Upcoming Tech Purchases
A few times a year, I take stock of the gear I have, and figure out what I'm going to be spending my moolah on technology wise. It's always a fun process, and there's always a few things (like a video camera) that I never quite get to year after year. While I'm not exactly the average consumer, I thought it would be worth sharing what I'll be in the market for over the rest of 2007.
Digital Camera- I bought my first and only digital camera back in 2001. It's an Epson 3100Z, and it has a 3.3 megapixel sensor. While it still works fine, it has two drawbacks. It has the shutter lag that plagued earlier models, and it doesn't fit in my pocket. As I can get a 7 to 8 megapixel model for around $150, and they are smaller, I'll be looking into this, and this will likely be my next purchase. Ideally, I'd eventually love both a compact point and shoot, as well as a digital SLR model to cover all of my photo needs.
Graphics Card- When I put together my Shuttle system, I left out the graphics card as there were some new models coming out. Even though I don't play any games, integrated graphics sucks too much processing horsepower that could be offloaded to a dedicated processor. I don't want to spend a lot on this, but even a lower end card I think should dial up the performance.
VCR Replacement- After months for digital tuners to arrive in recording devices, I'm ready to buy. While I wish there were more hard drive devices, I only need one. Before the Fall TV season starts, I should have this through the front door and wired up.
iPod- I've been close to buying one for some time, but I've been devoting funds elsewhere. If the sixth gen iPod comes out, and it looks good, I may devote the cash to it. I keep hoping that the capacity of the smaller video iPod will grow from 30 to 40 GB because then I'd have more than enough room. The larger 80 GB size is too expensive for what this is. Then again, if the Zune hits the capacity that I'm looking for with the next generation, I may still buy one of those. I guess it depends on what each of their new models look like, in the meantime, capacity aside, the SanDisk Sansa is a really great player.
All right, that's enough gear to acquire over the next six months. Unfortunately, yet again, the camcorder doesn't make the cut. I'm hoping for next year, but I've been thinking that for the last five plus years. I'll also be in the market for another desktop, a 20" to 23" LCD television, and a new phone next year, and who knows what else.
--Jonas
PS: Whew, I made it through a whole post without mentioning the iPhone...
Digital Camera- I bought my first and only digital camera back in 2001. It's an Epson 3100Z, and it has a 3.3 megapixel sensor. While it still works fine, it has two drawbacks. It has the shutter lag that plagued earlier models, and it doesn't fit in my pocket. As I can get a 7 to 8 megapixel model for around $150, and they are smaller, I'll be looking into this, and this will likely be my next purchase. Ideally, I'd eventually love both a compact point and shoot, as well as a digital SLR model to cover all of my photo needs.
Graphics Card- When I put together my Shuttle system, I left out the graphics card as there were some new models coming out. Even though I don't play any games, integrated graphics sucks too much processing horsepower that could be offloaded to a dedicated processor. I don't want to spend a lot on this, but even a lower end card I think should dial up the performance.
VCR Replacement- After months for digital tuners to arrive in recording devices, I'm ready to buy. While I wish there were more hard drive devices, I only need one. Before the Fall TV season starts, I should have this through the front door and wired up.
iPod- I've been close to buying one for some time, but I've been devoting funds elsewhere. If the sixth gen iPod comes out, and it looks good, I may devote the cash to it. I keep hoping that the capacity of the smaller video iPod will grow from 30 to 40 GB because then I'd have more than enough room. The larger 80 GB size is too expensive for what this is. Then again, if the Zune hits the capacity that I'm looking for with the next generation, I may still buy one of those. I guess it depends on what each of their new models look like, in the meantime, capacity aside, the SanDisk Sansa is a really great player.
All right, that's enough gear to acquire over the next six months. Unfortunately, yet again, the camcorder doesn't make the cut. I'm hoping for next year, but I've been thinking that for the last five plus years. I'll also be in the market for another desktop, a 20" to 23" LCD television, and a new phone next year, and who knows what else.
--Jonas
PS: Whew, I made it through a whole post without mentioning the iPhone...
posted by digitaldoc at 6:08 AM
4 Comments:
Nice list!
Couple of things - for the love of god shoot yourself if you buy an ipoo - dont be a sheep just because everyone else has one - there are better things out there! Buy something that has a user replaceable battery! If you want, you can go the extra step and get one that you can add more storage by using SD cards and such.
Next, a nicer one :) Digital SLR.
I have used a regualr SLR for YEARS until my friend that works at Sams Club Photo told me about the (at the time) new 12X zoom cameras that will equal or go further than my SLR lens (200 or 300mm it was). I laughed. Then I tried one and was totally blown away! I was thinking Digital SLR myself, until I tried the 12X zooms on those small buggers! If you are not going to need anything over 300mm (unless they release 16x zoom and larger by this time), I would suggest not wasting the money and just buy a small portable job. I have the Panasonic Lumiz FZ7 ( think that is it - going by memory), and it is SUPERB. I got it for CHEAP - under $200 I believe on sale, and I have not picked up the SLR since! I used to use it a TON too!
Mike
jsut some thoughts - save the money from the digital slr and put towards the camcorder - you will be happier I believe.
Thanks for the input.
As for the iPod, I'd really love to be able to test iPod accessories from a non Apple fanatic point of view. Currently I receive requests for reviews, and I have to turn them down. I'll wait for both the new Zune and the iPod and make a decision. I already do the SD card thing, but want some really large capacity.
I hadn't thought of a 12x zoom. We used to call this class "prosumer." For the time being, I'm definitely getting a point and shoot (review to follow, but I'll be under a NDA for a while...), and I'll decide on the rest. I grew up with a Nikon F so I think an SLR is what I've been geared for!
I've got a plan for the camcorder, but it'll take a year or so. I will get one eventually I'm sure.
--Jonas
You don't have an iPod? Oh for the love of Mike! I just gave a 30GB video iPod to one of my neighbors. I wish I'd known...
If you want, I can field any iPod review products until you get one so they won't rule you out for the future.
Thanks for taking the hit for the team...
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