CES 2003 Day 1: Happy Days Are Here Again

It's usually a cold day in hell if I am happy about trudging around the Las Vegas Convention Center. Part of it may have to do with Comdex, which leaves a lingering bad taste in one's mouth for months afterwards. Part of it may have to do with the lack of awe that a typical showfloor inspires. However, CES 2003 has been different. Maybe it's because it isn't organized by the Sons of Satan. Hmmm.

Either Gatsby is designing trade shows or these companies have faith in the economy. Grand displays and big, big booths, just like the good ol' days.

I actually like it here. You, dear, patronized reader, would like it here, too. The atmosphere is upbeat, and there's all kinds of nifty geek toys and gadgets to be found down every aisle. It's like a Best Buy, Circuit City and Fry's Smackdown organized by Siegfried and Roy.

Even something as mundane as CD labeling gets the five start treatment at this year's CES. Hmmmm.

CES 2003 actually makes you feel optimistic about the future. After the lengthy period of economic gloom in the tech sector, that's a good thing. We've found our happy place. Of course, it may be just another bout of irrational exuberance brought on by an unhealthy lust for svelte televisions that you can hang on the wall and Bluetooth headphones that make every man feel like he is some futuristic cell phone warrior.

The JABRA FreeSpeak has an MSRP of $99 for Bluetooth phones and $179 for the headset, charger/holder/Bluetooth adapter for non-Bluetooth phones. Just remember, only really cool people have these, or so I was told.