CNET Community Hot Topics weekly newsletter
December 19, 2006
Dear CNET members,
This will be the last Community Hot Topics newsletter of the year and as we approach the year-end, I want to give you folks a recap of the top 10 most popular hot topic discussions of 2006, based on your voices. Whether the discussion was about your favorite free security program or if cell phone use should be allowed on planes, many of you spoke up and left your mark in our community. And if you missed one of our newsletter editions and never had your chance to read what other members had to say on these hot discussions, now is your chance to check them out and leave your personal mark for 2006. It's wonderful to see all your opinions and with the coming New Year, I'm looking forward to hearing your voices through these community discussions. Cheers and have fun with these topics.

Happy Holidays!
Lee Koo
Manager, CNET community


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2006 top 10 hot topic discussions
Here are some interesting comments you've submitted in 2006 on CNET. Read up on it and talk about it.

1. Should using a cell phone while driving be outlawed? (1,946 comments)
More state and local governments are requiring the use of a hands-free device when talking on a cell phone while driving. People may love to drive and talk, but others contend that doing so is dangerous. Do you agree that using a cell phone while driving should be outlawed?
2. Should cell phone use be allowed on airplanes? (1,468 comments)
What do you think about the idea of allowing cell phone usage on airplanes? Do you welcome this or will it be another reason not to fly? Positive or negative, here's your chance to tell us if you think cell phone use should be allowed on airplanes, and why or why not.
3. What's your favorite free security program? (1,178 comments)
Security and spyware protection is one area where you don't want to skimp. However, many average computer users can't afford a full Internet security suite. Luckily, there are several great, free programs that provide basic security coverage. So what's your favorite free security and spyware software?
4. What's your choice: optical viewfinder or LCD? (934 comments)
As larger and larger LCDs squeeze that little glass viewfinder off the back of your point-and-shoot, does it bug you? Or are you an arm's-length photographer, anyway?
5. What's your favorite tiny app? (897 comments)
Which tiny app do you consider tops? Is there only one or a variety of tiny apps you always use to make your computer experience the best it can be? Here's your chance to tell us about your favorite download apps of less than 1MB.
6. What's the worst carrier experience you've ever had? (848 comments)
We all heard the great experiences about cellular carriers. Now it's time to turn the tables and have you share with us the worst experience you've ever had with a carrier.
7. Which carmaker offers the best quality? (729 comments)
With innovations such as hybrid energy, GPS devices, and MP3-savvy stereos, the standard of high-quality automobiles has reached a whole new level. Which car manufacturer do you think makes the highest-quality automobiles, and why?
8. Premium cables: ripoff or required? (726 comments)
Are the expensive name-brand cables that promise better video quality worth the extra cash, or should you just go with the cheaper generic brand?
9. Should kids have cell phones? (712 comments)
Would you give your kid a cell phone? This topic is often debated. Some feel strongly about kids not having one because of uncontrollable costs, yet others are quick to disagree for the reason of emergency use. With that said, where do you stand?
10. Why are digital cameras hard to learn? (604 comments)
We keep hearing people are still having trouble figuring out how to work a digital camera--the same people who can drive cars or read, both pretty complex tasks. What is it about digital cameras that's so difficult?



 
  CNET News.com: Year in
  review 2006


Hot Products
Along with discussing the most popular hot topics of 2006, CNET members had plenty of new tech products to talk about this week.

Nintendo Wii
CNET member techned says:
"The use of SD cards in Revolution is a smart idea, it takes the cost of making propriety storage for the game console out of the cost of the machine. USB ports allow a multitude of peripherals to be plugged in, such as cameras, microphones, and special controllers." (read more)
See all user opinions | Compare prices

Sony PlayStation 3 (60GB)
CNET member maxl2000 says:
"I was planning not to get a PS3, because I burned so much money on Xbox 360. Luckily, I had a chance to get my hands on the playable demo today, so lucky, no word can express my feeling. I thought even if PS3 is better than my Xbox 360, it's just slightly more powerful, and the demos Sony played last year are just prerendered CG, I was wrong, totally wrong." (read more)
Read all user opinions | Compare prices

Zune (30GB, black)
CNET member dcis_steve says:
"Pictures and video also look great on the Zune and this is where the Zune pulls ahead of other devices (including the iPod) in my opinion. The Zune software converts video files automatically without you having to worry about any of it, and the playback is smooth and crisp." (read more)
Read all user opinions | Compare prices

This week on CNET 
Weekend Projects
Holiday gift guide: Affordable cell phones, smart phones, and PDAs
Some people just want a phone for making calls, and our affordable picks excel at their primary function. And if you're a handheld beginner, these devices will help you get started. Learn more

Holiday treat calendar
It's the season for giving, so CNET has free gifts for you! Every day from November 20 through December 31, we'll have a little treat: a special deal, a free MP3, a recipe, and lots more goodies. Check them out




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