Last Gadget Standing: It's Time to Vote
By Harry McCracken | Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 8:46 pm
A two-screened laptop. A color e-reader. A camera that does 3D. A scanner to go. A state-of-the-art Android phone. A next-generation integrated chip. A camcorder you wear. A watch with GPS. Blocks with brains of their own. And earphones that customize themselves for your particular ears.
Ten innovative products with nothing in common except one thing: They’re our Last Gadget Standing finalists. And now it’s time to figure out which one will be, indeed, the Last Gadget Standing.
If you’re in Las Vegas for CES, please come to our live event at 10:30am on Saturday, where you can see live demos of all ten products and vote for your favorite. That event will determine the Last Gadget Standing. But if you’re not in Vegas…vote anyway! This online poll that will determine the winner of our People’s Choice award.
First, here’s a recap of the ten products, out of dozens of contenders, that have gotten this far.
Acer Iconia Two-Screen Notebook
Why we chose it: In the past year, we’ve seen a ton of different tablet designs, from the ubiquitous iPad to Toshiba’s dual-screened Libretto. However, we’ve never seen anything quite like the Acer Iconia, a Windows computer that looks like a notebook when closed, but opens to reveal dual 14-inch, touchscreens, one of which can serve as a keyboard. Acer improves on Windows 7’s touch-experience with custom gestures, such as placing five fingers on the screen to launch a menu. Add in a suite of touch-friendly software with a browser, media, and social networking jogger, and you have something truly unique.–Avram Piltch
Barnes & Noble Nookcolor E-Reader
Barnes & Noble’s Nookcolor is the first e-reader with a color LCD screen that’s specifically optimized around reading. Everything about this integrated, Android-based experience screams out to aficionados of the written word–from the screen’s resolution and glare reduction to the software’s unique presentation of books (especially children’s books) and periodicals. Ready for LCD e-reading? This e-reader takes things to a whole new level.–Melissa Perenson
Fujifilm Real 3D W3 Digital Camera
Why we chose it: The coming of 3D has been one of the most significant trends in consumer electronics in the past year. So far, most of the attention has been on ways to view commercial 3D content, so the arrival of tools accessible to consumers for the creation of 3D images is important. The Real 3D W3 is one of the first to make creation of 3D images affordable and simple. The dual-lens camera takes stereoscopic 3D photos and videos and can also shoot in conventional 2D mode. Images can be viewed on any 3D TV display, as well as on Fujifilm’s digital viewer.–Steve Wildstrom
Fujitsu ScanSnap S1100 Scanner
Why we chose it: Fujitsu’s latest ScanSnap isn’t the first color sheet-fed scanner that’s compact enough to go almost anywhere and powered by USB, so you can leave the brick at home. But it’s one of the sveltest, and its software–for both Windows and Mac–is so simple and slick that turning paper into digital form isn’t a chore at all. You can scan directly to Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and Evernote; create searchable PDFs; and customize the toolbar to send scanned pages into your own favorite apps. And while it’s optimized for text-and-graphics documents and speedy scanning rather than photos, the image quality is pleasing, too..–Harry McCracken
Google/Samsung Nexus S Smartphone
Why we chose it: Perhaps the biggest story in mobile devices in 2010 was the emergence of Android-based mobile phones. Heading into 2011, Google is taking Android to the next level with the Android 2.3 “Gingerbread” release, as embodied first in the Nexus S phone manufactured by Samsung. This handset features advanced features, such as a 4-inch Super AMOLED display and a 1 GHz processor – but stands out as the first phone to support Android’s Near-Field Communications (NFC) feature which can let you use the phone to interact with physical tags–so you could use it to check in to locations or even potentially as a credit card.–Michael Miller
Intel Second-Generation Core (Sandy Bridge) Platform
