Geeking Out at CES with the TechMama

By Reena Jana
January 6, 2011

Beth Blecherman

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), one of the most anticipated world technology events of the year, starts today in Las Vegas and runs through Sunday. It’s a sprawling trade show where all of the coolest new high-tech gadgets—from the sleekest and fastest computers to must-have mobile phones—make their debut. More than 120,000 attendees from 130 countries are expected to check out what 2,500 companies will offer in their technology exhibition booths.

One of the biggest highlights of the 2011 electronics show is the MommyTech summit. Making an appearance on the schedule for the second year in a row, it's a series of panel discussions and events on new electronics gadgets that appeal specifically to moms.

Beth Blecherman, the founder of the blog TechMamas, Chief Technologist of the Web site CoolMomTech, and popular Twitter presence (as @techmama, she has nearly 13,000 followers) is on the Board of Advisors of the MommyTech summit. She took the time to answer some questions about what emerging technology trends to look out for in 2011. Beth Blechman also shared what high-tech gadgets she uses personally, not only as a blogger and 2011 Consumer Electronics Show attendee, but also as the busy mother of 7 ½ -year-old twin boys and their 11-year-old brother.

The Inside Source: You must attend a lot of technology trade shows. Why is CES 2011 such a hot destination?

Beth Blecherman: This is my third CES. I keep coming back because it is an amazing chance for me not only to meet with the electronics companies but also see the new products. I think it is important to have that hands-on approach, and CES offers exhibit halls of electronics to try. Yes, it is a techie's dream!

The Inside Source: What motivated you to advise the organizers of the MommyTech summit?

Beth Blecherman: I am currently volunteering for MommyTech at CES because I feel it is important to discuss the many ways moms are using technology. Moms are not only making purchasing decisions, but also are power users of technology for their families. I am moderating a panel on Mom entrepreneurs, but there is also a whole day of interesting presentations including the king of tech writers, David Pogue (of the New York Times). This year the MommyTech summit includes a fun fashion show on January 7 that will pair wearable technology with models. I am looking forward to the Fashion Show, as I am one of the announcers.

The Inside Source: What high-tech gadgets are you bringing with you to the 2011 CES in Las Vegas this year?

Beth Blecherman: My heavy-duty work computer is a Sony Vaio F and I bring it with me on bigger trips. My phone is a BlackBerry Torch but I am also bringing a Windows 7 phone that I am reviewing. I am also reviewing a thin and light Acer Timeline 4820T computer, so I am bringing that to carry to the show floor with me. I am also bringing something I bought last year but have been waiting to use for live streaming of video, a Logitech Pro 9000 notebook webcam. If I could fit my Logitech cordless Wave keyboard in my suitcase I would bring that as well. Last year I also bought a Sony Handycam HDR-CX550V to start vlogging and I will bring it with me this year. But I am still learning how to edit videos!

I am also bringing the family iPad with me, and I am excited that the CES app for the iPad works on it so I can access the conference’s maps and schedules. I hope to test out the Samsung Galaxy Tablet soon to experience an Android tablet. Oh, and I have a Nikon D3000 camera that I bought a few years ago but I also enjoy taking pictures with my Smartphone. This year I bought an Eye-Fi X2 to test out automatically loading pictures as I am taking them. It is not easy to fit everything in a suitcase and you can imagine that going through security is even more challenging…

The Inside Source: What major technology trends in terms of technology for moms will be hot at CES 2011 this year?

Beth Blecherman: I think that a few areas stand out. For instance, one big trend is that there are new options for streaming movies to and from all types of gadgets. Another is that there are more tablet and eReader options. A third is that there are new processors that are adding even more turbo charging to the computing of all gadgets. The new features for TVs such as 3D and the idea of Smart TVs (TV sets with Internet access) are interesting, but I don't think families are quite ready to go 3D. Motion-controlled gaming is hot trend with families right now with Microsoft Kinect, Sony Playstation Move and the Wii Motion Plus.

The Inside Source: What advice can you give to moms who are looking to purchase some of the cool new gadgets that will be on display at CES 2011?

Beth Blecherman: It’s important to remember that every family has different needs. Some families want sophisticated gaming technology (powerful gaming computers, along with a full setup for gaming controllers with speakers and a big screen, etc.), others just need a few desktops and a laptop. But nowadays everyone needs a Smartphone or cell phone. Starting at 5th grade, texting becomes a way of communicating for kids—then they start using social networking in high school. So all the technologies around cell phones and Smartphones are very relevant for families. Another issue is that many families love apps! Moms are power users of apps. And families enjoy accessories (and some want stylish accessories) for their technology. So that is a hot area as well.

Plus, I think it’s worth mentioning that I do believe that instead of just letting a piece of technology sit at home after it is replaced, it's a good practice to sell it on online at eBay.

The Inside Source: What are the absolute essential electronic devices that a mom should own today?

Beth Blecherman: Gadgets for moms should be portable and be able to multi-task like moms do. A mobile mom needs access to data on the go. I think the first device that every mom should have is a Smartphone. Then a mom should carry either a netbook or a tablet for media consumption, social networking and surfing the internet. Moms also have many gadget options to capture digital memories. Of course many Smartphones take digital photos and video that can be sent immediately to family members.

(photo courtesy of Beth Blecherman)

Here’s what Beth Blecherman, a.k.a. TechMama, is planning to bring or try out at CES this year. Think of it as a mom-tech hot list.

Eye-Fi Connect SDHC Card

(buy it now price, $54.99)

This card wirelessly transmits photos from a device to a computer or favorite picture-sharing Web sites such as Flickr. Blecherman will be using one while at CES for quickly sending snapshots to her family.
Sony Vaio F 1390X

(buy it now price $1,299.90)

This powerful laptop is Blecherman’s “heavy duty work computer,” she says. She’ll be bringing it with her to CES for blogging while at the convention.
Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000

(buy it now price $54.99)

This webcam attachment for PCs offers crystal clear HD video.
Mobile Edge Sumo laptop messenger bag

(buy it now price, $68.99)

With pretty floral details, this messenger bag helps you stay stylish, even while lugging a PC.
Apple iPad

(buy it now price, $819)

Blecherman is taking “the family iPad” with her to CES. Instead of carrying around paper maps and a convention guide, she’ll rely on the iPad app for the conference. Like many moms, she’s a “power user of apps,” she says.
BlackBerry Torch

(buy it now price, $569.99)

TechMama’s smartphone of choice? The BlackBerry Torch.
Sony Handycam

(buy it now price, $1,076.52)

Sure, you can take video with a phone or a small videocam, but for super-high-quality images, try this Sony Handycam.
Samsung Galaxy Tablet

(buy it now price, $850)

Yes, 2011 is supposed to be The Year of The Tablet. Blecherman says she’s looking forward to trying the new Samsung Galaxy at CES.
Xbox Kinect

(buy it now price, $159.80)

Even after Christmas, Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect video-game accessory, which allows players to control onscreen action using their bodies and no controller, is as popular as ever. At CES, there will be a lot of attention toward motion-sensor tech like that found in the Kinect.
Nikon D3000 DSLR

(buy it now price, $499.90)

While Blecherman likes to take pictures on her BlackBerry, she also likes to snap professional-looking photos, and is taking a Nikon D3000 DSLR camera with her to CES.