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From the “I really can’t make this stuff up” department…

You can now display your personal pride and celebrate this country’s 44th president by buying and growing a “Special Edition Chia Obama”.

Actually, there are two Chia Obamas you can choose from – the Happy Obama (with the smiling face) and the Determined Obama (with a very presidential look on his face).

The late night TV commercial nearly knocked me out of my chair:

Either Chia Obama will set you back $19.99 each. They’re available for pre-orders now on Amazon.com and Drugstore.com. They come with a “drip tray” and enough seeds for three harvests. Full growth is achieved within one to two weeks. Additional seed packs cost $4.99. They promise that you can continue to use your Chia Obama head indefinitely.

There isn’t much left to say about these historic, patriotic products except to repeat the official tag line being used in all the advertisements: “Can you grow one? YES YOU CAN!”

From the first time I got to see an Asus Eee PC in person I knew I was looking at something that would change our views of portable computing. In the year and a half or so since that meeting in San Francisco, Eees – and little netbooks from other manufacturers have taken off big time.

Industry analysts are predicting that small, portable, inexpensive netbooks will account for as much as 30-percent of all computer sales by the end of this year. That makes 100-percent sense in a down economy.

Many manufacturers have jumped on the netbook bandwagon: MSI, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo and Dell all make terrific netbooks – but it seems as if Dell may have discovered the holy grail of netbook marketing: K-12 school systems.

It’s a great idea. The Latitude 2100 can be configured to a school district’s — and a particular student age group. For instance, the 2100 is a standard netbook with a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, 1GB of memory, a 10.1-inch screen, a 16 GB solid-state drive or hard drives as large as 250 GB, 3-cell or 6-cell rechargeable battery packs, Wi-Fi (802.11g or optional a/g/n), Bluetooth and 10/100/1000 Ethernet.

But, the 2100 also comes with bright, colorful, durable, rubberized cases, an optional carry handle, optional shoulder strap, optional touch screen and a choice of Ubunu Linux, Windows Vista or XP. You can even order them with special keyboards featuring antimicrobial protection.

As you might expect, Dell says they have seen lots of interest in their Latitude 2100 line of computers which were announced just last month. They reports that more than 500 U.S. school systems have purchased 2100s for their students.

If you check Dell’s Website, prices for the 2100 begin at $369 for 512MB of RAM, 16GB solid-state memory, Linux device. Hard drives add $20-$85. An extra 512MB of RAM costs $30. The big battery adds $25. You get the idea. I am pretty sure that bulk discounts apply.

I’m guessing that this is not good news for the people from the One Laptop Per Child organization.

Their XO computer “for students in the developing world” has recently had a version 1.5 hardware refresh (faster Via processor, 1GB of RAM and 4GB of storage) and a new design, version 2.0, is in the works.

OLPCs are still a lot cheaper to buy (or in reality buy and give away). They cost you $199. But OLPCs are not as fast or versatile as modern-day Linux or “Wintel” netbooks. That’s not a problem in developing world markets – but is if they want to compete here in the United States, Europe, etc. The OLPC people are going to have to move quickly to keep up with Asus, Dell and the others when it comes to providing modern computing tools for the next generations of users.

What do you get when you cross a modern-day, super-portable netbook computer with a modern-day, high-definition video processor? You get the amazing new Lenovo IdeaPad S12.

First of all, the S12 has a big, 12.1-inch screen, a full-sized (well, 99-percent is close enough) keyboard, a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, 1 GB of memory (Microsoft keeps Windows XP/netbook memory limited) and the choice of a 160, 240 or 320 GB hard drive. Those specs are impressive on their own.

But Lenovo’s engineer have also replaced the netbook standard, run-of-the-mill video chip with a Nvidia Ion video processor. That allows this netbook to easily handle 1080p video on its 1280 by 800 pixels, WXGA screen. As a matter of fact, I have witnessed a demonstration where a S12 played HD video onto a large screen LCD TV (through the netbook’s HDMI output) while at the same time, it was able to crunch that same video file for playing on an iPhone.

Don’t forget, we’re talking about full-HD video coming from a netbook running an Atom processor with only 1GB of RAM! That’s pretty amazing.

In addition, the S12 weighs-in at less than three pounds and sports features like three USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth, a 6-cell, rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack and lots, lots more.

Now, the best part. The IdeaPad S12 can be ordered from Lenovo’s Website for $499. That’s a lot of computer for that price.

I can’t wait to get my hands on one to put it through its paces.

In case you were sitting around, waiting on pins and needles, wondering when this was going to happen – Microsoft has just announced “pricing levels” for the upcoming release of Windows 7. Best part is if you act now you could save some big bucks on your upgrade.

