firstadopter
07-31-2004, 10:29 PM
Every few months, FirstAdopter.com will publish an Editor’s Choice article to list the best personal technology products and services in each category. The products listed are often not the most expensive or fully-featured. However they represent what we believe is the current sweet-spot on the price/performance curve for personal technology enthusiasts.
<strong>LCD Monitor</strong>
<a href="http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=320-1578&cs=19&c=us&l=en">Dell 2001FP</a> – bar-none the best LCD monitor value for gaming and all-around performance on the market today. Dell is often selling the 2001FP after discounts for $750 and lower. Read the raves on our 80 page <a href="http://www.firstadopter.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=157">2001FP discussion thread</a>.
<strong>Mp3 Player</strong>
<a href="http://www.apple.com/ipod/">Apple iPod</a> – after all these years, no-one has come close to the ease of use and simple user interface of the iPod. With <a href="http://www.apple.com/itunes/store/">iTunes</a>, you may never buy another CD again.
<strong>DVD Rental</strong>
<a href="http://www.netflix.com/">Netflix</a> – other services are cheaper, however Netflix has quicker service due to its dozens of distribution centers, a better selection, and the best intuitive website.
<strong>Satellite Radio</strong>
<a href="http://www.xmradio.com/roady2/">XM Roady 2</a> – one can argue that Sirius may have better content, but for $3 cheaper a month, the best form factor on the market, and 3rd generation chipset that has great reception, you can’t beat the Roady 2.
<strong>Audio Headphones</strong>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004SY4H/103-3592500-4074263?v=glance">Sennheiser HD600</a> – the classic lives on, look for it under $300. Sennheiser 600s let you hear audio detail that usually comes from speakers that cost over $1000. You can pick these headphones up for under $250 these days.
<strong>Smartphone PDA</strong>
<a href="http://web.palmone.com/products/communicators/treo600_overview.jhtml;jsessionid=GAII4Y2SH3VSJQFI AE0SFE4AVAATMIV0">Treo 600</a> – it’s not perfect, but it’s the best overall solution on the market. Useable email, Palm PDA functionality, a speakerphone for your Trek communicator dreams, and a RIMM-like keyboard that lets you instant message your life away.
<strong>Video Card</strong>
<a href="http://www.ati.com/products/radeonx800/">ATI Radeon X800XT</a> – with Halflife 2 coming and Nvidia still having problems with heat, power connectors, and noise, ATI is your best bet.
<strong>Home Theater Receiver</strong>
<a href="http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3964392">Panasonic SA-XR50S</a> – you can pick this up for $250. This digital amplifier is getting wildly positive reviews for its performance at a value price.
<strong>DVD/SACD Player</strong>
<a href="http://www.audioreview.com/PRD_171544_1587crx.aspx">Phillips 963SA</a> – there is a clearance on this player currently. Look for it around $250. Excellent DVD performance and SACD playback for the price.
<strong>Personal Video Recorder</strong>
<a href="http://www.tivo.com/2.0.asp">Tivo Series 2</a> - still the best. Imagine watching your favorite shows whenever you want. Instant replay? Pausing live TV? No problem. It is simple, easy, powerful, and it just works. The competition is still failing to do things like accurate Season Passes and scheduling. Buy a Tivo and your life will be changed.
<strong>Online Store – Computer Parts</strong>
<a href="http://www.newegg.com">NewEgg.com</a> – my one stop shop for computer parts. Great service and speedy delivery. NewEgg has never let me down.
<strong>Online Store – Consumer Electronics</strong>
<a href="http://www.jr.com">J & R</a> – this consumer electronic store is right next to 9/11 ground zero. I love their prices and the promise they have of 100% factory fresh. That being said, you can not return your purchases without paying a nasty re-stocking fee, so be sure you order what you know you will keep.
<strong>Online Email Service</strong>
<a href="http://www.gmail.com">Gmail</a> – imagine Yahoo email with Google search technology. Imagine finding that lost email with that key information you need in less than a second.
<strong>Webhosting</strong>
<a href="http://www.pair.com">Pair.com</a> – they are not the cheapest, but Pair has never let me down for many years of quality service. Remember these guys run a profitable company, so you don’t have to worry about them going under.
