TIME's Top 10 Gadgets of 2009

You already know some of my favorite gadgets of the year based on my reviews and gift guides but TIME's technology editor, Peter Ha, presents a top 10 of 2009's coolest gadgets.

Are Thank You Notes Dead?

Now that the presents are unwrapped and I’ve cleaned up the wreckage that goes along with Christmas, it is time to sit down for the post-holiday tradition of writing thank you notes.

Even though I love technology, I am a traditionalist when it comes to thank yous. I loved grabbing a pen that feels heavy in my hand, pulling out my personalized stationary, and addressing an envelope. Now Little Miss Techie and Captain Computer know to thank loved ones for gifts through handwritten notes. Ok, so I write Captain Computer’s as he dictates but still…You get the drift!

I can’t help thinking that the tradition of thank you notes is dying out.

Come read the rest of my post over on the LeapFrog Community and tell me your thoughts on writing thank you notes. Thanks!

SleepTracker: Putting an End to the Exhaustion

UPDATED: Congratulations to Cindy for winning her very own SleepTracker!

The beeping of the alarm clock wakes me every morning and makes me wish for the weekend. Bleary eyed, I roll over, slap it, and contemplate going back to sleep but drag my tired self out of bed and prepare the steady stream of caffeine that I need to get me going. Each night I vow to go to bed earlier and I don’t.

SleepTracker probably had been watching my late night Tweets when they pitched me about trying their watch-like device ($179) that monitors sleep cycles and wakes users at their best waking moments. Best waking moments? Apparently those really do exist! By monitoring signals from my body, the internal sensors in the SleepTracker detect slight physical signals from my body and determine if I am asleep or awake. SleepTracker monitors my signals and sleep cycles to wake me at my most almost-awake moments.

Before you think I have gone off the deep end (or am just truly sleep deprived), SleepTracker helped me understand more about sleep cycles. When you sleep, your body goes through a series of sleep cycles. The average adult experiences 4-5 full sleep cycles over an 8-hour period. Each cycle lasts about 90-110 minutes and comprises five different stages. Here’s the rundown about sleep cycles from the SleepTracker site:

• Stage 1 of your sleep cycle- You sleep lightly.
• Stage 2- Your sleep gets progressively deeper.
• Stages 3 and 4 (also known as "Delta Sleep")- You sleep most heavily; this is when your body rebuilds itself.
• Stage 5 (also known as REM-rapid eye movement sleep)- Marked by extensive physiological changes, such as accelerated respiration, increased brain activity, rapid eye movement, and muscle relaxation. People dream during REM sleep.
  

The idea behind SleepTracker is that it uses the stages of sleep to find the most optimal almost-awake moment during your sleep cycle. By monitoring your sleep cycle for these optimal waking moments that occur during your present alarm window, SleepTracker awakens you at a time when you are most alert.

Yes, but does it work?

When I first got the device, I had to admit that I was skeptical. Even the Ladies’ SleepTracker Elite just looked like an oversized wristwatch and I wasn’t sure that it was really capable of really doing what it claimed. It didn’t help that Tech Savvy Daddy joked that the only way it would work is if it kicked me off of the computer and tucked me into bed each night as I was setting it up.

Nevertheless, I entered the time by which I am usually asleep (1 am!) and set an alarm. I also set a 30 minute window for the SleepTracker looks for my most awake times so I could be up by 6:30 am. Then I put it on and went to sleep.

The very first morning I woke up to a gentle buzzing on my arm. I did feel less sleepy but thought it could be the placebo effect of wearing a watch on my wrist that was supposed to help me feel less tired. I went to sleep that night still doubtful but awoke feeling, well, awake! While I didn’t exactly jump out of bed, I wasn’t dragging either. The fact that I can now wake up after a typical 5-6 hours of sleep and really feel awake is amazing.

If I wanted to, I could delve into the data that is collected each night while I sleep to figure out if there I have any habits that are detrimental to my sleep. While SleepTracker doesn’t have a Twitter tracker to record the number of minutes that late night Tweeting keeps me up, it does feature built in data review so you can use the buttons to review almost-awake moments. It records and stores my almost-awake times for one day. It also comes with a USB plug to clip to the device to the computer to upload each night’s sleep cycle information. Currently SleepTracker’s software is only for PCs only but there is a Mac version coming out in February 2010 or earlier.

After using SleepTracker for 2 weeks now, I can say that I am no longer a skeptic and am certainly glad that SleepTracker found me. While the device is expensive ($179), I don’t have to give up the late night blogging and Tweeting in order to wake up feeling more refreshed!

Win your own SleepTracker to wake up feeling refreshed!

