Inverse Karma

As we get ready to usher in the new year, let us take a look at some of the most popular and most sought-after gadgets of the year 2008. Its an interesting observation that out of the top 5, three are mobile phones! 2008 has been the year for mobile phones, which have been classic examples of technology convergence. Another phone that almost made it to the top 5 is the Sony Ericsson Xperia (their first phone based on Windows Mobile).

iPhone 3G

Easily the most hyped and anticipated phone ever, Apple’s iPhone has its own set of problems (lack of many messaging features, no memory card slot, no inbuilt copy/paste functionality, no autofocus, no video ). However, no other phone has been able to create quite a buzz like it has managed to do. Also, the iPhone has raised the bar in interface design and user-friendliness. Apple’s App Store has served millions of app downloads (though its not available in India yet) and counting. Apple hit the jackpot with the iPod and the iPhone is here to prove that Apple is on the right track!

T-Mobile G1 (Android-based Phone)

The announcement of the first Android-based phone got everyone so excited that it possibly beat the hype surrounding the iPhone 3G. Being only the second best in terms of touch-responsiveness to the iPhone, the G1 and Android score on a lot of points over the iPhone. However, the iPhone still has a loyal fan-following. The release of the G1 is often quoted as a bit premature as the phone doesn’t look polished enough. But we’re talking about a phone that runs Google’s operating system. Now teaming up with Google is an entirely different story. When can we expect Android-based phones to hit the Indian market? Well, its quite a long shot. As you wait for that to actually happen, check out the awesome online G1 Android emulator.

Nintendo Wii

Launched in 2006, the Wii introduced the casual gaming phenomenon. Another revolutionary feature is its wireless controller called the Wii Remote. It uses awesome motion-detection technology and enabled game developers to develop engaging games. Still in short supply all over the world due to unprecedented demand, the Wii has taken an edge over the XBox 360 and Sony’s Playstation 3 in user-base as well as sales. It was launched in India in September 2008 with a competitive retail price of INR. 19,990.

MacBook Air

The second Apple product here in our Top 5, the MacBook Air is in line with the company’s signature sexy hey-look-at-me style. Its interesting to know that Intel actually repackaged their Core 2 Duo processors to fit on a really small motherboard that makes this notebook unbelievably thin. I imagine you could actually cut a person into slices if this gadget fits into a manila envelope. However, it again has its own flaws or rather, inadequacies (like lack of 3G, only one USB port and small storage capacity). I’d wish Apple comes up with an upgrade to the MacBook Air that satisfies more MacBook-haters. However, keep in mind that with such a design, there are bound to be such compromises.

Nokia N96

Successor to the very popular Nokia N95, the N96 has got a mind-boggling spec sheet that blows other phones out of the water. It has almost every feature you could ever think of. It did raise a few eyebrows as it sported a slower CPU (264 MHz) than the N95 (332 MHz). However, it more than makes up for the slower processor with features like double the built-in storage (a whopping 16 GB) and DVB-H. If you’ve suddenly got the urge to lighten your wallet and a fan of Symbian (like me!), go for the N96.

Maybe you own one of these? Or would like to share your opinion about the list? Post your comments below!

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