The best of CES

In all the bustle of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Logitech also unveiled the Mac version of its Logitech Vid HD service. While Apple users have been able to use the free video chatting service since last year, those with one of Logitech's high-definition Webcams would've been stuck with transmitting standard old blur-o-vision.

The addition of HD to the Vid client on the Mac means users can have their friends and loved ones see them in 720P resolution - that is, if they're using Vid HD.

This brings full Mac compatibility to the Logitech C910 HD Webcam. In addition to the Vid functionality, it also offers stereo sound, 10MP still photos and video recording at 1080P resolution.

The C910 is available locally and has a recommended retail price of R949.

The Japanese camera manufacturer has chosen to reveal most of its 2011 merch at CES, instead of the trade-focused PMA expo. Canon's stand had a ton of new models, including five new Powershot compact cameras, some featuring Canon's zippy DIGIC4 processor, image stabilisation and 720P HD video recording.

On the video side, ten new camcorders were unveiled - two of which are HD, for really entry-level users. The range-topping LEGRIA XA10 is aimed at pro users, with its external handle, mic mount and fine adjustment options.

Mere mortals can still use access some of what it offers through the LEGRIA HF G10: it uses the same HD CMOS Pro sensor as the XA10. Also on board are two xD cards to complement the 32GB of internal storage, a high-density touch LCD, a 10x optical zoom lens and special Cinema-Look software filters that can make your video footage have the same look and feel as Hollywood movies.

Canon says the new products will be available in SA before the end of March.

Microsoft is working hard on catching up to Apple in the touch and gesture departments. One of the devices it hopes will give PC users a bit of the Apple Magic is its Arc Touch mouse, showcased at CES.

While it will only go on sale much later this year, the Arc Touch takes two main cues from Apple's Magic mouse: a compact, stylish form factor and touch-sensitive surface, for finger gestures.

That's perhaps not its biggest party trick, though. With a flexible body, the Arc Touch is switched on when bent to the curve of one's hand. Powering it off is achieved by flattening it. See it in action here.

Manufacturer of accessories for your mobile Apple devices, Griffin, showed off a really nifty iPhone and iPod touch gadget. The Griffin Cartrip ships with a wireless dongle that plugs into a modern car's OBDII - or diagnostics - port.

Using the Cleandrive app that the dongle is designed for, users can monitor their driving performance and fuel economy in real time. Data can be used to plot long-term fuel usage, and the device can also monitor error codes from the car's on-board computer, letting drivers know of any serious problems.

Core Group is the official supplier for Griffin kit in SA, but Griffin Hq has not yet said when the Cartrip will go into production.