Go to the SleepTracker website and leave a comment about something you learned about SleepTracker and how many hours a night you typically sleep. Everyone who enters to win will get a 30% off code just for commenting so please leave your e-mail in the comments so your code can be sent to you.

For extra entries do any of the following:

• Tweet this: @TechSavvyMama wants me to sleep better with her @SleepTracker device giveaway! Enter to win here: http://www.techsavvymama.com

• Fess up and leave a comment telling me how many hours of sleep you get each night. I told you. It is only fair!

• Add my button to your site and leave a comment with your URL so I can find it

• Subscribe to my blog via e-mail and leave a comment letting me know you have done so!

The winner will selected from all eligible entries using Random.org on New Year's Day. Good luck!

SleepTracker provided a device for review purposes. I was not compensated to review this item and all opinions are my own.

Exhale

That’s the sound of me finally taking a breath. After 9 gift guides, endless product reviews (and even ones that I didn’t fit into December-sorry!), and some great unexpected giveaways thrown in, it is time for a vacation from blogging. I can’t promise regular posts between now and the New Year but I promise to be back.

Here are a few things that will come your way in 2010:

• Recommended iPhone apps for anyone getting an iPhone/iPod Touch and wanting to know how to spend those iTunes gift cards. Also a look at some fabulous iPhone/iPod Touch accessories for your new device.

• An inside look at the HP MediaSmart Server. A review unit arrived yesterday and Tech Savvy Daddy is going to put in through a true test to determine if it is a good way to manage photos, music, videos, etc. in your home before we send it back.

• Another giveaway of an Avery Customizable Binder courtesy of Zazzle and Avery for everyone who was really wanting to win one during the holiday guide giveaway

And on Christmas Day I’ll post my last giveaway of the year- a SleepTracker! While the sticker shock of $179 is enough to scare anyone off, this watch-like device that truly helps you wake up feeling less tired and more well-rested. Having started the holiday gift guide reviews in October and getting about 5-6 hours a sleep a night, I can attest to the fact that this is a great device that you want to win before the year ends!

I wish you and your family a fabulous holiday season and wonderful start to 2010!

-Leticia



And for the FTC…SleepTracker provided a device for review and also as a giveaway. I was not compensated by them for hosting the giveaway, reviewing the product, or mentioning them here. HP loaned me a MediaSmart Server for review.

Top 5 Host/Hostess Gifts by Audrey McClellan

Today’s Tech Savvy Guest is the amazing Audrey McClellan. Perhaps you know Audrey from MomGenerations and her amazing fashion tips for moms (like how to make sweatpants fashionable, what to wear with legwarmers, or what to look for in jeans) or as the mom marketing manager of Totsy, a new children’s private sale site that offers incredible brand name merchandise at deep discounts. Think Paul Frank, Frenchy Baby Organics, Cariboo, Joe’s Jeans, Nest Childrenswear, and more!

With Christmas just a couple days away and New Years soon after, chances are you will either be hosting a gathering or the guest at one very soon. Today the always fashionable Audrey shares her favorite hostess gifts for the holiday season that won't break the bank.

'Tis the season... Holiday parties are upon us! I love this time of year. People open their homes and their businesses and invite you in for the most lovely parties. Each Holiday season we probably go to about dozen parties... each host/hostess is always so gracious. They welcome you in with open arms and capture the essence of the holiday festiveness through decorations and cheer.

It's always proper to bring a gift for the host/hostess... after all, he/she is opening their home and/or business to you. Sometimes it becomes a little difficult to find the "perfect" gift - especially if you don't know the host/hostess personally.

Here are my TOP 5 Host/Hostess Gifts for the Holidays:
1. Martha Stewart's LIVING Magazine


The most famous hostess of all... Ms. Martha Stewart! I love this idea because the gift keeps being given all year-long, and for a fabulous price - $28. The content and ideas in this magazine are exceptional.

2. Personalized Candle from Red Envelope

I love the personalized touch of this gift. There's nothing like a beautiful scented candle... but to see your name on it, it truly just gives it such a sense of elegance. I ordered one of these for one of our neighbor's (who we don't know that well) and they loved it!

3. Holiday Adornment Coordinates

Festive and in true Holiday spirit! Decorations are always a fabulous gift to bring... especially to a Holiday party and something that can be re-used again next year. I love this set because it really does work together beautifully.

4. Family Character Magnets
Someone gave these to us as a gift last year and we just couldn't get enough of them! So clever! So unique! And... I promise, an unforgettable gift to give someone. I love it because it really does show that you took the time and thought about the "perfect gift. Not to mention... they're just FUN (and easy to order)!

