Omni 27
HP • $1,200
The Windows-based alternative to Apple’s 27-inch iMac, HP’s Omni 27, is a multimedia PC disguised as a 27-inch HDTV. The baseline model comes with respectable specifications, including the latest Core i5 processor, eight gigabytes of RAM, a DVD/Blu-ray combo drive, and a massive one-terabyte hard drive for media storage. Although it’s powerful enough for productivity and light gaming, it’s really designed as an all-in-one entertainment center for small apartments, dens, or dorms. The 27-inch edge-to-edge display, despite being a smidge less sharp than Apple’s iMac, is more than adequate for streaming flicks or plugging in your Xbox 360.

PenCam 4GB
Swann • $50
You could concoct all sorts of legit-sounding excuses to own a video-camera pen (record the boss’s Power-Point presentations, snap photos of your receipts for accurate expense reports). Whatever your real reason for office surveillance, the PenCam will do the job with out raising suspicions. The camera surreptitiously captures 640 by 480 AVI video and photos at 1,280 by 1,024 resolution. The four gigabytes of internal memory hold two hours of video and 18,000 photos, which you transfer to your computer via USB. Just be careful what you upload to YouTube—unless you want to explain yourself to HR.

USB cuff links
Ravi Ratan • $250
James Bond might have a car that turns into a submarine and a watch that deflects bullets, but so far he’s been shit out of luck when it comes to ferrying gigabytes of data or shar ing Wi-Fi between gad gets. That’s where this practical gizmo for the black-tie IT guy comes in. The polished-silver set offers a double whammy of data-sharing, with one serving as a two-gigabyte USB drive and the other interfacing with your Windows laptop to create a Wi-Fi hot spot. This high-tech executive bling is avail able from CuffLinks.com, which also offers USB-only versions in a variety of finishes.

Coolpix P510
Nikon • $430
This is essential equipment for outdoor surveillance missions, aka ogling babes at the beach. Its wide-angle lens is capable of an astounding 42x optical zoom, while image-stabilization technology locks down every intimate detail on faraway subjects. Lightning-quick autofocus lets you get fast on the trigger, snapping up to five full-resolution shots per second. The P510’s 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor allows for detailed pics in any lighting condition, and the same goes for recording 1080p movies (complete with stereo sound). A host of automatic features helps newbies make the most of this serious shooter.

Freedom Bluetooth wireless headphones
JayBird • $99
Jogging while wearing traditional earbuds is doable but difficult: The wires snag on clothing and slap at your chest, while all that salty sweat eats away at audio components. These sweat-proof headphones are designed specifically for music-motivated fitness freaks. They sync to your iPhone or Android device via Bluetooth. Multiple earbuds and adjustable cushions ensure a snug fit, keeping the earphones locked to your noggin during mad dashes or bumpy bike rides. The right earpiece has a built-in mike—plus volume and playback controls—so you won’t need to fumble for your device to change tracks or take calls.

Sportiiiis heads-up display
4iiii • $199
If you can look past its cheesy name (pronounced “sport eyes”), this is actually a handy training tool that just might save cyclists from becoming roadkill. Using a universal mount, the device connects to a pair of sunglasses and links wirelessly to any ANT+ sensors for monitoring heart rate, bike speed, etc. (Eyewear and sensors are sold separately.) A series of lights projected beneath your right eye—along with optional audio cues—help you stay in your target training zone without taking your eyes off the road. You can even program custom training routines with the included smartphone app and PC/Mac software.

Smuggler golfbag beer cooler
Bracketron • $25
Despite Rodney Danger field’s beer on-tap example in Caddy shack more than 30 years ago, country clubs still haven’t wised up to the fact that golf is better with a PBR. Fairway lushes will have to rely on the Smuggler, a soft-sided beverage cooler that tucks into a golf bag without leaving telltale beer-can bumps. It’s equipped with a reusable freezable gel pack, and will keep a six-pack of your favorite suds frosty from tee to sweltering tee on hot afternoons. Of course, the Smuggler also chills nonalcoholic canned beverages if you’re not the type to break the rules—or throw off your handicap with beer goggles.

Mushroom GreenZero charger
Bracketron • $28 to $35
It might not be the sexiest gadget you buy this spring, but Bracketron’s mushroom-shaped charging station is certainly the most sensible. Available in three versions depending on your device’s power port (USB, micro-USB, or Apple 30-pin connector), this eco-friendly iDevice juicer eliminates so-called “vampire power,” the tendency of normal chargers to suck electricity even when their devices are fully charged. Just jab the GreenZero’s mushroom shaped button to start charging up your phone or tablet, and rest assured it will enter zero-energy standby mode once the batteries are topped off. The button also serves as a cable reel for portability.

Lytro camera
Lytro • $399/$499
Built like a Cubist’s kaleidoscope, this “light field” camera combines a powerful image processor with a revolutionary array of micro lenses to capture complete scenes rather than static images. In other words, the Lytro lets you shoot first and futz with focusing later. Double-clicking anywhere on downloaded photos brings foreground or background objects into sharp focus (play with sample snaps at Lytro.com). An update for the camera’s Stanford-developed algorithms will add 3-D capabilities, although at present the software is only compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 or higher. The $499 Lytro holds 750 photos—more than twice as many as the $399 version—and both models share the same two-button simplicity.