Windows 7 will officially be released on October 22nd. Microsoft has set the retail prices for the three most popular “full” versions at at $199.99 for Windows 7 Home Premium, $299.99 for Windows 7 Professional and $319.99 for Windows 7 Ultimate.

In terms of the new “upgrade” versions, Microsft wil be asking $119.95 for Windows 7 Home Premium, $199.99 for Windows 7 Professional and $219.99 for Windows 7 Ultimate.

But, if you need to buy a computer right now and can’t wait for one that will have “7″ pre-loaded Microsoft is offering something they’re calling the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program. Beginning tomorrow, Friday, June 26th and running through January 31, 2010 “anyone who buys a PC from a participating OEM or retailer with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate on it will all receive an upgrade to the corresponding version of Windows 7 at little or no cost to customers.” (Little or no cost? How about just, plain “free”?)

What’s more, Microsoft is thanking loyal Vista customers (they should) by offering a special time-limited, select-market offer — the opportunity to pre-order Windows 7 at a more than 50% discount. That means Windows 7 Home Premium for $49.99 or Windows 7 Professional for $99.99 via select retail partners (Best Buy, Amazon, or the online Microsoft Store.

You can find more information, and a super-stimunating video, on Microsoft’s Windows Team Blog site.

If the final version of the new operating system is as good as the Beta and the Release Candidate versions you might want to get rid of Vista by taking advantage of these offers ASAP.

Before we could get our hands on a sample of T-Mobile’s second-generation Android phone, dubbed the myTouch 3G (see below), handset manufacturer HTC proudly announced their third-generation device in London, this morning.

They call it the HTC Hero and based on the reactions of some highly influential reviewers attending a sneak preview in New York this morning, this cell phone could be a very, very big hit with “industry experts” as well as the smartphone buying public.

I could tell you about Hero’s new features including a 3.2-inch screen, 5 MP camera, much-improved, on-screen QWERTY keyboard and even the Teflon-coating on the back to keep the white model white.

But, of ultimate interest, is the fact that this is the first Android phone that doesn’t use the standard Android interface (what they called the Android Experience). This phone will sport totally redesigned screens and controls. That new look is called “HTC Sense”. As for journalists’ first reactions, in our short time with a few pre-release handsets I can tell you that Sense looked like Android done right.

You can get a real sense of what Sense is all about from the promotional video:

HTC says it will begin selling the Hero in select European and then Asian markets beginning next month.

Here in the United States we will not see the Hero but will get a new Sense smartphone design by the end of this year. HTC spokespeople had nothing to say when asked which carrier would be selling the new phone or whether it will be a GSM (T-Mobile, AT&T) or CDMA (Verizon, Sprint) model. Until now, T-Mobile was the U.S. carrier chosen for the G-1 and upcoming myTouch. Who knows? They could be working on a different model for each American cell phone company.

One last note: This new Sense interface is not just for Android OS phones. HTC says they’ll be using Sense with Windows Mobile devicesd as well.

This is getting very interesting.

Connectivity experts Belkin are touting a new product they say is super-ultra fast and better than any other Powerline devices. I congratulate them. Now I’ll tell you why I think you should never try it.

No offense to Belkin, but my problem is with Powerline — which is a system that transmits/receives Ethernet information over the AC electrical lines in the walls of your home. It puts the digitized data information into your home wiring system and then lets you extract that signal from any AC outlet.

My problem is not with the system – but with the technology that it’s adding a lot of extra information and noise into your electrical lines. That could mean extra audio noise in your stereo, and extra video noise on your TVs and computer monitors – depending on how well they filter out extraneous information.

To date, some of the worst offenders of adding noise to your AC are lighting fixture dimmers. I have a number of AC noise filters installed around my home (and I’m not alone.) When you turn on a light with a dimmer – in an adjacent room – the filter’s blue light blinks like crazy. Turn off the light and it stops blinking.

I’m sure using Powerline networking is safe – and hopefully is far less noise inducing – buy why would add additional signals to your electricity when you can use wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi wireless to do the same thing? You still need to plug Powerline into some sort of network router to access your high-speed Internet connection. In most cases those routers have Wi-Fi built in anyway.

After all this, if you’re still interested, Belkin’s new system is said to be able to handle very fast data streams (such as HD video) and are incredibly easy to install, set-up and use.

Belkin has a Gigabit Powerline HD starter kit – with a transmitter and receiver (both plug into separate AC outlets) for $150. Knock yourself out. I’ll stick with my super-fast Ruckus Wi-Fi router for now.

