A Sneak Peek Inside Digital Journal's NEW Spring 2005 Issue!
Digital Journal - Technology evolves too fast these days. Life was much easier for consumers five years ago, when a new computer wouldn't be obsolete for at least 18 months, the scanner your brother got you for your birthday would still be usable today, and you could safely assume the wheel wouldn't be reinvented anytime soon.

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A Sneak Peek Inside Digital Journal's NEW Spring 2005 Issue!

Chris Hogg, Editor-in-Chief of Digital Journal magazine using the Sony HDR-FX1 Camcorder. Check out the Spring 2005 issue of Digital Journal magazine to find out how to win this high-definition camera!

April 12, 2005

By Chris Hogg

Digital Journal - Technology evolves too fast these days. Life was much easier for consumers five years ago, when a new computer wouldn't be obsolete for at least 18 months, the scanner your brother got you for your birthday would still be usable today, and you could safely assume the wheel wouldn't be reinvented anytime soon.

Nowadays, when we buy new gadgets, we do it knowing manufacturers are already rushing to release something better. True, R&D and new products are healthy for the evolution of technology, but with the market saturated with so-called "upgrades," it has become incredibly difficult to be a smart buyer without knowing what's coming next.

To further aggravate the situation, the greatest gadgets can be completely unaffordable. Too often, the very people to whom manufacturers target their candy-coated contraptions are the ones suffering from student loans, car payments and mortgages.

Based on what we've been seeing, 2005 could be one of those years when technology evolves by eons, and we'll all be tempted to go out and get a piece of the action.

So for all of those consumers that are just catching on to things like LCD TVs, DVD players and digital camcorders, get ready to put your toys in the attic with the old dishes and the wedding dress that no longer fits.

To help ease this pain, this issue of Digital Journal is filled with tips, tricks and tech predictions for the year.

Perhaps the biggest changes this year will revolve around high-definition video: Apple CEO Steve Jobs proclaimed 2005 the year of HD, Sony released the first-ever 3CCD HDV camcorder, and both Apple and Adobe have been working their tails off to give consumers new HD editing software.

While this may irk those who have just bought new DV tools and toys, this is a leap in affordability these technologies would have cost exponentially more even a year ago and this is the very thing needed to kick-start high-def on a wide scale.

The same can be said for DVD technology, as we are going to see new and dramatically improved media with the advent of Blu-ray discs.

So for those who are tearing their hair out, anxiously trying to decide what to invest in next, Digital Journal's spring 2005 issue is your guide to what lies ahead.

Digital JournalSpring 2005 Issue Highlights:

Cover Story Richard Branson is a dyslexic high school dropout, but he's been painting the world red with his Virgin brand worth more than $9 billion. Digital Journal offers this world exclusive story about the leader of 236 companies. Today, people fly in his airplanes, shop at his stores and may soon soar in his spaceships. Check out this Digital Journal exclusive!
Seeing Blu: The Next DVD Format Like the Beta/VHS war of yesteryear, HD-DVD and Blu-ray are battling for DVD-format supremacy. Check out Digital Journal's Spring 2005 issue to find out which DVD format will become the newest household norm.
Will the HD Revolution be Televised? High-definition TV has been called the most important development in television since the advent of colour TV in 1951. But why is it taking so long to get going and when will it finally arrive?
VoIP: The Next Phone or Just Plain Phoney? Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is being hailed as the latest telecom trend to forever change how we communicate. However, it presents as many challenges as it does rewards. Check out Digital Journal's Spring 2005 issue to find out if VoIP is worth the hyped-up headlines.
Design of the Times A product lives or dies through its look and usefulness. Some companies follow the rules of smart design, and some look the other way. Digital Journal investigates the ways in which big-name companies are investing in product designers. Check out Digital Journal Spring 2005 issue to find out how design could change your next big purchase.
Europe's Race to Space Although NASA tends to nab the headlines, the European Space Agency is hoping to make a giant leap for its kind.
Cannabis Going Corporate The antidepressant market in Canada is valued at $450 million. But things are about to change completely. The pharmaceutical industry is seeing green and looking to cash in on a crop worth $20 billion. The business of marijuana is about to change medicine forever. Check out Digital Journal's Spring 2005 issue to learn more.
PLUS!Many more in-depth features exploring issues of the day, including new car technology, free software, tech reviews, travel and Internet trends!

ALSO INSIDE &

Essential Digital Gear: Check out the Top 5 of Digital Journal's wish list of must-haves. This is your guide to buying the best gadgets on the market.
Showcase: A showcase of some new technology that and impressive new gear.
The Digital Journal Inbox: Digital Journal tech advice columnist, Jim Sanderson, takes more of your tech questions and gives advice for all your computer woes.
Plus, pick up your copy of Digital Journal for your chance to WIN a high-definition camcorder from Sony worth $4,999!
The Digital Journal Lemon Award: We recognize the gadgets that make life much harder and tell you what to avoid buying when you go out to make your next purchase.

There is much, much more waiting for you in this expanded issue of Digital Journal magazine, so pick up your copy in bookstores across Canada and the United States!

Digital Journal is available in Chapters and Indigo bookstores across Canada. The magazine is also available at Barnes & Nobles across the United States. You can also subscribe to Digital Journal now, and receive 8 issues for $29.95 + GST ($48.95 USD).