Lumia 900
Nokia • $199 (estimated) with AT&T contract
Nokia’s triumphant return to the American smartphone market isn’t the biggest Windows Phone, but it is the most beautiful. Featuring an ultrasharp 4.3-inch touch screen and a sleek plastic form factor (available in blue or black), the Lumia is more pocket-friendly than its nearest competitor, the HTC Titan 2. Its processor is nearly as zippy—the latest version of the Windows Phone operating system runs without a hitch—and the high-end optics of the eight-megapixel rear-facing camera are among the best available in any smartphone. The Lumia runs on AT&T’s new LTE network, which is good for data speeds but might be bad for battery life.

Walkman Z1000
Sony • $250 to $330
The Walkman name, once synonymous with personal tunes, means as much to today’s iPod-toting twenty somethings as Members Only jackets and parachute pants. Sony is trying to reclaim some clout in the portable media-playing market. This Android-powered device, which is similar to the iPod Touch, plays games and movies on its responsive 4.3-inch multi-touch LCD, but the Walkman Z was really designed with music lovers in mind. An integrated digital amplifier and noise-reduction processor deliver enriched sound from your library, which you can sync with Sony’s own music service via Wi-Fi. It can also function as a media streamer, sharing content with DLNA-enabled TVs, PCs, and speakers.

Envy 14 Spectre
HP • $1,400
One of a new breed of “ultrabooks”—laptops light in weight but heavy on performance—the Envy 14 Spectre is HP’s dreamiest dream machine. Its lid, 14-inch display, and palm rest are made of sleek, scratch-resistant glass. Despite being a bit bulkier than competing ultrabooks at just under four pounds, the svelte Spectre is still perfectly portable. Even with its backlit keyboard, the machine lasts nine hours on a single charge. A special chip on the palm rest integrates data from your smartphone browser, letting you easily share URLs between the devices. As with all Envy machines, the Spectre incorporates the high-performance Beats Audio system codeveloped with Dr. Dre. It even has an old-fashioned volume dial for more satisfying tune-cranking.

G-Shock GA110GB
Casio • $179
G-Shock watches are known for their durability rather than their bling factor, but Casio’s Black & Gold series adds style to unstoppable substance. The high-gloss finish and gold dials of the GA110GB model will grab second looks from passersby who ask for the time, while the heavy-duty chassis can withstand any misadventure. It’s waterproof to around 650 feet, has support for 29 time zones, offers a stopwatch/countdown timer, and is resistant to wrist-rattling shocks and even the time-warping powers of magnetism. No matter how rough your night, at least your timepiece will survive until morning.

Nest learning thermostat
Nest Labs • $249
The Nest temperature-control system combines the sci-fi design of a smartphone with the energy-saving functionality of a programmable thermostat. Unlike most digital thermostats, however, Nest is a breeze to use. Twisting it left or right sets the temperature, while the Nest’s Wi-Fi compatibility lets you tweak settings remotely online. Better still, the system learns your preferences and eventually makes the most energy-efficient heating and cooling decisions for you. A built-in proximity sensor even detects when you’re not home and adjusts the temperature accordingly. The gizmo’s HAL 9000 habit of butting into your business might seem a little Big Brother–ish, but that’s a small price to pay for the bundle you’ll save on electric and gas bills.

PlayStation 3-D display
Sony • $500
Don’t let its PlayStation branding fool you. This display—ideal for dorm rooms and later-than-early adopters to 3-D—is compatible with any 3-D Blu-ray player, cable box, PC, and even the Xbox 360 via HDMI. It offers a full 1080p, 3-D movie and gaming experience via its included pair of active-shutter 3-D glasses, along with booming sound through a built-in subwoofer. If you buy a second pair of glasses, two players can take advantage of a unique “SimulView” option that broadcasts a separate full-screen (non-3-D) image to each player in compatible games. A lack of remote limits the display’s functionality as a second TV, although you can buy a separate PS3 remote.

Biscotti TV phone
Biscotti • $199
Laptop cameras are crummy for spending quality time with long-distance ladies, and they’re too complex for far-flung family members to figure out. The Biscotti TV phone addresses these shortcomings with its cinch-to-use remote and high-def-quality picture. Just plug the streamlined camera into your HDTV via its HDMI cable and connect it to your house Wi-Fi. You can make unlimited free video calls to other Biscotti units, or to computers, tab lets, and smartphones that support Google voice and video. Incoming calls interrupt shows—and switch on the TV if it’s not in use. Best of all, the camera and microphone capture your entire room, so you can take and make calls without having to get off the couch.

BodyMedia FIT CORE armband
BodyMedia • $180
If you’re going to sweat the details of getting in Spartan-style shape for the summer, you might as well make every calorie count—and no gizmo is better at counting calories than the FIT CORE armband. Its four sensors capture more than 5,000 data points per minute, recording calories burned, steps taken, levels of physical exertion, and even the fat-burning quality of your sleep. Upload the results to your PC and sync it with your daily menu to dial in the most effective diet and exercise plans. The only drawback: You have to wear this thing day and night. Hey, drastic weight loss calls for drastic measures!

Z340 instant digital camera
Polaroid • $300
A flashback with a flash, Polaroid’s 14-megapixel camera duplicates the photo-spewing functionality of its classic predecessor—right down to the white borders around each picture (which can be turned off for full-bleed printing). Instead of film, the Z340 uses an integrated printer that burns images to smudge-proof sheets of three-by-four-inch Polaroid ZINK paper. Colors are heat-activated on the paper itself; no ink cartridges or ribbons are necessary. Before you print photos—a process that takes about 45 seconds—you can edit them on the 2.7-inch LCD. We just wish the camera made the familiar click-whir sound to complete the nostalgic effect.

