Step into the new year with hi-tech and savvy, yet affordable, gadgets. While these devices—be it the high-definition TV or the photo printer—began to make their presence felt this year, people were forced to keep away either due to the exorbitant prices or lack of functionality. But given the rising demand for these products, manufacturers are set to make them more affordable in 2008. Check out some of these options. GPS systemsWhen I wrote about the global positioning system (GPS) for the first time in December 2005, I was overwhelmed by the response it got. In two years, the GPS has evolved to include maps of all countries, but the cost is still high: Rs 17,000-Rs 30,000. Presently, these gadgets are not for the masses, but as sales are starting to shoot up and the demand for cheaper devices increases, GPS systems are likely to become more affordable. So companies like Satguide, MapmyIndia, even the world’s biggest player, Garmin, may cut down prices to a more affordable Rs 10,000-Rs 15,000 in 2008, bringing these devices within reach. So if you have not bought a GPS system for your vehicle, be patient and wait. The market is going to get hotter in 2008 and the GPS is going to become a mainstream gadget. High-definition TVs High definition is becoming bigger (remember Samsung’s 70-inch TV), the only problem being the lack of compatible content. But as more content starts becoming available, so will more HD players, with the best options in 2008 being HD-complaint. Sony is coming out with many more products in HD format, including their latest range of video camcorders, digital cameras and PlayStation 3. Wii FitThis is best for the couch potatoes who miss out on exercise because of their abiding love for video games. Now, for about US$75, this add-on game can be yours if you have a Wii. So you can burn those undesirable calories and enjoy a game at the same time. While you balance, do aerobics or the hoola hoop in your bedroom, an animated character on the screen can keep a score on each of your moves. Digital camera printersLast year, when digital cameras made deep inroads into our lives, they offered the great convenience of printing photos at home. Many companies came out with printers and new technologies, but these had several drawbacks: the printers were expensive, the cost per print was high and they were not compatible with all cameras. But with the falling prices of digital cameras, printer manufacturers (Kodak, Canon, HP) too have brought out their lines of affordable photo printers. Though online photoprinting services are coming to India, the ease of printing a photo at your convenience is incomparable. The printers to watch out for in 2008 include the A600 series from HP and the CP 700 series from Canon, now available for Rs 8,000. The prices are likely to come down further and have more functions. So wait till the new year, it promises to be a happy one.
