I had about a hour to kill the other day, so I stopped into a local Best Buy to see what was new and cool.

Just about the first thing that I saw in the store was a display featuring the Sonos digital music system. Although the display had great location (it was in the middle of the path you would walk through to enter the store), the display itself was kind of lame. They only had the “receiver” part of the system on display with only a picture of the remote. That’s too bad since the remote is the coolest part of the system featuring a color display and iPod-like good looks.

Where’s the Remote?

Up next was the computer center. In it I found Logitech’s latest high-end gaming mouse the the
MX518. The MX518 features user-adjustable resolution from 400 to 800 dpi — something only a gamer would appreciate. Gamers are also sure to appreciate the “just-fragged” look of the MX518… intentionally looking like it was hit by a wayward Halo missile. Although the surface looks 3D, it’s actually smooth like a normal mouse. I have the somewhat older Logitech MX510 which is also aimed at gamers and love it. Gotta upgrade sometime.

Logitech’s Fragtastic MX518 Gamer Mouse

Across the isle from the computer mice, I spotted Samsung’s SC-X105L digital sports camcorder which features a removable, remote lens system. My picture of it sucks, so I’ve included one from Samsung’s web site.

Samsung’s SC-X105L Display Minus Remote Lens (camera operator error)

Samsung’s SC-X105L — The Real Deal Picture

This is kind of a cool idea. Epson has created a kit called StoryTeller that lets you create photo books using an Epson photo printer. You can also create similar books online at Shutterfly or through Apple’s iPhoto service. Note to Shutterfly: Please have a page that folks can link to showing your Photo Book offering (currently, you have to login to see it — lame).

Epson StoryTeller Display

Today in the WSJ there is an article discussing Asian white goods manufacturers like LG and Samsung, and how they are making inroads into the US market. LG is apparently the new “cool” brand in white goods thanks to things like a TV built into a refrigerator. As it so happens, Best Buy had just such a frig.

Get Your Snack On Without Missing a CSI Moment

In the future, I’m planning on making a Fry’s run with camera in hand (cleverly disguised as an Audiovox SMT5600 cellphone). Lots and lots of esoteric geek goods there. Yeah baby!