by Cynthia Wright

With Apple scheduling its much anticipated technology event next week, where its believed they will finally unveil the iPhone 5, it has been revealed that many have already started to plan for their newest Apple purchase. Although the iPhone 5 has yet to hit consumer shelves, interest surrounding the iPhone’s release indicates that the latest reincarnation of the gadget will become the most successful product launch from Apple.

If anything, Apple knows how to build suspense, with various stories proliferating the internet, culminating when various images were “leaked” of supposed casing for its new device sending Apple worshippers into a tizzy.

At the same time, it is anyone’s guess. Apple has been more secretive than usual, when it comes to revealing the iPhone 5, not even discussing the phone at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. For a period, many believed that there would be two versions of the iPhone 5 being released on October 4th but those rumors have been quickly waning.

Plenty of past reports have stated that the new iPhone development won’t be a totally new model, leaving some to anticipate that the new phone will provide better battery life, faster performance, higher screen resolution, and stronger phone service. With the phone being promoted as being similar to the iPhone 4 but with some much needed upgrades.

Either way, this new iPhone has everyone (across all phone operating systems) deeply invested and intrigued. A recent poll by InMobi shows that 40 percent of those polled already have the newest Apple addition on their shopping list. The study also shows that not only will 41 percent of those living in the US, Canada and Mexico plan to buy the new iPhone, 50 percent within in that group plan to pick one up within the first six months of its debut.

This proves interesting due to the possible furthering of the boundary between Apple and rival technology, Android. If the iPhone 5 performs as well as it should, it could possibly boost the market share of IOS to 41 percent from the 27 percent, since its last reporting in June. Some analysts even go as far to state that the iPhone 5 will double Apple’s market share.

Along with that, the iPhone 5 is expected to steal customers away from 27 percent of Android users and 52 percent of Blackberry users. Which, would be extremely good for Apple who has seen its “top dog” status usurped this year by Android.

Cynthia Wright is an avid lover of all things geeky. When she isn’t freelancing, she can be found on her blog BGA Life and on Twitter at @cynisright.

Google ChromeBooks are the latest tech toy to hit the scene.  The cloud-based OS meets the laptop is the concept behind this much-discussed product. While built and optimized for web use, these computing devices may be new entrants but most players in the game are in agreement that ChromeBooks are not really all that revolutionary. Consumers will want to make decisions after careful analysis but at least here are what could be considered the best 5 elements that ChromeBooks currently have to offer:

#1 - Google apps such as Gmail are available off-line. This means not having to actually connect so it saves time.  Ideal for Gmail, Google News and otherwise Google app addicts

#2 – The new Angry Birds app comes loaded and ready to go. And who can’t live without that?!  That’s right, the mobile gaming hit is available to Chrome users, even offline.  And users of this software get a special set of Angry Birds levels.  Let the games begin.

#3 – The price starts at only $399 (though it is debatable as to whether this is a steal or not based on what the product actually offers). There are also plans to ship a smaller model, with an 11.6-inch screen and a full-size keyboard. Both models will be available in WiFi-only or 3G connected

#4 – It’s produced by Samsung which is really making some of the best made devices out today. Samsung is going to charge $429 for the WiFi version, and $499 for the 3G model

#5 – Educational institutions can lease a ChromeBook for only $20 per month (via Google, 3 years) and only $28 a month for businesses. Google says that users can avoid system crashes, long boot times, application conflicts, software updates, viruses and security issues. Thus, they see the benefit of higher productivity and ease of use for schools and businesses

All in all, an interesting development,  but the verdict is not out just yet on if you, the consumer, will actually gravitate to Chromebooks.

Lauren DeLisa Coleman is a writer, speaker and thought-leader specializing in the diverse segment of the Gen X,Y demo, tech and its convergence with socio-economic concerns. Follow her @mediaempress

By Lauren DeLisa Coleman

BlackBerry’s PlayBook officially hits the shelves today. The latest addition to the tablet world came up against some mixed reviews leading up to its release, so we decided to investigate for ourselves at the company’s big launch party last week in New York City. Watch as we talk with some of the developers about what the real deal is behind some of the features, get answers to some of your questions previously Tweeted to me, and see what one special celeb, who stopped by the party, really thinks about the PlayBook.  Check this out!

Lauren DeLisa Coleman is a writer, host and thought-leader specializing in the diverse segment of the Gen Y demo, tech and its convergence with socio-economic concerns. She is also the CEO and founder of Punch Media Group, an edgy digital media and entertainment company which develops pop culture experience and branding strategy across digital platforms. Follow her @mediaempress

by Lauren DeLisa Coleman

Tablets are becoming hotter and hotter and even celebs such as Ice Cube are telling me they are looking at them for reading scripts and more.  As the BlackBerry Playbook release date inches up and as people flaunt their brand-new iPad2′s, those who haven’t taken the Tablet plunge yet might want to know all their options before making a purchase move. So, is the Samsung Galaxy Tablet a strong contender for the 18-34 crowd?  Watch below and see!  (please note: comparisons made are to iPad, not iPad2).

Lauren DeLisa Coleman is a writer, host and thought-leader specializing in the diverse segment of the Gen Y demo, tech and its convergence with socio-economic concerns. She is also the CEO and founder of Punch Media Group, an edgy digital media and entertainment company which develops pop culture experience and branding strategy across digital platforms. Follow her @mediaempress

Smartphones, 4G tablets and 3-D TV’s, glasses and cameras were the stars of the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month. But, there were some new and appealing technology targeted at small businesses to provide seamless solutions and increase productivity. Here are some picks, most according to The Street, for small business technology that were under the radar at the CES.

Intuit GoPayment App

Need a quick but effective method to accept a credit card? Check out Intuit Inc.’s GoPayment App, the mobile payment service that can process credit cards within seconds instead of having to enter card data manually. Funds are deposited into your bank account within two to three business days. In addition, the app includes customer-requested features such as the ability to create and sell from a list of frequently sold items, apply sales tax and send customized receipts via text and e-mail. GoPayment can also sync transactions with recent version of Quickbook for both PCs and Macs. The app is compatible with more than 40 mobile handsets and a range of credit card readers, including the Mophie marketplace card scanner. Intuit is offering GoPayment with a free credit card reader and no monthly service fees to business owners who sign up by mid-February.

There are many options when it comes to gadgets and new tech products but how do you sift through all the choices? Listen to the experts, of course. Check out nine of the editor’s picks from tech site CNET’ and get your gift registry in order in time for the holidays.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W350

Reviewers love the slick little wide-angle compact, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W350 should make a lot of snapshooters happy.

Price range: $132 – $199