Bag of Rhythm boom box
House of Marley • $300
Technically, this boom-boxin-a-bag plays all the music on your iPhone or iPod touch, but it almost seems a crime to crank anything but Bob Marley tunes. It’s fashioned from eco-friendly materials and roomy enough for a weekend’s supply of medicinal you-know-what, embracing the reggae principle of sharing the good times wherever you go. Two four-inch speakers, two one-inch tweeters, and a digital-signal processor produce sound as clear as your conscience (proceeds from each bag support causes approved by the Bob Marley estate). A built-in battery in the FM-radio-equipped docking station keeps your iPhone from crapping out after a long weekend of spreading the love.

WiPNET internet ports
Wi3 • $150
These simple-to-install ports spread internet connectivity throughout your house with out you punching holes in the drywall. Each comes in two pieces: a sleeve that replaces coaxial-cable wall plates, and a cart ridge that slips over it depending on the desired connection. Multi media PCs and media streamers, for instance, use a cartridge that delivers fast ethernet while maintaining TV services. Internet dead zones rely on the Wi-Fibroad casting satellite cartridge. Each port gets maximum band width from your connection, and cartridges can be upgraded as wired and wireless technology improves, future proofing your network.

Levitron Revolution display
Fascinations • $100
When it comes to useful desk accessories, this ranks somewhere between one of those drinking birds and Newton’s cradle—but it totally outperforms both of those dust collectors in pure wow factor. Electromagnets in the unit’s base suspend a small disc in the air, upon which you can place any display object. A model jet, an autographed baseball, rubber doggie doo—if it weighs less than 12 ounces, the Revolution will suspend it above your desk. LED lights in the base help you align the support disk, while the electromagnets continuously make corrections to keep your display object from toppling.

Tablet P
Sony • Price not available at press time
The last thing gadget hoard ers need is yet another iPad competitor, so it’s a good thing this one offers a design twist: a unique clamshell case. The 5.5-inch touch screens, which boast the same TruBlack tech used in Bravia televisions, can function as one larger display for web browsing and watching TV shows via Sony’s Video Unlimited service, or they’ll take on independent duties for certain apps. PlayStation games, for instance, will use the bottom screen as a controller. In the email app, one screen works as a preview panel. Rotate the Tablet P sideways to read eBooks just like old-timey paper novels. Connectivity is available via AT&T’s 4G network, so begin your bellyaching if you live in an area with spotty coverage.

MV800 multiview digital camera
Samsung • $280
This is a camera for the Facebook generation, featuring a three-inch LCD that swivels fully forward, taking the guesswork out of snapping self-portraits. Flip the screen out halfway to take low-angle shots of kids and pets, or hold it high to shoot pics and video over the crowd at concerts and sporting events. The touch screen is large and responsive enough to make the most of a suite of pre- and postphoto tools and effects, including a panoramic mode, multiple filters, 3-D effects, plus cropping and touch-up tools. Optional posing guidelines even help you take a less douchey photo than all your Facebook chums.

Aquos LC-80LE632U 80-inch HDTV
Sharp • $5,500
Certain responsibilities come with owning the world’s largest 1080p LCD. Super Bowl Sunday will henceforth be celebrated at your pad. Neighbors will mooch off your evening viewing. And, of course, you’ll need a cavernous media room to make the most of the monolithic display. At less than four inches thick, the Aquos is a slimmer alternative to rear-projection TVs—not to mention brighter. Its edge-to-edge LED backlighting system offers consistent color and vibrancy even in sunlit rooms. Considered a “budget” LCD despite its titanic size (and price), it lacks 3-D compatibility, but it does come with built-in Wi-Fi for access to Netflix and other streaming services.

Droid RAZR
Motorola • $300 with a two-year Verizon contract
Yep, it’s a high-tech (and just over a quarter-inch-thick) update to the best-selling Motorola clamshell that was such a status symbol back when “apps” was still short for cheese sticks and blooming onions. Video streamed from your PC, Netflix, or Verizon’s NFL Mobile service plays in full HD resolution on the blur-free 4.3-inch screen, which is more vibrant than most full-size LCD HDTVs. The 1.2-gigahertz dual processor com bines with Verizon’s 4G network to deliver blazing web-browsing speeds, and you can use the phone as a mobile hot spot for up to eight Wi-Fi devices. And since it’s wrought of Kevlar fibers and water-repellant Gorilla glass, it’s as sturdy as it is sleek.

Brewsees sunglasses
HipVisions • $40
These bona fide beer goggles come with bottle openers integrated into their stylish frames. The aluminum openers stick from the tips of polycarbonate arms sturdy enough to survive the stress of constant cap-prying. The pry tools tuck behind your ears during normal wear, hiding your cappopping superpowers until they’re needed most. With polarized lenses that offer 100 percent UV protection, they’re perfect for beach barbecues, tailgate parties, or any other event with limited access to conventional bottle openers. Don a pair on Super Bowl Sunday, just in case.

Touch Control beard and stubble trimmer
Remington • $50
In a world of smartphones, smart thermostats, and even smart pens, the concept of a “smart beard trimmer” might sound kind of…stupid. But don’t dismiss this touch-screen-controlled trimmer just because it smacks of gimmickry. The digital controls make it easy to select from 175 motorized length options, which means you’ll leave the bathroom with surgically precise stubble. And the included USB charger for the 40-minute battery means this is the first trimmer you’ll stow in your laptop bag instead of your dopp kit.

