__ Fetish - F E T I S H __
__ Beam Screen __
Projection television has finally seen the future. Sony has replaced the bulky, conventional picture tube with three LCDs measuring 1.35 inches diagonally. Each LCD is assigned to one of the primary chrominance signals red, green, and blue and a dichroic prism recombines the output into a full-color image. How's that for a science lesson? Currently on sale only in Japan (a 37-inch screen is ¥330,000, about US$3,260), these projection TVs are less than 15.5 inches deep, sport a 600-line resolution, and include a 3-D sound system. Sony Corp.: (800) 222 7669.
__ Dem Bones __
Meiwa Denki is a Japanese performance and musical group whose name is often mistaken for that of an electronics firm (denki means electric machinery). Rather than change its name, the group decided to develop a line of "art-utility goods." Its first release: the Na Cord, an extension cord shaped like a fish skeleton (na is a pronunciation of the Japanese character for fish). Its eyes even light up when plugged in. Piles of power cords are an eyesore, but chains of fish skeletons? Na Cord: approximately ¥5,000 (US$50). Sony Music Entertainment: +011 (81) 3 3266 5799, fax +011 (81) 3 3288 7255.
__ Wireless Wandering __
Nobody sits at a desk all day anymore, so why tether a computer there? Instead of burdening workers with PDAs and new software, Zenith has developed MultiCruise, a system that frees PCs to follow their users around the office. Wireless CruisePADs let employees run Windows-based sessions off a central server; unlike other PDAs, MultiCruise utilizes all your existing Windows programs. And the server's the only computer you have to maintain. Suddenly a regular network doesn't seem like such a bargain. MultiCruise: US$68,575 for a typical 30-user system, options vary. Zenith Data Systems: (800) 582 0524, on the Web at www.zds.com/.
__ Porta-Power __
Remember when having a portable stereo the size of a Yugo was the pinnacle of cool? HeadRoom offers a line of industrial-strength accessories that'll make your portable CD player sound the way it should have when you bought it. The Traveller with 580s includes a pair of Sennheiser 580s headphones, the HeadRoom Supreme headphone amplifier, D-cell battery module, carrying case, cable, and a 12-CD wallet. Maybe you can take it with you. Traveller with Sennheiser 580s: US$799. HeadRoom Corp.: (800) 828 8184.
__ Vertical Computing __
When the computer leaves the desktop, most folk assume that means portables. Why not take a shorter leap and move that box of wires onto the wall? Vent Design Associates's PC is part of GE Plastics's concept house of the future, built in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The vertical case houses a printer and a CD-ROM jukebox, while the wireless screen and keyboard sit on the desk. It's PC as home appliance, a concept that doesn't seem that far-fetched when you recall that some people think smart refrigerators are an idea whose time has come. Vent Design Associates: +1 (408) 559 4015, fax +1 (408) 559 4036.
__ Hold Everything! __
While there's a clicker for everything these days and they always seem to end up between the couch cushions PC VisionTouch may be the only control module you need. It consolidates the basics (VCR, TV, stereo) but goes much further in its quest to add virtuality to your pad. Using a PC as its nerve center, this mother of all remotes allows you to program up to 120 aspects of your home the lights, the burglar alarm, even the coffeemaker. Now, where did I put that little thing? PC VisionTouch: approximately US$300. Sony: (800) 222 7669.
__ Big Band, Little Band __
The trumpet is the flower of the band. But finding a place to practice isn't easy. Unless your nearest neighbors live miles away, some unfortunate soul will always suffer as you honk away. The folks at Yamaha feel your neighbor's pain. The Silent Brass System plugs into the bell of your bugle, acting as a mute. But it also connects to a mixer and headphones that provide a practice session only you can hear. Bring a few friends over, run an electric guitar or keyboard through the mixer, and presto! You've got an instant rock band a surprisingly quiet one. Silent Brass System: $US299. Yamaha Corp.: +1 (714) 522 9011.
__ Über Newt __
Drop your Newton and there's a good chance it's toast. Digital Ocean builds Newtons for those who can't worry about pampering their PDAs. The Seahorse wraps a Newton MessagePad in a rugged rubber sheath, offers extended battery power and a range of communications options, including wireless LAN, CDPD modem, GPS, and diffused infrared. If Timex made computers, this would be its flagship model. Seahorse: US$2,100. Digital Ocean: +1 (913) 888 3380, fax +1 (913) 888 3342, on the Web at www.digocean.com/.
__ Hard Disk __
FieldWorks positions the FW5000 as the "suburban utility vehicle" of computer notebooks. When you sell computer systems that are up to military snuff, you can say stuff like that. The FW5000's one-piece, magnesium-alloy chassis will withstand up to 100 Gs of operating shock, and the system is internally cooled so dust and with an optional package rain never get a chance to muck up your hardware. And the FW5000 includes additional options for CD-ROM drives, expansion cards, and processor upgrades. If you've got to lug a laptop around, why not pack one that can hit the road literally? It's a great party trick. FW5000: US$4,995. FieldWorks Inc.: +1 (612) 947 0856, fax +1 (612) 947 0859.
__ That's Some BBQ __
Lugging around a messy pint-size grill is no way to enjoy your summer. Step up to Belson's Mobile II Porta-Grill II. The Porta-Grill has 12-inch tires, dual tail-brake lights, a 1 7/8-inch coupler, and a swing-tongue jack. When you get right down to it, there is no substitute for superior grilling equipment. Mobile II Porta-Grill II: US$3,353. Belson Manufacturing Co. Inc.: (800) 323 5664, +1 (708) 897 8489, on the Web at webmart.freedom.net /belson/.
__ Race Tracing __
Ever created three-dimensional models? No, of course not. The mere idea is user-unfriendly. But the MicroScribe-3D might change your mind. This balanced, robotlike arm is a high-precision digitizing instrument that simplifies the modeling process down to tracing an object's contours. The MicroScribe is accurate to within .017 inches and comes with a choice of digitizing software. Remember, the time you save might be your own. MicroScribe-3D for Mac and PC: US$3,495. Immersion Corp.: +1 (408) 467 1900, on the Web at www.immerse.com/.
__ Ducks in a Row __
Everyone says their product is amazing. But Bang & Olufsen's BeoSound 9000 six-disc CD changer delivers. Under its translucent cover, six CDs fit snugly inside individual slots. The 9000 can sit flat, mount on the wall, or stand on its side attached to an optional stand. Best of all, Bang & Olufsen's design avoids the black-box pretension that usually surrounds audio equipment, while retaining the same mystery and awe that surrounds classic cars like the Thunderbird. BeoSound 9000: US$4,000. Bang & Olufsen: (800) 323 0378.
Thanks to Larry Smith, John S. Couch, Chiyo Toda, and Wired Japan.
