CES 2009: Getting Ready

Posted on 07 January 2009 by


This morning Kevin and I loaded up for the drive to Midland and then the flight to Vegas. We’ll be here until Sunday, covering CES events as well as a tiny bit of the AEE, which runs at the same time.

What did I bring along? I am planning to use the HP Mini (Tam, as I have taken to calling it) exclusively on this trip, so that was the first thing to get packed. But because I have everything I need on my MacBook Air, I brought it along as a backup. I also brought my HTC S740 (main phone), Nokia N82 (for Qik videos), the Flip Mino HD, the Canon G9 (used to take this photo), a stack of business cards, a 2GB flashdrive, the necessary power and transfer cables, a bag of my favorite snacks, and some reading material for the plane rides. I am keeping our itinerary straight with WorldMate Live.

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Bear in mind that when I travel, it is usually with the MacBook Air, which up until today seemed like such a lovely solution – even when sitting in an economy class plane seat. That was before I tried the HP Mini. Oh my…

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Tam makes the plane’s tray seem positively huge!

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Once we arrived in Vegas, we checked into the brand new Wynn Encore. We got a fabulous rate on our room, and considering that this is one of  (if not the) nicest hotels I have ever stayed at – and it is the middle of convention week in Las Vegas- I am still pinching myself that it was only about $150 a night!

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Tonight we had a relaxing and delicious dinner downstairs at Wazuzu, Encore’s Asian restaurant, did a bit of walking around and sightseeing, and now we are ready to crash so that we can get an early start tomorrow.

We’ve got to pick up our press badges for both events in the morning; I’ll keep you posted each night on how things go and what we see…






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I started Gear Diary on September 30, 2006, and my goal was that this not be an easily labeled site. We all have gear that we use daily – some of it electronic and some of it organic. I think it is fascinating to explore the equipment that makes our lives easier, more entertaining, more productive, and more manageable. My hope is that Gear Diary visitors will find this site to be a comfortable and friendly place to discuss interesting topics – and not only those that are tech related, as well as a location to discover various types of gear – whatever that term may end up implying – that they never knew existed. My specialty is in-depth reviews written in a layman’s terms, because everyone can understand technology, sometimes it just takes a little translating. +Judie Stanford

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  • http://intensedebate.com/people/HeatherC HeatherC

    Very nice room!!! I'll have to keep them in mind when I finally make it to Vegas. You should really try the Apple Cinnomin Chex Mix, it is excellent, and since it has apples and cranberries is can be viewed as healthly. Well, at least in my mind. :) Have fun at the 'toy' show!!!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/ChrisSpera ChrisSpera

    Looking forward to hearing all about the show, the exhibits, the swag, the people, the swag… :P

    have a great time!!

  • http://www.geardiary.com dan

    The Wynn??? Nice!!!
    Hope you and Kevin are having a fabulous, well-deserved time!

  • timothyt

    Thanks for the pics! First time commenter (finally registered). Dropped by from jkontherun. The hotel looks awesome.

    Is it necessary to bring the nokia as well? Doesn’t windows mobile have Qik now or does it record better than the htc? The two laptops are a great idea. Computers always break down when you need them the most.

  • Alison

    Nice to see the Encore also has TVs in the bathroom LOL! Have a fabulous time. Look forward to more reports as the week goes on.

  • Drew

    Ha! Facing the same quandry I am! To Mac Air or not to MAc Air! Will be much fun to follow you along..