SA-NS500 HomeShare speaker
Sony • $400
It’s fit for double-duty as both a portable speaker and a permanent part of your home-audio system, as the Apple AirPlay–enabled SA-NS500 wirelessly streams tunes from your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Sony tablet, or compatible Blu-ray system. Its vase-shaped omni-directional design fills the room with sound, and you can carry the speaker anywhere within range of your Wi-Fi network—even outside, thanks to its six-hour rechargeable battery. It comes with its own remote, but you can also control it with your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad by downloading an app. You can also supplement the sound with additional units synchronized throughout your house.

A/V cooler
Antec • $140
Stacking too many components in your audio-visual rack risks a meltdown— unless you keep the cabinet doors open. Add an Xbox 360 to the mix, and you’re courting global thermonuclear war. The A/V cooler prevents such catastrophes while extending the life span of your pricey gear. Just place the cooler on top of your hottest-running component. Its dual-speed fans soak up the heat and circulate it away from your A/V stack. The carbon-glass and aluminum cooler is sturdy enough to support a mountain of components, and its low-power fans maintain a quiet purr, even at their highest setting.

Kindle Fire
Amazon • $199
Amazon’s long-rumored entry into the crowded tablet market made a big splash for one simple reason: It’s cheap! Although it’s less than half the cost of a bare-bones iPad 2, the Fire manages to fulfill the basic functions of a capable tablet, offering speedy web browsing (pages preload based on your web-wandering habits), easy media streaming, document and eBook reading, and on-the-go gaming. Tech snobs will scoff at the Fire’s lack of a camera and paltry eight gigabytes of nonexpandable memory, but this tablet is really meant to serve as a portable storefront for what Amazon has to offer. The Fire’s seven-inch screen isn’t as sharp as the competition’s (stick with an E Ink Kindle for reading eBooks sans eyestrain), but—like everything else about this tablet—it gets the job done.

Titan
HTC • $199 with AT&T contract
If you believe bigger is better, this is the greatest smartphone you’ll ever (barely) cram into your pocket. It packs a 4.7-inch screen into a featherweight aluminum shell that’s thinner than a pencil, teetering into tablet territory and offer ing acres of display for movies or typing on the virtual keyboard. It also runs the latest Win dows Phone operating sys tem. Integrated social networking, linked email in-boxes, dedi cated hubs, powerful multitasking— everything that past Windows Phones did right is improved here. Plus, with an eight-megapixel camera capable of panoramic shots, the Titan is one of the first smartphones that can replace your point-and-shoot.

VHT215 home-theater sound bar
Vizio • $320
Titanic home-theater speakers were acceptable back when big-screen TVs were the size of player pianos, but today’s bulimic LCD and plasma HDTVs have spawned a new category of “sound bars” that deliver rich sound in an ultra slim form. The VHT215—perfect for TVs 40 inches or larger—is a good entry-level example. It supports pseudo surround sound via the Dolby Digital and SRS TruSurround HD formats while pumping low-frequency rumbles to a wireless subwoofer. With just two HDMI inputs and one digital-audio input, it’s a little lean on ports, but it’s a good starter solution if all you own is a cable box and a game console.

Zip Touch-n-go charging station
Joy Factory • $80
While your computer’s USB port has become a convenient recharging solution for smartphones, tablets, and eBooks, all those cables jacked into your source of internet porn might lead to accidental autoerotic asphyxiation. Avoid an embarrassing obituary with the Zip charger, which de-clutters your desk with a single charging hub that powers at least three gadgets through conductive magnetism. Just plug one of the sperm-shaped couplers into your device of choice, slide it near the Zip station, and—snap!—your gadget automatically connects to one of its recharging dimples. It detaches just as easily if you get a call or need to grab your gizmo in a hurry.

Camera-phone lenses
Photojojo • $50
If you’re a photography aficionado (i.e., you prefer a camera that doesn’t also play Angry Birds), just skip ahead to the Pet of the Year pictorial. For everyone who shoots from the hip, consider spicing up your camera phone pics with these add-on lenses, which offer surprisingly convincing fish-eye, macro, and telephoto functionality. They snap to a magnetic ring that sticks to any smartphone camera (and even laptop cameras), and each of the three included lenses comes with a ring and lens cap. Tote them around with your keys and become an iPhone paparazzo.

Blade gaming laptop
Razer • $2,800
Despite its manufacturer’s hyperbolic claims to the contrary, the Blade is not the world’s first laptop devoted to gaming, but it is the fanciest—and one of the most expensive. The system’s appeal goes beyond its punchy guts, which include the latest Core i7 processor and a battery-saving Nvidia graphics chip. Like some superduper Game Boy, the Blade is built with a touch screen that supplements its 17-inch monitor, serving as a secondary display for PC games. Use it to manage your arsenal in first-person shooters or track stats in adventure games. Ten tactile keys set above the touch screen adapt in function—and even appearance—depending on the game. And since it’s not even an inch thick and weighs less than seven pounds, the nimble Blade is as portable as it is powerful.

The Scoop 2-Way Brewer
$90 • HamiltonBeach.com
Nothing’s more important than your first cup of morning coffee. The Scoop lets you brew it up two ways—by using the included travel mug, which is perfect for your daily commute, or the carafe that brews up to 12 cups—and in two strengths, either regular or bold. You can use your favorite ground coffee or convenient pods, and program it to start brewing up to 24 hours in advance.