Why we chose it: Quick–do you want your next laptop to be fast, or to deliver outstanding battery life? The answer, of course, is that you want both. The second generation of Intel’s Core platform–including the i3, i5, and i7 processors, and previously known by the “Sandy Bridge” code-name-aims to help you avoid having to choose. It integrates a CPU, graphics, and a memory controller onto one die, increasing performance and reducing power consumption. Look for it soon in a laptop near you.–Harry McCracken
Looxcie Wearable Camcorder
Why we chose it: If you see something you’d like to record for posterity, you could take your videocamera or phone out of your pocket, turn it on, and begin recording. Or you could capture it with Looxcie–a Bluetooth headset that happens to double as a videocamera. Even if the cool thing you witnessed already happened, you can save it: Looxcie continuously buffers what it sees, so you can rewind life and snag something after it’s happened. It uses Bluetooth to transfer video to iPhones and Android headsets. And even if it makes you look like a nerd, at least you’ll be a nerd who’s having good, geeky fun. –Harry McCracken
Nike+ SportWatch GPS Runner’s Watch
Why we chose it: The Nike+ SportWatch GPS powered by TomTom is a hybrid gadget that combines both GPS technology and an accelerometer, located in the Nike+ shoe sensor. Runners can upload their data to the Nikeplus.com website, where they can track their favorite routes, set goals, receive coaching, and challenge their friends. Key features include the GPS tracking with the shoe sensor –great for runners off trail. The tap interface activates the backlight to mark laps during a run. And the watch has a USB connector molded into the watch strap, so you can plug it directly into a computer, no cable required. –Robin Raskin
Sifteo Cubes Digital Blocks
Why we chose it: Any parent who’s ever felt that the LCD screen plays to large an influence in their kids’ lives will appreciate the beauty of Sifteo Cubes–a new kind of toy. Sifteo Cubes are smart blocks. Each can talk to the others and sense their proximity, motion and sound. This simple idea leads to all sorts of unique play patterns—from art to number games to thinking puzzles and music. At $150 for 3 Cubes, SIfteo is not a jar of bubbles , but it brings the world of kids digital play away from the screen while still keeping it high-tech, and that in itself is ingenious.–Robin Raskin
Sonomax Soundcage Customizable Earphones
Why we chose it: I have a bazillion headphones–all the way from from cheapy cheapy ones to expensive earbuds. None of them fit just me. But now comes along Sonomax with its custom-molded earbuds. The patented fitting system squirts silicon into a membrane while it’s in your ear, a process that takes less than ten minutes The finished buds felt great in my ear, they were solidly seated, and they seemed every bit a quiet as the sound-cancelers I have. It’s a notable case of adapting a mature industrial product for the consumer market.–Patrick Houston
Ready? Please cast your vote for your favorite–one vote per person, please. Voting ends at 10am PT on Saturday. May the best gadget be the last one standing…
72 Comments
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January 6th, 2011 at 1:47 am
That is a nexus over you have pictured there. Not a nexus s. I don't think samsung would appreciate that…
January 6th, 2011 at 1:59 am
I just voted for the nook from the nook!!
January 6th, 2011 at 2:19 am
I love my NookColor! I was just able to vote from this spiffy little Device!
January 6th, 2011 at 7:20 am
Looxcie the slim beauty! U wld lke it.
January 6th, 2011 at 9:14 am
Best yet!
January 6th, 2011 at 9:32 am
Not a single IPTV gadget on the list? No "pad" device? Sorry, I can't vote on this list of irrelevant gizmo's (Nexus and e-reader exempted). This list is seriously lacking.
January 6th, 2011 at 9:47 am
I love my NOOK
January 6th, 2011 at 9:49 am
NOOK color. love it
January 6th, 2011 at 10:08 am
Love my Nook Color!
January 6th, 2011 at 10:08 am
has given me a whole new way to read, no more do I hold my books under a magnifying glass!!
January 6th, 2011 at 10:10 am
Cameras are Great, because they Pictures and Pictures are worth a thosand words.. the Nook is even greater because the Nook has more than a Thousand words.. Plus Pictures:-) Go Nook!!
January 6th, 2011 at 10:14 am
nook!!! yay
January 6th, 2011 at 10:20 am
Love my rooted Nook Color with Angry Birds, Dolphin HD Mini, and Aldiko Book Reader
January 6th, 2011 at 10:22 am
I love my NookColor. It rocks.
