One of the highlights of the technology industry is the International CES (Consumer Electronics Show), which showcases the latest innovations. Whether they're in-vehicle technology, digital imaging, home networking, emerging technology, or wireless, chances are there will be something beneficial to people who are deaf and hard of hearing. This year, in fact, two of the top products fall in that category: The Palm Pre and the Vaio P.

The Palm Pre was referred to on one web site as probably THE product of CES 2009. When CNET, in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association (which produces the CES), handed out its Best of CES 2009 Awards, the big winner was the Palm Pre. It won Best in Show and the People's Voice Award.

So what's so special about this device? It's the first real competitor to the iPhone, Crackberries and Google phones. While the iPhone and Blackberry Bold have great screens and 3G connections, the negative rap with both is the lack of a physical keyboard. The Palm Pre has a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard in addition to a large screen and 3G connection. Critics have been praising the innovative way in which the operating system (OS) organizes information. The OS is also supposedly easy to develop for, which theoretically paves the way for groups providing web relay services to create dedicated programs (like the i711 application for the Blackberry and Sidekick).

Another product voted one of the Best of CES 2009 is the Sony P-series Lifestyle PC. The 1.4 pound Vaio is a very small computer with an optional data-only 3G connection. It's similar in form factor to the portable TTYs everyone used to have, but is much thinner. Sony even says that the Vaio "fits right in your purse or jacket pocket."

The screen is much larger than what you would find on a 3G phone. A built-in web camera faces the user - unlike most 3G phones - but it's not clear as to whether this will work for video chat and relay, though it should. There's built-in WiFi for video chat and relay anywhere there's a hotspot.

Engadget called the keyboard layout very natural: "We were touch typing in no time, something we can't say for a majority of our netbook experiences."

The gear for the 3G data-only capability is built in, but doesn't need to be activated. If you want to use the 3G connection, you need to get a plan with Verizon. This might be expensive if you already have a data plan with a different carrier. Theoretically, this could tether to an existing phone plan using Bluetooth, but that is often much harder than it sounds. Some carriers also charge more for tethering.

At $900, the Vaio isn't cheap for a "Netbook" (a small 3G connected laptop), but it's extremely small when compared to the other options.

Time will tell if these two devices are as good as their hype. On paper, they might answer your questions about what device to buy.

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