My wish list
Not only for birthdays and holidays, but also in general, things that are on my wish list. Mind you, these are not things I specifically want for any occasion... Strike that. I do want, but I don't think anyone is crazy enough to give me anything beyond $100. I'm still putting it there, so you know what my material dreams are...Last updated: july 10 2006
Expo Disc
Remember how pictures come out green in fluorescent light, and red in candescent light? A digital camera can correct for that with something called white balance, but getting the right white balance is hard. This device will allow the camera to get a clue what 'neutral white' is looking in current light situations, and adjust white balance accordingly.- Brand: ExpoImaging
- Size: 72 mm (can cover all my lenses)
Photography filters
Not a very spectacular gift, but it would make me very happy since it is one of those things that I need, but I never go out to get them. A few things are important:- Brand: either B+W, Tiffen or Hoya (or anohter 'major brand' name in filters - no in-house brands)
- Size: 55 mm (althoug I do need a 49 mm UV-filter)
- If possible, multi-coated glass
- ND 4x (ND: Neutral Density, 2 stops)
- ND 8x (Neutral Density, 3 stops)
- Graduated color, blue
- Graduated color, neutral
Maha MH-C204W Charger
Maha makes terrific battery chargers. The current one that I have has done a good job, but the small connector for the power supply is starting to wear out.This model has a built-in power supply and uses the '8-shape' connector (used for radio casette players and such) - easy to replace the power cord when in Europe.
Please note: I want this model and not any other, because of the integrated power supply (plugs directly into an outlet, no external power block needed)
| Price: around $30. | Where: on-line, or at | Advanced Specialties Inc, 114 Essex St Lodi, NJ 07644 Tel: (201) 843-2067 |
Sigma 18-200mm zoom lens
I'm in need of a 'walk around' lens that allows me to take most pictures without switching lenses. The Sigma lens beats the Tamron version with a metal mount, and a better mechanical construction overall.Make sure you get the Alpha (Konica-Minolta/Sony) mount! Price: around $400. Where: Any photostore, BH Photo & Video, Adorama.
Sandisk Sansa m260 MP3 Player
Yes, I had a an MP3 player before, and I really miss it, now that I have a 45 minute commute. What makes me reliving that horrible experience again (my previous Creative player broke down after two months): this one is completely solid state, so there's no hard disk that can fail.Please note that I want the 4GB model, 2GB is really not big enough.
Price: around $160. Where: Any electronics store, and of course good ol' Amazon is, again, the better option.
Floor pump
Ok, here you have a gift with a maximum of freedom. All I want is a floor pump of premium quality. That disqualifies anything you'll find at Target, Wally world or BJ's - you'll have to go to a bike shop for that. The good news: any bike shop will pretty much do, since they all carry at least one of the better brands for pumps.The floor pumps that I want are either the Joe Blow (Topeak), Park Pro (Park Tools), the Air Tower (Blackburn, or the Super Pista (Silca). Check that the pump has a pressure dial, and the valve has to be a presta valve. I prefer a presta valve over a so called dual head since I don't have bikes that use Schräder valves anyway.
Price: between $40 and $65. Where: any serious bike shop.
Web Cam
More specifically, a webcam for my laptop. So I can see my family and they can see me when I'm away from home! This particular model, with the horrible name Logitech 961400-0403, seems to be rated pretty good at Amazon. Another one is fine as well, but make sure it got good ratings, apparently there is a lot of fodder on the market. Price: around $45. Where: Amazon, electronics stores like Circuit City and Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, etc.
Ties
Yes! Believe it or not! I actually want ties. They are a necessity in modern office life and you'll make me soooo happy if I don't have to buy them. Remember, they have to be of a business-minded design: no cartoon characters, eagles, flags or anything like that.But that doesn't mean boring either... I'll leave it to your fantasy to come up with something that is cool and wearable.
Oh, yeah, the nag department: please, please, please: 100% silk. Nylon ties are horrible!
Price: between $10 and $40. Where: any department store or clothes store.
Cufflinks
And that brings me to the next 'free' item: cufflinks! Again, anything you want. I don't mind funky designs, but I do mind bright colors (unless you have the matching tie, of course...). After that, it's up to your imagination!Price: $15 and up. Where: department stores, men's clothing stores.
Cowboy Boots
Seriously, I do not want to have cowboy boots - the reason I put them here is more like a joke. If you do want to give me any footware, there is more than enough to choose from:- Bathroom/pool slipppers
- Road bike shoes
- Dress shoes, either Ecco or Hush Puppies
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