It's not useful if I can't use it

There were so many products and technologies at CES, it was overwhelming. Many were innovative, some were cool looking, and others were just obnoxious (Samsung's 102 inch plasma TV). In the end though, I found that there were many products and technologies that I came across that I would actually buy and use today - no, I'm not going to run out and buy LG's 71" plasma TV when it comes out.

My Top 5 "Practical" Technologies from CES (in no particular order)

1. Plantronics L510 - When is a Bluetooth headset not just another Bluetooth headset? When it can hook into your land line phone with a Bluetooth adapter too. This little device is a slick looking Bluetooth headset just by itself, but with an adapter, you can answer your home phone too with a push of the button on the headset. No more running around trying to grab the telephone in time. No link yet...
   
   
2. eGrips - This company makes custom fitting grips for your gadgets, molded to fit around the speakers, battery comparments, antennas, and buttons on cell phones and PDA's. I have one on my Treo 650 and I can grip it easily and set it anywhere and know it won't slide around, especially in my car. Check
   it out
   
   
3. Panasonic Oxyride Batteries - This new technology gives a boost to battery life. Panasonic claims that they last 50% longer than standard alkaline batteries. I hate it when batteries run out and I'm willing to pay more for longer life! Check it out
   
   
4. Sling Media's Slingbox - While the ability to watch my Tivo away from home on a computer with an Internet connection is beautiful, I would take it a step further with this box and hook it up to my Media Center PC and not only have TV shows to watch, but also all of my home videos. Check it out
   
   
5. Archos PMA 400 - I had to have one fun, really expensive gadget in the mix and this wins that prize. A portable video player, video recorder (directly from your TV), MP3 player, photo viewer, and personal information manager (for your contacts, schedule, etc). And, it's WiFi enabled and built on Linux so third party applications can be built for it. Check it out

Inside the 2005 International CES

CES Image Page