For many people, a laptop is a laptop is a laptop.  But when it comes branded with Beats and Beats Audio, this HP machine stands out for many reasons.  The Pavilion dm4 laptop packs everything you need to surf, compute and listen to music as the artists wanted you to hear it.

Some impressive specs:

• 2^nd generation Intel core processor i5 processor (2.50Ghz up to 3.10Ghz) [read: FAST]
• 6GB DDR3 SDRAM memory [read: STRONG]
• Intel HD Graphics 3000 with up to 1696MB total memory [read: WOW]
• Beats Audio with 2 speakers and sub-woofer [read: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?]

Laptops are being used for so much more than spreadsheets and browsing the Web.  I have about 6,000 songs and countless movies that I like to carry with me when traveling or to use during my radio shows.  Sadly I have become used to the typical tinny sound that comes out of tiny laptop speakers.  Even when I used earbuds or headphones with previous laptops it still sounded like the music was being played in another room.

Beats Audio takes care of that on this Pavilion line.  The sound is incredible especially thanks to that subwoofer.

Its brushed aluminum design in black and the soft-touch finish on the palm rest make the Pavilion dm4 look cool (so say my kids).  It boasts HP CoolSense to keep the unit cool (temperature-wise) and ProtectSmart ensures your data is safe from accidental drops and bumps.

One nice touch that particularly stands out to me is the backlit keyboard. That comes in handy more times than I realized.  Bonus points for the red backlight that comes on the Beats edition (cool factor again).

Other features include Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit edition, 2 USB 3.0 ports, 1 USB port, 1 HDMI, 1 VGA and 1 RJ-45 port.  And to save the best for last, the battery life on this baby lasts for quite a while – up to 7.5 hours according to the specs.  That equals a lot of songs.

Pricing starts at $899.99 with the sweet spot around $1,365 for a solid configuration.  I can’t wait to use it soon – as soon as I get it away from my kids.  Because Dad wants to be cool, too.

This all-new Regal GS blends a 270-horsepower Ecotec 2.0 liter turbo engine, six-speed manual transmission and Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) suspension technology.  Bottom line – the get-up-and-go was crazy good and the manual transmission was so easy it was like shifting through butter.

Buick’s exclusive Interactive Drive Control System is standard on the Regal GS.  It allows drivers to choose from three operating modes – Standard, Sport and GS mode.  The different modes change the suspension settings and steering sensitivity according to driver preferences.

One reason the Regal GS received so many glances and stares is its unique body-color front and rear fascias.  The front fascia incorporates vertical air intake slots accented in a satin-metallic finish.  The rear fascia has a pair of integrates, satin-metallic exhaust outlets.  The GS also has rocker panel extensions and a real spoiler.  And it’s a real looker.

Inside the GS has an ebony interior with satin-finish elements on the instrument panel, steering wheel and console.  The instrument panel glows white when the driver selects the GS mode of the IDCS.

Standard and available features include passive keyless entry with push-button start; standard XM Satellite Radio; Harman/Kardan premium 336-watt, 5.1 Matrix Surround Sound system with nice (yes, NINE) speakers; Bluetooth phone connectivity; and metal sport pedals.

The Buick Regal GS can be compared to the Audio A4, Acura TSX, Volvo S40, Lexus IS 250 and the Infiniti G25.  Starting MSRP is $35,310 with the fully loaded model I tested priced at $38,650.

I visited dozens of booths on the convention center floor from companies like Monster, Sennheiser, Skullcandy, Audio-Technica, Klipsch and Turtle Beach. They all seemed to be touting new headphones and earbuds sporting wild colors and booming bass beats. Since the launch of Monster’s ‘Beats by Dre’ a few years ago it seems headphones have toe’d the line between fashion and sound quality. It’s no secret I’m not a big fan of Monster’s phones (apparently their PR reps believe they can sell themselves without sending reviewers a demo unit. Who do they think they are…Apple?!) so I was on the lookout for, yes, fashionable and great sounding headphones.

I got to spend about 2 minutes listening to some new ones released by 50 Cent. Fitty (I’m actually not THAT tight with him but his humongous body guards pushed me back several times) was on-hand to launch his signature line from his company, SMS Audio. The stark blue color of the wired STREET by 50 made me look hip and younger, so I was told by the pretty booth model. And 50′s “Candy Shop” sounded great with an impressive bass sound and feeling.

