New gadgets for executives

Kindle 2

Since Amazon’s release of Kindle in 2007, the first wireless reading device, also known as an eBook, many booklovers have become addicted to the technology. Kindle is a wireless eBook that allows users to instantly download and carry a library up to 1,500 books in their purse or briefcase.

Amazon recently released Kindle 2, which includes 3G wireless connectivity in a 10.2 ounce package. The 3G wireless connectivity provides readers instant access instead of having to wait for a Wi-Fi hotspot. This version of Kindle 2 also allows international coverage in 100 countries with the 3G wireless network.

The Kindle 2 system costs $259 and is only available on Amazon.com. For an additional cost, similar to an iTunes shopping center, Kindle offers unlimited access to Amazon’s Kindle Store opening the page to a library of over 360,000 books, including 101 of 112 New York Times bestsellers, more than 7,000 blogs, and more than 90 top U.S. and international newspapers and magazines. Kindle also includes access to over 60,000 audiobooks.

“Kindle has become the #1 bestselling item by both unit sales and dollars – not just in our electronics store but across all product categories on Amazon.com. It’s also the most wished for and the most gifted. We are grateful for and energized by this customer response,” said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com.

The Feb. 24 release of Kindle 2 by Amazon increased consumer demand for eBooks (with a two-year extended warranty option for $65) and fueled competitors to release similar product lines to compete for market share. On Oct. 20, Barnes and Noble announced the release of Nook, their e-Book, due out in mid-November, which costs $259 and features the first Android based eBook reader.

MinoHD

Another hot item this holiday season is the newly released MinoHD, the high-definition digital camcorder from Flip Video. The MinoHD is the latest release in the Flip family of camcorders allowing users 120 minutes of record time on 8G of built-in-memory.

The Flip’s family of digital recorders are known for their sleek design and small size, standing at 3.04 inches tall and 1.97 inches wide. The compact size allows users to carry the MinoHD in pockets, purses and portfolios. Utilizing the provided FlipShare software, users can instantly play back videos on the 2 inch anti-glare screen and instantly upload to their computer for Facebook, YouTube and MySpace sharing.

The life for the MinoHD battery is 2 hours with a rechargeable lithium battery and also allows users to take still photos from the captured video. The MinoHD costs $229.99 and is available online at www.theflip.com or at Best Buy. The MinoHD is available online at Target, Wal-Mart and Amazon.com.