5. Wind Chimes

Every year my parents host a huge Christmas Eve gathering with family and friends. About 5 years ago, someone brought them a Wind Chime as a "thank for you hosting" gift. There has been nothing more soothing and more comforting than the sounds of that Wind Chime throughout the year. It's different... and oh-so-delightful!

I was awestruck when meeting Audrey at BlogHer because I stalk her MomGenerations blog for her fabulous fashion advice. I am so thrilled to have shared her wisdom with my readers but have to admit that I also received a $15 Totsy credit for this guest post on behalf of RoleMommy.

Review: HP TouchScreen Web Enabled Multifunction Photo Printer

If you are looking for a fabulous last minute gift, HP’s TouchScreen, Web Enabled Multifunction Photo Printer delivers a full set of features plus web-enabled functionality in a stylish, well-designed unit and if ordered by Tuesday (12/22) from the HP site will arrive before Christmas.

Having just received the HP PhotoSmart Premium printer with the TouchSmart web feature to review, we unpacked the unit and took it for a quick spin. Overall, the entire family was quite impressed. At first glance, I love how easy it is to use, Tech Savvy Daddy is impressed by the ability to browse Snapfish and print directly from the screen, while the kids are in love with touching the screen to print.

First, the facts:


What really makes this multifunction printer stand out from the crowd is its network-enabled features directly from the touch screen.


The unit comes with a collection of Apps, arranged in a trendy and elegant scrolling pattern. Wow, Apps for my printer. What will be next… Apps for my toaster? Perhaps!

Some examples of what you can do:

• Insert memory card from your printer, and the printer will upload the pictures directly to a new Snapfish album
• Browse your Snapfish albums (or your family/friends’ albums) and print photos directly from the printer screen
• Print out Google Maps
• Print movie tickets from Fandago
• Print sections of the USA Today
• Print recipes
• Print coupons from Coupons.com
• Print a customized newsletter of selected blog content (including Tech Savvy Mama, of course!)
• Print children’s coloring book pages featuring favorite Disney and Nickelodeon characters along with fun paper crafts
• And it has a link to the HP App Studio, allowing you to find and download more apps and content to your printer.

For example, in early December, HP added two new apps just in time for the holidays: A CNET Shopping Guide app and another one to print out all sorts of photo greeting cards.

With all of these different printing and imaging features, it’s a big like having your own home printing kiosk. Think of that big yellow machine at CVS, but shrunk down and sitting at your house. Yes, it’s that cool!

The unit is fully Mac and PC compatible. Drivers include XP, Vista, Windows 7, and Mac OSX, including Snow Leopard compatibility. The unit can be shared by all of the machines in your house, whether wired or wireless. This includes the ability to scan from networked machines. There is no need to plug in the USB cable and tether the computer directly to one computer.

Setting up the unit was easy. It is fully configurable from the touch screen. It guides you through inserting the ink and putting paper in the tray. If you can’t figure something out, it shows you on the touch screen with an instructional animation. I got it to connect to our Wi-Fi network quickly and easily (not always the case). Once it is on the network, you can also view it from the PC/Mac drivers or point a web browser to it. It has an elegant and powerful embedded web server to let you see and change settings from any device.

HP’s Environmental Commitment

The product also displays HP’s commitment to the environment. HP designs packing materials to reliably and cost-effectively protect their products while helping to reduce waste. Instead of wrapping the printer in a giant plastic bag or thin bubble-wrap, the printer literally comes from the factory inside a giant-reusable shopping bag. The handles on the bag face up, giving you an easy way to get the printer out of the box. Genius! That’s so much better than trying to grab the slippery corner of a printer wrapped in a plastic bag that threatens to break under the weight, sending your new device corner first into the floor. Not that that has ever happened here.

Back to the environment.... The printer is Energy-Star rated, and the printer drivers include buttons and web links to show where you can recycle empty cartridges. The printer’s duplex feature lets you use half as much paper by printing on both sides. The printer cables come inside a zipper-pouch the size of a cosmetics bag, which could easily be reused as such or a pencil case or travel bag to hold your computer cables and device chargers.

Applications

There are about 20 different applications available for the unit, and more applications will be added in the future.

Here are some of the highlights of the currently available Apps:

It has a weather app, which remembers your zip code and then can display or print the local weather conditions and forecast. It works well and displayed up-to-date weather information (unlike one product recently tested), but it would be more useful if it had bigger icons and was a bit more descriptive. I’d really like to see a live radar image. The printed weather page should have descriptions of the weather forecast. “Overnight lows in the 20s, chance of rain 50%, rainfall expected up to .5 inches.”

