Fetish
Burnt
It once seemed silly that the music industry would balk at selling CD-recorders to consumers. Then the price of hard drives dropped, followed by the cost of CD-R drives, and now anyone can record their own CDs. Philips EasyWriter is a case in point. A double-speed writer (six-speed reader), this component will burn CDs in under 20 minutes, and the bundled software is simple to master. Now, you've got the power. Philips EasyWriter CD-Recorder: under US$599. Philips Electronics: (800) 235 7373, +1 (408) 453 7373, on the Web at pps.philips.com/.
Manage
Despite weighing in at a mere 490 grams, Sharp's MI-10 Color Zaurus is a true heavyweight in the world of personal information tools. The MI-10 offers a 5-inch screen displaying more than 65,000 colors, a built-in browser, pen-based interface, send/receive fax and email, voice memo, and video capture. A slide-show feature lets you present your business over a three-martini lunch. Now that deserves a toast! MI-10 Color Zaurus: &YEN120,000 (US$1,200). Sharp Electronics Corp.: +81 (06) 621 1221, on the Web at www.sharp.co.jp/.
Reconstruct
Take your average mini hi-fi stack, affix two Wellington boots, apply the odd curve, and spray liberally with silver paint. Et voilà! You've just designed the PA1 Max portable stereo from Grundig. The PA1 Max does all the things any self-respecting late-1990s stereo is expected to do and has the added bonus of looking completely bonkers. PA1 Max: &POUND329.99 (US$550). Grundig: +44 (17) 88 577 155.
Sky
If you need truly global digital communications, the Nera WorldPhone Office is your baby. As small and light as a notebook PC, this slinky satellite phone leverages the high-powered spot-beam technology deployed in the Inmarsat communications satellites to minimize power consumption and antenna size. Nera WorldPhone Office: US$4,000 to $5,000 plus subscription to Station 12; Altus service US$25 per month, and $3 per minute. Station 12: +31 (255) 545 111, email station12@pi.net.
Fun
Polaroid cameras are entertaining, but now Fisher-Price offers an interesting alternative. The Creative Effects Fun PhotoMaker is an instant camera that combines fax and photo technology, allowing you to instantly print snapshots with different borders. When you get tired of the standard borders, just buy a new Hot Wheels or Barbie border cartridge for 36 more frames of fun. Creative Effects Fun PhotoMaker: US$49.99. Fisher-Price Inc.: (800) 432 5437, +1 (716) 687 3000.
Plow
Winter's about over - the best time to go shopping for next season. If you find yourself buried in snow drifts, you might want to pick up the Driv'nPlow from Solotec. A seriously creative solution to blocked driveways, the Driv'nPlow attaches to your car or truck, allowing you to clear a path while sipping coffee in the comfort of your driver's seat. There's no better way to beat - really beat - the elements. Driv'nPlow: US$299.96. Some cars will need an accessory kit, $146.96. Solotec: (888) 765 6832, email drivnplow@ solotec.com.
Slap
Force feedback devices have been touted as the next step in computer interaction. They allow the PC to provide you with detailed sensory input you just can't get from screens or speakers. Now Immersion has hit the consumer market with the ForceFX joystick. Designed with the company's I-Force protocol, ForceFX offers jolt, vector force, vibration, spring, and buffeting effects. Keep in mind that force feedback isn't supported by all games, but that will change. ForceFX: US$249.95. CH Products: +1 (619) 598 2518, on the Web at www.force-feedback .com/.
Accompaniment
While most organizers keep track of appointments and phone numbers, Roland's PMA-5 helps arrange your songs. This tiny package contains an eight-track sequencer with 306 GM/GS instrument sounds and 16 drum sets as well as Roland's intelligent arranger with 100 musical styles. Once you get used to its touchscreen, you'll probably find that the PMA-5 is the perfect portable assistant for composing and arranging anywhere. Roland PMA-5 Personal Musical Assistant: US$595. Roland Corp.: +1 (213) 685 5141, on the Web at www.rolandus.com/.
Super
There was a time when 3-D graphics meant workstations, which meant big bucks. But everything in the technological universe seems to fall - even the price of an SGI. The new O2 workstations are powered by fast 64-bit mips R5000 or R10000 processors and include an ultrafast and wide SCSI implementation and a 64-bit PCI expansion bus. And the price, considering the package, is more than right - it's tasty. O2: from US$5,995. Silicon Graphics Inc.: (800) 800 7441, +1 (415) 960 1980, on the Web at www.sgi.com/.
Shell
Apple's back in the PDA game with a new product resembling a Newton for kids. It's EMate 300, an economic computing solution for educators looking to get their students wired. Its rugged design and long battery life were built for the classroom. The EMate retains the familiar touchscreen and Newton OS while adding a keyboard and a package of software titles that should make it easier to get kids connected and keep them that way. EMate 300: under US$800. Apple Computer: (800) 800 2775, +1 (408) 996 1010, on the Web at newton.info.apple.com/.
Stylus
Those seeking gifts for impending graduates will heave a sigh of relief to learn the pen has not fallen out of favor - it has merely changed form. The Cross DigitalWriter offers all the corporate sleekness of its analog forefathers but is designed to be used with any personal digital assistant. Its unique polymeric stylus, which can be inserted in most standard Cross pens, promises a superior pen-on-paper feel on your PDA's slippery plastic screen. Cross DigitalWriter: US$17.75 to $300. A. T. Cross Co.: (800) 510 9660, +1 (401) 333 1200.
Nub
There are big joysticks, and there are little ones. But none are as innovative as the CursorStick, a tiny joystick that fits over the arrow keys on a standard keyboard, allowing you to easily move that cursor around to play games or draw. The CursorStick is adjustable and removes easily when you don't need it - what more could you want? Oh yeah, it's cheap, too. CursorStick: US$10. Available through AMR Computer Parts: (888) 428 7767, +1 (561) 589 2853, on the Web at www.vetrol.com /business/amr.htm.
