Gaga for Gadgets

By Rachael Logan

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Savvy consumers can gear up for the latest and greatest gadgets making headlines in 2007, which offer entertainment and accessibility at home and on the go:

mp3 player

For the on-the-go music lover, a portable mp3 player is a must. Sound quality, size, capacity and extra features vary from product to product, but no matter what consumers are looking for, they are bound to find it in one of the many models on the market.

One of the most innovative of these products is the Sandisk Sansa Connect mp3 player. It is the first in Sandisk's Wi-Fi based audio line and offers 4 GB of space, meaning it can hold about 2,000 songs. As well, the Sansa Connect gives consumers access to Internet radio and can store and display photos on a 2.2 inch color screen. The mp3 player sells for about $250 direct from Sandisk online.

Home entertainment

Apple recently introduced its latest in home entertainment sharing with Apple TV. This device allows consumers to wirelessly sync information stored on their computers to a home television screen. The steps are simple - download movies, TV shows or music videos from Apple's iTunes, then sit back as Apple TV syncs the information for you to watch on your full-size television, all with a handy Apple TV remote. Retail price from Apple is $299.

Camcorder

HD (high-definition) technology offers higher resolution and excellent color quality in the handheld Sony HDR-HC7 camcorder. The camcorder is relatively small and light, which is great for families always on the move. The product boasts a two-megapixel view screen component and offers slow shutter speed for when lighting is low. Sony projects that the camcorder will make the shelves in February for about $1,400.

Gaming system

Family time and video games come together with Nintendo's latest addition to the gaming world, Wii.

This video gaming console provides much more than your ordinary unit with a variety of features - including a handheld remote and access to Internet updates.

The best thing about Wii is its interactive capability. Sitting on the couch for hours playing games is no more - as Wii's motion- sensitive remote gets you up and moving for games such as bowling or boxing.

As well, the unit comes ready to go with an interactive Wii Menu, which sets up entertainment and information channels for gaming and downloads updates automatically - even when the console is turned off.

The entire Wii package, including remote and accessories, sells for about $550.

Mobile phones

Technology to keep you connected while away from home is getting better all the time, and two new mobile phone devices are making their mark in 2007.

Apple's new iPhone combines multiple advances in technology as a mobile phone, an iPod mp3 player and a high-quality communications device.

As a mobile device, the iPhone lets consumers point, click and call with just the touch of a finger and allows you to browse through voice messages with the same ease as checking your e-mail inbox.

The iPhone works as a widescreen iPod, providing easy syncing capability so you can catch movies, music or TV shows downloaded on iTunes. For Internet communications, the iPhone is multitask ready and works with Web browser Safari with built-in Google or Yahoo search engines.

The 4GB all-in-one device sells at a steep $499 and will be available through Cingular Wireless in June.

The Verizon V Cast Mobile TV provides consumers with the ability to watch high-resolution quality television and movies on one of the company's supported mobile phones. This product allows you to bring your television with you wherever you go.

Live, full- length TV programs will stream to your phone with ease on this convenient device, which is expected to be available by the end of March.

Global Positioning Satellite

GPS in-auto systems are making day-to-day life easier for everyone, whether you're on a long road trip or just trying to get to work.

The Dash Express from Dash Navigation is one portable navigation device with two-way cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity. When receiving traffic information, the Dash Express compiles not only historical traffic data but also real-time traffic data through its connection with other Dash users and Yahoo Local service.

As well, consumers can download data to their home computer and send it to the Dash Express, foregoing the need to program specific locations into the device itself.

The device will be available in March, and pricing information will be available closer to its release date.

Rachael Logan be reached

at (785) 295-5617.

(c) 2007 Topeka Capital Journal. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.