -- into an ultra-compact, palm-sized package. The company was founded in 2002 by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Priced around $2,000.
Fiat 500 with Windows Mobile infotainment system --  Fiat's Fiat 500 features Microsoft's Windows Mobile-based "Blue&Me" infotainment platform. According to Fiat, the vehicle has been designed to evoke the original "Cinquecento," an iconic vehicle that made its debut 50 years ago. Price guesstimate: $20,000.
And, an honorable mention...
Asus Eee PC mini-laptop --  Asus has promised that its exciting new two-pound mini-laptop will be available with Windows XP by the end of the year. The Asus Eee PC uses flash storage and is based on a 900 MHz Celeron M processor. Price guesstimate: $400.
Want to see how the other side lives?
 Be sure to check out LinuxDevices.com's...
Top-10 gift ideas for the Linux Gadget Geek
(Click here for further information)
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