Mega Roundup: Part 4

Collection of 2007's best Gadgets, Goods and Gizmos

On the Run


Ultramobile personal computers usually end up being too much of a compromise to competently fill any one use. But with an integrated qwerty thumb-keyboard, 4.5-hour battery life, three-gigabyte cellular data, plus Wi-Fi and a powerful yet battery-sipping Intel chipset driving Windows Vista—all in a 1.5-pound package—Samsung's latest offering may buck the trend. A webcam, microphone and fingerprint reader are also crammed in. Q1 Ultra From $800; samsung.com



The Power Artist


It's pretty clear that cellphone batteries are the most inefficient product known to mankind-leave the phone on standby, refuse to take any calls, and it's still drained by the end of the day. Use the phone for talking, and expect to have the battery die in the midst of a very important conversation. Now a partnership among Philips, Energizer and Techtium has produced a phone whose battery lasts a month on one charge. If you still can't give it a decent charge in that time frame, backup comes in the form of a single AAA battery, which gives you another week to find your charger. Xenium Price not set; available in the winter; philips.com







Say Where


Nowadays you can find a wide-angle lens, high-luminance flash and water-resistant body on just about any old camerabut onboard GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth? Slightly rarer. This camera automatically records the coordinates of each image or video it takes, and bundled software automatically embeds your shots in digital maps that then display thumbnails when the tagged location is scrolled over. Ricoh 500SE From $900; ricohsolutions.com/geo





Hot Hands


Blowing on clenched fists may be the international symbol of cold-weather conditions, but the clammy chill that follows often does more harm than good. Contain that precious body heat with these gloves, equipped with a special valve that receives your warm exhalations, spreading them throughout the glove's inner linings. Gorgonz Pro 805 Exhale $40; gorgonz.com




Tight Squeeze


If your idea of organizing a closet entails the ol' toss-everything-in-and-hope-the-door- holds method, these organizers will fit right into your scheme. Made of a flexible foam-like material called Arpro, these wedge-shaped modular organizers support themselves by squeezing into any available space. Order from chaos! Make/Shift Shelving System $64; movisi.com




Solar Glares, Icy Stairs


Just when we thought we'd finally gotten it straight-solar power: good; air conditioners: bad-we encounter this shockingly low-consumption AC wired for solar or DC renewable power. Even if you're stuck with an ordinary power supply, this air conditioner uses 80 percent less power than average. Especially handy is the on-board battery that lasts 24 hours between charges. So next time there's a county-wide blackout that neatly coincides with the summer's worst heat wave, you can rest easy. Millennia 4.0 $3,500; solcool.net







Fuss-Free Focus


Video chats made clear and simple: This webcam is the first model for PCs that has autofocus and requires no software. Creative Live! Cam Optia AF $130; creative.com







Conversation Hog


A motorcycle helmet doesnt have much space for gadgets, so this Bluetooth headset does double duty. It answers cellphone calls and communicates with an included passengers headset over a radio intercom. Cardo Scala-Rider TeamSet $230; cardowireless.com




Juicy


Its a sad truth, but juicers have been neglected by the technology gods over the years. In a world in which coffee machines are embellished with tiny computers and LCD screens, the juice maker is a sorry sight. Finally, a juicer fit for the 21st century has arrived. With five variable speeds, a backlit control panel that displays fruit recommendations based on drink, and a nearly silent motor, the travails of juicing can be relegated to the past. ikon Juice Fountain Plus $250; breville.com.au








Coffee's On


Ah, coffee: so vital, yet still such an imperfect science. This machine blends the control of a percolator with the ease of those single-serving pod things that can't quite seem to take off. Pop in a coffee or tea pouch, select your desired amount, temperature and strength, and press start. One pouch is good for 18 cups and is self-sealing-so if you somehow suck down less than 18 cups in a single morning, it's good for the next day, week or month. Beveo Coffee & Tea Maker $180; beveo.com







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