You know mobile devices are getting smarter when you don’t need to touch them or use voice commands to get them to obey. Case in point: Sony Ericsson’s Z555i (www.sonyericsson.com; $159 MSRP, cheaper with a carrier contract). The EDGE/GSM/GPRS tri-band phone (which also comes with a 1.3-megapixel digital camera) has what the company calls Gesture Control, a feature that lets you mute the phone, hit the snooze button, or silence the ringtone with a slight wave of the hand.
The slim clamshell device also features an attractive design that sparkles with personality in Dusted Rose or Diamond Black and a hidden display for a seamless finish. The Z555i provides up to 8.4 hours of talk time and up to 360 hours in standby mode. It also features 12MB internal memory capacity plus a removable memory stick to store your favorite music or other digital media.
Tag, You’re It
For owners of iPods and other MP3 players, JBL’s On Time 400IHD digital sound system gives new meaning to the term “instant gratification.” The system lets you listen to subscription-free HD radio stations and tag music you hear on the radio via a Tag button; the device then stores that information for later purchase via iTunes. The device is compatible with most docking versions of the iPod, and a stereo mini jack connection lets you connect CD players, desktop computers (all platforms), satellite radio, and laptops. (www.jbl.com; $299.95)
Bag It Up
In a time of backpacks and messenger bags, Belkin’s new Laptop Hideaway is a welcome break. The stylish laptop storage bag helps you keep your portable PC and accessories organized in simple style. The Hideaway accommodates standard and wide-screen laptops up to 15.5 inches, and is available in chocolate/tourmaline and khaki/tarragon. (www.belkin.com; $49.99)