January 6th, 2011 at 10:26 am
Love my NOOKcolor, its the greatest!!
January 6th, 2011 at 10:31 am
I got the NOOK COLOR and gave my old nook ( 9 mos old) to my daughter in law. She cant wait for Nook to come out with something better cause she wants my NOOK COLOR ! ! ! Nice try girlie! We are both avid readers and both of us love our NOOKS !
January 6th, 2011 at 10:46 am
If the mini-bluetooth camera had more memory I'd probably go with that, but for now, the Nook Color is my preferred dopamine delivery system.
January 6th, 2011 at 10:48 am
NOOKcolor, I wish I knew how to quit you!
January 6th, 2011 at 10:49 am
@Lindley, a rooted Nook is a "pad" device. Vote now!
January 6th, 2011 at 11:43 am
Sifteo Cubes all the way.
I work on commercial gaming software for handhelds & consoles and I'm dying to get my hands on these things!!
January 6th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Love my nook color!
January 6th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
My NookColor (nookie) is AWESOME – I don't go anywhere without it and it's the BEST present EVER!!!!
January 6th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Nook is the best, I don't think I'll ever be buying a traditional book again – I love it!!!
January 6th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Sifteo cubes, unbeievable product for gaming and education.
January 6th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
I love my nookcolor!! Everyone should have one of these grreat gadgets! I just posted ghis from my nookcolor.
January 6th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Absolutely love the Nike+ Sports Watch. What an upgrade to the modern world of healthy lifestyle and Sport!
January 6th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
I voted for looxcie and I love it…..,,,
January 6th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
I have a Nook and I love it!!! Since I purchased it I have read more books than ever before and enjoyed it! I have also been introduced to many new authors via the Free Friday sponsored by Barnes and Noble. Thank you, Barnes & Noble!!!!
January 6th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Thank you Nike + for making me a healthier person last year. I will keep you by my side and continue the journey with you.
January 6th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
I love my looxcie.. =)
January 6th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Nike+ is life changing! Got my vote
January 6th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
I love my Sculpted eers. So comfortable with great sound. I couldn't believe the fit in only minutes.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
Thanks Nike for making life a less stressfull!
January 6th, 2011 at 7:53 pm
Barnes and noble has changed the publishing world. With near instant downloads, a full library in my hands, interactive kids books with embeded audio, embeded video in cookbooks, the ability to use facebook to share passages, advanced lend me abilities, a full web browser… I could go on and on.
BTW I wrote this on my nook color. 🙂
January 6th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
Enter text right here!
January 6th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
I like the Nike GPS watch.
January 7th, 2011 at 2:00 am
I love my nook
January 7th, 2011 at 4:14 am
I filmed much of the Orange Bowl with Looxcie! It was easy and the footage is awesome!
January 7th, 2011 at 5:18 am
My Nookcolor is the best. My grandchildren think it is sooo fun to read books on it – especially those that will read to them.
January 7th, 2011 at 7:28 am
why is there a picture of the nexus one beside the nexus s section?
January 7th, 2011 at 7:32 am
I'm reading Sue Grafton's "P is for Peril" on my NOOKcolor. So? I got it from my local LIBRARY, I have 21 days to read it, and it's not costing me a dime.
January 7th, 2011 at 8:13 am
My hubby said he wanted a Nookcolor for Christmas…when I went to check it out, I ended up buying one for him and one for me!! I LOVE MY NOOKCOLOR…I've already knocked out 7 books on it since Christmas! Vote for NookColor now!!!
January 7th, 2011 at 11:48 am
I love my nook color!
January 7th, 2011 at 11:54 am
Better than the Kindle anytime. I'm a reader.
January 7th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Acer has the best products in life!!!
January 7th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
i would have voted for the sifteo cubes but they refused to sell to canada, by the time i got an american friend to agree to get me them they were sold out and now they are saying the next batch will be 150 bucks even though one of my other friends bought one cause of my blog
jerks
January 7th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
siftables all the way
January 7th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
sifteo cubes are the only innovative gadgets on this list !!!! Go Sifteo !!!!