Scooba 380
$500 • iRobot.com
You have more important things to do than wash floors, so turn on the game and put up your feet while the Scooba 380 swabs the deck. It preps, scrubs, and squeegees tile, linoleum, and sealed hardwood floors. It can navigate its way under cabinet bases, tables, and chairs, and will have three to four rooms shipshape on one battery charge. Now, if only they made one that does windows….

Skeletool CX
$80 • Leatherman.com
If you ever had an Erector set as a kid, you’ll love the mechanical, stripped-down look of this multi-tool. It’s made of stainless steel, with a DLC (diamondlike carbon) coating to prevent scratching and corrosion. It has a 2.6-inch stainless steel premium blade, needle-nose and regular pliers, wire cutters, a large bit driver, a bottle opener, and a handy carabiner clip. It measures four inches closed, and weighs in at a mere five ounces.

20V MAX Lithium Ion Compact Drill/Driver Kit
$219 • DeWalt.com
You’ll drill your way from one project to the next with this powerful, lightweight drill. It’s compact, so it works well in tight spaces, has two speeds, an ergonomically designed handle for comfort, and comes bundled with two battery packs, a half-inch drill driver, a 30-minute fast charger, an onboard bit holder, and a kit box.

Weber Q320
$479 • Weber.com
When it comes to grilling mouthwatering meals, Weber’s Q320 can handle it. It has two gas burners rated at 21,700 BTUs, with porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates, an electronic ignition, 462 square inches of grilling space, a warming rack, a handle light for night grilling, removable work tables, and tool holders. The nylon frame is glass-reinforced, the lid and body are both made of sturdy cast-aluminum, and it runs on a 20-pound propane tank. It even comes with a recipe book, but you’re a grill master—you can wing it.

Italian Sausage Five-Pack
$130 plus shipping • FortunaSausage.com
Sure, it’s winter, but a true connoisseur knows that grilling meat is a year-round thing. This gift pack includes five different varieties of sausage: one-pound ropes of sweet, Calabrese, Tuscano, Sandgate, and Vermont maple. Let it snow. You’ve got sausage.

Flex Neck Utility Lighter
$20 • Zippo.com
Tired of getting burned? Then Zippo’s gooseneck lighter will come in handy. It’s perfect for firing up charcoal grills, lanterns, and fireplaces, and the flexible wand fits into tight, hard to-reach openings (like the pilot light on that crappy furnace in the cellar). Be sure to take it along on your next camping trip, because the wind-resistant dual-flame feature is sure to ignite even the most stubborn campfire.

Philips Sonicare DiamondClean
$220 • Philips.com
Keep your pearly whites healthy with Sonicare’s newest power toothbrush. The angled, diamond-shaped brush head is designed to reach your back teeth and provide a superior overall brushing experience. There are five modes (clean, white, polish, gum care, and sensitive), and the two-minute timer pauses at 30-second intervals for optimal cleaning. Charge it up by placing it in the exclusive charging glass, which you can also use for rinsing. If you’re traveling, just plug the USB travel case into your laptop or an electrical outlet. Now when she tells you that she likes your smile, you’ll know who to thank.

Five-Blade Wet/Dry Shaver
$500 ES-LV61-A; $600 ES-LV81-K • Panasonic.com
What could be better than shaving with four blades? Panasonic’s answer is its new five-blade shaver. The hypoallergenic blades are embedded in a wider pivoting head that’s gentler on your skin and reduces shaving time, whether you’re standing over the sink or in the shower; the Lift-Tech Foil technology helps lift and guide your stubble closer to the blades. When it’s fully charged, you’ll get two weeks of close shaves. You can’t ask for much more, but if you must, go for the ES-LV81-K with the automatic cleaning and charging system. You deserve it.

Quattroporte Extended Trip Case
$695 • Tumi.com
Talk about a mashup made in heaven. Tumi, makers of premium business and travel accessories, and Ducati, producers of some of the most stylish and successful motorcycles, have joined forces and designed a bold and sporty collection of travel bags. There’s a total of six pieces, but if you have to choose, we say go big. Check out the roomy four wheeled case that measures 31 by 20 by 12 inches. The polycarbonate blend makes it sturdy and lightweight, and there’s a spacious, nylon front panel for easy access. The handle grip is similar to that of a motorcycle, and there’s an add-a-bag strap—handy if you pick up one of the smaller bags, too.

Cobra Case
$345 • BooqBags.com
If you’re leaving town for the holidays and you’re a workaholic, this bag will hold your laptop or iPad, your folders, accessories, and anything else you can’t leave home without. It’s made of 1680-denier, water-repellant ballistic nylon, and has leather trim. Inside you’ll find a quilted compartment for your laptop with a weatherproof zipper, as well as compartments for your files, chargers, and other electronic devices. Use the shoulder strap with the nonslip pad, the nylon carry handles, or just loop it onto your luggage handle and you’re ready to go.

Carbonated Drink Bottle
$28 • Stanley-PMI.com
Leave it to Stanley to create a high-pressure bottle that’ll keep your beverage cold and carbonated. This 32-ounce vessel is specially designed to keep the suds in your beer or the fizz in your soda. The wide-mouth opening makes it easy to add ice, and the removable insulated jacket will help keep the contents cold (without getting watered down) for three hours. It’s totally leakproof, so toss it in the trunk of your car, your backpack, or your girlfriend’s tote. You finally have a way to keep your beer fresh when you can’t leave it in the bottle.