The Google Maps app really intrigued me. I thought “I’m always running upstairs to print Google Maps, now I can just do it from the kitchen.” The Google maps app does a nice job of printing a large full page map, not wasting space in margins or anything. As I used it, I wondered, “What? Where are the directions?” Interestingly enough, there was a button on the screen that said “XXXXX what about directions.”

It pulled up a polite note that directions are coming soon. The HP web site has a posting under “App News” that acknowledges this omission as well and says it is coming soon. (Dated Oct 27th).

Several of the applications need to know your location and time zone. These include Fandago because it requires your location to find nearby movie theaters, WeatherNews to print your local weather, and eventually Google Maps, to remember your start location. It would be great if these settings were incorporated into a global setting, instead of being App-specific.

HP’s web pages offer up many links for customers to provide feedback on the apps, including ideas for additional Apps that people would like to see. The HP team is also incredibly responsive to mentions on Twitter. This demonstrates insightful thinking because it’s the people who use the device every day that know how to make it better, not necessarily the engineers who developed it. Listening to the customers and incorporating their suggestions into the product will make it a better platform in the end.

Overall, the HP PhotoSmart Premium printer with TouchSmart web is a solid product that delivers on its promises. MSRP is $399, but available for less at your favorite stores.

For additional details and demo videos, see HP’s site.

HP provided me with a HP TouchScreen Printer for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.

Dreaming of a Snow Day While Musing About Technology

Here in DC we have had record snowfall that the Captain Computer and Little Miss Techie have been dreaming of. If you are a fellow East Coaster being slammed by this monster storm and are inside waiting it our or between shoveling, I invite you to click on over to read my recent posts on other sites.

I’m over on The Washington Times Communities professing my wish for a snow day in Dreaming of a Snow Day. With 23 inches reported in the adjacent town, I have to think that we will have a snow day tomorrow while our area digs out. And perhaps the day after. As a teacher, I can hope, right?

In the LeapFrog Community I’m musing about the ways technology in the classroom has changed from when I was in elementary school in my post titled The Ways Technology Has Changed Education. I’m no dinosaur but certainly we’ve come a long way from a total of 3 computers on carts in my K-5 elementary school growing up to having 2 computer labs, 4 computers in every classroom, and 18 interactive whiteboards in the school where I teach.

I’d really love it if you would come on over and leave me a comment on one or both sites!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and here’s hoping that everyone on the East Coast stays safe during this storm.

The Winner of the HP TouchSmart 600 is...

Kim from Passion & Art and Cup of Creativi-Tea! Kim had blogged about the giveaway saying all she wanted for Christmas was a new computer and Random.org chose her out of the 430 entries received!

Congratulations Kim!

Glade Holiday Candles: Beautiful Budget Friendly Decorating (w. giveaways!)

For last weekend’s staff holiday party I needed to decorate but in an unobtrusive way that would be budget friendly and immediately thought of the beautiful table decorations that were graced the tables the first day of Blogalicious.

While my arrangements of sprigs of holly, tall tapers, and the low green Bayberry candles from Glade weren’t quite as stunning as the above arrangement from Blogalicious, they were festive and inexpensive (although little painful thanks to the punctures I received while clipping the holly tree in our yard!). The Bayberry scent was quite pleasing to all my guests but not overwhelming to those who are scent adverse (like the potpourri hating Tech Savvy Daddy). They also filled my house with a welcoming and homey smell while giving each room a nice glow.

If you are looking for new ways to fill your home with great looking holiday decorations without spending a fortune, Glade’s mom, expert and lifestyle blogger, Amy Clark has these suggestions to help you transform your home into a holiday haven for family and friends with these easy and affordable tips.

• Trim the Table: Forget expensive flower arrangements, create a stunning centerpiece with materials you already have on hand – candy, fruit, greenery or pinecones – and fill small vases with related items. To add holiday cheer, incorporate taller vases with bright ornaments, gingerbread cookies or peppermint sticks.
  

• Subtly Set the Mood: Set a scented candle in the foyer to welcome guests with a unique fragrance and create a friendly first impression. Select a comforting scent, such as the Glade Scented Oil Candle in Apple Cinnamon, which has a soothing blend of spiced cider and homemade apple pie. Personalize each room by featuring a different scent.

• Lower the Lights: Dim lighting creates an intimate atmosphere for holiday gatherings. Turn lights low and use candles to create the desired effect. Line candles along the mantelpiece or the living room end table to achieve this look effortlessly.

With refillable Glade Scented Oils Candles and candles in pretty glass jars that can burn throughout your party in green Bayberry Spice or red Apple Cinnamon, these candles are festive, fun, and frugal decorations that will truly impress your guests!



GIVEAWAY: Win one of 5 sets containing 3 Glade Holiday Candles for your holiday decorating!

