The Coolness of Japanese Electronics
(Written by Mike L., originally posted on adventurasia.freezope.org around 2003~2004)
Having spent 90% of 2003 in Japan, I have become quite accustomed to cool Japanese electronics, that are nothing more than pipe-dreams in other countries. Some of these include hard disk drive recorders (HDD), super tiny digital cameras, the new Playstation (PSX), and portable hard drives. Not to mention their amazing cellular phones that are light years ahead of anything the rest of the world has to offer.
About 2 weeks ago I made my triumphant return to my homeland of Vancouver, Canada. After browsing the malls and stores, there is absolutely NOTHING that can compare. The digital cameras are big and chunky, the cellular phones are small but lacking in ability compared to Japanese ones, and people here still use audio cassettes for their music! For those of you who plan to leave Japan and return to their own countries for good, take my advice and stock up on electronics before you go!
Filed under: Japan, Technology
Too bad you weren’t able to see the new Apple store in Ginza. It’s quite nice. The outside somewhat resembles a G4 Cube, and I thought that the bottom grating for the elevators looked like the front of the new G5s.
I’m hoping that in 2004, I’ll be able to change my mobile phone again — something with 2 or 3 megapixel still shots, movie capability, save to memory stick / sd memory, powered by fuel cells (which may be introduced by NTT in about half a year), QVGA screen, ability to play MP3s, built in GPS. Of course, email, internet access, and java applet player capabilities (so that I can download tetris or solitaire and play in on the train) are a given. The TV option on the AU phone is nice, but I’m concerned that bandwidth costs would be too expensive. However, for fun, perhaps a built in meowlingual + bowlingual would be kinda neat. Of course as I still struggle with my current phone, this time, I’d get a bilingual E+J GUI.
I’m looking forward to seeing the new iPods!
stop! you’re making me drool! all my Erikson phone does is dial! I’ve seen those new ipods. Very cool. If only I didnt have about 300 minidiscs and 4 md players in my collection already. how are you liking your md player?
I love this MD player! I use it practically everyday. It’s great that one disc can hold 320 minutes. BUT, I kind of wished I waited an extra two months to get the new MD that can hold 45 HOURS of music!!!! The price difference is only 100$. I still haven’t hooked it up to my computer yet, but one of these days… Those mobile phones with the tv/radio are kinda neat… I really need to change my phone soon as it doesn’t work properly. Can I wait for the 3 megapixel camera mobiles, or should i just get the phone with the tv option? decisions decisions. hehe
Hey, A couple of weeks ago I saw posters advertising a ‘mobile video conferencing’ feature! Now you can see who you are talking to on your mobile phone!