TekPicks

Many would argue that one cannot be a true Vodka connoisseur, because vodka has no taste.  While it is true there is no real taste, Vodka definitely has different levels of harshness depending on what it was made from, i.e. grain, potato, etc and how it was distilled and filtered.  Over the 10 years or so I have been drinking my pallet has certainly become more refined.  Recently, I have switched exclusively to premium vodka’s like Grey Goose, Belevedre and Kettle 1.  These are all great spirits and perfect for a normal mixed drink but all three still have a distinctive alochol overtone.  It is not unpleasant, but is it definitely there. 

For Christmas I was lucky enough to recieve my first bottle of Hanger One.  Friends, let me tell you this is quite simply the smoothest vodka I have ever enjoyed.  Mix it with anything citrus and you cannot even tell it is there.  Until you stand up anyway…

Certainly there are more expenisive vodka out there but typically you are paying for a fancy bottle and not a better quality liquor. By comparison Hanger One is about $36 for 750 ML where as Kettle 1 comes in at $22 for the same amount.  So here is what I do…Kettle 1 for a nice weekday cocktail, Hanger One for Saturday nights and Three Olives in the Goose bottle for guests. Check out Hanger One’s excellent website for all the vodka porn you could want.

Link: Hanger One Vodka

Between all the people trying to the next YouTube star and big brother attempting to track all of our movements, video cameras are everywhere, so why not join the masses? Sure your cell phone has one (unless you have an iPhone but that is changing soon too) but the quality is terrible and the format is often proprietary. Sure the Flip MinoHD is not broadcast quality, a 720p camera that is the about the size of a pack of cigarettes is pretty darn cool. Plus there are a bunch of accessories for it including a bike mount kit and custom skins. And if you need a celebrity endorsement to put you over the edge, John Tesh has one. What else do I need to say?

Grab It: Flip MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)

I freely admit to being a watch snob. I would spend $100,000 a year on them if I could. Consequently I have not been interested in a Citizen, Seiko or ESQ model since high school. But that all changed today. The retro styling with a clean open face, throwback canvas strap, solar powered and silly low price all add up to a surprising win for the people’s watch.

Grab It: Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Canvas Strap Watch #BM8180-03E

Three of my favorite sporting events happen in the span of about 30 days: the NCAA Tournament, The Masters and the NFL Draft. So far there has been a shiny iPhone app for each one. Luckily for us, unlike the CBS NCAA app, the app for the Master this weekend is completely free. Features include live video of Amen Corner (holes 11, 12 and 13) plus coverage of holes 15 and 16 along with video highlights, a live leader board, interactive course map with video flyovers and more. Looks like perfect companion for a weekend on the couch to us.

Grab It: iPhone Masters App

We don’t know how it does the voodoo it do we just appreciate the results. The Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator can turn an OK bottle of wine into a pretty good one and a good bottle of wine into a great one. Even if if are not a wine aficionado for only $30 bucks you will definitely appreciate what the Vinturi does to the flavor of your favorite vintage.

Grab It: Vinturi Essential Wine Aerator

Paying for a XM Sirius subscription for your home of office? Then you should really check out what internet radio has to offer. There are thousands of channels of available with no monthly fee, just the one time equipment cost. Our favorite model is the Sangean WFR-20. It won’t win any design awards but its easy to use, compatible with both WiFi and hard wired connections and sounds great too.

Grab It: Sangean WFR-20 WiFi Internet Radio & Media Player

Doubling you up on iPhone app goodness this week. CBS has launched a live video feed app for the iPhone letting watch the tournament even if you stuck somewhere without a TV like work. You also get brackets updates, highlight videos and team by team analysis. Only caveat is if you are on 3G the feed is audio only. Gotta be on WiFi for the video to come through.

Grab It: CBS March Madness On Demand

I heart watches. If I had the money, I would probably buy a new one every week. Reality is I buy one about once a year and I believe that I have may have found my 2009 watch. This year I want something a little different than my normal stainless steel chronographs. I am looking for a rubber or leather band, and something a bit sporty to wear on the weekends. The ZMX by Zodiac, sure seems to foot the bill. It’s huge – which I love – with a 50mm bezel and big beefy crowns. The strap is a durable rubber compound and the face is clean and easy to read. I just wish there was an Nordstrom’s in my area so I could check it out in person…[via]

Grab It: Zodiac ‘ZMX’ Black Rubber Strap Chronograph Watch

I am not too sure what to think about the Kindle iPhone app just yet. I like idea, but at least on the surface, it seems to defeat the purpose for which the Kindle was built. The Kindle and other e-book readers work because of their use of e-paper, a display that requires no back lighting so there is no strain on the eyes. Honestly, I cannot imagine trying to read a book of any length on the iPhone’s bright, small (in comparison) display. Not only would battery life be terrible but I imagine it would be headache inducing experience in just minutes.

That being said, there are some rather nice features the app brings. Its is free, for everyone, not just current Kindle owners. You can download books directly to your iPhone (via Amazon’s site using Safari, no neat interface unfortunately) and Amazon’s Whispersync network automatically syncs your purchases if you are a Kindle owner.

I get what Amazon it trying to do but I am just don’t think it is really all that practical in application.

Originally issued in 1969, the Monaco was made famous by Steve McQueen when he wore it in the movie Le Mans. The Monaco was the first watch with a square case and the world’s first automatic chronograph movement with a microrotor. Tag Heuer has updated the iconic watch this year while still keeping the with the timeless styling of the original. Now I have to decide, new watch or 17″ MBP…

Grab It: TAG Heuer Men’s Monaco Automatic Chronograph Watch