Video games are amusing for sure. But if your eyes have taken on a greenish glow, it’s time to step away from the console. Leaving the joystick behind doesn’t mean abandoning tech play. Here are some suggestions that are certain to help you discover that there still is a real world out there.
Camcorder’s are loads of fun, but they used to cost a pile of cash. This meant that they weren’t accessible to everyone. That’s why the camcorders from Coby Electronics are so radical. The company’s Snapp line features three models, with each one priced under $100. The top of the trio — the CAM5000 SnappHD — features a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor with 2,584 by 1,936 pixel resolution. It captures HD videos in MPEG-4 at up to 720p format, with 1,280 by 720 pixel resolution at 30 fps. The camcorder includes 128MB of built-in flash memory and an LED lamp for low-light shooting situations. It has a 2-inch LCD viewscreen, 4x digital zoom, an SD/SDHC card slot that is expandable up to 8GB, an integrated USB port and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery offering two hours of battery life.
Those are super features for $99, but if you want a camcorder to take absolutely everywhere, then buy the CAM3000 mini digital camcorder. It’s just $40. If it gets lost or damaged — no big deal. The CAM3000 has a candy bar style body and a 1.5-inch TFT LCD view screen. A 1.3-megapixel CMOS sensor captures video in AVI format at standard definition VGA resolution. Included is an LED for low-light shooting situations, a 4x digital zoom, 32MB of built-in flash memory, an SD/SDHC card slot expandable up to 8GB and a USB 2.0 port. It’s powered by four AAA batteries that provide more than four hours of battery life. Arcsoft MediaImpression software for editing and uploading video to YouTube is included with all Snapp camcorders.
You may be more interested in living life in front of the camera, instead of behind it. If that’s the case, then don an Electronic Guitar Shirt and put on a show. This T-shirt is not a novelty item that plays pre-recorded music. It is actually a real musical instrument on which you can strum your favorite songs alone or with your Guitar Shirt band.
Available from ThinkGeek (www.thinkgeek.com), the Electronic Guitar Shirt is easy to play because each button on the neck of the guitar is a major chord. This means that you can play rock and roll almost the moment you put on the shirt. All major chords are recorded from an electric guitar, and the included magnetic pick allows you to strum just like you would on a real guitar. A mini amp clips to your belt and gets plenty loud with great sounding amplification circuitry. The tone knob on the amp allows the sound to be adjusted. The shirt operates with 4 AAA batteries and don’t worry about getting it dirty. The electronic components are easily removed from the shirt for washing.
Not everyone wants to be a performer, but some young ladies regularly look like they are going off to star in a freak show. Over the top makeup worn at a party is fun, but it creates a really tragic image in daylight. If you’re a girl who needs a little help in getting a life, the Stila Makeup Player is there for you. The Makeup Player is a makeup case and sound system all in one. This portable high-tech vanity connects to any media player or smart phone, so that makeup lessons can be easily viewed while a teen is actually applying cosmetics. The Makeup Player comes with a group of starter cosmetics. Lessons from a professional makeup artist can be downloaded from StilaBeautyTube.com free. So check it out and watch some free lessons online for some great tips on how to present a more beautiful you to the world.
And since the world has been mentioned, it’s good to remember that while the virtual reality found in a video game is amusing, the real world is an amazing place. Jessica Watson is one teenager who is currently discovering that for herself. Two months ago, this 16-year-old set out from Sydney harbor with the goal of becoming the youngest person to sail solo non-stop and unassisted around the world. In the process, Jessica hopes to motivate young sailors, adventurers and everyone with a dream.
Now a quarter of the way into her voyage, Jessica will be spending six more months alone on board her 10-meter vessel, Ella’s Pink Lady. With 7,000 miles completed, she has 21,000 miles still to sail through some of the world’s most dangerous seas. And while she’s by herself, this teen sailor is not alone. Thanks to a group of high tech sponsors, Jessica is able to reach out to a global audience. Her website, www.jessicawatson.com.au, provides updates on the journey issued by Jessica’s support team, as well as regular blog posts, including photos, from Jessica herself.
After taking a look at the site, you’re sure to agree that Jessica looks like she’s having an incredible journey. So do be inspired. Turn your back on the screen and plan an adventure of your own.
