|
Gear
November 2000
Convergence in the flesh
| Play away
|
|
| The Kima devices sever Internet audio from the PC. Once connected to a PC’s sound card, the base unit transmits Internet audio streams as far as 1000 feet using a proprietary technology. The receiver then forwards the audio to a stereo system using either an FM signal or audio cables. $150. Akoo.com, www.akoo.com |
|
| Full immersion |
|
|
|
When sensitive neighbors or cash flow problems prevent you from experiencing full-blast home theater, consider the MDR-DS5100. The $500 system accurately simulates full 5.1-channel Dolby Digital or DTS sound. The wireless headphones operate up to 33 feet away from the base. Sony, www.sony.com |
| Shake your thing |
|
| For times when silence is a virtue, the InnoPak/2V module imbues a Handspring Visor with a vibrating alert. The module’s moves can be felt even if the device is in a briefcase or coat pocket. In addition, the $45 module provides 2 Mbytes of additional memory. InnoGear, www.innogear.com |
|
| Power couple |
|
|
|
Mating the VisorPhone module with a HandSpring Visor PDA yields a GSM mobile phone with a touchscreen interface. The module uses the Visor’s microphone and taps into the PDA’s address book for dialing and caller ID. The device should be available by year’s end and will cost $299 when you sign a service contract. Handspring, www.handspring.com |
| Either way |
|
| Whether you’re using a cable modem or a DSL connection, the RT314 can help you distribute that high-speed connection among four PCs. The $240 router protects your domain with a hardware firewall and features a Web-based setup wizard. Netgear, www.netgear.com |
|
| Light rock |
|
|
|
The 12-ounce Neo 25 digital-audio player can carry 650 CDs-worth of music—about 8000 songs—in MP3 format. The $699 unit features a 20-Gbyte hard disk, a USB port, and a backlit display. You can also choose a 6-Gbyte model ($499), a 12-Gbyte version ($579), or a diskless model into which you can insert any notebook drive ($399). SSI Computer, www.ssiamerica.com |
| Share the love |
|
| WebShare is a piece of software that turns a WireSpeed DSL modem (shown) into a residential gateway. The $99 program allows up to 64 users to share a DSL link by adding a low-cost Ethernet hub, and doesn’t require any additional software on each PC. Westell, www.westell.com |
|
| Service provider |
|
|
|
Billed as an Infotainment device, the Media Terminal promises to bring the one-two punch of Internet access and digital TV to the living room. The unit includes a hard disk and supports just about every feature you can imagine, including 3D network gaming, video on demand, and PVR functions. Nokia, www.nokia.com |
| Immobile phone |
|
| Vox.Link not only charges your cell-phone battery, but also lets you answer and initiate cellular calls using your home’s standard phones (which emit a distinctive ring for incoming cellular calls). The $180 unit permits simultaneous cellular and landline calls, but the vendor—and your cellular carrier—hope you’ll decide to ditch your landline altogether. Vox2, www.vox2.com |
|
| Back relief |
|
|
|
Tired of hunching over the mouse and keyboard? The Digital Media Remote lets you lounge comfortably across the room and still command PC programs like video, DVD, and audio players. The $49 kit includes a credit-card-sized remote, a USB receiver unit, and software.
Keyspan, www.keyspan.com |
| Stay at home |
|
| Much like the GSM module featured at left (see “Power couple”) the Paraphone turns a Handspring Visor into a telephone. In this case, it’s a 900-MHz cordless model for the home. As with the other product, you can use the PDA’s screen to dial people in the PDA’s address book application. Arkon Networks,
www.arkonnetworks.com |
|
| See and be seen |
|
|
|
Resembling a cell phone in shape and operation, the EZPhone Cam aims to make Internet video chats into child’s play. The $120 device hooks to a PC via USB, rings when a video call comes in, and lets the user initiate calls to friends from a visual index of snapshots. Ezonics, www.ezonics.com |
| Base to build on |
|
| The PortStation ADSL USB modem can be used on its own or as the foundation for a high-speed Internet gateway. The device belongs to a family of add-on modules that includes Ethernet hubs, IEEE 802.11 wireless LAN units, and HomePNA phoneline-networking devices. Xircom, www.xircom.com |
|
| Armed and...dorky? |
|
|
|
We chuckled when we first saw the e-Holster, but who knows—it may catch on. A basic $99 model holds a cell phone and a PDA, but additional pouches can be had for larger handheld PCs, folding keyboards, and whatever must-have devices the future holds.
Personal Electronics Concealment, www.eholster.com |
| Unification |
|
| The Airway system forms a complete in-home PC and phone network. The controller (second from left) connects to the Internet and up to four phone lines. In turn, HandSets, DataJacks (for PCs), and PhoneJacks (for fax machines and traditonal phones) join the network via wireless links. Home Wireless Networks, www.airwaysystem.com |
|
|
|
|
|
