Have you been shopping around for an Apple computer?  Looking for a way to keep your music, photos and videos within reach wherever you go?  If so, then you may want to take advantage of this special online offer:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat205300050015&type=category

For two days only (03/28/2010 – 03/29/2010), BestBuy.com will be offering a $25 - $75 gift card with the purchase of any Apple MacBook, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air.  This offer is only available online, and is not valid in Best Buy retail stores.

What better way could there be to pick up one of these sleek, stylish computers?  They’re ready to go out of the box with little to no setup, feature user-friendly interfaces and most come with the iLife software suite preinstalled.

Missed your chance to see James Cameron’s Avatar on the big screen?  Not a fan of waiting in line at the movie theater?  Well, soon you’ll have the chance to watch last year’s 3D blockbuster in the privacy and comfort of your own home!  That’s right - Avatar is officially set to be released in stores on April 22^nd, 2010.

Best Buy is currently accepting preorders for both the DVD and Blu-ray versions of the movie, so if you haven’t already done so make sure to reserve your copy today!  

BestBuy.com - Avatar

As more and more Blu-ray players find their way into homes across the country consumers may occasionally encounter a problem where some movies might not work correctly in their player.  Owners may report that their player cannot access additional features on various discs, while others may notice that new discs cannot be read by the player at all.  There is good news though: this problem can generally be resolved for most affected Blu-ray players by simply downloading and installing a firmware update.

What exactly is firmware?

Firmware is a type of program embedded into an electronic device that tells that device how to function.  As the name suggests, it is something of a cross between actual hardware components and pure software programs.  Like software, it is processed by a microchip.  Like hardware however, it is closely linked to physical parts and means little – if anything – outside of that context.

So, why are firmware updates necessary?

Just like a computer’s operating system, firmware is occasionally updated by manufacturers to resolve technical issues that may occur and to allow compatibility with newer technology.   For Blu-ray players, once such advancement came with the introduction of BD+ copy protection.  Without firmware updates, players released prior to the advent of BD+ probably would be unable to play or even recognize discs with this feature.

What does this all mean for me?

Before assuming that any new Blu-ray disc you purchase is defective, make sure that you have the latest firmware update to your Blu-ray player.  Many manufacturers will make regular announcements on their support websites whenever new firmware updates become available, as well as provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform them.  You may even be able to find additional information by visiting the homepage of the studio that released the movie (such as Disney, Sony Pictures, MGM, etc).

It seems like personal electronics are moving towards a point where we have one gadget that does everything, and there is no better example of this than the modern cell phone. It is hard to even call them cell phones anymore since they are more like handheld computers that can fit in your pocket.

I was thinking about this because lately the biggest development in new digital cameras is to integrate HD video and still capability into one product. It is true that point-and-shoot cameras have had the ability to shoot short video clips for quite some time now, but recently DSLR manufacturers have been developing new camera models that take this integration of photos and video to a whole new level.

Starting with the Nikon D90 a number of DSLR cameras now have the ability to shoot HD video along with their unmatched still image quality. Canon shortly after took the lead in this field with the professional model Canon 5D mark II, and hasn’t relinquished that lead ever since. In fact with the release of the Canon 7D last fall they have taken this type of camera to a whole new level of integrating high quality HD video with the ability to capture the best possible still images.

There are a number of advantages to shooting video with a DSLR still camera, and the biggest advantage in my mind is that the sensor is significantly larger than the sensor on a point-and-shoot camera or a camcorder. A larger sensor will produce much better quality photos and video, and will also allow you to shoot both in much less light. The next advantage I see is that with a camcorder you are limited to the lens that the manufacturer puts on the camcorder (unless you have the money for a true professional camcorder), while with a DSLR you have the ability to pick and choose the lens that works best for your needs.

Some people are referring to this new type of DSLR as a VSLR, and this type of camera was initially released in advanced amateur and professional level models. Manufacturers have seen the need for this type of camera with the typical user, and in the last year have released a number of entry level VSLR cameras that incorporate HD video in a more affordable body. A good example of this is the new Canon Rebel T2i that was recently released, which unlike most other entry level VSLR camera this camera captures true 1080p in multiple frame rates.

I can see this type of product being invaluable to a family that wants to capture stills and videos of their family and friends. Most families might first look at the price of even an entry level VSLR as out of their budget, but if you combine the price of a medium level point-and-shoot camera with the price of an average camcorder you come very close to the cost of one of these cameras.

In the end it’s your vision and dedication that matters, but the right tools do make a difference!

Tired of watching three-dimensional images on a two-dimensional screen?  Want to add a new layer of depth to your home theater experience?  How would you like to experience the thrill of watching a 3D movie like Avatar in the comfort of your own home?  Well, very soon you’ll be able to do just that!

In the coming weeks Best Buy will be introducing a number of 3D-capable HDTVs and Blu-ray players to our retail stores and BestBuy.com.  Not only do these brand-new models feature built-in support for 3D movies, games and broadcast TV, but they do it without the need for old-school red-and-blue glasses!  They can even deliver both 2D and 3D content in the same, glorious 1080p we’ve all come to know and love.

Want to learn more about how 3D TV works and what you’ll need to get your home 3D-ready?  Then make sure to check out our 3D TV FAQ over on BestBuy.com.  Or better yet, why not stop by your local Best Buy store anytime after March 21^st to check out our Samsung full HD 3D experience for yourself?

3D Is Coming Home! - BestBuy.com

You can even catch a sneak peek of what’s to come by checking out the Samsung 3D TV and Blu-ray player that are already available on BestBuy.com:

Samsung 55" Class 1080p 240Hz 3D LED-LCD HDTV

Samsung 3D/Internet Connectable/Wi-Fi Blu-ray Disc Player