| Great Gadgets, Top Tech By: Caitlin Emmons With Twitter, Facebook and Myspace hogging up hits on the Internet, it seems keeping in touch is all the rage in the 21st century. The amount of time spent on Facebook and Twitter since June of 2008 has risen 240% and 522%, respectively. It follows then that the technology market would likewise seek to connect people more efficiently, and often times more expensively. But just like in every market, there are ways to get your much-needed technology cheaper. But let’s start with what is new in the tech world! Once thought of as the businessman or woman’s phone, the Blackberry has expanded to invade the preferences of all age groups. Their slogan isn't “there is a Blackberry for everyone” for no reason. The Pearl seems to be aimed at younger groups that require less of the “smartphone” technology offered by the other models. The Pearl also comes in cute colors like yellow and baby blue, whereas the other models tend to stick with black and silver color themes. If you are not due for an upgrade this phone will set you back about $300 without taxes when bought at a store like BestBuy. Verizon subscribers can get the newer Pearl Flip for $79.99 online when they are due for an upgrade or when agreeing to a new two year contract. The Blackberry Storm is designed to compete with Apple’s iPhone, an item we will get to soon. With a SurePress touch screen, a camera, built in GPS, and wireless this phone could easily replace a person’s computer in no time. Wired.Com called it the balance between “business and casual.” The Storm is now priced at around $100 with a 2-year Verizon contract or upgrade. But without a new contract, BestBuy is charging $600 for the phone. Those who are torn between the iPhone and their current carriers may soon find some relief. It is rumored that when AT&T’s contract with Apple expires in early 2010, Apple will expand the contract to include other service providers. The details of such an expansion have yet to be confirmed, however. Regardless of how the deal plays out the iPhone is forcing other providers to slash the costs of their phones to stay competitive with AT&T, which means in the end everyone wins. Phones are not the only pieces of technology that are getting an upgrade, Google just announced that it is working on it’s own operating system, called Chrome OS. Microsoft is releasing Windows 7 in October of 2010 and expects it to be more compatible and functional than its past updates, i.e. Windows Vista. They are also making multiple versions of the updated system so that it can work with low-end laptops, perfect for students who often rely on these type of computers. The price for such a system has not been named, but the price will definitely vary depending on the type of Windows 7 you choose to run. The key to technology is finding what really meets your needs. If you don’t need something don’t spend the extra money to get it. It is also important to shop around. Having a lot of information from different retailers will help you to be a more educated consumer and you may even be able to convince some phone stores to lower their prices. |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
