In 2009, Slate’s technology writers explained that programs that claim to make your PC run faster are for suckers and that you shouldn’t buy cases and films to protect your cell phone. But what software, gadgets, and toys are worth the money?
Slate tech columnist Farhad Manjoo loves Amazon’s Kindle 2, a device that “makes buying, storing, and organizing your favorite books and magazines effortless.” (Manjoo, however, is appalled by Amazon’s ability to remotely delete books purchased for the Kindle.)
Can’t afford the new Kindle? Manjoo suggests Amazon’s original e-reader, released in 2007, is still a good buy. Some more recommendations of gifts for 2009 ones that came out in 2008 (or earlier): the TiVo HD XL, slightly old Apple products, the Flip Mino HD camera, and the WowWee Rovio robotic sentry. If you prefer to look for your gently used tech items on eBay, Manjoo suggests that the auction site is a great place to buy a computer—perhaps a Dell Inspiron, a Lenovo Thinkpad, or a MacBook Pro.
In search of a great operating system for your new machine? Manjoo recommends Microsoft Windows 7, a piece of software he terms “arguably the fastest, most intuitive, and most useful consumer desktop OS on the market today.”
Those on the market for iPhone apps should download Flight Control, iShoot, and Strategery at their peril—Manjoo calls these games astoundingly fun and hellishly addictive. Slate’s tech columnist also endorses the music-identifying app Shazam, which is now available in a $2.99 premium edition. Looking to use the iPhone’s charms to pacify your kids? Michael Agger runs down the best 11 apps for amusing children.
For the gamers out there, 2009 brought a bounty of worthwhile titles. Slate game critic Chris Suellentrop’s top two games of the year were Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (“a first-person shooter that plays as a tragedy, not a power fantasy”) and Flower (“the only video game I’ve played that made me feel relaxed, peaceful, and happy“). Among the other titles endorsed by Slate’s year-end gaming club: Uncharted 2, Canabalt, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Demon’s Souls, and Borderlands.
