Massage Chairapy Enjoy all four primary massage techniques
recommended by the American College of Chiropractic Orthopedists -
therapeutic compression, rolling, deep kneading, and tapping - with
the Ijoy Massage Chair ($599). The chair's Human Touch Technology
is said to simulate the movements of a trained massage therapist -
plus, it comes in four hip colors: outrageous orange, electric
blue, cool camel, and charcoal gray. www.relaxtheback.com
OUT OF THIS WORLD
Observe Alienware's Area-51m Extreme notebook (models start from
$2,150), which will surely prompt stares from bystanders. A pity
they can't see how beautiful the machine is inside, given its
internal Pentium 4 3.2GHz processor, 16.1-inch Ultra XGA 1600 x
1200 LCD display, and 128MB ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 video card.
From Windows to WarCraft, the system runs the most demanding of
applications with nary a hiccup. (800) 254-3692,
www.alienware.com
CHILL OUT
The LG Internet Refrigerator ($8,000) does everything but
drive the kids to school in the morning. This mother of all
refrigerators has fully functioning Internet capabilities for
e-mailing, surfing the Web, and downloading MP3s or streaming radio
from the Internet (which plays through hi-fi speakers). If that's
not enough, check out these other snazzy features: It has a
built-in digital camera and calendar; lets you leave messages in
text (via a keyboard and electronic pen), video, or audio format;
organizes recipes; and keeps track of stored foods and expiration
dates. Too bad it can't whip up a seven-course meal for you, too.
(866) 473-5554, www.lgappliances.com
GET THE MESSAGE
Talk may be cheap, but with T-Mobile's Sidekick ($300, plus a
monthly fee that starts at $30) you'll gain access to so much more.
Think e-mail, web browsing, text messaging, and AOL Instant
Messenger services. A full-color screen and QWERTY keyboard promote
chatter, with a full range of domestic and long-distance optional
services. Like Mom says, now you'll never have an excuse for not
staying in touch. (800) 937-8997, www.t-mobile.com
PRINT THIS
The minute Sony DPP-MP1 ($280) serves as a one-stop solution
for your portable printing needs. Offering USB connectivity and
memory-stick print options, this photo-quality device ensures
intrepid explorers will get a jump-start on photo albums long
before returning from their latest exploit. www.sonystyle.com
HONEY DO
Home projects, be done! The Black & Decker Mobile Workshop
($300) is an 18-volt, seven-piece cordless power system - drill,
circular saw, cut saw, vacuum, work light, laser level, and stud
finder - all neatly packaged in a portable workbench and tool bag.
(800) 544-6986, www.blackanddecker.com
BITE DUST
Lightweight and comfortable, the high-tech Xtension sports
sandal ($80) is suitable for walking, running, and traveling. The
manufacturer of Bite Footwear even runs marathons in this shoe,
which features lots of cushioning and support technology. Available
in both men's and women's styles. (800) 248-3465,
www.biteshoes.com
COOL ESSENTIALS
The hand-sewn, silk-lined Poppie Bag ($140) keeps the barest of
essentials (cellphone, lipstick, credit card) close at hand. Attach
it to a purse, bag, or belt loop, or carry it alone. Debra Messing
of Will & Grace says, "The Poppie Bag is kicky and sassy."
Available in a variety of chic styles and colors. (866) 476-7743,
www.poppie
couture.com
KEEP ON ROLLIN'
Hot Wheels celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, and its
newest release, the T-Wrecks Playset ($54), features a
kid-controlled motorized booster that lets players launch their
cars up a mountain, past pitfalls like falling boulders, and to the
mouth of a waiting three-foot dinosaur. If a car reaches the top
successfully, the mouth opens and releases any captive cars for
further play. Available at toy outlets nationwide.
BAG IT
Road warriors will appreciate RoadWired's Podzilla ($70), designed
to carry and organize an impressive number of handheld tech
products and accessories, including cords, adapters, and the
requisite slew of extra batteries. (877) 435-5679,
www.roadwired.com
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
Sporty, outdoor types will appreciate the Cyclone Panoptx Windless
Sunglasses ($95) - which keep eyes safe from sun and wind. Using a
patented Orbital Seal, the glasses create a sealed environment for
the eyes that protects from irritants and debris in the air, while
articulated vents maintain airflow to keep the eyes comfortable.
(925) 484-0292, www.panoptx.com
NO PERFORMANCE ANXIETY
It's no secret that guys have trouble understanding women (and vice
versa), but a recent survey by Blue Nile proved it: 33 percent of
responding women said they've received gifts that were "far off the
mark." Here's help. For women, tuck romantic his-and-her pictures
into the sterling-silver Sweetheart Locket Bracelet ($75), or
fasten the White Gold Diamond Flower Bracelet ($600) around her
wrist. For men: An engraved Pewter Flask ($45) keeps him warm at
the football game, or the Sterling Silver Business Card Case ($90)
makes him look on top of his own game. www.bluenile.com
LISTEN UP
Finally, satellite radio makes it indoors. For the first time
ever - and with only minimal installation - families can enjoy more
than 100 channels of music, news, sports, and entertainment
(packaged in a sleek and modern design) in the home, as well as in
the car. The Sirius Home Satellite Radio is $300, and monthly
subscription is $13. www.sirius.com
PICTURE THIS
Ever create a CD or DVD and wish you could design a cover without
using adhesive labels? For less than $200, you can now print
directly onto inkjet printable CD/DVD recordable media to
personalize music or home-movie collections. The EPSON Stylus Photo
900's six-color printing technique, combined with its 5,760 x 720
DPI resolution, rivals the quality of lab-printed photos.
www.epson.com
Holiday On Ice
What better way to stock the bar than with the Stoli Ice Shot
Glass Maker gift set ($20), which comes complete with a bottle of
Stolichnaya and a mold to create five shot glasses out of ice. It's
a great ice breaker for that holiday party. Available at your local
liquor store.
Double Oh 7
Palm prides itself in its handiwork, and the Zire 71 handheld
($300) simply reaffirms the company's commitment to craftsmanship.
Beyond base organizer functions, a hidden camera and comprehensive
multimedia features give the gadget extra cachet. A five-way
joystick navigator allows for one-handed navigation, and a crisp
320 x 320 color display that's ideal for watching videos or viewing
photos. Plus, think of all the games you can save with 16MB of
onboard memory. (800) 881-7256,
www.palm.com
Rock Star
Ever the innovator, Apple has turned its popular iPod player
into an even more attractive-sounding proposition. New 40GB models
($500) hold upwards of 10,000 songs, yet have slimmed to a mere 6.2
ounces, effectively rendering the Walkman obsolete. A streamlined,
touch-button interface facilitates one-handed operation, so you can
shovel peanuts with one hand while shifting between The Clash and
Clapton with the other. The bonus docking station only confirms it
- this one's music to our ears. (800) 692-7753,
www.apple.com/retail
Play Hard
Can't tell Mario from Martha Stewart? Shed some light on the world
of interactive entertainment with Nintendo's Game Boy Advance SP
($100). The handheld boasts a self-illuminated 2.9-inch LCD screen
and rechargeable lithium ion battery that provides more than 10
hours of continuous play. Approximately 3.3 inches tall and
weighing in at five ounces, the byte-size system folds neatly into
any pocket. (800) 255-3700, www.gameboy.com