12 Gadgets for 2012

Apple
Starting at $199 for 16 GB version

The latest edition of the popular smartphone, designed to take full advantage of all the features of iOS 5, including the iCloud services. Its stainless steel case houses a 1 GHz dual-core processor, 3.5-inch multitouch screen, 8 MP digital camera-camcorder with 1080p HD video recording, and dual antennas.

Motorola
$299 from Verizon with two-year service contract

This new smartphone runs on Verizon’s 4G LTE high speed network. It has a 1.2 GHz dual-core processor, 1 GB RAM for user interface, an additional 16 GB RAM of storage space, and an 8 MP digital camera with 1080p HD video capture. Runs Android version 2.3.5 and compatible apps.

Samsung
$499

Launched last year, Chromebooks offer both an economical solution for the budget-minded and an indication of where hardware is headed in the cloud. One of a handful of models that run Google’s Chrome OS, this cloud notebook has a 1.6 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM, 16 GB of storage, 12.1-inch screen, full-sized keyboard, and Wi-Fi and 3G wireless support.

Dell (REALTOR Benefits® Partner)
Starting at $999

Dell’s latest notebook is also its thinnest to date, just .9 inches thick. It features a 2.4 GHz processor, 6 GB RAM, a 500 GB hard drive, 14-inch display with built-in webcam, and a slot-loading DVD burner. Compatible with WiFi n and Bluetooth 3.0, it has one USB 3.0 port, two USB 2.0 ports, and an HDMI port. Comes with Windows 7 Home Premium edition.

Amazon
$199

This tablet is based on the Android operating system, but it’s primarily designed for Web browsing. It has a 7-inch color touchscreen, 8 GB of RAM, and the Amazon Silk Web browser, and it’s compatible with WiFi n networks. It includes an account with Amazon’s Cloud services and WhisperSync technology for updating and synching content.

Apple
Starting at $499 for 16 GB WiFi version

This is the most popular tablet available — perhaps until the rumored iPad 3 arrives. It has a 1 GHz dual-core processor and a 9.7-inch widescreen multitouch display with a fingerprint-resistant coating. It has front- and rear-facing cameras and a screen keypad, and it can function as a music player, video viewer, or tablet computer. Runs iOS 5 and all compatible apps.

Lenovo (REALTOR® Benefits Partner)
Starting at $499 for basic 16 GB WiFi version

Designed for the professional user, the ThinkPad Tablet runs Android 3.1 and compatible apps. It has a dual-core processor, a 10-inch display, front- and rear-facing cameras, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a SIM card expansion slot, and a 3-in-1 flash card reader. Optional accessories include a digital pen and a dock with keyboard.

HP (REALTOR® Benefits Partner)
$349

Here’s an inexpensive color laser multifunction printer-scanner-copier for the individual or home office. Maximum print speed is rated at 17 pages per minute black, 4 ppm color at 600 dpi. The scanner’s rated at 16 ppm black, 6ppm color, and the copy speed is 17 ppm. The unit is WiFi n-compatible and has an estimated monthly duty cycle of 20,000 pages.

Canon USA
$429

This model features a wide-angle 35x optical zoom lens with image stabilization. It has a 12.1 MP sensor with an image processor designed for improved results in poor lighting, 32 automatic picture settings, and a 2.7-inch LCD that can be viewed from any angle. Zoom is fully functional when recording video at 1080 HD with stereo sound.

Lytro Inc.
$399

The Lytro is the first camera to employ the company’s light-field technology for capturing images. The camera catches all light in the scene of a photo, making it possible for the viewer to change the focus and depth of field of a picture when viewing it on a computer. The camera has an 8x optical zoom and 8 GB of memory, enough for 350 pictures.

All offered though REALTOR® Benefits Partners program
Prices vary based on service, subscription plan

zipForm 6 Professional from zipLogix includes mobile apps, Web-based forms and contracts, and zipVault online document storage. The relay transaction management system provides a branded Web site for managing all phases of a transaction and communication with clients. DocuSign is an electronic signature solution for signing and managing contracts and documents.

Top Producer Systems
$39.95

This cloud-based contact management system gets an upgrade with this newly launched CRM version. Compatible with devices running iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile 7, it features an HTML 5-based user interface, a social media tool set, a built-in “contextual coach” to plan and manage communications with clients, and synchronization of contacts and calendar information with Outlook and Gmail.