Victorinox Slim and Slim Duo USB Flash Memory
$40 to $450 • SwissArmy.com
Lighten your load with a flash drive that has data-encryption technology and password protection. The Slim USB is available in 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 gigabytes, and the Slim Duo stores a whopping 128 gigs. They’re waterproof, shockresistant, and come in five different colors. They even resemble the Swiss Army Knife, but they’re flight friendly.

Full-Blooded Black Skull
$170 • Store.Swatch.com
This Swiss-made chronograph features time and date, and a killer face. The case is black aluminum, like the adjustable bracelet strap, and it’s water-resistant up to 98 feet. It also comes in white—if you’re into the his-and-hers thing.

TXL Chronograph
$725 • TissotShop.com
You’ll have both time and style on your side with this striking timepiece from Tissot. It has a domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, Swiss-made quartz movement, and a 316L stainless-steel case and bracelet with butterfly clasp, plus it’s water-resistant up to 330 feet. But be forewarned—wearing this watch might cause you to upgrade your entire wardrobe.

Camden Date
$120 • CatWatches.com
When you think Caterpillar, heavy-duty outdoor equipment should come to mind (not the fuzzy little insect). Now you can add the rugged, Swiss-created CAT watch line to the list. The Camden Date has a scratch resistant crystal, a stainless-steel case, and Citizen precision movement; it’s also water resistant up to 655 feet. Choose either a black- or brown-leather strap, or a stainless steel bracelet.

Jeep Wrangler Pedal Go-Kart
$999 • BergToys.com
Remember that go-kart you had as a kid? Relive and improve upon those glory days when you coast along in this adult version. It drives in reverse, boasts a hand brake, an adjustable seat, an automatic freewheel, and pneumatic tires with sealed bearings in each wheel. It’s rugged like a Jeep and comes with a one- to five-year warranty. And if you never had a go-kart, remember, it’s not too late to find out what you missed.

Waterway Sunglasses
$249 • Revo.com
These sunglasses are titanium strong, so they’re lightweight and flexible, yet sturdy enough for all your outdoor activities. The Serilium lenses are polarized and can withstand flying gravel. The insides are specially coated to eliminate reflected light, and the outside coating prevents dirt, moisture, and oil from impeding your vision. The Motion-fit design, adjustable nose pads, and spring hinges let you position the frames for optimum fit.

Sprint Sunglasses
$150 • Scott-Sports.com
You don’t have to be a runner to sport these shades. The sleek, fusion-frame design makes them a comfortable fit for medium to large faces, and the easy-change lens system lets you select the OptiView lenses (light-sensitive or polarized) that best suit your needs. And, if you have to chase down that hottie across the street, the rubber temple ends will keep the frames on your face where they belong.

Orange PC
Orange • $1,500
These days, a computer is as crucial to garage-band success as a Marshall stack and a mini fridge full of PBRs. Amp maker Orange has combined at least two of these necessities into a striking aluminum-and-wood speaker/PC combo bristling with instrument inputs and A/V outputs. The rig’s hardware—including an i3 dual-core CPU, a 500-gigabyte hard drive, and four gigabytes of RAM—is a workhorse at lag-free audio processing and storage. Stereo speakers built into the cabinet work whether the PC is on or off, but most musicians will covet this system for its incredible suite of recording, instrument-effects, and tutorial software.

Roku 2 XS streaming player
Roku • $100
The original Roku media player—which was invented by the guy who created the DVR—was a simple idea that gave cable companies a big headache. Roku users just jacked the little box into their TV, connected it to the internet, and used the easy interface to browse hundreds of video and music channels—or their own local library of ill-gotten entertainment—in HD resolution. This follow-up device sticks to the same straightforward formula, but adds an extra layer of entertainment: Gamers can play using the motion-sensing remote. The fun but ubiquitous Angry Birds leads the charge, with more titles on the way. It’s no Nintendo Wii, but then the Wii can’t replace your cable box.

Kobo eReader Touch Edition
Kobo • $130
The high-contrast E Ink displays of the competing six-inch eReaders all capture the readability of conventional paper books, but the low-frills Kobo Touch tops them all when it comes to the sheer simplicity of leafing through a novel. Flipping pages is as easy as swiping or tapping its touch screen, which also grants access to readability options and Wi-Fi settings. Support for the widely accepted EPUB (electronic publication) format means you’ll never run out of stuff to read, while the touch-screen interface lets you scroll and zoom PDF work documents with iPhone-like simplicity. At just 6.5 ounces, the Kobo Touch is among the lightest and most comfy-to-grasp eReaders, and it’s just small enough to cram into your back pocket.

Triumph smartphone
Motorola • $300
With its vibrant 4.1-inch screen, one-gigahertz Snapdragon processor, decent front-and-rear cameras, and stout rubbery case, this is a more than-adequate Android smartphone that delivers zippy performance via a conveniently streamlined interface. The phone’s real draw isn’t the hardware or software, though—it’s the lack of a network-service contract. Virgin Mobile’s billing structure starts at just $35 a month for unlimited data usage and 300 anytime minutes. If you’re a smartphone user who texts more than you talk, consider making the switch. The money you save—to the tune of up to a grand per year—could be your own.

Echo smartpen
Livescribe • $100 for the basic two-gigabyte model
In a world of smartphones, tablets, and eReaders, it seems silly to settle for a pen that’s just analog and ordinary. The Echo “smartpen” digitally records everything you write or doodle on paper and imports it to your PC or Mac for later reference and easy sharing. Its built-in microphone also records audio that you can review via the pen’s speaker or headphone jack. Games, language translation, handwriting-to-text conversion, and many other functions are available via apps you install on the pen. It’s the perfect gizmo for students, journalists, artists, and anyone else who still relies on the written word.