If you agree or disagree with our choices, please give us your thoughts here.
<strong>LCD Monitor</strong>
<a href="http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=320-1578&cs=19&c=us&l=en">Dell 2001FP</a> – bar-none the best LCD monitor value for gaming and all-around performance on the market today. Dell is often selling the 2001FP after discounts for $750 and lower. Read the raves on our 80 page <a href="http://www.firstadopter.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=157">2001FP discussion thread</a>.
<strong>Mp3 Player</strong>
<a href="http://www.apple.com/ipod/">Apple iPod</a> – after all these years, no-one has come close to the ease of use and simple user interface of the iPod. With <a href="http://www.apple.com/itunes/store/">iTunes</a>, you may never buy another CD again.
<strong>DVD Rental</strong>
<a href="http://www.netflix.com/">Netflix</a> – other services are cheaper, however Netflix has quicker service due to its dozens of distribution centers, a better selection, and the best intuitive website.
<strong>Satellite Radio</strong>
<a href="http://www.xmradio.com/roady2/">XM Roady 2</a> – one can argue that Sirius may have better content, but for $3 cheaper a month, the best form factor on the market, and 3rd generation chipset that has great reception, you can’t beat the Roady 2.
<strong>Audio Headphones</strong>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00004SY4H/103-3592500-4074263?v=glance">Sennheiser HD600</a> – the classic lives on, look for it under $300. Sennheiser 600s let you hear audio detail that usually comes from speakers that cost over $1000. You can pick these headphones up for under $250 these days.
<strong>Smartphone PDA</strong>
<a href="http://web.palmone.com/products/communicators/treo600_overview.jhtml;jsessionid=GAII4Y2SH3VSJQFI AE0SFE4AVAATMIV0">Treo 600</a> – it’s not perfect, but it’s the best overall solution on the market. Useable email, Palm PDA functionality, a speakerphone for your Trek communicator dreams, and a RIMM-like keyboard that lets you instant message your life away.
<strong>Video Card</strong>
<a href="http://www.ati.com/products/radeonx800/">ATI Radeon X800XT</a> – with Halflife 2 coming and Nvidia still having problems with heat, power connectors, and noise, ATI is your best bet.
<strong>Home Theater Receiver</strong>
<a href="http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=3964392">Panasonic SA-XR50S</a> – you can pick this up for $250. This digital amplifier is getting wildly positive reviews for its performance at a value price.
<strong>DVD/SACD Player</strong>
<a href="http://www.audioreview.com/PRD_171544_1587crx.aspx">Phillips 963SA</a> – there is a clearance on this player currently. Look for it around $250. Excellent DVD performance and SACD playback for the price.
<strong>Personal Video Recorder</strong>
<a href="http://www.tivo.com/2.0.asp">Tivo Series 2</a> - still the best. Imagine watching your favorite shows whenever you want. Instant replay? Pausing live TV? No problem. It is simple, easy, powerful, and it just works. The competition is still failing to do things like accurate Season Passes and scheduling. Buy a Tivo and your life will be changed.
<strong>Online Store – Computer Parts</strong>
<a href="http://www.newegg.com">NewEgg.com</a> – my one stop shop for computer parts. Great service and speedy delivery. NewEgg has never let me down.
<strong>Online Store – Consumer Electronics</strong>
<a href="http://www.jr.com">J & R</a> – this consumer electronic store is right next to 9/11 ground zero. I love their prices and the promise they have of 100% factory fresh. That being said, you can not return your purchases without paying a nasty re-stocking fee, so be sure you order what you know you will keep.
<strong>Online Email Service</strong>
<a href="http://www.gmail.com">Gmail</a> – imagine Yahoo email with Google search technology. Imagine finding that lost email with that key information you need in less than a second.
<strong>Webhosting</strong>
<a href="http://www.pair.com">Pair.com</a> – they are not the cheapest, but Pair has never let me down for many years of quality service. Remember these guys run a profitable company, so you don’t have to worry about them going under.
If you agree or disagree with our choices, please give us your thoughts here.