popular thinking

NEW AND UNUSUAL GADGETS, A GIFT GUIDE

Here’s what the big kids want (Boston Herald)
Anyone can tell you to buy the new Microsoft Xbox 360, which debuts today. Or, if you want an iPod, you have several models to choose from now, and several more to choose from if you wait another - oh, wait, Apple just announced another new version of its popular portable mp3 player.
But there are other gadgets to consider this holiday season.

Electric Footwear Dryers ($39.50) - Available in red or blue, these aluminum gizmos slip into your soggy shoes after you’ve slushed around town (or the driveway), emitting 8 watts of warm air that both dries shoes and zaps bacteria, so your shoes don’t stink later. Available at www.wishingfish.com

Fly Pentop Computer ($99.99) - Initially marketed for those ages 8 to 14, this pen interacts with accompanying LeapFrog-made paper as a PDA without the screen. Write down your schedule and the pen will give you audio reminders. Draw a piano and the pen will let you play and record music with it. Go to www.flypentop.com

iRobot Scooba ($399.99) - From the folks who brought you Roomba, here comes Scooba, the floor-washing robot. Fill the tank with nonbleach Clorox solution, press the clean button and watch it wash and dry the floors. Limited quantities available online at www.irobot.com

Keychain Digital Camera ($19.99) - Philips makes this stocking stuffer, dubbed ”the world’s smallest digital camera” at 2.25 inches by .75 inches by 1.5 inches. Stores as many as 81 pics with 2MB memory. Also can serve as a Web cam or video camera. Available at the Discovery Store.

LighTalk LED Scanner ($39.99) - Draw within an area of 4 inches by 7 inches, scan the image with this gizmo, then wave the scanner back and forth in the air and presto change-o, your drawing appears in glowing orange LED display. Go to www.thinkgeek.com

Logitech Wireless iPod Headphones ($149.99) - Of all the iPod gadgetry that’s out there, these wireless iPod headphones, using Bluetooth technology, make the most sense. This will make you stand out from the grey earbud crowd. Available at most retailers. Go to www.logitech.com

Nabaztag ($114) - The French (the French!) are responsible for this WiFi white rabbit that glows in different colors, wiggles its ears and can tell you the weather or alert you to incoming e-mail, all in English. Go to www.nabaztag.com

Podcast Factory ($180) - For those of you who don’t already have a microphone, mp3 voice recorder and compatible software, this package from M-Audio bundles it all together to simplify the process of launching your own online broadcast network. Go to www.m-audio.com

Slingbox ($250) - Watch your home TV programming from anywhere else in the world using this revolutionary device. It looks like candy and it’s the sweetest gizmo we’ve ever seen. Go to www.slingmedia.com

TV-B-Gone ($15.99) - As simple as it sounds. Point this little remote control device at an annoying TV tube and watch it go black. Not recommended in sports bars. Go to www.tvbgone.com