September 2008 - The Parklander Magazine

TECHNOLOGY
By Mina Radman
Let’s face facts. Technology has become an extremely important part of daily life for most people, and
these same people are constantly on the lookout for the newest gadgets and games that can beat all
the rest. From video games to PDAs, here’s the list of the best gadgets and games that will appeal to
everyone, from kids to hardworking adults.
For the Kids and Tweens (ages 5-12)
Nintendo DS Lite. Keeping young
children preoccupied for
long is a tough task, but
Nintendo has worked to
make it easier by creating the
DS Lite, a portable gaming system
that allows players the
chance to play by themselves or
with others wherever they choose.
In addition, purchase the video
game Guitar Hero: On Tour and kids
are sure to be amused for hours. Prices
starting at $129.99, visit Nintendo.com for more information.
RADAR from eAgency Mobile Solutions. Kids love their cell phones.
More importantly, kids love text messaging and browsing the web on
their cell phones. For concerned parents, the RADAR program
monitors text messages, emails, and photos that are sent to and from
their child’s cell phones. Also, parents can send daily reminders and
calendar events to the child’s phone. The program is contract-free, and
costs $9.95 for one phone or $14.95 for a family plan of four. For more
information, visit www.mymobilewatchdog.com.
For the Teens (ages 13-18)
Apple 3G iPhone. After the huge success of the original
iPhone in 2007, Apple has released a faster, thinner,
and cheaper version of their best-selling product,
starting at $199 for the 8 GB model. This
all-in-one touch screen phone has all the
features a teen could need, including an
iPod, Internet, camera and a GPS device.
©2007 Apple, Inc.
W ii Fit for Nintendo W ii. The Nintendo Wii brought a unique touch to
the gaming world with its motion sensor controllers, forcing users to get
up and move while gaming. Now comes Wii Fit, an
exercise game that allows players to use their
Wii console to get in shape
with yoga, pushups,
and other exercises.
Everyone can get in
shape while playing video
games. Priced at $89.99, visit
www.nintendo.com/wiifit for
more information.
Sony PRS-500 Book Reader. This
personal reading system is a smart buy
for any school-savvy teen. The Sony
personal reader allows users to transfer
books downloaded from online services,
such as iTunes or Sony’s Connect, onto
the system. The reader comes with
classic books, including Wuthering
Heights, and with the purchase of a
memory stick duo, users can store up to
8 GB of books, and also music. An
easy way to keep schoolbooks and books read just for
pleasure in one easy place. Starting at $199.99, visit www.sonystyle.com
for more information.
For Adults and everyone else (ages 19+)
Google Maps mobile version. For those without a smartphone, the
free mobile version of Google Maps can be downloaded onto compatible
cell phones for easy, approximate locations of where you are while
driving.To download, visit google.com/mobile.
Bose Quietcomfort 2 headphones. Music lovers will rejoice with
these top noise-canceling headphones that keep the music in and
everything else out. A must-have for those who want peace during long
flights. Priced at $299.99.
Nike+ running shoes. The next
time you’re on your morning jog,
let your iPod tell you just how
many calories you’re burning off.
These new shoes from Nike have a
special built in sensor that
connects with your iPod nano to
calculate how much weight you’re
losing while you listen to your
favorite songs. Beginning at
$100, visit nike.com or apple.com for
more information.
All these innovative gadgets ensure a way of making life a little easier for
kids and adults alike. There’s definitely at least one item here for
everyone you know.
Mina Radman is an Intern attending Stoneman Douglas High School
and is involved in the Journalism program.
96 SEPTEMBER 2008