They call this new phone their “highly anticipated follow-up to the G1, the world’s first Android powered device.” After months of rumor, T-Mobile has announced the upcoming availability of their second-generation Google phone.

The popular G1 has been around for months now. It has a hidden, slide-out QWERTY keyboard in addition to a newly-added, on-screen keyboard thanks to a very recent operating system software upgrade (to OS version 1.5).

myTouch drops the G1’s hardware keyboard so that resulting phone a lot thinner and lighter in weight. Designed by HTC, the new handset features a 3.2-inch touch-screen display, a 3.2-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a music player (with pre-installed 4GB microSD memory card), and enhanced video capabilities (with easy uploads to your e-mail, MMS, YouTube or Picasa).

There are software improvements too. In addition to the new OS there is something they’re calling Sherpa. Sherpa features GENIE (Geodelic ENgine for Interest Evaluation) which is a learning engine that is supposed to automatically customize itself to user preferences. According to the T-Mobile people, Sherpa, through behavior and user feedback, learns your likes and dislikes, prioritizing recommended retailers, restaurants and attractions. I thought that what parents, spouses and good friends are for!

And I can’t resist letting you read just a small portion of how T-Mobile describes this new phone in today’s press release:

“myTouch empowers users to simply create a unique, individualized wireless phone and experience. With the ability to richly customize menus, wallpapers, icons and more, thousands of Android Market applications to choose from, plus themes and skins that let customers express their style on the inside and outside, myTouch can evolve to become a virtual extension of oneself. Adding to its refined aesthetics and customization options, myTouch will come in three colors — black, white and a distinctive merlot. ”

Virtual extension of oneself? Extension? Phone? I get it!

Now the important stuff: myTouch will be available for pre-ordering by current T-Mobile customers starting July 8th for $199.99 (with a two-year service agreement). Retail store availability is planned for early August. Expect a full review as soon as I get my hands on one.

One note: I’m surprised at how little storage T-Mobile is bundling with this phone. I know you can always go out and buy a larger memory card, but 4GB of storage seems kinda stingy for a $200 smartphone these days. The new Palm Pre comes with 8GB of built-in storage (as well as having a microSD expansion slot). Apple’s new iPhone 3G-S gives you 16GB. For more expensive models, there’s now a 32GB iPhone as well as 32GB Nokia’s N97. There’s still time for T-Mobile to fix this.

At the Consumer Electronics Show, back in January, we got a sneak peek of the European version of the G2/myTouch phone:

Just a few days left. Still haven’t decided what to get your dad for Father’s Day? I have some last-minute gift ideas that you can still get in time. If dad is a technology/gadget freak (or hates ties) any one of these should bring a smile to his face.

First and foremost get him a new iPhone 3G-S. If you’re willing to wait on line (and they don’t seem so bad here in NYC) your dad will be part of the bleeding-edge contingent as one of the first with the new third-generation smartphone. As a consolation prize (or for yourself) if they’re sold out by the time you get there consider an iPhone 3G for $99. If you don’t have an iPhone – the price is right. Palm Pres and Nokia N97s are pretty good choices too.

Portable computing. First and foremost, netbooks are cheap and lots of fun. The Asus line of Eee PCs are amazing in the number of models (new ones all the time) at a wide array of low prices. Highly recommended. So are Lenovo Think Pad laptops/notebooks. I have tested and used a number of different models for the past decade and each one is better than the next. Whichever model you choose you’ll be making the right choice. If Dad is a “Mac” person – consider getting him a Mac (especially one of those new MacBook Pros). He’ll thank you for it.

Is Dad a video kinda guy? Does he have a Blu-ray disc player? Wal-Mart has a new affordable deck from Sylvania that sells for $169 to get him started. Full 1080p, HDMI out and a neat little remote. A great gift. Don’t forget to get him a few movies to watch too. Flat screen TVs are getting more affordable all the time. Check out models from Vizio. They’re big sellers for a good reason. Would he like a great, incredibly portable video camera? If so, check out the Flip HD. It’s terrific.

What about audio? Does he still listen to his “hi-fi”? Or relax in front of the “stereo”? I have a great gift idea for you. Get him a Sony XDRF1HD tuner. Even if he says he never listens to the radio he will as soon as he hears this one. This is small, little black box with just enough room for antenna and output jacks on the back and a little display on the front. It receives normal, analog, over the air, AM and FM radio stations in your area as well as the new, free digital FM music streams they broadcast – many with new, interesting programming (at least here in NY). Both AM and FM sounds pretty amazing from this device. Best part? The Sony lists for under $100 at numerous on-line retails. Sony online sells refurbished tuners for $75.

