Gadget Lovers, Your Time is Here

The wrapping paper for Christmas Day 2005 is just now making its way to the curb. But we're all about to get a look at some of the items that might be under the tree next Christmas. The 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show opens a week from today in Las Vegas. This is now the premier place for companies to debut the latest gotta-have-it gadgetry. Eastman Kodak Co. will be there in force, undoubtedly showing new digital cameras and other additions to the company's line of products and services for consumer photography. (Parenthetically, the company's booth at the show was designed and built locally, by Mirror Show Management.) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Antonio Perez will be delivering an industry insider address, a sign that the industry considers Kodak a serious player in the business. Other local companies are using the show as a launching pad, such as Icuiti Corp. of Brighton, which produces cutting edge display screens and other computer viewing products. For a sneak peek at what may be making news, check out the show's innovation honorees here.

THURSDAY UPDATE: I am learning about more companies heading to Las Vegas. Brite Computers is introducing a new laptop computer developed in partnership with Intel Corp.; the Rochester Institute of Technology is also sending several computer-oriented academics to the show.

Check out this article for a pre-show review of the massive event.