For the homesick traveler

WowWee Rovio Spy Robot Price: $299.95Order information: www.hammacher.com

Now you can keep an eye on your home from anywhere in the world—without paying a fortune for it. The WowWee is a Wi-Fi-enabled robotic webcam that can be controlled remotely via cell phone, personal computer, or even video game console. A built-in camera streams audio and video, and a two-way microphone allows you to interact in real time with your homebound pet. (Cat-owner results may vary.) Added bonus: The WowWee can take pictures and e-mail them to you.

For the gadget pro

Philips Power2Go Portable ChargerPrice: $130Order information: www.philips.com

The Power2Go is the gadget that keeps all of your other gadgets up and running, no matter where you are. Your mobile phone, digital camera, MP3 player, and wireless handheld device each have separate power adapters, but this all-in-one apparatus allows you to charge each of them in one place—even with no electrical source. You may never curse a misplaced charger again.

At this time of year, being attuned to the technological needs of your practice may seem simple—

it’s tending to the tech needs of your loved ones that can be overwhelming. The following pages are

intended to help you sidestep those seasonal shopping headaches. From iPhone accessories to robotic

dinosaurs, we’ll get you up to speed on the latest in tech gifts and gadgetry this holiday season.

The Lighter Side of Technology

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For the cold college student

dots GlovesPrice: $15-$20Order infor-mation: www.dotsgloves.com

Walking across campus in the middle of winter while fumbling with a touch-screen phone or iPod can be a challenge with thick gloves. These tech-friendly gloves solve the problem with metal dots strategically placed on the fingertips, allowing the wearer to use handheld devices without exposure to the bitter cold. of course, we still can’t promise they’ll call you.

For the adventuresome canine

Zoombak advanced dog locaterPrice: $199 and $10/month for serviceOrder information: www.zoombak.com

Most dog lovers know the feeling of sheer panic when Fido breaks loose from the yard. You can cut his escape route short with the Zoombak Advanced Dog locater. A GPS unit attaches to your

dog’s collar, allowing you to track his exact location via a web map—just like the government does to you. it includes a voice-based service that can help find him if he has roamed from the targeted area.

For the Fitness guru

Numetrex Heart Sensing exercise Fashion GearPrice: $129 (women’s), $185 (men’s)Order information: www.numetrex.com

Available for both men and women, this revolutionary workout wear includes a tiny transmitter that snaps into an inside pocket and is compatible with heart-rate-monitor watches, cardio machines, or other monitoring devices. The transmitter provides information on calorie tracking, percentage of fat burned, and personal target heart rates. Best of all: it does not keep track of calories consumed.

For the Bicycling audiophile

CyFiPrice: $199.95 (iPod version), $179.95 (Bluetooth version)Order information: www.mycyfi.com

Now you can hear your favorite music while you ride—and share it with the rest of the park too! The CyFi is marketed as the world’s first wireless sports speaker for outdoor sports activities. it supports all music-carrying devices, and Bluetooth-enabled cell phones and PDAs. About the size of a deck of cards and weighing less than 4 ounces, the speaker can be mounted to a bicycle or backpack. Designed as a safer alternative to riding with headphones, but not quite as safe as riding with no music at all.

For the slightly too oBsessive Fitness guru

FitBit TrackerPrice: $99Order information: www.fitbit.com

The FitBit Tracker automatically monitors and wirelessly uploads data about the user’s fitness level from an ultra-compact wireless wearable device. About the size of a pack of matches but way less flammable, the FitBit tracks all your activities, whether you are awake or asleep, including exercise intensity level, calories burned, sleep quality, number of steps, and distance. it’s not available till early 2009, but the manufacturer is accepting preorders now.

For the dedicated driver

Titan exhaust air Jack Price: $119Order information: www.airjackusa.com

For all the refinements in auto technology, it’s amazing that nobody has improved the cumbersome car jack. Now they have: The Titan exhaust Air Jack connects to your exhaust pipe, which inflates an air bag that lifts your car 17 inches above the ground in less than 30 seconds. it even works in mud and on uneven ground, where standard jacks can be unsafe. Being stranded by the roadside has never been this much fun!

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For the nostalgic road-tripper

Knight Rider GPSPrice: $269.99Order information: www.knightridergps.com

Just in time for the unlikely resurgence of the hit ’80s series, this GPS navigation unit guides your path with the voice of William

Daniels, the original voice of K.i.T.T., the most personable automobile this side of Speed Buggy. And it’s more than just reconstituted ’80s fluff: The GPS boasts fast and accurate reception, high-quality mapping,

and a comprehensive points-of-interest database from a 4.3-inch widescreen lCD display. it may not be exactly the kind of thing you’d want to admit owning, but it could be a secret worth keeping.

For the youtuBe enthusiast

Flip Video MiniPrice: $179.99Order information: www.flipvideo.com

The Flip video Mini is an easy-to-use, portable video recorder that fits in your pocket. its flip-out USB arm allows you to view, edit, and upload videos to popular video-sharing sites. it’s the perfect way to make your favorite YouTube fanatic even less productive.

For the roaming coach potato

Slingbox Pro-HdPrice: $299.99Order information: www.slingmedia.com

The first of its kind made for high-definition viewing, the Slingbox Pro-HD is a must-have for the techno-savvy Tv devotee. it streams media directly from your PC to a Tv, or from one Tv to another. Now you can access the programs you recorded on your living room Dvr on another Tv in the house—or to a Tv across the world—and in crystal-clear high definition. There’s never been a better time to waste your day watching television.

