Video glasses have been around since the late 1990's and every time a new model hits the streets there is a brief buzz followed by a collective sigh of disappointment. Early adopters, which means you, are often looking for that shiney new technological wonder that they saw in a movie or read about in a Sci-fi novel. Unfortunately the technology and applications for video glasses have long trailed behind the imagined reality.

Fortunately that is starting to change. With the widespread adoption of smart mobile devices like the iPhone and the tsunami of high quality online content tech companies are bringing slick looking video glasses to market based on a new generation of LCOS displays.

So here are the top things to consider when buying video glasses today.

Resolution
Buy video glasses with the best possible resolution. As of November 2009 that's around 920,000 pixels. With this much detail your iPhone videos will be bright and sharp.

Output
If you plan to use your video glasses with an iPhone or other smart phone be sure to check that the model comes with the correct adaptors for your device. This is especially true for the iPhone.

If you plan to hook up to a computer look for models with a VGA output and be prepared for a maximum resolution of around 800 x 600.

Comfort and Style
Chances are that you will be using these with your iPhone in public so, be prepared for odd looks, and consider one of the newer more stylish models from companies like Myvu or Vuzix. Comfort is crucial since you will be wearing them for extended periods of time. Look for a local dealer and see if you can try them on before buying. If you do buy before trying, be sure to test them out before the return period expires just in case it's a really bad fit. This could be a problem if you are buying them as a gift.

Keeping these three things in mind will help you to find a decent set of video glasses. And be sure to check our reviews section and forums for more in-depth information on specific models.

Video Glasses are a type of Head Mounted Display. They are also sometimes called video eyewear, video goggles and personal media viewer. A typical HMD has either one or two small displays with lenses and semi-transparent mirrors embedded in a helmet, eye-glasses or visor. The display units are miniaturised and may include CRT, LCDs, Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCos), or OLED. Some Video Glasses vendors employ multiple micro-displays to increase total resolution and field of view. Video glasses enable smart mobile device users, such as iPhone, iPod, Blackberry or Palm Pre owners to view movies and TV on an 80" virtual screen anywhere any time.

Video glasses can also act as large screen monitor in some cases replacing existing monitors and allowing smart mobile device users, iPhone owners, to experience an augmented reality. Augmented reality refers to the experience of having virtual information superimposed over the real world. For example, the Army uses video glasses and HMD's to show soldiers the location of objects, including friendly and unfriendly troops on a battlefield.

Most video glasses are ultra lightweight and come with built in earphones, iPhone&DVD adapters, battery, USB charger and can be used with a host of MP4 Players or Video Devices.