The nice PR person representing the line said she would get me a pair when she returns back to post-CES life.  I am anxious to try to these out and see if they are High-Tech Texan worthy but if I had a dollar for every time a PR rep said they would follow-up with me after CES I could probably launch my own line of headphones.  Note:  watch for High-Tech Texan licensed headphones in 2013.

UPDATE [Jan. 23] – I heard back from the SMS Audio PR rep whom I met in Vegas with the promise that she would send me a demo pair of headphones.  She stated that they “have limited samples available for review at this time” and that I will hear back from her when they have some to send out.  Limited samples???  Tell Fitty to either hire more workers or start molding and packaging the things himself.  Who does this company think they are – Nintendo?  Did they make like one dozen of them to create a frenzy of waiting lists everywhere?  As I stated in my original post above, put another dollar in my pocket for the non-delivery of a promised product sample.  The only analogy I can put to this is the Hollywood release of a dog of a movie.  When a movie studio knows they have a crappy film on their hands they do not screen it for movie critics a few days before its release.  They just release the film in hopes of a big first weekend so movie-goers won’t see the horrible review it would have received.  Same thing here.  Apparently this company doesn’t want some reviewers with a large radio audience, syndicated TV segments, magazine columns and big social network feeds to use its product in fear of a “thumbs down” suggestion.  So with the fear of getting shot by Fitty I have to suggest continuing to use those plastic, white earbuds you got with your iPhone to listen to music.  I at least got to check out a pair of those.

My latest fave pair is from Jaybird, a company who has been making cutting-edge headphones and earbuds for a few years.  Their latest invention is called Freedom and the company describes them as “shakeproof.”  And as of yet I have not been able to shake them out of my ears.

The Jaybird Freedom JF3 wireless earbuds are small and sleek but produce a huge sound when listening to music.  The shakeproof thing comes about due to unique, secure fit ear cushions.  Each pair comes with three sizes of cushions that fit inside your earlobe and three sizes of soft, silicon ear “nubs” to ensure a good fit in different ear sizes.

Pairing the buds to a smartphone or car is very simple.  They utilize the A2DP profile for streaming audio and quickly switches to telephone mode when an incoming call comes in.

The included carrying case is handy to store the earbuds when not in use.  I have been using these specifically while running and working as they seem to built a bit more for the athletic and sweat-prone set.

They run $99 and can be found online and at select electronic stores.

The Midland GXT-1000-VP4 packs a whopping 5 watts of power allowing for a range of up to 36 miles in optimal conditions, though typically much shorter in urban conditions.   These are full featured radios that includes rechargeable batteries, a desktop charger with AC wall and DC vehicle adapters, and a pair of headsets with microphones.   This is Midland’s only waterproof two-radio and it has proven to be durable – even after dropped in the snow for a few hours, thanks to my youngest son.

An advanced feature is “group mode” which comes in handy if you several people have a device.  Place the radios in “group mode” and assign a code to each radio.   You are then able to make direct calls from one radio to another. No need to have everyone hear a message that is intended for just one person.

This model is also a weather radio, supporting both the NOAA weather channels and NOAA weather alerts.  If severe weather is entering your area, the GXT-1000-VP4 can proactively alert you.  The hands-free operation comes in handy when your hands are occupied with things like skis or water bottles and the hands-free feature is made simpler by the included headsets.  Other features include a vibrating alert, selectable power modes, dual channel watch, and channel scan.

It supports a total of 50 channels – 22 standard GMRS/FRS channels and 28 extra channels – which means you have very little chance of other tapping in to your family’s conversations.

The value pack includes two headsets with boom microphones, a two pocket desktop charger, two rechargeable batteries, two belt clips, and both home and vehicle charging adapters.  Not a bad deal for $89.99.  If you actually want to keep in touch with your friends and family.

For all the iPhone users on your list this year give them a little extra assistance with their built-in camera in low light situations with the iFlash LED Camera Flash attachment.  This small add-on plugs into your iPhone’s dock connector and provides a bright LED flash to help illuminate the situation.

It’s small enough to carry all the time and even has a 3.5 mm jack attachment to keep the flash at-hand at all times.  The attachment also  fits under most regular-size cases, making it even more appealing. It could come in handy as a regular old flashlight, too.

It runs $24.95 and will shed a lot of light on your holiday season.

