Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2005 Article Day 2

Gadgeteer Article by Judie Hughes and Julie

January 12, 2005

Julie's comments are in Black, Judie's are in Blue and italicized.

Read Part 1 here and Part 3 here.

Thursday

We started the day with a rib sticking Luxor buffet breakfast. We had to gear up for a full day of walking didn't we? Actually their buffet was pretty darn good. Once we finished, we found the complementary shuttle bus pick up and were lucky enough to walk out only 5 minutes or so before the bus arrived to take us to the convention center.

Yes, we were very lucky because it was pretty chilly outside! At least it wasn't raining, though...not today, anyway!

We got off the shuttle a bit too early, and found that we were at the wrong South end of the humongous convention center. A brisk walk got us to the correct entrance and up to the Press area.

Our first task was to check in to the press registration area to get our credentials.

Right after getting our cards and neck pouches (the ultimate non-cool accessory), we turned in our coupon for a free CES Press bag. The picture below shows the stacks that they had waiting to be claimed.

This process was relatively quick and painless and soon we were loaded down with a very nice CES embroidered shoulder bag. Just the item we would need to schlep around our swag and product materials.

For the last couple of years we have gotten backpacks that could also roll, but this year we got a nice shoulder bag with all sorts of pockets and a padded area for a laptop. After loading it down a bit with brochures and things, we started to really miss the rolling bags of previous years.

We had hoped to be able to check email before hitting the show floor, but a quick look in the computer room showed that all the computers were occupied. So we decided to grab a soda, sit down and go through our new bags.

They had come pre-loaded with brochures, pads of paper, and other small items for our perusal. Shortly thereafter, we decided it was time to hit the showroom floor, so off we went to punish our feet.

One of the first unusual things that we saw was a poor guy having to walk around in a SanDisk SD Card costume. We decided to pretend we were at Disney, and get our pictures taken with him.

  

He should have been passing out free 2gb card samples! ;o)

The following picture is a public service announcement: Men, when you're at a trade show and they have an air guitar contest, you should not enter, because some other attendee may take a picture of you being ridiculous and post it on their web site for all to see. Seriously, what happens in Vegas does not always stay in Vegas! Ha! ;0)

Oregon Scientific always has neat weather gadgets, and this year was more of the same. This indoor weather station includes a portable weather radio. Just what you need when a tornado is coming and you are hiding in the cellar!

I really like their products. A few years ago I bought 4 of their atomic clock / wireless temperature monitors for Christmas presents. Everyone I gave them to is still using them. 

Following the wet theme that I mentioned in part one, we began to see the first of many water resistant products, like this camera by...

Ummmm Judie, it's the "Pentio" That's the Pentax OptioWP for all you normal people... ;o)

These pictures are here to represent the plethora of mini-flash drives Julie and I would encounter throughout the day. Seriously, we saw so many that it was just mind-boggling. Some were straight-up data receptacles, and some were also mini-MP3 players. It got to a point where Julie and I had to wonder out loud how these type companies can stay in business, when there is so much competition - some backed by big name companies. Most of the ones that we saw were from companies that we had never heard of, and will likely never hear of again.

 

The ones above were wrapped in leather. I think we saw some with rhinestones too. Crazy really!

We found the Gizmondo, and though Julie played with it for a moment, it didn't do anything for me. Why? Because I had already played with the PSP that she had brought to Vegas for me to see! <drool>

The Gizmondo feels pretty solid. Not sure how well it's going to do in the same market as the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP though... I don't hold out much hope.

Digital content media players were everywhere, like this new PQI mPack. This player actually looks pretty sweet - as evidenced by its specs page.

Benq had a huge booth of various items. One of the more interesting things that they had one display was this odd little mobile phone/MP3 player, the Z2.

Could you picture yourself actually using this phone to talk to someone? Uhhh, No.

For those of you that like to go snorkeling while listening to music...cue the Jaws theme!

Julie busted me while I was registering to win a flat screen TV. I have a feeling that by entering "online product reviewer" as my occupation, I may have killed my chances of winning. I should have entered "rancher." ;0)

This was a pretty cool product that we stumbled across - the LensPen. Julie and I have a huge pet peeve with fingerprints and dust on our screens. This product comes in various sizes to tackle jobs large or small, but the gist of it is that it uses carbon blacking to remove finger grease and dust, making the screen once again pristine - as when new. Sometimes it is the simplest products that really impressed you, but both of us walked away from that booth glad that we had found it! I want their largest size, the VidiMax for my TV and computer screens!

They also had versions specifically designed to clean camera lenses. I passed them off to Bill to try out on his camera. It's always nice to come across a product that is different or new.

How would you like to lay down while playing videogames, on a mat with built in speakers and vibration effects (from "rumbling bass). Well, you can with the Pyramat! This mat is also aimed at people who just want to relax and listen to music...

Somehow I don't think I'd be able to relax all that well with a thumping speaker in the pillow.

I'll be reviewing a similar product soon, but evidently there are a couple of companies that are putting out fashionable MP3 watches. These are from Aigo.

 

We stumbled into the large Xavix booth where they were displaying a small docking station that connected to your TV. Different packages are available such as bowling, golf, tennis and baseball.

