A few retailers are already shipping out the new Nikon D3x. We can hardly wait to get our hands on a testing model!

Along with an ultra high resolution LCD monitor, a 51-point auto focus system, dual CF card slots, an incredible 0.04 second shutter lag and what is almost certain to be outstanding photo quality, one of the remarkable features of the D3x is that it take photos of 24.5 megapixels. 24.5!

How large of a photo can you print with a 24.5mp camera? And how large a print can your current camera produce? Check out our graphic for the answers:

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Canon recently released the latest of its successful EOS series of digital SLR cameras: the 50D. It is an excellent camera. The 50D comes out less than a year after the previous EOS model: the Canon EOS 40D. It, too, is an excellent camera.

Being how both models are so excellent the question becomes: Which is the more excellent? Or, more accurately phrased: Is the 50D worth the extra $250~400 above what the 40D costs? Spot Cool Stuff compares the two Canons and provides the answer . . .

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The laws of physics are unkind to ultra-compact cameras. The fact is: All else being equal, the larger the lens the better the photo.

Shopping for an ultra-compact point-and-shoot camera requires some special care. So Spot Cool Stuff tried out all the leading models and found five with superlative qualities. Which is the best overall? Read on to find out . . .

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The new iPod Nanos are out! The first iPod came out in 2001 and still Spot Cool Stuff gets a bit of a tingle every time an upgraded version is introduced. What’s new about the latest Nano incarnation?

• The choice of nine colors is the most visible change. You can now rock out to pink, green and purple among other color selections.
• Automatically generated play lists, based on your musical tastes, through a new feature on the upcoming iTunes 8 called Genius.
• Much improved screen from the last version of the Nano. This one is clearer, and two inches wide.
• Motion-sensing technology, with a screen image that adjusts appropriately when the device is held sideways or vertically.
• Longer battery life. The new iPod Nano can play songs for 24 straight hours, video for 4 hours.
• Perhaps coolest of all: Some controls are now possible simply by moving the iPod in certain ways, without touching any buttons. With a flick of the wrist you can now flip through photos or album covers. Shake the new iPod Nano while playing a song and a new random song will come on. (Don’t worry, this feature can be turned off so your iPod isn’t constantly skipping to new songs while you are jogging or, say, being shaken up by some one trying to steal your new iPod Nano).

The new iPod Nano comes in an 8GB version for $149 but we suggest spending an extra $50 on the 16GB model.

BUY |  iTUNES |   BEST ALBUMS YOU’VE (PROBABLY) NEVER HEARD |  

Suggest a product for Spot Cool Stuff: Tech

Note: This product has been upgraded. Read our review of the Kindle 2.

We are big readers. So before Spot Cool Stuff headed for a month-long stay with the family on the coast we picked up a the new version of Amazon’s Kindle electronic reading device. And then instead of packing a small library of bulky novels (and one travel guidebook) we loaded our Kindle with all our literature. The Kindle, we soon found, was also able to replace our need to buy paper newspapers.

As we write this review it is a month later and we find ourselves on an airplane headed home. What we learned about the Kindle during that time was this: It is really cool. (Hence the review here and not on Spot Mediocre Stuff). In fact, the Kindle has reach that highest Parthenon of devices we consider a must-have. But before you shell out $350 on your own Kindle you should know that it does comes with a few downsides along with its superlatives. Read on for the pros and cons of owning your own Kindle . . .

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