To enter, visit the Glade website and leave a comment telling me which scents from the holiday fragrance line you would love to smell in your home this season. Be sure to include a valid e-mail address!

For extra entries do any of the following:

• Tweet this: @TechSavvyMama has another giveaway- sets of Glade Holiday Candles for holiday decorating! Enter here: http://www.techsavvymama.com

• Leave a comment telling me your favorite holiday giveaways that I’ve offered so far this season. There are so many to choose from!

• Add my button to your site and leave a comment with your URL so I can find it

• Post this to your Facebook page: I just entered another of Leticia’s holiday giveaways on her Tech Savvy Mama site! http://www.techsavvymama.com

• Subscribe to my blog via e-mail and leave a comment letting me know you have done so!
  

Winners will be chosen from valid entries some time on Friday. Yes, tomorrow so you can have them in time for the holidays!

Huge thanks to Glade for providing items for this giveaway, review purposes, and delighting my guests with a gift of a candle as they left the staff party I hosted last weekend. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.

Fine print: Same rules as always! Individuals can enter up to 6 times and must leave a valid e-mail address. Prizes will be sent directly to winners and only sent to addresses in the United States. Leticia- Tech Savvy Mama and Glade accept no responsibility for lost or damaged items.

1-800-FLOWERS.com Secret Santa Facebook Fundraiser for Toys for Tots

During a time of the year when kids are supposed to be excited about the holidays, many kids are not simply because their family can’t afford gifts and the things that they see their peers wanting and getting as gifts.

This holiday season 1-800-FLOWERS.com has created a Secret Santa program on Facebook as part of a fundraiser in support of the Toys for Tots foundation. To help reach the goal of the $5000 1-800-Flowers.com will donate to benefit Toys for Tots just click here to spread the word via your Facebook Wall. The more people who share the link via their wall, the more money will be given to Toys for Tots. It's that easy!

And if spreading goodwill through Facebook isn’t enough, there are tons of discounts available on the 1-800-FLOWERS.com Facebook page. I found one for 15% off your order and got an even better 20% off on their Fan Offer page.

I was not compensated to share this information but I am committed to doing whatever I can to benefit children in need and give back because you would too if you taught in a school where there were families in crisis. It is just the right thing to do.

So please click here and share this on your Facebook page. $5000 makes a huge difference in the lives of children. Thanks!

This was shared as part of a Global Influence campaign to spread awareness.

Suave: Affordably Priced Beauty (w. giveaway!)

One of my pet peeves is dry skin. With the cold dry winter air and obsessive-compulsive hand washing that comes from trying to rid myself of the many germs that live on the computer keyboards at my school, my hands are a mess! They are in desperate need of that manicure I recommended in last week’s Teacher Gift Guide but will have to wait.

In the meantime, I’m slathering on the lotion. Thick lotion lives on my bedside table to restore my hands overnight while my go-to lotion at school is the new Suave Advanced Therapy Lotion. My bottle of Advanced Therapy Lotion sits right next to my computer. The thick formula provides instant relief for my dry hands and cuticles and is used constantly. I love that the huge 18 ounce bottle is only $4.49 especially since I’m using it each time after I wash or use hand sanitizer. Because Suave is affordably priced means that I can apply it all day long without feeling like I have to ration it. Gone are the days of me being the lotion miser and not sharing with my colleagues whose hands are suffering as much as mine!

For the past 70 years, Suave has been a firm believer in the fact that quality doesn’t have to be expensive. Their products are made of high quality ingredients that are affordably priced. Suave believes that customers shouldn’t be subjected to overpriced beauty products.
While I was at Blogalicious I was treated to an assortment of delicious smelling lotions that were brought home much to Little Miss Techie’s delight. While my favorite may be the Advanced Therapy Lotion, she loves the Lavender Vanilla and applies it each night to combat dry itchy skin. I’m also partial to Juicy Tangerine while Captain Computer likes the Cocoa Butter for its subtle chocolate scent.

Besides the lotions, Suave has affordably priced body washes, shampoo, conditioner, and a line of products like shampoo, body wash, and detangling products! We were already fans of the Dragonfruit 2 in 1 Shampoo that not only detangles but is tear free!

Suave has offered a wonderful assortment of products for one lucky Tech Savvy Mama reader.

One winner will get a prize pack from Suave containing Apricot Exfoliating Body Wash, Cocoa Butter Body Wash, Lavender Vanilla Body Wash, Advanced Therapy Lotion, Juicy Tangerine Lotion, and Sandalwood and Cinnamon Lotion to keep you smelling good and well moisturized this holiday season and well beyond! Keep them for yourself or tuck them into stockings for your loved ones to find on Christmas morning!