I can hear you now, "Why do we need yet another video game console?" Well, I admit that I was thinking that too. What makes Xavix different is that you actually have to get involved in the game by moving and actually being in the game. Most of the games are fitness / sports oriented at this time, but I bet that some of you RPG players might see some future possibilities after seeing these pictures.

Games appear on the TV screen and you interact with them using the included wireless tennis racket, golf club, bowling ball etc.

Okay, so you have to have a television in front of you and then you have to actually "do" the sport. Here is a booth -lady bowling...

 

Now imagine if you were in front of a screen like this and instead of boxing like this guy, you were swinging a wireless sword or other weapon that got your character into the game in a way like never before. I don't think that Xavix is planning on releasing any games like that, but it would be cool...don't you think?

 

I was actually pretty impressed with the reaction time of the boxer vs. the screen refresh. The game kept up with his moves pretty easily. I think your idea of a RPG hack/slash game for this product is excellent! Yah, you'd just need a really large and clear area to play!

I can see this incarnation of the game selling really well with executives that live for the golf course. This duffer doesn't look too pleased with his swing results...

 

We kept noticing life-size cutouts of Jackie Chan and then learned that he was going to be there to promote a fitness product.

Of course we couldn't miss seeing him in person, so we camped out at a nearby table and waited for the press event. Soon we were smooshed into a small area with too many other people as we listened to him describe the product and then demonstrate it for us. Wow, that guy is in good shape!

With our mighty press badges, we were able to get right up front.

 

After his speech about his new Xavix fitness game, Jackie went on to demonstrate how to use the footpad and follow along with his onscreen character's moves.

The free press luncheon was next on our agenda. We lucked out and didn't have to stand in line very long at all before we were filling our plates with chicken and rice. Not too bad for free food.

Once we had finished, we got back on the floor and began to wander through the booths again. I believe that it was in the Nikon booth where we found this mock-up village. It was set up so that you could test the zooming features on various cameras. I am sure that some of our professional photographers (yes, I mean you, Bill) have probably seen something like this before, but I thought it was pretty nifty.

As mentioned before, Sirius and XM had large displays promoting their wares. The new Xact Sirius caught both Judie's and my eye.

 

As if their cool new portable Sirius devices weren't enough, Xact was also giving away a couple of Sirius custom-fitted Vespas. Yes, I entered that give-away, too!

 

I'd really like to try one of the portable units. I'm wondering how well the antenna really works though. Since they are still pretty large, I'm not sure if I'll be packing one in my pocket anytime soon. That said, I've been enjoying my XM radio more than my iPod lately <shudder>.

Ha! To think that you used to think I was crazy for saying I didn't need a digital music player since I had satellite radio! Of course, now you are telling me the same thing about Replay and Tivo. I guess I will have to get one...one day! But I digress...

Actually, the whole Xact booth impressed me. A lot of their items looked really unique and clever, like their home phones and the tiny telephone headset pictured on the right.

 

These Xact WristLinx communicators looked pretty cool - too bad they aren't mobile phones.

 

 

You still have a Dick Tracy watch fetish don't you? I do! ;0)

Nearby, Sirius was doing a live broadcast of Maxim Radio. Maybe you caught the show that day...two vapid models were talking about how "down-to-earth" Carmen Elektra is, but totally dissing Lindsey Lohan as a "trashy party girl." Oh, you missed that show? No big loss. :0P

Memorex had a couple of cute little orange shaped MP3 players on display. The "rind" supposedly slides back to reveal the ports and / or card slots. I guess it is a fun design, but I would not want one.

Not sure how well it would fit in a pocket. You can't tell by the picture, but the rubber rind is actually orange in color.

GPX had a couple of imaginative booth displays...

 

For the teenager that has everything but an MP3 player  - mouthy CD cases. <rolling eyes>

Thunderbird products are a great combination of retro styling with modern function. I liked the mini-fridge with the built-in clock, and the iPod radio was a fun idea, too. We thought at first that the iPod might slide into the top of the radio, but it looks like it just sits in the well and broadcasts through the speaker.

 

If I remember correctly, the Thunderbird brand was a spin-off of the Jeep brand of products that we looked at during last year's CES.

How would you like to have a multi-colored LED display on your alarm clock. I thought this was cute idea - and much more fun than the standard green.

After looking around a bit more, we decided to take a walk across the street to quickly check out some of the other smaller buildings.

On our way, we passed a display of Zap cars. These little two-seaters are SMART cars that have been Americanized by Zap. They offer 60mpg and SMART-Safe construction and exchangeable body panels. I think they would be great for anyone that has a commute to deal with.

I thought these were electric cars, but they are actually powered by gasoline. They only have a 8.7 gallon tank capacity. But the 60mpg is incredible.

Inside the pavilions across the street, we were under whelmed by the offerings. However, there was one booth that caught our interest. I believe that this is just a screen on which a projected image is being shined, but it got me thinking about how cool a TV that looked like this would be. Maybe one day...

 

Why is it that I think of Star Wars when I see these displays? Obiwan, you're my only hope...

