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__ Best __
__ Kiddie Pools __
First Class:
__Sevylor Oval Pool __
Lounging poolside takes on a new meaning with the Sevylor, a swank inflatable number with sides sturdy enough to sit on. Just 8.3 feet long and 21 inches deep, this swimming hole is made from heavy-gauge PVC - ideal for when that game of Marco Polo gets a bit crazy. Pick up the electric inflator and almost 200 gallons of summer relief are just minutes away.
Business Class:
__Step-Up Slide/Big Splash Center __
Cranky toddlers can cool more than their heels in this water wonderland. Geared toward kids ages 11/2 to 5, Step2's slide/pool combo is made of heavy-duty plastic. The steps are even treaded so that Junior won't slip while scrambling to be next down the 4-foot chute.
Coach:
__Elephant Character Spray Pool __
You just can't beat a giant purple plastic pool in the shape of a pachyderm. A garden hose fits in the beast's snout to make a splash in this mini water world. What's more, the elephant's schnozzle is strong enough to hold a young child. Made of high-density polyethylene, the 60-inch-wide pool has room for the whole gang.
__ Roof Racks __
First Class:
__Porsche Roof Transport System __
Because roof rack design hasn't changed much during the last five years, the curvaceous new Porsche setup truly stands out. Custom-built for the Boxster, this carrier follows the automobile's contours for reduced wind noise - with the top on or off. Of course, you have to own a Boxster to use it, but that seems a small price to pay.
Business Class:
__Yakima __
Whatever your sport, Yakima has a way to carry the gear. The new versatile AnkleBiter bicycle mount, for example, fits (finally) full-suspension and BMX bikes. Another accessory, the HullyRoller, lets you strap a sea kayak on the roof without breaking a sweat. But the rowing is all you.
826 8000.
Coach:
__HandiRack __
A blow-up roof rack? Delcor's versatile HandiRack includes two inflatable tubes, made of laminated PVC, that take shape with a little pumping or puffing. Flaps at the ends of the tubes fasten inside the car, and tie-downs secure skis, bikes, or even lumber. The HandiRack is cheap and easily removable, and it fits neatly in your trunk.
__ Laptops __
First Class:
__ThinkPad 770ED __
The ThinkPad 770ED keeps you going all week long. One day you're delivering a client presentation on its monster 14.1-inch screen, the next you're using Windows NT apps over the office network. When the weekend approaches, sneak the laptop home to show your family DVD movies, taking advantage of the MPEG-2 chip, Dolby Digital sound, and S-Video port to the TV.
Business Class:
__GoBook __
With laptop makers in a frenzy over the battery-sucking Pentium II chip, it's time to regain focus. Portables, after all, are for portability. Micron's radically sensible GoBook gets back to basics with a long battery life (up to 11 hours) and a light load in your luggage (either 4.5 pounds or 6.75 pounds with extra battery).
Coach:
__Compaq Armada 4131T __
Trust us: Look to the twilight of every Compaq product cycle, where you'll discover the best for less. For example, last year the bright-eyed 133-MHz Armada 4131T set forth at US$4,299. Today, it costs about 900 bucks. As more of the company's quality laptops wash up on the sub-$1,000 shore, you should be there to scoop them up.