**Congratulations to Cassie who won the fabulous assortment of Suave Beauty products!

To enter, visit the Suave site and leave a comment letting me know what product you would be most interested in trying along with your e-mail address!

For extra entries:

• Tweet this: @TechSavvyMama is giving away a @SuaveBeauty gift pack! Enter here: http://www.techsavvymama.com and come back and leave a comment linking to your Tweet.

• Sign up here for coupons for Suave for another entry. Just leave a comment letting me you signed up!

• Follow @SuaveBeauty on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you have done so.
  

Winner will be chosen from valid entries some time on Thursday!

Thanks to Suave Beauty for providing items for this giveaway! Suave gave me a selection of their lotions and sponsored an amazing brunch at Blogalicious in October and then sent me samples of their body washes for review purposes. All photos are from the Suave Beauty brunch at Blogalicious.

I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.

Keep visiting all week for more giveaways!!!

I'm not done giving things away quite yet!

LeapFrog Community: Teaching Charity This Holiday Season

In the very petite body of my almost 6 year old girl is the biggest heart in the world.

Last year as we were talking about Christmas and making a list for Santa she told me that she “would be happy with anything he brought her.” This year I expected half a year of kindergarten to have corrupted her with excessive wants of material goods that she had heard about from her peers but she surprised me by saying, “I have all the toys I need.” Wow.

Last week she wrapped up a 2 week campaign where she rallied her kindergarten class bring in a record number of warm clothes and canned foods for the school clothing and food drive so I knew I could count on her helping me with LeapFrog’s The Gift of Giving.

Continue reading about how Little Miss Techie and Captain Computer helped me get 28 items ready for donation to an elementary school whose staff gives back to families in need and a local shelter in my post called Teaching Charity This Holiday Season on the LeapFrog Community.

GIVEAWAY: TouchSmart 600, HP's Media-Rich Touchscreen PC

Looking for a new computer and trying to avoid the same old boring box?

HP presents a fresh entry to the home PC category with their media-rich TouchSmart 600 PC.

First, the facts:

• Elegant, slim Integrated All-in-one PC.
• 23 Inch Full HD 1080P touchscreen (yes, touch screen!)
  
• HDMI + Composite Video Ports
• Windows 7 Premium
• Wireless keyboard and mouse
• Slot loading DVD drive with optional Blu-Ray player.
• Built in premium speakers
• Integrated tilting webcam and microphone.
• Wifi, Bluetooth.
• Integrated card slot transferring photos from your camera
• Optional HTDV tuner

A last minute item to consider this holiday season is the HP TouchSmart 600 a media-rich PC with a huge touchscreen. Suitable as a great PC/TV, it might be the only screen a person needs. While I haven't been able to personally test out this product, HP has generously agreed to give one of these away to our readers. Click on the entry form at the bottom of the review to enter!



With it's gigantic touchscreen, the computer can be utilized both as a regular PC with a keyboard and a mouse, and also through touches. It supports touch features inherent in Windows 7 and includes HP's additional TouchSmart software, entering a full-screen media-center / tablet-like mode where the computer is completely controlled via touch. Think: 23-inch iPhone sitting on your desk with a broadband connection to the Internet.

From the TouchSmart application, you can surf the web, organize your photos, make notes, or utilize the touch-enabled Apps. These include Twitter, Hulu, Netflix, Pandora and more. It also includes Microsoft's Touch Pack for Windows 7 applications and games, which contains Microsoft Surface Globe, Microsoft Surface Lagoon, Microsoft Rebound, Microsoft Garden Pond, and Microsoft Blackboard.



HP's award-winning TouchSmart 600 PC gives users easy access to their media, including photos, videos, and music. It supports multi-touch PC motions such as · multi-touch PC features motions such as pinch, rotate, arc, flick and press and drag. This lets you move quikcly through your computer, readily getting to the content you're looking for.

The PC can be used as a Home Theater PC to watch TV (with the optional HTDV tuner card), to watch streaming Netflix movies, or as the display for a gaming system such as an xBox. You can play DVDs, scroll through your media, organizing and editing your content. It supports the Windows 7 fast-startup and shutdown feature, allowing you quick access to your PC without having to wait to come back from hibernation.

Since we haven't had a chance to play with it, please check out the full specs and videos at HP's website.

My giant LCD monitor looks so inferior to the 23 inch touchscreen on the TouchSmart 600. Seeing the touch control of the applications, I can't help but think that we'll all be controlling our PCs this way in a few years.... maybe sooner if you win.

To enter to win, click here to leave a comment about 2 things you would like best about the HP TouchSmart600.

