Hint: I’m talking about some of the very same technology that we all freaked out about when it first came out.

Smartphone vs. Smartphone: Google entered the smartphone market when they launched their Android all the way back in January. But that didn’t scare Apple away from launching their new iPhone in June (though its reception favored left-handed talkers and called for ton of free “bumper” cases from Steve Jobs). Then came the Blackberry Torch in August and the Windows 7 phone in October. It seems that Smartphones are no longer a luxury item, but a necessity. You were cool if you had one in 2009, but if you don’t have one by 2011, you and your T9Word texting on that black-and-white screen better start saving up.

Foursquare: The schoolyard ballgame is now a new type of social media? Okay, so the “game” started back in 2009, but our favorite businesses and restaurants didn’t start playing until this year. And even though it’s pretty creepy to let complete strangers know where you are and where you’ve been and what you’re doing at any moment, it’s pretty awesome that you can “check in” for discounts. By the end of this holiday (shopping) season, I will be Mayor of my local mall…and my bank account be mayor of “broke.”

Apple’s iPad: It’s like an iPod Touch for giants! Hopefully, the fancy tablet will continue on its mission to revitalize the print magazine industry. As of now it’s changing the way we read books and surf the interwebs, and doing a great job pumping up gaming app sales. Have you played Doodle Jump on an iPad yet?!? If not, you don’t even know the definition of addiction.

Facebook Add-ons: We all thought it was weird when Zuckerberg announced the new version of Groups, and people freaked out about their privacy when Places launched. Most of us are still revolting against he new profile by refusing to get it, but soon, this year’s Facebook add-ons will become second nature with our daily scanning and stalking – just like last year’s additions did.

ChatRoulette: It’s hard to imagine a pre-party or post-party without it. What were we all doing with our lives before it became possible to video chat with random people around the world? And by “video chat” I mean “see random penises or people in freaky costumes.” But whatever. You can thank 2010 for that.

What has been your favorite tech update this year?

1. The Amazon Kindle.

I l.o.v.e this gadget. A super light weight, hand held device that lets you download entire books in under a minute. It holds up to 200 books, magazines, newspapers and blogs. You may think you like the feel of a book better but trust me – after playing with this bad boy for 20 minutes you will be obsessed too. It is the best for travel, for class books, for everything. I adore it. What I don’t love is the $359 price tag… so ask your parents for the holidays. And think about it this way: what you spend on the Kindle you save on books, because every book is $9.99 or less on the Kindle (and you save paper! And bookshelf space! Your allergies will thank you!!).

2. OPI France collection.

Specifically “You don’t know Jacques.” While my mom calls this color “a dead elephant” (really, mom, have you ever seen a dead elephant?!) fashionistas and fashionistas-not-so-much have showered me with adoring compliments simply for my nail color (and of course my winning charm and fantastic wit- but that’s neither here nor there. Side Note: how much fun do you think it would be to be the person who makes up the names of the OPI colors?

3. Trader Joes 100 calorie chocolate bars.

I should dedicate my whole list to the person who created these. I saw 100 calories and immediately thought either they will be TINY, or they will taste like CRAP. But it was neither!! And unlike those other 100 calorie packs out there – this is the real (all natural) deal. A great size, and a satisfying bar that is actual chocolate. Perfect for any chocolate craving that hits. And it comes in dark chocolate too. Heeeey antioxidants!

4. The Google Phone (A.K.A. G1 Phone.)

It’s a great week for gadgets, but if you are looking for a new phone look no further. It’s the best of the iPhone and the Sidekick rolled into one. I’m pretty sure Google WILL take over planet earth by the year 2012.

5. Farecast.com

If it’s one thing we are lacking as college students, it’s money. Especially now that you just bought a Kindle and a fabulous pair of Hunter Boots. But we still want to go on spring break, visit our friends from summer camp 1997 (LYLAS!), and, if you’re really lucky, find a ridiculously cheap flight to Florence to go back and visit the family you lived with when you studied abroad. Farecast is sort of, well, genius and it predicts if the price of the flight you are looking to take is going to go up or down in the coming days, and weather you should “Buy Now” or “Wait.” Saving you money for coffee, beer, and, of course, cute rain boots.

Jill SalamaLoading…

3:48 PM (5 hours ago)

]]> http://collegecandy.com/2008/10/25/the-love-list-have-your-kindle-and-your-spring-break-money-too/feed/ 4 Jill - University of Wisconsin kindle.jpg nlf15_youdontknowjacques.jpg choco.jpg g1.jpg homearrowguide.gif http://collegecandy.com/2008/09/17/the-google-phone/ http://collegecandy.com/2008/09/17/the-google-phone/#comments Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:38:56 +0000 Lauren - University of Michigan http://www.collegecandy.com/buzz/12294

Move over Crackberry. Step aside, iPhone. There’s a new boy in town and he aims to be bigger and better than his predecessors. (Note: and, no, John McCain didn’t invent this one, either.)

Rumors have been circling for awhile now that Google would be creating a phone, and in just a few days we will finally get to see it. It is called the Dream, which is quite a name to live up to. The information about this badboy …

Move over Crackberry. Step aside, iPhone. There’s a new boy in town and he aims to be bigger and better than his predecessors. (Note: and, no, John McCain didn’t invent this one, either.)

Rumors have been circling for awhile now that Google would be creating a phone, and in just a few days we will finally get to see it. It is called the Dream, which is quite a name to live up to. The information about this badboy is being kept under major lock and key, but many people (read: techy geeks) are sure that this phone will give Apple a run for its money.

If you are really nerdy, like me, you can watch the demo video to see what The Dream has to offer. But if you don’t want to waste 7 minutes, I can sum it up for you:

It looks and acts a lot like the iPhone: touchscreen, internet, Google maps…

I don’t know much about technology, or programming or phones (beyond texting), but I am not sure this Google phone is so revolutionary. I guess I’ll just have to wait until September 23rd to see. For now, I’m holding tight to my iPhone.

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