Sandisk Sansa Clip

Carrying your iGadget around isn't always a good idea, as it's a perfect target for theft, and, let's be honest, touch screens really aren't meant for rough use. This is where Sandisk's Sansa Clip comes to the fore. It's fits snugly into your palm, and it has a variety of optional versions, that range from 2 GB to 8 GB, with or without radio, and, best of all, some versions have microSD card slots installed. And with 15 hours of battery life to charge up what can be potentially 24 GB of music for just around $100, this survivor of the mp3 wars is the best example of how much value you can pack into the smallest size.

Of course, the controls and the rather small screen will be a challenge to use, but the fact that you can use Windows Media Player to load songs into it is a huge plus. A good suggestion, however, is to pair it with a good set of headphones - preferably either in-ear types or larger low-noise headphones. It's perfect for people who need a small backup player, an athletics rhythm partner or a low-cost mp3 player.

Nikon D7000

For those looking for a Nikon fix but don't want to throw in a lot of cash for the higher models, the Nikon D7000 might be the perfect balance between price and performance.
With logically placed controls and a superior viewfinder system, the design seems to be really built around the idea of maximizing the 16.2 megapixel engine. Heck, it even has 24fps 1080p HD video capability. And to handle that, it has two SDXC-compatible memory card slots, which can be configured to work as backups, data overflow catchers, or even to have each card have different file formats for one photo. And while some would say that a 9-point autofocus system is enough, Nikon goes for gold with a 39-point mode?

Really, the only bad thing about the D7000 is that it does not have the full 1080/30p video mode. While the prices may vary, you
probably somewhere along P50,000 to give this DSLR the proper flash
and lens treatment, complete with camera bag and filters. And yes, we're not talking about light sensitivity and speed,
simply because this DSLR can handle that as a matter of course - just like many Nikon products, the D7000 is at the
very least reliable, and at its best, they are game-changers in the field.

ClickFree C2N Back-up Drive

For all of us who dread the idea of backing our files up, the Clickfree drive literally does all the heavy lifting. All you have to do is attach it to your PC or laptop, and then let the drive run its own tool program set. There are some options you can set, but basically, whatever it can stuff into its memory from your laptop, it will. Even better, it works like the old Windows network programs. The Clickfree drive will also come in handy if you're backing files up for transfer from a Windows XP platform to the new Windows 7 OS. Remember, XP does not have a smooth way of transferring your desktop to the "7," so a backup drive is the best solution to survive the transition.

All you have to do is plug the Clickfree drive into all the computers in your network, and then you'll be able to back up the whole network from one PC. It has some of the best USB 2.0 speeds in town, so you can back everything up in a minimum amount of time. The only bad thing you can say about it is that you had better hope an angry ex won't be able to get it from you. Also, it has no Firewire option. Prices start around $98. There are already terabyte flavors with USB 3.0 capacity, just in case you're wondering.

THOR // Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman

Based on the Marvel comic created and published by Stan Lee in 1962, Thor tells the story of a powerful and arrogant warrior god whose disobedience ignites an ancient w7ar. Because of his insubordination, Thor, played by Chris Hemsworth, is cast out from Asgard and sent to live among humans as a punishment. While on Earth, the main character learns what it means to be a true hero when the most dangerous villain from Asgard sends his men to invade the planet. With an all-star cast that includes Natalie Portman, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo and Samuel L. Jackson, Thor promises to wow both comic book geeks and fans of the Marvel movie franchise who are waiting for the next movie adaptation of their childhood favorites.

PARALLELS ARCADIA

Metal and hardcore have been combined to various degrees of effectiveness ever since the 80's. These two genres haven't been fused as effectively however as they have been over the past decade. In fact, people have been so good at incorporating one into the other that there's barely any distinction between the two genres anymore. No other band embodies this formula locally as much as Arcadia. Their debut album, Parallels has all the elements you'd expect from a metalcore release: galloping drumbeats, soaring two-part guitar harmonies, gut wrenching vocals and the requisite crushing palm-muted breakdowns. The band isn't reinventing the wheel by any means but any fan of heavy and aggressive music shouldn't miss this release.

MONINA EUGENIO

MONINA EUGENIO is a publicist by trade. She's an indie music junkie who loves her candy colored Holga and her cat Mallow. She's a hardcore mountaineer who has taken on the toughest crags and caves in spite of such difficult obstacles as a raging fever, lack of sleep and her own laziness to train. When she isn't scaling high altitude peaks, she loves being idle with a cup of coffee and a friend.

FRANCIA "ECHO" CACERES

FRANCIA "ECHO" CACERES is a 22-year old Playmate. She is the External Head of the Playmates Department and an avid travel writer. Playmate Echo is a true Survivor, not only in the reality TV-show Survivor Philippines Palau (which she participated in), but also in real life. An accomplished young achiever and visionary, she is excited with her opportunity from PLAYBOY Philippines to travel the world and write home about her adventures.

KATRINA STUART SANTIAGO

KATRINA STUART SANTIAGO is your ex-teacher, ex-girlfriend, extra curricular activity. She writes on local popular culture because she thinks every Pinoy of her generation grew up on it, but is taught early on to repress this fact. She's baduy and loves it. She doesn't love freaking out half the time about being a freelance writer. Recently though she's conceded to being at the very least a free spirit: freedom after all, can only be good. She goes by this site's name: http://www.radikalchick.com.

JOSER DUMBRIQUE

JOSER DUMBRIQUE has decided to make photography his only mistress. He is the brilliant brains of this month's concept cover and the brilliant eye behind the lens. He hopes to someday finally live a healthy life, which in his strict terms is by the age of 35.