January 7th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
I just ordered the future of play, Sifteos this week. I have been following this company for over a year and am excited to get started playing with the future.
January 7th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
That's a picture of a Nexus One (made by HTC), not a Galaxy S. Fail.
January 7th, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Votw for the NookColor! We are in the Lead!
January 7th, 2011 at 3:32 pm
SIfteo cubes are fun!!!
January 7th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Love my NookColor, and it's only going to get better with updates.
January 7th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
Love my Nook!!!
January 7th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Nook Color is a powerful device for it's price range — it IS a 7" Android tablet with no Bluetooth, camera, or microphone; and is not officially open to the Google Android Market for apps.
However, many of them have some serious hardware bug(s). Sound completely fails after automatic screen off (sleep), and the touch screen has unpredictable sensitivity and calibration problems … especially when recharging.
B&N don't publicly acknowledge these problems. Fix them, and then you'll get my vote.
January 7th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
BTW: The sound issue is reported on Barnes & Noble's OWN technical support forum, as well as many other Android forums such as XDA. The XDA guys are experts and have the Nook Color rooted to run many many Apps not yet supported by B&N.
http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/NOOKcolor-…
January 8th, 2011 at 5:40 am
I own 2 nook colors and have 3 feiends with them. None of us have had the "bugs) you speak of. And the almost 2,000 others who are commenting here don't seem to have a "bug" problem
Could it be a user problem?
January 8th, 2011 at 12:51 pm
So you rooted (meaning hacked) your nook color and are now complaining that it doesn't work right?
January 7th, 2011 at 7:09 pm
love my nook color.. easy to read .. and B&N make it easy to learn
January 7th, 2011 at 7:27 pm
I love my Nook so much I bought the new color one for my Mom for Christmas… now I wish I would have given her my old one and got the color one for myself… darn it!!
January 7th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
I Love my NookColor!! Best gift my husband ever bought me.
January 7th, 2011 at 8:23 pm
love my Nook color
January 7th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Love my Nook, can't wait to upgrade to the Nook Color. I can only imagine what I can do with it!
January 7th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Not only is my Nook Color by far the best e-reader ever, it is an Android-powered pad with a hundred uses. Faster at displaying color PDFs than my notebook and more portable by far. Great web browser, too – far superior to the old B&W Nook – it will even stream many videos. Superb!
January 7th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
I love my Nookcolor. It is so portable, plays my music, holds my knitting patterns, let's me surf the web and that's before I even start reading. The color touchscreen is perfect for my cookbooks and kids picture books. It is wonderful.
January 7th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
Love my nookie wookie
January 8th, 2011 at 3:25 am
i am truly luvin' my nookcolor! i rcvd it as a christmas gift f/ my hubby. i cant believe he got me such a cool gadget/gift that i actually love to use…and use it almost daily! i was a bit leery at first and thought that it just would not be the same as reading a good ol' fashion book. absolutely no complaints w/ it. i like that i can download samples of a book first to see if i really want to read the book if its by an author i am unfamiliar with. i also love B&N's "Free Fridays"! AND there is so much more to do w/ it then just read a book! im still learning all the bells and whistles it has.
January 8th, 2011 at 11:44 am
Sifteo all the way…
January 8th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
I can't help wonder how many of the people who voted really looked at the finalist and made a judgement, versus just voting for their current favorite toy.
January 8th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Very, very few, I'll tell you that.
Hell, most of the comments read like they were written by executives from the companies in the competition. "I love my nook!" "Nike saved my life!" Are you kidding me?
Nook also had a particularly unfair advantage, as a lot of the items on the list haven't been released yet. Some like Nook and Nexus S have, making the Nook in particular a breeding ground for biased favoritism.
January 8th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
Love, Love, Love my NOOK!
February 2nd, 2012 at 4:55 pm
Among these gadgets, I love Google/Samsung Nexus S Smartphone. I gave this to myself as a present and it is one of the best gifts I ever had.