Tilt-shift camera
Photojojo • $149
Even if you don’t have a clue what tilt-shift photography is, chances are you’ve seen it. This flavor-of-the-moment photo effect turns scenery and cityscapes into miniature models that look as if they’re straight out of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Phone apps and software simulate the effect, but you can’t capture true tilt-shift images unless you own an expensive custom lens or buy this five-megapixel digital point-and-shoot that takes tilt-shift photos at 2560 x 1920 resolution, as well as trippy 640 x 480 videos. A built-in flash, 8x digital zoom, and a 2.4-inch LCD round out the paltry specs. It’s really more of a novelty camera, but you’re guaranteed to have the funkiest profile pic in any friends list.

DPF-HD1000 digital photo frame
Sony • $120 to $170, depending on size
The photo-sharing functionality of smartphones and tablets has turned digital picture frames into a waste of wall space. At least Sony’s new HD series—available at seven, eight, and ten inches—brings some new tricks to your Aunt Ethel’s doily-covered photo shelf. Along with standard still photos, the frames play movies in resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 on their ultra-crisp backlit LCDs. Each frame has two gigabytes of internal memory and supports a variety of video and photo formats—even MP3 files, so you can play “The Way We Were” while looping that video of you taking a football to your nuts.

XVT 3D 580CM Cinemawide 3-D HDTV
Vizio • $2,200
Even the most titanic HDTVs fail to capture the broad “CinemaScope” screen ratio of Hollywood films without slapping distracting black bars at the top and bottom of the screen. Vizio’s new 58-inch Cinemawide LCD goes the extra distance, delivering a 21:9 aspect ratio (compared to the typical 16:9) that reproduces silver-screen dimensions. The Wi-Fi-enabled TV also comes with a suite of Vizio Internet Apps (OnLive gaming, Netflix, etc.), plus the ability to interact with Vizio’s new Android phone and tablet. If that’s not enough bang for your big-screen buck, the Cinemawide also delivers bright, flicker-free 3-D TV using passive glasses that are much cheaper than the active-shutter goggles needed for other 3-D televisions.

Q digital camera
Pentax • $800
Typically, any camera tiny enough to serve double duty as a key chain is not going to meet the needs of a serious photographer. Pentax’s Q, however, packs the features of a much beefier DSLR camera into a lightweight package that’s smaller than any other interchangeable-lens model on Earth. The 12.4-megapixel CMOS image sensor is surprisingly sensitive for its size. It’s also bolstered by a host of helpful auto-features that give amateurs the power to snap artistic pics. The camera’s real draw among hobbyist photographers, however, is its array of after-market lenses and other adds-ons, which allow the itty-bitty Q to grow with your abilities.

StreamHD
Warpia • $160
Set-top boxes like the Apple TV are making it easier to give cable companies the middle finger, but no media streamer can match your laptop when it comes to entertainment options. The StreamHD is a simple solution for broadcasting your computer’s high-def video and 5.1 surround sound to your hometheater system, without having to worry about buying long HDMI and digital-audio cables. Just plug the USB transmitter into your PC or laptop, then connect the receiver to your TV. The StreamHD has a line-of-sight range of 30 feet, so you can kick back on your couch and watch Netflix movies or whatever illicit media you’ve stored on your machine, as well as access such free TV services as Hulu that aren’t available on set-top boxes.

Aspire AS8951G laptop
Acer • $1,600
No laptop lets you take the show on the road like this multimedia monster. Its massive 18.4-inch screen offers full 1,920 by 1,080 resolution, ideal for watching high-def flicks via the Blu-ray drive. Five built-in speakers and a subwoofer will rattle windows when used on the go, and an HDMI output and digital-audio connections link to your HDTV and receiver at home. With its Intel Core i7 processor and Nvidia two-gigabyte graphics chip, it’s mighty enough to serve as your all-in-one gaming and home-theater solution. It even comes with a remote: The touchpad detaches from the backlit keyboard to adjust functions from up to ten feet away.

CloudBox
LaCie • $200
Anal-retentive data hogs will sweat less with the CloudBox on the job. This 100-gigabyte web-connected hard drive provides two stages of ironclad backup for your PC or Mac. First up is the box itself, which copies your files for fast local recovery. The CloudBox then automatically uploads its encrypted contents to LaCie’s servers once a day. This redundant online storage protects your files even if your dog eats the CloudBox or a meteorite slams into your home office. You can also sift through ten previous versions of your backups to recover impor tant files you might have accidentally deleted in the recent past.

TouchPad
HP • $500 for 16-gigabyte model; $600 for 32-gigabyte model
It’s the same size and price as Apple’s iPad 2, larger than BlackBerry’s PlayBook, and cheaper than Motorola’s Xoom, nailing the sweet spot between price and performance. While not as zippy as the PlayBook and Xoom—especially on Flash-based websites—the TouchPad’s intuitive multitasking operating system will win over most users. Related apps stack atop one another to reduce screen clutter, and a contextsensi tive interface suggests functions (email, Twitter, etc.) the instant you open the virtual keyboard. Neat freaks will grimace at the glossy casing’s uncanny ability to collect fingerprints; everyone else will be too busy watching flicks, reading e-books, or playing games on the sharp 9.7-inch screen to care.

