The Scene offers up our favorite albums, films, television shows and gadgets from this past year. If a non-denominational gift-bringer delivers one of these to you this holiday season, thank us. We told them.
Amazon Kindle
Even at this point in the school year where reading has turned from a fun leisure activity to a Sisyphean struggle, I’m still impressed by the Amazon Kindle and the ramifications it has for readers. I’ll admit I was skeptical at first — “There’s nothing more portable than a book already!” I raved to uninterested friends — but after having some time to play around with one, I am willing to hand myself over the to e-reader.
It may not have the functionality of the iPad, but the Kindle is perfect if you want to get something done rather than be endlessly distracted. New improvements this year means that pages turn more smoothly, notes and texts can be shared more easily between reader and computer and reading the newspaper doesn’t require ink-stained hands or a password I can never remember. And when I can fit magazines, biographies, textbooks and novels into one light machine, it makes for easier travel and easier enjoyment. You win this time, technology.
— Michael W. Richardson
As a student, I find the newest Kindle to be of indispensable convenience. It’s sleek, extremely portable and can store all of my files and favorite books. It has an incredible capacity for battery power, and can access all of my favorite online periodicals at once. I invariably receive some menacing looks from a number of self-professed bookworms when I say I use an e-reader. But it’s something I just can’t do without if I’m expected to be away from home for a while and can’t lug all of my books with me at once.
— Stephan Cho
Canon S95 Camera
Not all cameras are created equal and Canon just happens to be a cut above the rest. It seems like every time you turn around, Canon has a new digital camera on the market. The new S95 is a step above the average point-and-shoot camera. It’s sleek and slim, and promises blur-free pictures and a professional-style control ring for maximum manual control. It’s great for those who want to take quality pictures, without having to lug around their chunky DSLR cameras everywhere. Since the holidays are so close, you might want to go ahead and put this at the top of your wish list.
— Yohana Desta
Apple iPhone 4
Apple is known for creating revolutionary hardware, so it should come as no surprise that the company has created perhaps the most innovative and game-changing phone ever with their newest gadget, the iPhone 4. With a sleeker design, longer battery life and better coverage, the iPhone 4 is a cell phone that puts all other smart phones to shame (ahem, Droid).
While the device has flaws, the newest features make up for them: the screen now has a “Retina Display,” with higher resolution and pixel density than the 3G model, and the built in HD camera lets you make video calls and talk face-to-face with a new feature, FaceTime. You can now upload and edit videos on the phone with iMovie, plus read the latest bestseller with iBooks, making the iPhone 4 the smallest e-reader in the world.
— Kelly Holliday
