The Jetsons had us believing we would be flying around in cars that could be stowed in briefcases by now. Although our gadgets and gizmos still may have a ways to go to meet those space-age expectations, there are some tech toys that have already surpassed predictions. Here are some of our can’t-live-without favorites.
1 | IMMERSE YOURSELF.
The latest in 3D gaming is at your fingertips, without the hassle of headgear or glasses to enter the virtual world. This upgrade on a portable favorite still plays DS games, but now the pocket-sized multi-tasker also snaps 3D photos and sports an SD slot and wireless features. Just don’t forget to look up occasionally and glimpse reality. Nintendo 3DS Flame Red Edition, $169.99, Plug ‘N Play, 2605 Kutztown Rd., Reading, 484.706.6982. PlugnPlayStore.com
2 | SNAP HAPPY.
It’s not really a vacation if you have to lug around your weight in camera equipment to capture the memories. Trade up to this featherweight Canon, the smallest, lightest single-lens reflex or SLR camera on the market today. Despite its diminutive size, it packs a wallop with crisp, quality photos that will put your point-and-click to shame. Canon SL1 Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS STM Lens, $799.99, Cardinal Camera at Berkshire Mall, 1665 State Hill Rd., Wyomissing, 610.750.6558. cardinalcamera.com
3 | TAKE NOTE.
Shoot video and photos, then edit them on the fly. Load the maps feature to see where you’re going, then log into FaceTime to tell your loved ones where you’ve been. And with 10 hours of battery life, Siri on-call, and a weight of less than a pound, it’s a pencil-thin, versatile travel necessity. iPad Mini, $329, Double Click Computers, 546 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.374.3355. dclick.com
4 | ACCIO COMPUTER.
Work some magic with a tailor-made desktop that fits your exact computing needs. These sleek machines are built to your specifications, customized with the highest quality components and protected by a three-year warranty more powerful than any spell. Each one is as unique as an Ollivanders Wand. Custom computer, starting at $500, Computer Wizards, 325 W. Main St., Kutztown, 484.646.9064. shopcomputerwizards.com
5 | PORTION CONTROL.
Eyeballing serving sizes is such a chore; you and your waistline will be grateful for this digital assistant. As easy as reading a nutrition label, measure out the right amount of your favorite fresh foods, monitor carbohydrates, salt, and sugar intake, or intuitively track your calories or cholesterol for the day using the built-in database of 2,000 foods. The Perfect Portions Food Scale, $49.99, Reading China & Glass, 739 Reading Avenue, West Reading, 610.378.0413. kitchenandcompany.com
