Gizmodo has first pics of LG Prada Phone

LG's Prada phone features a touch-screen interface and interesting UI. But is it really worth $400-500? Read the Gizmodo article for more details.

Last minute stocking stuffers

Since it's a little late for ordering anything online, here are some nifty stocking stuffer ideas that you can pick up from your local stores.

1GB iPod Shuffle with Clip
This is a little expensive ($80) for a stocking stuffer, but I don't know anyone who wouldn't enjoy receiving one of these from Santa this year!

Portable Speaker for MP3 Player
The Presidian Portable MP3 Speaker is the perfect size to take your music on the go. This flat panel speaker is lightweight and folds for portability. Features a compartment that will hold most MP3 players and an additional compartment for a memory card.

XtremeMac TuffWrap Accent Skin for iPod® nano
TuffWrap Accent protects the iPod nano against scratches and bumps, and protects the screen and click wheel with optional inserts. Features stylish ribbed sides that provide a comfortable and secure grip. It also keeps your iPod from sliding on surfaces like the dashboard of your car.

Motorola® SX700R GMRS/FRS 2-Way Radio 2-Pack
This walkie talkie set is a fun way to communicate with friends and family around the house or on outdoor adventures. It features changeable faceplates and NOAA weather alerts to warn you of incoming storms. Up to 12-mile range, depending on terrain and conditions.

Logitech QuickCam Instant Messenger
Add video to your favorite instant messenger. Also lets you shoot high-quality videos and photos at up to 640x480 resolution. Includes built-in microphone.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Good Vibez

This sleek, new MP3 player from TrekStor caught my eye while reading the New York Times this morning. It supports MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, FLAC and Plays For Sure downloads. It also features crossfading, gapless playback and a special DJ mode that easily creates playlists on the fly.

But the coolest thing about the Vibez is the exterior. The casing is made of a high-grade steel with rubber on the front to help keep a good grip on it. And the scroll wheel is pretty unique, making this a nice alternative to the iPod.

A Diva's Resolutions

Since striving to be organized is what initially drove my love of digital gadgets, I’m already thinking ahead to what I’d like to do better next year.

1. First on my list is to resume this blog more regularly. My day job has kept me very busy and shows no signs of lightening up. So the rest of my resolutions are really about how to squeeze more time out of my day.
2. My second goal is to embrace my Treo phone. I’ve complained about it quite frequently, but I’ve decided to give it another try. One thing I’d really like to do is figure out how to get videos and music from one of the subscription services like Rhapsody onto the phone. I already use my phone for things like keeping track of my grocery list (Jshopper is great!). But I’m going to look for other apps to help me be more productive.
3. My final goal is to work on my posture. It's somewhat related to being more productive because I figure it takes less time than working out and can still make me look 10 pounds lighter without having to diet, which is right down my lane.

Best wishes for the holidays and may you achive your goals in the coming year!

Coming Zune

There's been a lot of hype over the new Zune device/service/platform/blah-blah-blah this week, but I've decided not to rehash the details that have finally been released by Microsoft. Instead, I will wait for them to actually launch their iPod killer, which they claim will happen by the end of the year. And if you believe that, then you probably still believe in Santa Claus, too!

Great music for working all day on a PC

I'm forced to do some pretty mundane work today on my computer, so I fired up Rhapsody and am enjoying a great playlist featuring classic alt 80s hits. I hope you enjoy them, too!

Rhapsody's Top Modern Rock Classics Countdown

World's Most Expensive MP3 Player

Amazon is selling what they claim to be the world's most expensive MP3 player selling for $19,999! It's 18-karat gold, encrusted with jewels and endowed with 1GB of memory for your favorite tunes.

Amazon.com Product Description
The TrekStor i.Beat organix Gold MP3 Player is built for every person who loves digital music. Okay, scratch that, this MP3 player is built for every millionaire who loves digital music. TrekStor received a special order from Russian-Canadian billionaire and owner of the Midland Formula 1 team, Alex Shnaider, to develop the world's most expensive MP3 player. What you're looking at is TrekStor's answer to the order. This unique, custom-made device is based on TrekStor's widely successful, award-winning i.Beat organix, but with a little extra bling.

Just don't try taking this guy on your morning run. It would be a shame to lose a gem from the casing. Although I guess for most people who would purchase this ludicrously expensive gadget, the only running they're doing is to their personal jet.

DJ Ditty History

Dell announced that it will no longer sell the Ditty, a flash-based music player that was launched to compete with the iPod Nano. Given the stronghold Apple has on the market, it's no wonder the folks in Texas decided to call it quits. However, given Microsoft's Zune news, could it be that Dell saw the writing on the wall and realized that competing against the two would be a no-win situation? Unfortunately for consumers, more and more device manufacturers may come to the same conclusion, leaving us with a dearth of choice when it comes to playing our music on the go.

Dell stops selling Ditty music players [USA Today]

Apple to pay $100 mln to Creative in settlement

Creative has taken a huge bit out of Apple by winning a $100 million settlement for the patent litigation which arose from Creative's hierarchical navigation model used in both companie's portable music players.

I love the iPod, but it's nice to see the underdog win for a change!

Apple to pay $100 mln to Creative in settlement [Reuters]