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Courtesy ApplePortable, electronic devices are all the rage right now, and this trend is here to stay. It’s not just smartphones that are taking off—digital planners, GPS systems, and digital cameras have transformed from expensive luxuries into everyday essentials. Discover the latest gadgets and timeless high-tech favorites. Flip to the next page to see the first gadget on our essential list.
1: BlackBerry
The BlackBerry was one of the pioneers in the world of smartphones.
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Some people credit the BlackBerry for giving them the freedom to leave work behind and enjoy quality time with loved ones, while others argue it allowed work to invade every moment of personal time. Discover the "push" technology at the heart of the device’s success and more in How a BlackBerry Works.
2: Smartphones
A smartphone allows you to make calls, manage your calendar, listen to music, and so much more.
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Think of any daily task, and chances are there's a specialized, pocket-sized device designed to help you accomplish it. However, with only so many pockets available, a smartphone solves this problem by handling nearly everything on its own. It can make calls, manage your calendar and contacts, entertain you, play your music, offer directions, take photos, check your e-mail, and do countless other tasks. Discover what makes a phone a smartphone, the origins of the concept, and everything you can do with it in How Smartphones Work.
3: Portable Media Centers
none With a portable media center, you can enjoy TV shows, movies, music, and digital photos— all while on a plane. These devices give you access to nearly all of your digital files, packed into a unit about the size of a paperback book. Find out more about this new player in the mobile entertainment world in How Portable Media Centers Work.
4: Digital Cameras
Digital cameras allow you to instantly view your photographs.
©iStockphoto.com/Nicole WaringNot too long ago, you had to wait for film development before you could see the results of your photos. In today's digital age, it's as easy as snap and view. If you'd like to email pictures, upload them online, or edit them yourself, digital cameras are the way to go. Learn about the inner workings of digital cameras and what features to consider when purchasing one in How Digital Cameras Work.
5: iPods
Minimalism is a core element of Apple's design philosophy, as demonstrated by the iPod.
Justin Sullivan/Getty ImagesIn 2001, Apple launched the iPod, an MP3 player that offered a revolutionary 5 gigabytes of storage. Six generations later, the iPod now plays music, movies, games, and photo slideshows, and it can hold up to 160 GB of any type of file. Discover why people continue to buy iPods and find the one that's perfect for you in How iPods Work.
6: GPS Receivers
A GPS receiver can tell you your current location and your destination.
Associated Press/Reed HoffmannA GPS receiver uses satellite signals to determine its exact position on Earth, anytime, anywhere. It's the most significant advancement in navigation since the compass! A GPS receiver can tell you where you are, where you've been, where you're headed, and when you'll arrive. Learn how the Global Positioning System helps you navigate around the world in How GPS Receivers Work.
7: Satellite Radio
David Paul Morris/Getty Images Satellite radio provides numerous channels for music, sports, and news.
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Sirius features Howard Stern, while XM offers Snoop Dogg. Initially, the two were rivals, but they later merged into one company. Since the systems are incompatible, Sirius XM transmits most channels to both Sirius and XM subscribers. Both offer over 100 channels, covering music, news, sports, and entertainment, and are being installed in numerous new car models. For more details on the merged company and its services, check out Sirius vs. XM.
8: Noise-canceling Headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are designed to enhance your audio experience by blocking out unwanted sounds.
Shuji Kobayashi/Getty ImagesWhile one person's noise may be another's music, there's one common adversary for all: ambient noise. Fortunately, there's a device specifically designed to block out these distractions without compromising the quality of your audio. That device is the noise-canceling headphone, created to enhance your listening experience.
9: Tablet PC
A tablet PC is essentially a portable device that's larger than a smartphone or personal digital assistant. Typically, if the device has a touch interface and doesn't include phone functionality, it qualifies as a tablet. While tablets don’t replace more powerful computers, they carve out a new niche in the world of computing.At its core, a tablet PC offers a larger, mobile computing experience that doesn't require a traditional keyboard, acting as a new category between smartphones and full-sized computers.
10: Trendy Cell Phones
For most people, keeping up with every new feature and model of cell phone is impossible—unless you're a tech enthusiast or part of the ultra-wealthy. To stay ahead of the game, explore the cutting-edge designs and features of the latest phones with 5 Future Cell Phones.