For the long-distance grandparent

Smartparts Wi-Fi framePrice: $149.99Order information: www.smartpartsproducts.com

it’s no longer enough for digital picture frames to cascade through a series of stored photos. Now you can e-mail new photos to the frame using a built-in Wi-Fi connection. it features an 8-inch lCD display with 800x600 screen resolution, stores up to 5,000 pictures, and is compatible with compact flash and SD memory cards. Just don’t misplace the instructions.

For the eco-Friendly commuterSchwinn Tailwide e-bike hybridPrice: $3,199.99Order information: www.schwinnbike.com

Hybrid cars are so 2007. Now Schwinn is offering the first e-bike hybrid, which can be operated in either motor-assist mode or as a conventional bike. The battery can be recharged in as little as 30 minutes, making

it possible to ride to work and recharge in time to cruise home at the end of the day. (equally possible is your ability to tell everyone you’re an avid cyclist when you’re actually an avid bicycle passenger.) Not available until early 2009, but pre-orders are now being accepted.

For the sleepy showerer

led Shower lightPrice: $39.99Order information: www.thinkgeek.com

Waking up early is bad enough; being greeted by the skin-shredding sensation of a frigid shower should be illegal. This temperature-sensitive fixture filters the water in colors that correspond to the heat: You’ll see a blue light until it warms to 89 degrees fahrenheit; when it switches to red, you’re ready to hop in. Also great for shower parties.

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For the Frustrated iphoner

Pogo iPhone StylusPrice: $19.99Order information: www.thinkgeek.com

Because iPhones are made to be receptive to the touch of fingers, and because fingers are made to clumsily stumble when pinpointing tiny icons, poor touch-pad responsiveness is a frustration common to many iPhone users. But not to those who use the Pogo Stylus. it’s designed to eliminate the problem by imitating an actual finger, only slimmer. Plus, the stylus’s soft tip actually helps keep your touch pad clean as you use it. Consider it a bold first step toward finger obsolescence.

For ipod partners

miSharePrice: $99.95Order information: www.mishare.com

Because sometimes merely having your own iPod just doesn’t keep you sufficiently connected to your world, the miShare literally bridges two iPods, allowing the user to share music, pictures, and other files with a fellow iPod user. once the separate devices have been joined, press the miShare button and the files are transferred from one to another.

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For the Bundle oF nerves

Beating Heart Stress Relief PillowPrice: $34.99Order information: www.thinkgeek.com

Studies have found that monkeys sleep better and awake more refreshed if they can hear their mother’s heartbeat. But even if you don’t know any tired monkeys, there’s surely a human on your holiday list who could use some better rest and a

little stress relief. This pillow gently pulses to the beat of a soothing heartbeat, just like your mother used to do.

For the aspiring musician

electronic drum Kit ShirtPrice: $29.99Order information: www.thinkgeek.com

it’s all the fun of a real drum kit without all the nasty looks from your neighbors. The Drum Kit T-shirt is emblazoned with the image of a retro seven-piece drum set that you can actually play simply by tapping your fingers on the desired instrument. it includes a speaker hidden in the pocket that, thank heavens, is fully adjustable. Guaranteed not to clutter your garage.

For the industrious tyke

erector Spykee, The Spy RobotPrice: $299.99 Order information: www.erec-torusa.com

Spykee is a build-your-own erector set that, when assembled into a robot, can play digital music and guard your home with its audio-visual surveillance system. Spykee can move, watch, speak, and hear, and with a built-in-video camera and microphone, he can also take real-time photos and video. When Spykee detects motion, the robot activates an alarm or e-mails a photo. He can also be deactivated by removing the batteries, in case all this gets too creepy.

For the young Jedi

Thrustmaster Glow Saber duo PackPrice: $34.99Order information: www.amazon.com and other major retail outlets

The long-awaited marriage of Wii technology and Star Wars awesomeness is finally here with the “Clone Wars” and “The Force Unleashed” games for the Wii. in red and blue, these sabers are packed with 17 leDs that deliver action as realistic as a make-believe space fable can get.

For the dinosaur lover

Kota the Triceratops Price: $300Order information: www.hasbrotoyshop.com

every child goes through a dinosaur stage, but never has a child been so rewarded by technology. Utilizing animatronics, this life-size baby dinosaur has 10 different sensors that respond to your child’s actions. Kota blinks, moves his head and tail, and, thanks to pretty sophisticated sound effects, realistically munches, stomps, and even roars like a dinosaur. Also great for unsuspecting neighbors.

For the dinosaur Fetishist

d-ReX interactive dinosaurPrice: $148.88Order information: www.amazon.com and other major retail outlets

This ferocious beast combines robotics and interactive sensors for lifelike appearance and behavior. D-reX acts like a real pet and will respond to his master as long as you pet and “feed” him. For those who want to keep siblings out of their room, D-reX will even protect access when he is switched to roaring guard mode. Not yet available in adult sizes.

Fo r t h e k i d s

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For the animal lover

Biscuit My lovin PupPrice: $179.99Order information: www.hasbrotoyshop.com

if your child has asked for a pet but you’re afraid of the commitment, Biscuit My lovin Pup could be the answer. This oversized plush puppy has lifelike eyes and silky fur—it’s so realistic, you’ll want to cover the floor with newspaper. Biscuit is playful and affectionate, and with his nine sensors, he responds when you pet him or issue a voice command. if only the children did the same.

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For the Future scientist

Spore Video GamePrice: $49.99Order information: www.spore.com

The gist of this evolutionary biology video game, as in real life, is that creatures begin as microscopic cells, eventually leave water, and evolve over many generations. The creatures eat to earn points, which can be used to buy upgrades like a new mouth, sleeker fins, or a bigger brain. it’s just like living in Hollywood, without the bad air and traffic.

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