Catshanghai

At the end of the year, people like to look back and make lists about everything from films to worst tourist destinations. I thought it would be fun to jump on this bandwagon and share my favourite technology items from 2007.

1.Apple Iphone
This is the most hyped gadget of the decade even though it is more expensive than a host of more capable cellphones from Nokia and HTC. What makes the Iphone special is that it does not crash, it brings the full Internet to your handset, the touch interface makes it look like something out of a science fiction film and you do not need a degree in Computer Science to operate it.

Web address: http://www.apple.com/iphone/

2.Asus Eeepc
This is a stripped down version of a wi-fi laptop that is half the size, but it makes it very easy for portable computer users to make full use of the Internet and edit documents. It is only 3000 RMB and it has been selling at the rate of one every 6 seconds. Expect to see more low cost ultra portable computing devices in 2008.

Web address: http://eeepc.asus.com

3.Podcasts
Podcasts are audio and video shows that are automatically delivered to your computer. These programmes are usually free and they can be transferred to your Ipod or portable media device effectively giving you your own radio or television station. Great examples of podcasts include anything from the BBC, the Twit network and Grammar Girl.

4.One Laptop Per Child (OLPC)
The purpose of this project was to provide a cheap and rugged laptops for children in developing countries to access learning content and computer skills. People based in North America can get an OLPC on a give one get one basis for $399 USD.

Web address: http://laptopgiving.org

5.Nintendo Wii
Nintendo rewrote the rules of making next generation games consoles by emphasising fun over power and graphics. Games are controlled using a wireless wii-mote that is equipped with a motion sensor allowing players to have much more realistic physical experience. It is much cheaper than its rivals from Microsoft and Sony, but they are so popular it is almost impossible to find them in Europe and the US.

Web address: http://wii.nintendo.com

6.Ubuntu
Ubuntu is a free and well supported open source Linux operating system that is required to run a computer and all its software. Earlier versions of Linux were very difficult for non experts to setup and use. Ubuntu is described as ‘Linux for your Grandma’. This is almost true, but its main benefit is that it is free and works well on older computers. Unlike Windows XP, Ubuntu is safe for Internet browsing without the security threats of viruses, Trojan horses or spyware

Web address: http://www.ubuntu.com

7.Twitter
Twitter is a website for microblogging in 140 characters or less. It is great for asking questions to semi acquaintances, although I use it for adding calendar items from my phone.

Web address: http://www.twitter.com

8.Google Mail
Gmail or Google Mail is finally out of beta giving me 5gb of storage so I never have to delete another message. It is easy to setup as a one stop destination for all your Email accounts. The archive feature allows me to clear dealt with items out of sight to ease the clutter of seeing too many messages, but I can search for and bring them back when the need arises. Recent IMAP support means that I can access Gmail from Outlook so that all my sent messages get synced allowing me to see what I have been writing from any computer.

Web address: http://mail.google.com

9.Remember The Milk
RememberTheMilk is a beautiful and intuitive web based todolist organiser that can be easily setup to work from any computing device or platform, including a cellphone or even from Facebook. It makes the chore of keeping organised almost fun!

Web address: http://www.rememberthemilk.com

10.Windows Live Writer
Windows Live Writer is a free piece of software that makes writing, editing and laying out a blog entry as easy as wordprocessing a document. No web design or HTML skills are required.

Web address: http://windowslivewriter.spaces.live.com/