GroovyOrNot.com

As you can tell, I'm an electronics and gadgets nut, so it stands to reason that people often check in with me to get my opinion on geek items Which digital camera to get is probably the most common question I'm asked...so here's my logic:

I own the Pentax Optio 550 5MP Digital Camera and I chose it for several reasons. It's lightweight so I don't feel the burden of carrying it around. It's 5MP (five megapixels) so I can take extremely high quality pics or just basic ones. It's a name brand I equate to quality camera hardware. It has a rechargeable battery and easily connects to my PC.

There are many other reasons too, but that's what most people need to determine for themselves, generally speaking and assuming that you just want a camera to work and not have to deal with a huge learning curve. Regarding the 5MP: yes, they have cameras out with 6MP, 7MP, and so on, but here's the 411 on that....you don't need any higher unless you've got money to burn. The only thing a higher MP is good for is if you're shooting photos that you want to make into a wall mural or side of a building. In a nutshell, the MP is really only noticeable when it's blown up to something mega-huge. Even for a poster, 5MP is more than adequate. As higher MP's become dirt cheap, it certainly won't hurt to get higher...but not right now. If you just want to print out 4x6, 8x10, etc. photos, then a 4 or 5 megapixel is groovy.

I happen to do higher end and fast-action amateur photos, so I'll be reviewing my other cameras on here soon.

Click Here To View the Pentax Optio 550 5MP Digital Camera

After reading a CNET.com review about the Denon S-301 DVD/iPod Home Theater, I decided it was time to finally pick a system for my new tv.

I've never really had any use for an iPod (or anything requiring ear buds) since I don't like to have music playing in my ears when I'm out walking, driving, or whatever. I enjoy the sounds of the world when I'm out n' about. When I'm at home, however, is a different story. I play my music loud and often and demand a setup that's very user-friendly and allows me to blast without causing too many neighborly issues.

This system was a great choice. It's compatible with about every DVD, CD, image, and sound format that's out there currently and I don't have to deal with a bunch of speakers and wires (comes with two satellite speakers and one subwoofer that beats any 5.1 I've ever had to date). I even sprung for an optical digital cable and noticed a difference on my DVD's (no difference on my iPod, strangely).

Click Here To View the Denon S-301 DVD/iPod Home Theater

The Honeywell Touch-Screen Digital Thermostat was suggested to me by my heating guy, while we were attempting to weatherproof this 1963 house I'm remodeling. The turn-knob style is just too inefficient and not at all accurate, so he suggested this item as a remedy.

The Borg-green light is pretty cool and the touch-screen is awesome. I chose the option of the light staying on constantly, so I don't have to turn on a light to adjust a setting. You can read the tech specs yourself, but it's one of the most adaptive thermostats out there to just about any heating/ac system a home might have...so compatibility shouldn't be an issue. The original thermostat was for a one-stage furnace, but my furnaces is a two-stage furnace, so I noticed a drastic help after replacing with this model (and a drastic lowering of my gas bill!).

The programming options are extensive and very easy to do...mostly yes or no questions and then it does the rest. It allows you to program it to turn on/off throughout the day/night, as needed, although I haven't had a use for that feature yet since my hours are extremely inconsistent. A person or family on a fairly regular schedule will love this feature though and should notice the drop in the heating/ac bill. I noticed a drop in my bill and a more consistent temperature throughout my home after replacing my antiquated thermostat.

Click Here To View The Touch-Screen Thermostat