7 Things We Love For 2012

Feb 22, 2012 by Jennergy    No Comments    Posted under: Design Tips

This year, we’re excited about a lot of new gadgets and tools. Some of these items are brand new, others are a bit of old news, but if you are looking for a few upgrades this year, here are our top seven items to be on the lookout for and why:

1. iPhone 4s
http://www.apple.com/iphone/

While everyone was expecting to see the release of the iPhone 5, the iPhone 4s features some fathomable upgrades to the original iPhone 4. A dual-core processor, the 8 megapixel camera with improved optics, and the addition of the famous helper Siri make this a powerful little machine that can help with your productivity even more than the previous version.

2. Adobe Photoshop CS 6 previews http://www.pcworld.com/article/250042/sneak_peek_adobe_photoshop_cs6_contentaware_move_and_expand_tools.html

We’re super excited about the new features that will be coming out with the new Adobe suite. You can catch previews on YouTube of the awesome new tools like advanced content-aware features. Aside from the pain we’ll feel in our pocketbooks, we are eagerly awaiting the new version of this essential tool.

3. Apple Magic Mouse and Keyboard
http://www.apple.com/magicmouse/
http://www.apple.com/keyboard/

Although these have been out for awhile, we’ve recently decided that the new wireless mouse and keyboard are vastly superior to the previous Mighty Mouse. Issues like a stuck scroll ball and keys that feel like you’re punching a typewriter are completely gone with a newer low-profile keyboard and a touch scroll function on the mouse. If you haven’t tried one or both of these and you’re a mac user, we highly recommend this purchase!

4. OS X Mountain Lion
http://www.apple.com/macosx/mountain-lion/

It’s coming out this summer,and we’re very excited about it! Using technology and features inspired by the iPad, Mountain Lion includes free unlimited messages that you can send to anyone with an iPod, iPhone, iPod Touch, or Mountain lion. It also includes notes that sync to all your apple devices, the super cool iCloud, and a built in task reminder application.

5. Balance ball
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0BJ01T7782&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle6&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle6-_-Fitness+Accessories-_-CAP+Barbell-_-9SIA0BJ01T7782

Two reasons: One, balance balls are great to sit on and make sitting at your boring old desk a little bouncier. Imagine the fun you could have in the office with a giant, air-filled ball … Two, sitting on a balance ball while at the computer gives you better posture, makes you use your core muscles, and provides a useful office workout tool.

6. Lomo photography
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=lomo+camera
http://photoshoptutorials.ws/photoshop-tutorials/photo-effects/lomography.html

The return of this trendy photography style is popular among the hipster crowd, but despite this the colors and effects of lomo photography can make for great design material. Even if you don’t actually purchase a lomo camera, there are some great Photoshop tutorials and pre-made filters that can give your images the lomo look.

7. Mimo Mini USB monitor
http://www.amazon.com/MIMO-UM-710S-Powered-Swivel-Display/dp/B002RMPASG

Tired of the cramped space on your laptop monitor when you’re traveling? It really is a pain to work with only one monitor when you’re used to having the luxury of two, and this little USB monitor solves this issue when working on the go. The Mimo Mini USB monitor is easy to set up, easy to use, and uses very little storage space. So next time you’re rushing to finish a project on the ferry to work, think about how much you need one of these — we know we do!

So, there you have it. We’re officially super nerdy, and we love it (and now you know what to get us next Valentines day!). Enough about us though, we want to know what you’re excited about this year! Share the knowledge and tell us what you love for 2012 and why you like it so much, and we’ll be sure to look for it.

Got anything to say? Go ahead and leave a comment!