New Toys

Is there really anything quite like new toys? Just when I think I'm beyond getting excited over gadgets and such, somthing comes along and I feel just like a kid again. I've received a few such items in the last year...

The first was my TiVo receiver and service (thank you, Mother Wiren!). A year later and I'm still thrilled with it - actually even more thrilled with it. It's absolutely wonderful! Quite a recommendation coming from someone who used to think they were "just plain stupid."

Next came my "Smart Phone." This is a combination cell-phone and PDA (personal digital assistant). I have my phone, contacts, calendar, memo pad, bible, games, calculator, camera, video camera, memo-mate, etc. Definitely some "say-wow" stuff here. Again, since I have gadgets for music, pictures and such, I don't use all the features of my smart phone. The ones I do use, however, are terrific! It's rare you find the novel covers or cases for the smart-phones - mostly because of their size I would imagine. I did come across one, though. The case I have looks like a sneaker; black canvas and white rubber. At least it's not quite as manly looking now!

Side note here...Would you believe I found a purse with 3 outside pockets on the front just perfect for my digital camera, smart-phone, and IPod. Life is good.

The next one was my IPod. Yes, I truly love my IPod. This is another gadget that I thought was stupid and ridiculous - before I got one and realized what all they can do. I routinely carry around movies, television shows and series', my photographs, podcasts, audiobooks, and a TON of my favorite music. This is one gadget that's way too cool. I almost feel sorry for today's youngsters - they won't know to appreciate all these great things. My kids know that ITunes gift cards are always welcome here!

My newest toy that makes me go "ooh-aah" is my new GPS. It's an early Christmas present from my husband. It's a TomTom One XL-S (the model has only been out for about a month). It's very user friendly and comes "ready to go - right from the box." If you've been considering a GPS - go for it! This one has the voice that announces turns, street names, etc. You can choose from different voices but if you want to hear street names you have to stick with a computerized voice. the clarity is very good. I think the voice feature is a definite plus. The really high-end models also perform as MP3 players, photo storage, etc. Since I already have all that in my IPod, I hardly need it in my GPS. It's great to type in my destination and then see how far away it is, how long it will take to get there, what time it will be when I get there, which way I'm going to turn next, the name of the next road I need, the name of the next major road I need, etc. If you veer off track it advises you to turn around either "at the first opportunity" or at _________ and it will give you a street name. If there's more than one way to get to your destination and you choose a different one - no problem. The GPS will re-figure the route and pick up without skipping a beat. You can also choose alternate routes. All sorts of great stuff. Enough that it's even fun having it on when I travel my regular day-in, day-out roads. It's also interesting to see which route it chooses as the fastest. Sometimes it's the way I've always gone - and sometimes it isn't. With it being this much fun here at home I can't wait to see how useful it will be when we're on a trip!

I love new toys! Even at my age.

I hope you get lots of great toys for Christmas!