Finally, does he like his morning coffee strong? How about an espresso maker? Illy has a new line of coffee capsules and special machines that produce great coffee. Nespresso capsules and machines are pretty great too. Machine prices start at $150 or so and rise accordingly. For less than $100 check out the amazing little Bialetti “Cuor di Moka stove-top coffee machine. It a combination of high-tech meets old-fashioned Moka pot – creating some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. It sells for $80 and is worth every penny.

The short answer is yes and no.

The N97 is one heckuva smartphone. It’s a seven-band (HSDPA/EDGE/GPRS/GSM), 3.5G world phone with a good looking 360-by-640 pixel touch screen, an easy-to-use slide-out, QWERTY hardware keyboard, 32 GB of internal storage plus a micro-SD card slot, a 5.0 megapixel camera (video and stills with a Carl Zeiss lens), pretty good sounding stereo speakers, GPS (including Maps with a digital compass), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (2.0) and a removable, rechargeable battery pack that’s said to be good for as much as 9.5 hours of talk and something like 18 days of standby.

If you look at it from a hardware point of view Nokia’s N97 is an absolutely fantastic smartphone. Best in its class by a wide margin.

But a smartphone is more than the sum of its hardware parts. There are also items like software and even marketing to contend with. This is where the N97 might not measure up to the competition.

Don’t get me wrong – there is really nothing wrong with N97. It’s just that in June, 2009 the handset has to be compared to the competition and that might be a problem for Nokia.

Nokia phones run on the Symbian operating system. Symbian has been around for decades (remember Psion PDAs?) and the software has been tweaked and improved over the years. The OS (version 9.4, Series 60, release 5) is really quite fast and powerful. Unfortunately it’s slightly less intuitive and user-friendly than some of the other smartphones out there. That doesn’t mean any of these phones less smart than the others – just require a tiny bit more user interplay.

For instance, when you install a new mini-application/add-on for Apple’s iPhone or Palm’s Pre you press a button and the software basically does everything for you. When you try that on an Android phone you have to press a few on-screen buttons to get it done. Same for BlackBerries. With the N97 there are even more buttons to press. Difficult? No. More than the competition? Yes. In the end, everything works perfectly, though.

Ultimately, all these devices do the same basic tasks – it’s just how easy they make it for us end users that set them apart. (That, the actual hardware and probably the app store. Nokia’s OVI store looks very promising.)

The big problem for Nokia is that there’s no cell phone provider to sell the N97 here in the United States. Since it’s a GSM phone it can only be sold by T-Mobile or AT&T. T-Mobile’s 3G network works on different frequencies than AT&T’s so, right now, the N97 will only do 3G/3.5G on AT&T. And we all know that AT&T sells the iPhone.

No carrier means no subsidies to offset a handset’s actual high price. So, since the N97 can only be purchased (so far) unlocked on Nokia’s Website – the asking price is $699. I agree – that’s just not going to fly in a world of $99 iPhones.

Nokia’s N97 is a great smartphone – one of many great smartphones on the market today. They all have quirks. Wich one you’ll like the best probably comes down to a matter of taste. I’m pretty sure that in other countries – with the proper subsidies – the N97 will be a great success. Maybe AT&T (or T-Mobile) will relent and give more of us a chance to see what goodies Nokia has crammed into their nifty little device.

Asus makes great small, portable computers. Netbooks. Disney is the king of everything for kids (of all ages). What happens when Asus and Disney team-up to make a Netbook for kids? You get the world’s first “Netpal”.

First of all, the new little laptop will have to appeal to kids ages 6-12 as well as their parents.

For kids, it will come in two colors: Magic Blue (with Mickey Mouse icons) and Princess Pink (floral theme). That should work. And the new “Magic Desktop” interface will be pure Disney – with ten customizable themes from such Disney and Pixar favorites as Club Pengiun, Toy Story, Wal-E, Mickey Mouse and Hannah Montana.

For parents, it will have a spill-proof keyboard. It will also sport a new form of filtering/censorship software that works differently from most others. This time, parents will be able to list the Websites the kids CAN enter – instead of blocking the ones they don’t want them to see. Parents will also be able to tailor e-mail options and even the time of day their kids’ Netpal can be used.

The computer itself will be based on an Asus Eee netbook with the 8.9-in. LCD display and Wi-Fi. It will be run Windows XP Home – and a truckload of software featuring – what else? Disney characters. It will come with either a 16 GB solid-state storage drive or a 160 GB hard drive and will retail for $350.

Disney’s Netpal should be available mid-summer at online retailers such as Toys “R” Us and Amazon.com. Disney notes in their press release that carrying cases will be available separately.