Smart Home Lifestyle

August 4, 2007

Hi-Tech Wedding Gifts sure to Impress both Bride and Groom

“Gravy boat” gifts quickly turn wedding bliss into wedding blah, so why not “tech” to impress? This summer, forget the wedding registries; here are four gift gadgets sure to take the cake.

Picture perfect

Pre-wedding jitters can lead to fuzzy memories, so give them a digital camera to keep their day crystal clear. Hewlett Packard offers some affordable options; just make sure to pick one that has enough memory to go well through the honeymoon. The HP R837 cost just under $230 and offers 7.2 megapixels, 24x total zoom and a 3-inch display.

So, what makes the R837 so special? All the cool features. The R837 comes with anti-shake and pet eye fix, which not just removed your pet’s eye’s glow, but actually analyzes eye, pupil, and glint for natural-looking results. And the best perk? The slimming and touch up feature. They say the camera adds ten pounds, but HP’s R837 gives the illusion of a thinner you, while touching up any blemishes or imperfections right on the camera.

Take my lead

In any good marriage, one of you has got to navigate while the other takes the wheel. With GPS, the “drive” just got simpler.

“The new TomTom GO range takes car navigation to the next level with its easy to use, stylish and innovative features,” said Harold Goddijn, TomTom’s chief executive officer. “We have expanded the map coverage and made substantial improvements in software and design. In addition we have added smart new extras like text-to-speech functionality and a fully integrated MP3 player that will compliment every driver’s daily navigation need.”

TomTom’s newest unit, the TomTom Go 720 will offer daily map updates and safety extras like the “Help Me!” menu that locates the nearest police station, hospital or car repair service center. And the coolest feature is the voice recording capability. Now you can be “taken home” with the voices of your family or friends.

TomTom units range in price from around $300 and up, with the TomTom Go 720 available at the end of July.

Room by room

Everyday chores turn romance into routine, so give Roomba, the robot that lets them relax. iRobot’s Roomba Vacuuming Robot vacuums dirt and debris from carpet and hardwood floors. Roomba is smart. It knows where to clean, it can sense obstacles like stairs, and it returns to its charger once it’s done. Best of all, its Frisbee-like shape is small enough to fit under beds and couches. Simply turn Roomba on and let Roomba work hard for the money.

And don’t forget about Scooba, iRobot’s floor washing robot. “People are changing the way they clean floors,” said Greg White, executive vice president and general manager, iRobot. “Today they turn on the Scooba and dishwasher after dinner, put their kids to bed and return to find clean floors and dishes.”

The Roomba and Scooba can be purchased at www.irobot.com.

Icing on the cake

So, what’s the perfect gift for your bride? How about a little chocolate?

“In a world where quality wireless service is a table-stake, Chocolate sets a new standard for wireless handsets,” said John Stratton, Verizon Wireless vice president and chief marketing officer. “This is a lifestyle device that reflects the discerning taste of a customer who relies upon the Verizon Wireless network to stay connected, but wants a device that speaks to the innovation and personalization that can be achieved with music.”

LG’s Chocolate combines a mobile phone, music/video player, camera and camcorder in a Bluetooth capable slide design. Even the keys glow to the touch.

Chocolate costs just under $150 with Verizon Wireless contract and comes in black, white, red, green and pink.

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec