Fall brings outdoor activities, travel, and holiday parties, so you'll want to have a camcorder to catch all those great moments. We've researched the current crop of camcorders and come up with a list of our favorite picks for under $500. Tired of trying to make sense of weird model numbers and odd acronyms? We'll help you out and guide you through the ins and outs of Mini-DV, flash memory, DVD and HDD.
What Is It

Panasonic's SDR-SW20 has no moving parts and it's waterproof up to five feet. It doesn't use a disk drive or tape, but instead uses SD or high capacity SD cards (HCSD: a bigger version of what you use in your digital camera) to record video.

What We Like

The pocket-sized camcorder fit comfortably in our hands, and the use of removable flash-based media (the same kind of storage used in digital cameras) means that the SDR-SW20 is nearly shockproof because it has no moving parts. The exterior design looks and feels like it can take some abuse from the elements.

The camcorder's software interface is intuitive and easy to use -- menus and options are clearly marked and well-organized. We had no trouble changing settings between shots or replaying video on the go. The LCD screen is crisp and bright for playback, and it's easy to hook up a TV or computer. Fortunately, the video file formats are readable by both Macs and PCs, so we were able to open them up in standard software like iMovie, QuickTime, and Windows Media Player.


What We Don't

Battery life is an issue with the SDR-SW20 -- we were only able to get about an hour and a half of continuous recording with the model, which means you'll need to stock up on batteries or keep your charger close by. The 10x zoom is on the small side, but the smaller zoom isn't a huge concession considering the size, ruggedness, and water-tight case of the model. The lack of hand strap on the side feels weird at first -- most camcorders have a hand strap built onto the side of the body -- but we quickly got used to the wrist strap, which lets the camcorder hang safely from your wrist.


Last Word

Of Panasonic's sub-$500 offerings, we were most impressed with this model. It might not have the storage capacity of the HDD-based (hard disk drive) camcorders or the zoom capabilities of larger camcorders, but it's fun, compact, and easy to pick up and start recording instantly. Granted, the SDR-SW20's battery life isn't great, but the rugged waterproof case and solid-state memory make this camcorder a great choice for anyone who is active and likes to shoot outdoors without having to worry about Mini-DV tapes, physical shocks, or the elements.


Price

$400

For more, check out our video review of the SDR-SW20 here.

Digital dexterity is no match for ring-side reporter Mo Rocca. Thumbs fly, collars pop and hearts break in our exclusive, behind-the-scenes coverage of the 2008 LG National Texting Championships. Pro-texter Morgan Pozgar walked out with a cool $25,000 after beating out the competition at last year's tournament, and she returns this year to defend the much-coveted title.

For 2008, the stakes have been upped to 50 large, and the competition again brings together the world's fastest text message typers. Over the course of several rounds of competition, the slow and sloppy are weeded out. Does last year's champ Morgan Pozgar hold on to her title, or can newcomer Nathan Schwartz prevail in the world's premier texting battle? On the edge of your seat? Check out the video below for full coverage. ROFLMAO, OMG.

Like most purchases that require forking over a bunch of hard-earned cash for a long-term piece of electronics that you're going to use all the time, figuring out which digital camera to buy isn't easy. There are so many options out there at this point that it can be overwhelming -- and other than "taking pictures," the uses and options for the various models and styles of camera are incredibly varied. So we've put together this handy guide to help you though the big decision. Take our hand and look us in the eye: It's gonna be okay. There's a camera out there just right for you.

It's barbecue time. Time for fireworks, friends, beer, hot dogs, and your teenage cousins to make fun of you. Instead of trying to convince them that Winona Ryder really was the cool chick in the 80s, why not ask him or her about sites? You'll sound like the coolest, in-the-know tech-savvy uncle (aunt, grandma, etc.) at the party.


Facebook and MySpace

Let's get these out of the way. They may be obvious, but just a simple mention of MySpace or Facebook could turn your teenage friend white with fear that you've seen his or her page. Instead, mention that you know of some pretty cool template sites that can make his or her MySpace page really groovy (don't use that word).

The conversation will surely lead to the teen saying that MySpace really isn't very cool anymore. Don't fret or sound too enthusiastic about any of your Web 2.0 knowledge -- play along and mention that you've heard Facebook, while infinitely more usable than MySpace, has probably jumped the shark.The site has become one of the world's most popular social networking sites, and its moment of cool may have passed. Still looking for a little cred-booster? Name-drop social-networking sites like Virb, Pownce, and Flickr and see how the kids react.

Remember that one kid in your class who wore the Hawaiian shirts and played 'Hotel California' on his guitar at each and every school talent show, 'cuz he just loved The Eagles that much? Well, he's super excited about onetime lead guitar Eagle Don Felder's new memoir Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001). Here, The Eagles' secrets will be revealed -- tensions will run high, hotel rooms will be ravaged, and fans will swoon.

Homeboy will be crazy jealous when he finds out that Felder talked to the kids at Switched about his tech secrets, and his fiancée. You heard it here first. Drop down and get your Eagle on.


What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set (for down-time?

MacBook Pro, Canon camera, Treo 680, iPod, Bose noise cancelling headphones, 100 GB mini external drive, MOTU Ultralite, Guitar and cables.


What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I have a Treo 680. I love the PDA features including texting, email, contacts, web browsing, phone reception clarity and hot sync ease.


Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

My fiancée telling her I love her face.


Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?

MySpace, AOL, Facebook, eBay, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Sharenow.com and donfelder.com. I have lots of friends and emails to attend to daily as well as keeping up with the election results and world news.


What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop?

DROPPED CALLS. Maybe one day they'll figure out a way to make these things work.


Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop could do that it doesn't do now?

I wish it could do voice texting/email so I would stop nearly killing myself while driving.


What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

Flying car so I don't have to be stuck in LA traffic anymore.


You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

A satellite cell phone with a built in GPS so I can call for help....DUH


What's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

Alicia Keys & John Mayer. I respect artists that can sing, write and play.


Blackberry, Sidekick, or Treo?

Treo 680 – love it!!!


Do you have an iPhone?

I'm waiting for the new version to come out and for my friends to let me know if it's any better with the texting and battery problems than the first model. I'd love to have one but need the texting and e-mail features most of all. That seems to be the weakest part of the iPhone. I wish it had a keyboard.


What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

I don't play video games. I'm totally spastic when it comes to doing something with my thumbs. My kids beat me every time I try. It becomes far too frustrating.

Mac or PC

Both, I have 12 computers. Here are how they are used:

• 2 Mac Book Pros for use on the road and in my stage show.
• 4 PCs – 3 in my studio for running sound applications like Gigasampler and 1 in my office for business
• 4 Mac G5's in my studio for Pro Tools, Digital Performer, Logic, Illustrator, Photoshop and Go Live web design.
• 1 Mac in my home running iTunes for my house sound system
• 1 Mac G5 in my graphics art studio for all graphics programs.

Yes, I'm a computer NERD.


Related Links:

• American Idol's Blake Lewis Wants His iPod to Do Unspeakable Things
• What Makes 'Gossip Girl' Leighton Meester Tick and Type?
• Snoop Dogg Is a Gadget Hound

Going on a trip soon? Whether you need to stay in touch with home while traveling internationally or just need some power for your cell phone while you're out on a long hike, you'll find the gadgets highlighted in the above video to be quite handy. We should know, since we used 'em all on our recent vacation before making our final picks. Take a look.

As anyone who has used noise-canceling headphones on a plane can doubtlessly confirm, they make the experience of flying a whole lot less unpleasant. While these sound-blockers can't do much to combat the shrieking baby in the seat next to you (or its shrieking parents, for that matter), they all but remove the low roar of the engines, the hum of the fans, and various (and usually) incessant noises coming from the other electronic devices in use around you as you fly the noisy skies. It sounds like magic, but it's actually pretty simple audio science: Basically, microphones in the headphones monitor the sound around you, and create sound waves which essentially cancel out the noise they pick up. On some flights, in business and first class, they now actually hand them out.

Most of us are economy-class-types, though, so we did our research accordingly and came up with a few options for airborne peace of mind. To boot, all of our picks cost less than the two or more months salary required to fly business class.


BOSE QUIETCOMFORT 2

You see these headphones everywhere – open up any in-flight magazine and you're guaranteed an ad. But Bose does its sound quality thing well. These cans do a great job canceling ambient noises, and music sounds extremely warm and full of bass. Movie dialogue was consistently crisp and clear, and overall sound is very consistent. Unfortunately, there's one major flaw: Unlike the other models featured here, the QuietComfort 2s don't let you listen to music without the noise-canceling tech turned on. When your batteries die, well, so do your headphones. Which is kind of a bummer...especially on planes, where they don't sell replacements. Price: $299.99

If you're thinking about getting on a plane, train or automobile with your little one, you had better not go empty handed. Combine a toddler's short attention span with being confined to a small space for hours on end, and disaster isn't far behind. So how do you make sure things don't go horribly wrong on your next trip? Stock up on some of these travel toys now and keep them close. You never know when you might need them.

Travel DVD with long battery life

While we don't regularly sedate our kids with video, the rules change on long trips, and DVD players can be a much-needed lifesaver. Fully charged, the $210 LG DP81 portable DVD player promises five hours of playback time thanks to a small, streamlined battery. The eight-inch LCD screen swivels and displays movies, still images and CD track information. The LG includes twin earphone jacks for two people to watch and listen at the same time, so it's a perfect way to keep two kids busy at once or let dad get his 'Finding Nemo' fix.

Summer is almost here and that means taking lots of snapshots, but making people look pretty in pictures is no easy job -- professional photographers get paid lots and lots of money to do just that (more than any other creative professionals, actually). Even so, you can improve the look of just about anyone (including yourself) with some basic photo-taking and -editing tips, the best of which we've compiled here. All of our suggestions can be executed using simple, inexpensive point-and-shoot cameras and free post-processing software: iPhoto on Mac, or Picasa on PC are our top choices. (Other apps, such as Adobe Photoshop Elements [PC/Mac] and GIMP [PC/Mac/Linux] are great as well, but the former will cost you a few bucks.)



1. Look younger

If you want to make your subjects look younger than they are, focus on the skin tone: Our number one tip is to use flashes in sunlight. It might seem counter-intuitive, but flashes override the shadows that overhead sunlight might cast on faces, making for pronounced under-eye and chin shadows. Also, putting anything white or translucent over the flash while indoors (or up close) will soften the light, making for much smoother skin tones through softer lighting. If you're in a bar, for example, just hold a napkin in front of the flash (in your camera settings, you might also want to turn the flash power up, if that's an option). You can also use the "brush" function -- usually indicated by a brush icon -- on most photo programs (such as those mentioned above) to virtually brush over age-revealing wrinkles, dark circles under the eyes, and blemishes.

Winter's over and many of us are trying to shed the extra pounds we've put on over the gloomy dark months. Unfortunately, going to the gym is such a drag that the only way to make time pass (and exercise more bearable) is to blast some tunes while we work out. Unfortunately, many of the headphones we like to wear on the street (because they're stylish), at home (because they're audiophile-quality), or while we travel (because they block out airplane cabin noise) just don't cut it on the treadmill. Headphones have a tendency to fall off our heads while we jog, for example, or just hurt out ears. But have no fear: We put five highly-touted, gym-friendly headphones to the test by taking them with us on some recent workouts. Here's what we found.


H2O Sport Headphones

The only over-the-ear pair of headphones we tested, the H2O Sport is a pretty good option for budget-conscious athletes: For 30 bucks, these things actually provide decent bass response and get plenty loud. The neckwrap helps keep the headphones in place while you get your sweat on, and the coiled cord conveniently retracts to three feet (six feet when extended). That said, the plastic construction is a bit chintzy, and the cord feels like it might rip if you tug it too hard. The phones are a bit bulky and feel like they may give out after a year or so, but until then, they'll definitely get the job done whle you work out.

TomTom GO 720 GPS

It's time to toss out your archaic AAA maps and join the GPS revolution! The TomTom GO 720, like all GPS devices, uses the magic of satellites to help you easily navigate from Point A to Point B. This new model is slimmer and lighter than previous TomToms (small enough to fit in your shirt pocket) and features an improved menu for locating the closest police station, hospital or repair shop. It's also packed with TomTom's new Map Share technology, which allows its user base of 10 million drivers to instantly improve TomTom maps by adding notes accessible by all users on things such as blocked or unblocked streets, reversed one-way traffic, new street names, etc. We think TomTom's GPS devices are the easiest and most flexible we've found. Alas, the 720 doesn't come out until July, so if you need something right away, we recommend the compact TomTom ONE XL or the multi-featured TomTom GO 910.

If there's one band we love to whip out come warmer weather, it's the Beach Boys, who are a natural fit for summer fun. Maybe that's why we're once again whipping out this interview, which was conducted just before last year's release of The Warmth of the Sun (Capitol), a compilation of greatest hits that were hand-picked and sequenced by members of the band (including Brian Wilson). The album also includes six new tracks remastered in stereo for the first time. Switched was lucky enough to score an interview with Bruce Johnson, who joined the band in 1965 after Brian Wilson left. We figured Johnson would be into his MacBook -- he's a musician after all -- but we were pleasantly surprised when we found out he's a big fan of AOL, which were happy about considering we're owned by AOL. (Just so you know, we didn't ask him to give props to AOL -- he really likes it!)


What gadgets do you always bring with you to the set?

I always travel with my MacBook and tons of DVD's. I plug in my Apple Airport Express in order to be wireless in hotel rooms. I video chat via AIM/AOL with my four sons when I'm touring in the Beach Boys world of wonder. I suppose I should add an iPod one of these days but I'm always playing my iTunes while I work on my MacBook (listening through very cool Bose noise cancellation headphones).


What cell phone do you have right now and what do you love/hate about it?

I have a reliable clunky low tech and steam-powered year-old Nokia....I can talk, text, pick up messages and not take fuzzy pictures....Perfect for an old surf guy.

Who's the last person you sent a text message to and what was it about?

My recent text was from my 25 year old son Justin telling me about his new job in corporate strategic planning at a major Las Vegas hotel group (recent MBA paid for by Dad's surf music career...Thanks Mike & Brian!). One more thing: Justin also texted me to send him money for unforeseen 'expenses.'

Where do you go (site or service) pretty much every time you get online?


I go to AOL to see if I still have a friend or two & then I camp out on Google (the world's Ouija board!).


What annoys you most about your iPod, cell phone, or laptop (or any other gadget)?

I love having an iPod...I dislike dropped cell phone calls...but I wish I could marry AOL & also marry my MacBook! I'm not really annoyed at much except for having to choose between a Democrat and Republican soon! Hmmm....I should probably write in Christina Aguilera on the ballot.


Name one thing you wish your iPod/cellphone/laptop (any gadget) could do that it doesn't do now?

I wish my technology could help me figure out a way to create a workable and realistic U.S. flat tax.


What upcoming gadget can you not wait to get your hands on?

I'd like a gear in my car that says "Home, no tickets" after a vodka martini.


You're stranded on a desert island: What gadget do you bring?

Stranded on a desert island? I'd have a water maker, sun block, and a satellite phone (powered by solar cells). Also, I'd have a surfer girl there to keep me company.


Tell us what's the most-played song or artist on your iPod?

As I'm still without an iPod but listening to iTunes...anything recorded after 1954 by Frank Sinatra is always at the top of my playlist. Remember, I was born before guys wore untucked dress shirts and used four letter words in front of girls. FYI: I also check out tunes on AOL Radio.


BlackBerry, Sidekick, or Treo?


A Blackberry, Sidekick, or Treo won't be in my life 'cuz my fingers are too large and my eyes require atomic glasses these days.


Are you getting an iPhone-if so, why?

Not yet. I kinda like using my cell phone but I also chat over AIM/AOL via camera or voice on my MacBook. For now that's all I really need.


What's the longest time you've ever spent playing a video game in one sitting and what game was it?

I do not play video games. I'm usually working with ProTools and the MacBook in my studio trying to chase one last elusive songwriting hit before I retire to only surfing (and I'm serious about the waves).


Related Links:

• AOL Music: The Beach Boys
• The Switched Questionnaire: Fountains of Wayne
• The Switched Questionnaire: Hilary Duff

Chances are, you treat your iPhone better than you treat your children. You lavish it with attention, show it off to friends, and rub its underside when its battery is low. It sleeps next to you, and turning it on is your first order of business in the morning. So why not make it happy with some top-notch accessories? We've compiled a list of the best in every category -- and make your iPhone love you as much as you love it. Freak.


Best Case:

incase Slider

We've put quite a few cases on our iPhones, and there's a clear winner: incase's Slider ($34.99). It's ultra slim and made of quality, hardshell plastic -- something not the case with most of its competition (no pun intended), which quite drastically change the silhouette of the phone. On the inside are rubber guardrails, which provide shock absorption, and the bottom cover is removable, making it fit easily in most docks (the device is actually thin enough that it fit in all of our docks as-is). And then, of course, there are the looks: It's shiny, black or white Storm Trooper plastic that just looks awesome. It sounds crazy, but we like the way our iPhone looks more with the case on than without it. (And incase just released a black matte version if a more understated, non-Storm-Trooper look is more up your alley.)

The iPhone is certainly the worlds' greatest iPod and portable Web-surfing cell phone we've ever seen, but its keyboard still stinks -- we can't tell you how many typos the touch-sensitive thing has forced us to make while writing text-messages or e-mails over the past eight months. That's why we recommend phones with actual, physical keyboards to anyone who tends to send a lot of text-messages or e-mails. Luckily, most of the smart phones out there feature actual keyboards. To find out the three we like best, check out the above Switched-exclusive video.

Laptops may fit into almost any backpack or carry-on bag, but their compact size means you'll still need a few accessories to stay productive and happy while you're on the road (or down the road, at a Wi-Fi cafe). We picked five of our favorite notebook peripherals that no road warrior should be without, and decided to go on and on about them in this here video. Take a look!