I know, I know…  I have all the extended battery packs for my individual phones, cameras and laptops but that just makes more things to schlep around.  So instead of loading up my backpack with more gear I simply changed backpacks to the Powerbag.  Powerbag has a line of backpacks, messenger bags, and slings that charge mobile devices right in the bag.  Pretty much a charging system disguised in a cool-looking bag.

Each bag comes with a built-in, lightweight, rechargeable and removable battery (available with a 3000 mAh or 6000 mAh battery based on model).  You can connect up to four mobile devices at a time using the included pre-routed connectors (1 micro, 1 mini, 1 Apple) and one USB port.  The Powerbag charging system automatically detects the connected devices in the bag and sends the right amount of power to charge each one.  The bag itself recharges by plugging into any standard wall outlet with the included AC Adapter.

The battery inside the bag is powerful enough to charge a smartphone up to six times and can even top off most eReaders and tablets.

Though geeky on the inside, each of the Powerbag models are stylish on the outside.  Messenger bags are hot right now and this one is padded to hold up to a 15” laptop.  The Messenger, Backpack, Tablet Backpack and Sling models are $139.99 each and a Wheeled Briefcase is $249.99.  You can find the bags at Best Buy, Officemax and online at MyPowerbag.com.

I can now travel with knowing that my gadgets will have enough juice to get me to my next destination.  And I’m the only one that knows about the geeky technology packed inside the bag (though the charging-level, flashing LED lights on the outside of the bag is a giveaway that something odd is happening).

Travel Vest by Scottevest

We all know what a pain it is to travel nowadays especially when you get to the airport security check in.  It generally takes me about five minutes to get all of my tech gear out of my backpack, carry on bag and my pockets.  Things have gotten a bit easier lately after wearing the hip, new Travel Vest from Scottevest.  I simply take off the vest and send it through the x-ray machine.  Bam!

With different designs for men and women, the Travel Vest is very lightweight while making sure you always look fresh due to its wrinkle and water resistance.  But there is much more than looks to this vest…starting with its 24 mostly-stealth pockets.  You name it and your device will probably fit in the vest.  iPad – check.  Water bottle – check.  Sunglasses – check.

Scottevest has a large line of similar clothing including jackets, hoodies, shirts and pants all designed to hold your gear when traveling across the globe or across the street.  The company’s patented Personal Area Network (PAN) system provides a network of hidden conduits to connect wires to devices while they are in your pockets.   One of the most useful are the Collar Loops – specially positioned loops that hold your earbuds in place while making sure they don’t get tangled around or chaffe your neck.

I have worn other Scottevest items over the past few years like their microfleece pullovers and hidden cargo pants.  The Travel Vest is by far the lightest piece of gear from the company I have tried and it truly holds more gadgets than I actually have.  The sunglasses pocket ensures my glasses don’t get crushed when I sit down and the attached cleaning cloth is a smart idea.  And I still can’t believe the large internal pouch holds a device the size of an iPad or Kindle.  I like putting a magazine (yes, low-tech) or two in there so I don’t have to carry them.

The Travel Vest for Men comes in three colors – navy, black and khaki and costs $125.  Women have their own Travel Vest that has 17 pockets and comes in red, black and gray, also for $125.

The new Looxcie 2 is lighter and easier to use so be careful if you see me wearing this.  I may not be on the phone but rather capturing video of everything in my sight.  It does act as a typical Bluetooth headset for hands-free phone conversation but primary use is for capturing hands-free video.

This new model can store up to 10 hours of 320p video and has the capability of instantly sharing video clips with others via email, Facebook and Twitter.

The coolest feature of the Looxcie is the free app that can be downloaded to an iPhone, iPad or Android smartphone.  When Looxcie is connected to your Bluetooth smartphone the app acts as a viewfinder so you can see what the camera is capturing and then quickly edit the video.

$179

Spotify lets you listen to any song in the Spotify library — anytime you want.  It’s kind of like iTunes as you can search for what you want, set up playlists, and sort by artist or album or genre. The difference is that instead of drawing only from your own music library, you have access to all of Spotify’s 15 million song library.

You can use Spotify for free, or you can pay for their premium subscription service. There are two paid tiers: a $4.99-per-month subscription that gives you songs without ads and a $9.99 premium subscription that comes with additional features like improved sound quality, access to mobile apps and offline use.

Spotify also has a neat social sharing feature that lets you easily see what your friends are listening to, publish playlists for others to enjoy and share music.

PRICE: Free and monthly tiered services