For 7 extra entries, use the Google Form and do any of the following:

• Tweet this: @TechSavvyMama is giving away a HP TouchSmart 600 touchscreen computer worth $1000! Enter here: http://tr.im/HEef
  

• Write a post about this giveaway and include "TechSavvyMama is giving away a HP TouchSmart 600 touchscreen computer" and why you want to win with a link to this post: Then leave the permalink to your post in your comment.

• Add the Tech Savvy Mama button to your site and leave the link in your comment. Use the HTML that can be found on the right side of this site. Leave a link to your site in the comment.

• Follow Tech Savvy Mama on Twitter and leave your Twitter handle in your comment.

• Follow Tech Savvy Mama on through Facebook Networked Blogs and leave your Facebook name in your comment.

• Follow Tech Savvy Mama by subscribing via e-mail. Leave a comment with your e-mail address.

• Follow Tech Savvy Mama by subscribing via a Feed. Leave a comment telling me which feed reader you use (BlogLines, Google Reader, etc.)

Fine print: All comments must be submitted through the Google Form and contain a valid street address. No post office boxes or addresses outside the United States. Entries must be received by Thursday, December 17 by 11:59 pm. Each individual has 8 opportunties to enter. Winner will be selected on Friday and notified via e-mail. Winner must respond within 24 hours or another winner will be selected from valid entries. Product will be shipped directly by HP to the winner. Leticia (aka Tech Savvy Mama) is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or missing items.

This giveaway was generously provided by HP and I was not compensated to host this giveaway or share any of this information nor was I given a product to review.

Imprecious Fingerprint Charm Jewelry (w. earring giveaway!)

Congratulations to Amy from Selfish Mom who won the Imprecious giveaway!

Why is it that no matter how much jewelry a woman has, she can always find another pair of must have earrings, coveted necklace, or much needed bracelet to adorn her wrist? I wish I could answer that but I certainly fall into the category of always being able to find more jewelry to put on my wish list!

Most recently, I received my Cascade Necklace from Imprecious that is not only stunning but incredibly personal since the 4 charms that hang from the chain are fingerprints from each member of our family. Whenever I wear it I’m complimented on its design but then when I tell admirers that the charms are actually my family’s prints, they are in awe and love to look closely at them.

I’m a big fan of personalized jewelry and it has always been a goal to create some unique items that can be passed down to Little Miss Techie and Captain Computer as symbols of their childhood when they are older. Imprecious creates necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that are both beautiful and meaningful by capturing the unique beauty of a fingerprint in a delicate silver charm.

You might think that creating customized jewelry and capturing a fingerprint is difficult and I assure you it is not. Creating my jewelry was incredibly easy. I contacted Imprecious and worked with owner, Robin Foley who sent out my Imprecious™ Print Capture Kit. When the envelope arrived, I read the truly easy-to-follow instructions and gathered my family for my fingerprinting project. Little Miss Techie and Captain Computer were instantly fascinated by the two colors of putty in the little tubs. They watched with great interest as I combined the two colors to form the compound that they pressed their fingers into. I made a thumb and fingerprint for each person (including myself) in less than 10 minutes and then let everything dry so it could be put back into the metal tin and sent back to Robin in the pre-paid return envelope.

Before the kit was sent and even after it was returned, Robin was fabulous to work with! We had e-mailed back and forth a number of times because I was drawn to the Cascade style but wasn’t sure if there was a better way to display our four prints. Robin was extremely helpful in providing her expertise about what would be best for the look I wanted to achieve.

Less than 2 weeks later, my little metal tin was back! I opened it to find the most stunning necklace. My charms hang vertically, one right after another, with Tech Savvy Daddy’s at the top and Captain Computer’s at the bottom, and I couldn’t be happier with my newest piece of personalized jewelry.

Unlike other pieces of jewelry that I have, I know that the fingerprints that hang around my neck were captured in a specific moment in time where my children’s little fingers will never be the same.

If you are interested in capturing a moment in time for your family, Robin has offered one extremely lucky Tech Savvy Mama reader an Imprecious for a personalized pair of earrings or a gift certificate for $88 that can be applied to your choice of items from Imprecious.

Enter to win by visiting Imprecious and sharing what piece you like most in your comment. Be sure to also include your e-mail address!

Up to 18 extra entries are available by doing any of the following:

• Follow Imprecious™ on Twitter (one entry) and leave a comment with your Twitter name

• Become an Imprecious™ Facebook Fan (one entry) and comment telling us that you have become a fan

• Subscribe to the Imprecious™ Blog (one entry) and leave a comment telling me you have done so

• Visit the Imprecious blogger page to grab the Imprecious button for your site and leave the link in your comment

• Purchase from Imprecious™ while the giveaway is active (worth TEN entries) and leave a comment telling me what you purchased and for whom!

