The Digital Consultant

The Jestson's style camera phone is closer to mainstream reality than most people think. It's currently achieved in our lounge using a MacMini connected to a plasma screen on the wall and a Logitech webcam. This would be much easier though.
LG Electronics to Unveil Broadband HDTVs With Embedded Skype Capability - About Skype

LAS VEGAS, 5 January 2010 – LG Electronics and Skype today announced that LG’s 2010 HDTVs with NetCast Entertainment Access™ will feature embedded Skype™ software* allowing Skype users to make voice and high-definition video calls directly from their family room without a PC.

If there's a PIP (picture in picture) function so you can have the Skype call in one corner of the screen while you watch something else, now that would be sweet.
I earmarked this article a couple of weeks ago and have been inexcusably tardy in posting so apologies to the three of you (readers).

I have a Logitech Harmony 525 universal remote and while it is pretty much the bottom of the range (from Logitech) it does a fantastic job. In the past I have lusted after the Harmony 1100i but my "home theatre" (and I use that term loosely) has never warranted the expense. But that may be about to change.

L5 Remote Debuts at CES 2010 – L5 remote

LAS VEGAS, (January 4, 2010) – L5 Technology today introduced the L5 Remote, an accessory and free app that turn any iPhone or iPod touch into a universal remote control. Launching at ShowStoppers @ CES, the L5 Remote provides consumers with a powerful alternative for replacing multiple and often-confusing remote control devices. The L5 Remote transforms the iPhone and iPod touch into a personal universal remote that controls televisions, DVDs, DVRs, cable boxes, audio equipment, and most other products that come with an infrared remote.

via MacDailyNews

The concept isn't new and revolutionary. I recall software for Palm and Windows PDA's designed to perform similar functions but the range was usually poor and the battery took a hammering. If the software supports most devices out of the box (i.e. you don't have to "train" it), has the capacity to program "activities" (like with the Logitech) and they get the UI even vaguely right this little product could do very well indeed.

Roll on CES2010

Thanks to my main man Paul I had the opportunity to contribute to the local launch of iTunes U along with a few others. (see here for my paltry contributions) As a "reward" Apple loaned out a MacBook Pro to contributors for about a month and a bit (so generous!) I saw this as pretty ridiculous at the time and wasn't going to bother given we had already created the content (I am already toting a MacBook with Snow Leopard and 2GB of RAM) But I do regular full image backups (love my SuperDuper) so in the end thought what the heck, take it for a spin.
It didn't take long to get the beast set up and I was immediately glad I did. Quicker processor and twice the RAM made it super snappy and I had forgotten how much I liked the backlit keyboard of my old aluminium PowerBook. But it wasn't all spped and nostalgia. The SD/SDHC card reader was probably what I liked the most. I have a Panasonic HDC-SD5 which gets a lot of use. I'm addicted to browsing clips on the card for selective importing (I get stabbing head pains just thinking about tapes now) and the "built-in-ness" made it much quicker than my USB card reader.
I'm due for a new machine in a few months. It will definitely be a MacBook Pro (13 inch). I'm eyeing off one of those 128GB SSD's to slot in as well to see if they live up to the hype.
Rank has some priveleges.