IMAC G5 WHERE’S THE COMPUTER?
The self-contained iMac G5 has more than just an innovative design. Suspended from an anodized aluminum stand, the G5 combines the CPU, motherboard, and drives inside its 2-inch-thick wide-screen monitor. Thanks to its faster processor, consumers can retouch photos, talk with friends, and surf the Internet at the same time. (Starting at $1,299; www.apple.com)
tech the halls
IPOD LOOK AND LISTEN
This latest version of the ubiquitous iPod solidifies Apple’s dominance in the MP3 player kingdom. The lighter, thinner iPod makes the most of your music experience by letting you watch music videos and TV shows on the move. The 60GB model features a 2.5-inch color display, supports up to 150 hours of video, holds 15,000 songs, and stores up to 25,000 photos. ($299 for 30GB; $399 for 60GB; www.apple.com)
VAIO BX540 TAILORED FOR SMALL BUSINESS
As part of Sony’s BX Professional Series, the VAIO BX540 is designed to meet the needs of the mobile business professional. The portable laptop’s integrated SmartWi Technology allows Internet access across the office or across the country. An integrated biometric fingerprint sensor ensures controlled access to your computer and protects critical data. (Starting at $1,299; www.sony.com/vaiobx)
TREO 650 SMARTPHONE PLAYING IT SMART
This smart phone from Palm continues to lead the pack as one of the best all-in-one communicators. It is sure to simplify the life of any business professional by combining a compact mobile phone with e-mail, an organizer, messaging, and Web access. This model offers a high-resolution display, a faster processor, Bluetooth wireless technology, Palm OS 5.4, and a removable battery. Don’t just talk the talk. Treo 650 lets you transfer MP3s from your desktop or use the built-in digital camera to snap pictures and capture video. (Starting at $399; www.palm.com/us
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SAMSUNG SYNCMASTER 242MP WORK OR PLAY?
What doesn’t this product do is the real question. The HDTV-ready Samsung SyncMaster 242MP allows users to watch their favorite television show while simultaneously completing a database for work. It serves as a large-screen LCD computer monitor and a full-featured television. (Starting at $1,700; www.samsung.com)
DISKGO! USB 2.0 FLASH DRIVE PLUS INK PEN WRITES A LOT MORE
An ink pen at first glance, the dual usage EDGE DiskGo! is also a USB Flash drive. The datastorage capacity, which ranges from 32MB to 1GB, can hold PowerPoint presentations, important spreadsheets, MP3 files, and images. This unique writing tool is perfect for the traveling business executive who wants to make the presentation and sign the contract without missing a beat. (Starting at $29.95 for 32MB; www.edgetechcorp.com
MOTOROLA RAZR V3 SPECIAL EDITION BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL
Do you want to make an impression? This ultra-thin flip phone is sure to turn a few heads. The Motorola Razr V3 includes a camera with 4x digital zoom, MPEG4 video playback, and Bluetooth wireless technology. Currently, only available through Cingular Wireless. ($199.99; www.motorola.com)
PIONEER AVIC-N2 GOING PLACES
Enhance your driving experience with Pioneer’s In-Dash DVD Multimedia AV Navigation Receiver. It’s much more than a GPS system. This all-in-one navigation unit has playback capabilities for CDs, DVDs, and MP3 files. It also features an optional XM satellite radio tuner. You can listen to detailed traffic information in major cities with the XM NavTraffic service. ($2,200; www.pioneerelectronics.com)
TECHWATCH
XBOX 360 NOT JUST FOR THE KIDS
This next-generation video game console is much
PLAYSTATION PORTABLE (PSP) STARTING A REVOLUTION
This was one of the most highly anticipated portable gaming devices to hit stores this year. The all-in-one handheld system from Sony delivers a PlayStation 2-like gaming experience with an impressive screen display, built-in wireless capabilities, MP3 and video playback, and image viewer. Upcoming features and downloads are sure to make the PSP a hot item for some time. ($249.99; www.us.playstation.com)