Cool New Product Alert - HP/Palm Touchpad

Just wanted to let you know HP has announced a competitor the the iPad - the Touchpad.  You can find the specs here:  http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/02/09/hp-announces-the-palm-touchpad/  Looks pretty good.  My initial disappointment is that it seems to have only one camera - on the side facing you - like a webcam.  When the iPad came out, many indicated that a camera on both sides would have been beneficial - I don't know why HP didn't compensate for that.  On the plus side, unlike the iPad, the Palm Touchpad runs FLASH!  Yay!

Here's the product page for the Touchpad - enjoy!  http://www.palm.com/us/products/pads/touchpad/index.html

The product page indicates it will be available this summer.  If, after this winter you weren't yearning for summer already, this should make you want summer to get here even faster!  Can't wait to get a look at it in person.  I am a long-time HP fan (although I do like Apples too - my first home computer was a Mac SE back in the day).

New shopping site

For some good deals on photography needs (and many others) check out the sites below.  You can comparison shop, find deals and coupons and in some cases, get cash back.  I've bought a couple of health/beauty items from there and it's been fine.  See what you think.  One of today's deals of the day is a Wii Console in white - list price is  $199.99, deal price is $168.00.  Deals are limited so act fast and check it out every day for new deals.

http://www.kachingkachingstore.com/index.php?affi=194846-999984217

You can also check out this one:   http://mall.shoptoearn.net/RetailMall.aspx?p_id=999984217&sid=3stGwB2iCCYUA48-41111612418.ff

And for "green" purchases:  http://www.shoptoearn.net/cgi-bin/genesis.exe/index.html?p_cart=G&p_get_webid=aballenkk

Happy shopping.

Sony a-nex cameras

I mentioned these cameras in the past - I had wanted to get my hands on them to give them a try because I was curious as to how a camera the size of a digital still camera could balance with extra lenses.  Now, you could buy lenses that would fit the a-nex, or you can use a converter lense so that you could mount the Minolta and Sony A lenses to the camera: the α-NEX Camera Mount Adapter, which retails at the Sony site for $199.  Well, that adds weight to the front end of the camera, as would an A-mount lens.  I did get the chance to hold the a-NEX-3 camera, and the weighting of it just did not feel balanced to me.  I'd be interested in checking out the a-NEX-5 series which shoots 1080p movies, but, I thing the only way you might get around the balance problem would be to invest in new E-mount lenses, and even then, I am not sure that would resolve the problem (although you wouldn't have to deal with the expensive mount adapter, and I assume the E-Mount lenses are lighter than the A-mount).  I don't plan myself on switching anytime soon.  My Sony alpha DSLR, my Sony DSC-H20 are great for me, and my Sony DSC-W220 is serviceable for my husband.  I have too much money invested in the Minolta/Sony A-mount lenses.

Great news - take photos in public as you please

As you may know, photographers have been hassled for taking pictures in public places - yes, even tourists taking pictures of iconic spots.  Now, according to a federal bulletin, this is to stop.  See:  http://www.crunchgear.com/2011/01/27/photographers-youre-now-officially-free-to-shoot-in-public-places-and-outside-federal-buildings/   and also http://www.andrewkantor.com/useful/Legal-Rights-of-Photographers.pdf  Now, in reality, might you still get harassed by a security goon?  Sure.  So, you may wish to print the linked story(ies) out and carry it (them) with you for their edification.  Note, private property is private property and you must abide by the property owner's wishes per the above articles.

Note, I am not providing legal advice - just letting you know about websites that discuss legal rights regarding photography.

A few money savers for you

A couple of money saving offers that came my way that I am passing on to you:

Picaboo:  20% off plus free shipping on Classic books and Calenders.  Expires midnight PT January 17.  Use code HNY20FS

Corel:  is offering Painter 11 (I have not used this product) at a discounted price - instead of $399 for the full version, the present price is $219; and instead of the the upgrade price of $199, you can now upgrade at $119.  They are also giving away with this deal a $30 coupon to be used at CanvasPop, and free shipping.  Expires 1/17/11.  It appears no code is necessary.   http://store1.corel.com/corel/product/index.jsp?&dcs_action=applyCoupon&onyxcampaignid=4435&url_coupon=4435&ym_mid=1304155&ym_rid=145963185&skuId=ESDPTR11ENPCUG&1=1&storeKey=us&promo=4435&mapcounter=1&pid=prod3430234

Long time no see

Sorry I have been gone so long - holidays snuck up on me and then all the obligatory family colds/flus have struck.  I promise I'll be back soon with photography related material.

For now - question for you - for those with e-readers - what's your favorite?  I'm leaning towards the Nook Color (I know, hard to believe for a Sony girl, but, really, I'm a Minolta girl and Sony bought Minolta!)  right now for several reasons, one being COLOR!  Two, I'd like to help keep B&N  in business (and evenif they go under the Nook will be a prime asset, so I am not worried about service).  Three, this month B&N will put it on the Android 2.2 platform (still not the latest but B&N will start making apps available, making it a high quality e-reader and a low cost tablet.

So, what are your thoughts about e-readers?

Big photo show in NYC starts today

The PDN photo show in NYC starts today.  I am hoping my back and leg hold out long enough for me to go through the Expo hall on one of the three days.  If I do, I will be sure to report on my findings.  I'd really love to see the Sony alpha a-NEX in person and see how it balances with a telephoto lens on it (my biggest concern about the product).

And who knows what else new is out there!