Potential conflict, what do you think?

So last week I was invited to attend and speak at a semi-exclusive pre-trade show press event; not at all unusual or noteworthy in and of itself, but there are some things about it that some might find gray. In the interest of transparency, I figured I’d see what you think.

Among other things, our long-standing editorial policy at Engadget strictly prohibits junkets — paid airfare and accommodations to visit a company and engage their staff — of any kind. Since the event is on behalf of a major trade show, what’s proposed is not technically a junket, and they do appear to be sensitive to editors’ need to steer clear. But there are aspects that certainly feel a bit like it is: CE companies make up the governing board of the trade show, and the offer is to pay my way to Spain to stay at a four-star resort for three days, as well as speaker’s fee (a few thousand) to be on a panel and “share my perspective on US trends” in consumer electronics. (The audience would be comprised of journalists and execs from tech companies participating in said trade show.) There are no expectations of coverage on Engadget, although there will likely be something there worth covering.

Some other big names in the space have apparently received and accepted the offer under what may be different terms. My take? I’m leaning on the side of passing — there might be too many red flags and too much ambiguity. What do you think?

Finally, a (portable) power strip with USB

I was recently on the air talking about the one simple gadget I’ve been after, which, for whatever reason I’ve yet to see a company make: a power strip with USB plugs. Sure, you can buy USB chargers and you can buy power strips, but never really in the same device. USB isn’t exactly going away as a gadget power source, and I have a feeling this are going to be increasingly common, especially now that Belkin finally answered the call with the Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger.

Clear through security?

I tend to travel quite a bit, so Veronica got me thinking about enrolling in Clear, a “fast lane” for frequent fliers that supposedly lets the registered and approved breeze through airport security in mere minutes. The Clear security machines are only present at a few airports, and from what I can tell, you’re charged by the year and for a one-time TSA vetting fee (together $128); the DoHS gets a bunch of personal data about you, including a number of biometrics (iris scan, fingerprints, photograph).

If you’re approved for Clear, according to their site, you and your belongings still have to pass through the usual metal detectors and X-ray screenings; it seems like the only real bonus is that the Clear are shorter (usually non-existent), and there are attendants to assist Clear members with packing / unpacking their belongings for scanning. Of course, besides all the obvious privacy concerns, the vaguely creepy statement that Clear members are “continuously reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security” doesn’t leave me super excited. Clear maintains that its privacy policy is straightforward and progressive, though.

Maybe I naturally lean more to the tinfoil hat end of the spectrum, but is the trade-off of privacy really worth the claimed expediency? Any Clear members, what are your thoughts?

New York: ex-lover, tomorrow’s destination

Headed out to New York tomorrow for the Greener Gadgets Conference, which I expect should be really enlightening. As usual, not staying nearly long enough to fall back in love — but I’ll definitely be around more than long enough to remember how freezing cold it gets.

It’s fortuitous timing, though, because that during my last visit in November I was profiled by On The Inside, which just went live this month. It’s probably way more detail than anyone really wants about me and my relationship with The City (still, thanks Thomas!), but the idea is to get a window into one’s relationship with New York through the recommendation of some off the beaten track spots. Some of mine that made it in are: Barcade, Otafuku, the MoMA Design Store, and May Wah.

Greetings from Japan!

Hard to believe, but we’ve been in Japan almost two weeks now. (See how well we’ve asimilated?) Things have been pretty busy since we’ve been gone, but with Veronica officially headed home to the States, now sounds like a good time for a quick recap on the trip thus far. See if you notice any trends*.

Sept 19 - Land, take the NEX to Shinjuku, get lost trying to find the hotel, miss the PlayStation party, eat an extraordinarily expensive sashimi dinner.
Sept 20 - Meet up with Ittousai, hit Tokyo Game Show (including Kaz Hirai’s opening speech). Later: Akihabara run, but nothing is purchased.
Sept 21 - TGS day two, head to pick up rental cellphones, get seriously lost, head back for Microsoft’s press shindig, get back to hotel and collapse.
Sept 22 - Meiji-jingu temple, quick run through of Omotesando (shopping area), a bit of time spent marveling at the “colorful” Harajuku kids, plenty more time spent hanging around Roppongi, Daikonyama, and Ebisu.
Sept 23 - A little shopping in Shibuya, Yoyogi park area fun-fest (including Japanese greasers, street musicians, and the weekly yard sale en masse), lunch with Tyler and a really fun, helpful, and completely random Japanese girl (Miho-san), then Shinkansen to Kyoto. More…