Since everything seemed so lame on this side of the street, we decided to head back over to the main halls of the convention center. On the way over we couldn't help but notice the huge Motorola Snow board exhibit where real snowboarders were flying down the incline packed with artificial snow.

 

Back over to the main buildings, we check out the Wowwee booth. They were showing off the Robosapien and friends. The dinosaur was especially cool, as was the new larger robot.

 

Creative had booth-bunnies running around in 60s inspired mini-dresses with colorful belts holding multiple Zen Micro players.

These little Zen players are very compact. I remarked to the PR person in the booth that the interface was a total iPod rip-off. She didn't seem to be offended which was good as I meant it as a compliment.

InClosia had a booth displaying some of their items that have been created to add real wood, leather or fabric to items that we use everyday. Julie and I were a little disappointed that the only iPAQ covers they had were for the 3600 series. :0/

 

It seemed strange to us that a company would be showing off products for such an old product. I don't know about you, but I would be interested in a cover for my hx4700.

Otterbox had a booth set up displaying their products in the climate in which they are meant to be used...

 

I recently reviewed this exact portable cooler, so it was fun to see one set up with a thermostat display...

By this time, we were exhausted. We headed back to the hotel and in a move that is totally not usual for me, I laid down and took a two hour nap while Julie surfed on my laptop. Once I woke up and we were ready to head out again, we decided to catch an IMAX movie at the Luxor's theater. Here you can see us with the 3D glasses on - we look like bugs, don't we? ;0)

 

We saw The Haunted Castle. I wish we could have seen the 3D Shark movie that was showing at a different time. I thought that the Haunted Castle's story was crap, but the effects seemed pretty good. I had never seen a 3D IMAX movie, before.

I thought the movie was going to be halfway good at first. The opening scenes were pretty great as far as computer generated images go. But then they had to have a stupid animated character follow the hero around. I liked the band that played in the movie. I'd never heard of Arid before.

We didn't want to try to balance food, drinks and talking to vendors once we hit the ShowStoppers event at the MGM, so we decided to eat at the Luxor's Buffet again. Once again, we were pleasantly surprised by how good it was.

Once we got to the event, I was surprised by how nice the food looked - but I am still glad we didn't eat there. ;0) 

 

The Pogo booth featured their new multimedia device that is made to directly work with Tivo.

The mediaNOW device also has a built in camera, voice recorder, FM radio and a 20gb hard drive.

Finally we got to the booth I was really looking forward to seeing, the OQO. I am really glad that I got to see this little guy in person. While I love the small size and the idea of XP in my purse, the screen did not seem as bright as I would have liked (neither on battery power nor when plugged in), the battery life is (of course) too low and the lack of any upgradeability makes me think I should wait for the next build before making the purchase.

 

I agree that the OQO is impressive for packing all that computer goodness in such a small footprint. But like you, I don't find the screen to be bright enough for my liking.

The next booth was showing off another pocket sized wireless surf/email device. This one employed Bluetooth to connect to your mobile phone and ISP. Unfortunately, we can't remember the name of the company or the product...

This desktop PC looks like a great product for college students. The keyboard has storage slots built in for syncing and charging the user's cellular phone and MP3 player. If you like the idea of having all of your gear compatible, then this would be the way to go. Yah, and guess what - we can't remember the name of this product either! :0P

The AutoXRay is an OBD and OBDII scanner that though aimed at women, would be good for anyone that wants to know what is wrong with their car before taking it in for service.

Judie and I were a little peeved that the booth person automatically assumed that we didn't know anything about cars and would need this device. I'm not saying I DO not anything about cars, but you know what they say about assuming things...I actually went to mechanic's school in 1993, so I probably do know a little bit more about cars than most men!

Once we were ready to leave, we found that the cab queue was totally out of hand and it was too cold to stand inactive in the same spot for long. I asked Julie if she was game for just walking back to the Luxor, as I figured we would get there in the same amount of time or less! I am glad we took the hike, as it was the only real Las Vegas Strip walking we would do...

I didn't mind the walk at all. It could have been a bit warmer out, but it wasn't bad. It was pretty cool seeing all the lights from the casinos.

We walked across two raised pedestrian bridges, and took night shots from the bridge between the MGM and New York, New York.

Once back to the Luxor, I discovered that I was hungry again! I tell you, I can be a bottomless pit sometimes. :0P So Julie sat with me in the Luxor's cafe as I enjoyed a most excellent Philly cheese steak. Just to give you an example of how beat I was: when the waitress brought my Diet Pepsi with the lime in it, I added a couple of packets of Sweet'nLow to the mixture! I was so tired that I had forgotten I ordered DP, and I thought I had ordered an iced tea! It wasn't until the volcanic reaction began that I realized what I had done. At least Julie and I got a good laugh out of it, and the very nice waitress didn't mind swapping my drink out for a fresh one.

I tried to talk her into doing it again, but unfortunately, her drink didn't have enough fizz for the chemical reaction. After we finished playing Ms. Wizards, we headed back to the room to rest our feet, go through our Showstoppers loot and get some sleep. We had one day left before returning home.

Part 3 here.