Tech Talk

Apple introduced the iPhone to outrageous success this month living up to the super-hype preceding it's release. Journalists couldn't get enough, demonstrated by more than 10,000 articles printed in the media and similarly, bloggers flooded the blogosphere with iPhone speculation. Even NY Times tech columnist David Pogue got in on the craze with his hilarious (PG13) spoof called iPhone: the Musical. Charlotte parents got in line and got their iPhones too.

     A Charlotte Mom I know had her iPhone at the pool July 4th and I was impressed. She waited in line at SouthPark mall for 2 hours to get the coveted device. A few hours later, the neighbor kids' Dad showed me his iPhone too, (What, am I the only one who doesn't have one?) and demonstrated the 'pinch and stretch' technique. I must admit, I wanted an iPhone just for that. Apple has cornered the market on sexy, sleek gadgets that scream, "I'm cool!"

     I wanted to find something wrong, so I could feel OK about my (now seriously outdated) Treo650. Here are a few cons, if it makes you feel better. The battery can't be replaced, you must send it to Apple; a 2-year contract with AT&T is required - no exceptions; it's pricey at $500. Things that make you go...hmmm.

                                              But even so, Apple got it right.  Did you get an iPhone?

Hot Games 2007- Rated E

Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
You gotta catch it! Released in May, this is still a big hit with the 7-8 year olds. My son gave it a 10 out of 10. And the ESRB* appropriately rated this game 'E.' It offers hours of play time without questionable content. Diamond is the most popular seller but both offer added Internet multi-player action on WiFi connection. (NDS)

Mario Party 8

Remote fun with multi-player action that even non-gamers can enjoy. Eight easy mini-games make it fun for everyone, and with Nintendo's 10 years of Luigi and Mario madness, this game offers some video game nostalgia - if there is such a thing! Buy it in the multi-player format as the single-player mode is slow and frustrating. The fun of this party is inviting the whole family. (Wii)

Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree

Sequel to the NDS (Nintendo DS) game from 2006, the software offers 15 mini games in the academy to test your ability to analyze, memorize, visualize and just plain think! Get smart and join Dr. Lobe on his quest to build a bigger brain. This game is great for bridging the generation gap and multi-player action. Who said learning can't be fun? (Wii)

*The Entertainment Software Rating Board is a self-regulating, non profit organization whose mission it is to inform parents about content and age suitability of video and computer games. The ESRB describes an E rating as follows: Titles rated E (Everyone) have content that may be suitable for ages 6 and older. Titles in this category may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.