• Add the Tech Savvy Mama button to your site and leave the link in your comment. Use the HTML that can be found on the right side of this site.
  

• Follow Tech Savvy Mama through Twitter, Facebook, or through my RSS feed. Each follow counts as an extra entry when you leave a comment telling me how you follow. Leave one follow per comment for maximum entry credit!

Huge thanks to Robin from Imprecious for providing the gift certificate for this giveaway. I purchased my Cascade necklace for half price thanks to a blogger review program that is offered by Imprecious.

Fine print: All comments must contain a valid e-mail address so I can contact you when you win. Entries must be received by Friday, December 18 by 11:59 pm. Winner will be selected on Saturday and notified via e-mail. Winner must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be selected from valid entries.

iFood Assistant 2.0 for iPhone-Recipes at Your Fingertips!

You would think that since I’ve been reviewing products for my gift guides since October and publishing holiday gift suggestions at a furious pace that I would know that the holidays are upon us. Not so.

All of a sudden the holidays have snuck up on me! While I have everything almost all squared away in the gift department, a month ago I volunteered to host my staff holiday party and now it is tomorrow!

Although I have a great collection of cookbooks and a repertoire of tried and true crowd pleasers, I am not feeling inspired. Did I mention that my dish should go with the main dish of fajitas? Perhaps that’s the problem. So I’m on the hunt for something new, easy, and will be loved by my staff.

Rather than digging through my cookbooks or binder of tried and trues, Kraft Foods heard my plea and suggested that downloaded iFood Assistant 2.0. They told me about the many features (7,000+ recipes, ability to make shopping lists, and even grocery store and aisle locators) but they had me at first mention of the holiday and entertaining section. While I am usually a make-it-from-scratch kind of gal, time is not on my side here and I use can all the help I can get!

There are two version of iFood Assistant- 2.0 and Lite. I downloaded iFood Assistant 2.0 for $0.99 and went straight to the Holidays and Events section. The handy menu had separate menus and listings for categories like appetizers, soups and salads, entrees, side dishes, desserts, cookies, beverages, and even turkey leftovers! There are also full menus for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas sit down dinner, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and an open house.

Scrolling towards the bottom, I found a potluck menu. Tapping on it revealed a list of recipes each accompanied by a picture, ratings according to a 4 star system, and the prep and total time. I love seeing the finished product and my time-strapped self also appreciates knowing how long it might take me to prep and prepare each recipe.

So for my holiday party, I chose the Chocolate Mousse Torte. Made with Nilla Wafers, Baker’s semi-sweet chocolate, cream cheese, chocolate pudding then garnished with chocolate curls, raspberries, and whipped cream, I think it will be a crowd pleaser!

Later today I'll go grocery shopping and I'm already armed with a list of ingredients to shop for since the recipe is on my phone. I can leave the app open to my recipe and click on ingredients to see what I will need for ultimate convenience.

If all goes according to plan, Captain Computer and I should be able to make the Chocolate Mousse Torte this afternoon. Prep time is 20 minute but it will probably take me long with the help of my enthusiastic sous chef and chief taster. Then I'll the torte chill overnight, and garnish it in the morning so I can pull it out and have it ready to serve tomorrow night. I’ll let you know how it turns out!

iPhone users can download iFood Assistant 2.0 from iTunes for $0.99.

If you are interested in the recipe but without an iPhone, here’s the Chocolate Mousse Torte recipe on the Kraft Foods website complete with an instructional video!

I was compensated by Kraft Foods to cover the cost of groceries to try out recipes featured on iFood Assistant 2.0/LITE, downloading the app and conducting reader giveaways. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive sentiments towards iFood Assistant or other Kraft Foods mobile offerings. Images courtesy of Kraft Foods.

Announcing LeapFrog The Gift of Giving Recipient!

Thank you to everyone who voted for the four nominees for LeapFrog’s The Gift of Giving! I could have never anticipated that this effort would have attracted so much attention or that 630 votes would have been cast for all of our nominees.

It was a close contest with votes coming in up to the 5 pm deadline and when I tallied the votes, the winner won with 46 more votes than our second place contender.

So, without further ado, it gives me great pleasure to announce that The Gift of Giving recipient is Greentree Shelter in Bethesda, MD!

Huge thanks to Alexis and Fixation Marketing for nominating Greentree Shelter and to all of you who nominated and then voted for these wonderful organizations that could benefit from a donation of LeapFrog products this holiday season!

I’ll be sharing more about working with Fixation Marketing on behalf of LeapFrog to benefit Greentree on the LeapFrog Community in the near future.

Thanks again!