Three-speaker boom box
TDK • $500
Created as an ode to the boom boxes of old, this monolithic and very modern-looking AM/FM blaster bristles with speakers and inputs for every conceivable audio source— from iPhones to electric guitars. Two six-inch speakers with tweeters flank a subwoofer built into the durable acrylic face, which is framed with an aluminum handle and cushioned by a leather shoulder rest on the under side. The whole thing feels very heavy duty—with an emphasis on “heavy.” Yes, you can load the blaster with 12 D batteries and heft it on your shoulder, but you might want to make sure your health insurance covers chiropractic care first.

Skullhub USB port
ThinkGeek.com • $25
This moldering resin skull looks like something out of Satan’s IT department, but there’s nothing sinister about adding four USB 2.0 ports to any PC or Mac. Dig it out of your drawer in October to boost Halloween ambience in your cubicle, or display it proudly year-round to discourage small talk with conservative coworkers. The brainpan has been scooped clean for storing pens, paper clips, guitar picks, or any evil office knickknacks. Just don’t expect it to charge USB-compatible tools of ritual sacrifice; the ports are unpowered.

G’zOne Commando
Casio • $200 with a two-year Verizon contract
This is the spunkiest Android phone in the wild, and built to survive any horror-movie situation short of chain-saw attack. Its sturdy immersion-proof casing passes mili tary muster for impacts, vibration, altitude, temperature extremes, and salty sea fog. Eight outdoor modes—including a GPS navigator, tide monitor, and personal trainer—keep you alive longer when the wilderness gets too wild. Despite its ostenta tious name and functionality as a Wi-Fi hot spot, it’s really more of an office work horse. Hefty security features deter corpo rate espio nage, making it ideal for down loading sensitive building plans in a construction environment. And if a coworker goes postal, you can always use the case as a shield.

Kaligraffiti pen
Retro 51 • $30
This is an office manager’s worst nightmare. The Kaligraffiti pen looks like a mini spray-paint can poised to tag break-room soda machines and expenses paperwork. Admittedly, it’s more trick than treat. Pressing the nozzle top doesn’t actually unleash a spurt of ink; it simply extends the pen’s ballpoint (available in blue, green, or red) when you’re ready to write. Still, the Easy Flow ink cartridge delivers the smooth-scribbling performance common to all Retro 51 pens. Brandish it like Banksy and send your coworkers scrambling for paint remover.

Series 5 Chromebook
Samsung • $429 for Wi-Fi; $499 for Verizon 3G model
This is a new breed of laptop designed to become one with the web, powered by Google’s net-integrated operating system, Chrome. It boots up in less than eight seconds and connects online instantly. All the apps, user set tings, documents, photos, etc., live in the cloud, so if you misplace your Chromebook, you can simply log on to a new machine to duplicate your desktop, files, and programs. The streamlined operating system lacks the drudgery of Windows machines (updates happen invisibly), and the 12.1-inch screen is more than vivid enough for movies and the millions of web apps.

Slasher hoodie
Electric Zombie • $45
This clothing line riffs on pop-culture horror flicks to give a nostalgic spin on our favorite childhood nightmares. No product embodies—and dismembers—that no-guts, no-glory philosophy like the Slasher hoodie, a grungy pullover ripped from the closet of a hipster Freddy Krueger. This crimson-splattered sweatshirt, which is sewn to a skinny fit from striped ring-spun fabric, is loaded with horrific little touches, including a hood liner patterned after third degree burns. Don the Slasher on Halloween for a laugh, but please leave the mad cackling to Robert Englund.

Lethal Pro v2 universal mount
Lethal Pro • $129
It might seem like a nightmare marriage of hideous form with humdrum function, but there’s a reason this gadget mount resembles a cybernetic face hugger: It stays stuck no matter where you stick it. Just lock your device of choice to the adjustable carbon-fiber holder, then extend the mount’s spidery legs for hands-free stabilization on any surface. Wedge your camera into tree branches, mount a navigation system to your four-wheeler, or give your iPad the sexiest seat in the coffeehouse. The aircraft-aluminum frame is just eight ounces, but it’s sturdy enough to support 22 pounds.

Last Laugh watch
Mr. Jones • $199
Times are grim with this skull-face wristwatch from arty London watchmaker Mr. Jones, codesigned by a British comedian to “remind us that life is brief.” Nevertheless, it puts on a serious face. Hours and minutes tick by on the skull’s teeth rather than via conventional hands, while the mirrored eyes and nose give off ghostly reflections. The stainless-steel case is waterproof to 160 feet and sturdily built, so you won’t have to worry about the watch dying before its time.

Micro-Max
Swiss+Tech • $20
Fear not loose screws, frayed wires, or any of life’s other minor malfunctions with this in your pocket. The trusty palm-size key chain unfolds to reveal 19 tools wrought from sturdy stainless steel. The transforming toolbox boasts screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters and crimpers, a file, two rulers, hex wrenches, and—of course—a bottle opener, so it’s packed with enough functionality to refurbish a condemned cubicle and perhaps even defuse a bomb. Just remember to cut the yellow wire. Or is the blue one?

PicoHD5.1 media player
Crystal Acoustics • $83
No need to make room in your entertainment center for this media streamer. It’s so small that it’s dwarfed by its own remote control. Despite its petite size, it rivals larger, pricier streamers, supporting every video format out there, and it outputs up to 1080p video with 5.1 DTS/Dolby AC3 digital audio. Just load your movies—acquired via totally legal means, of course—onto an external hard drive, thumb drive, or smart card; connect it to the player; then hook it up to your TV via a variety of outputs. The straightforward interface will take care of the rest.

Evo 3D
HTC • $200 (estimated) with two-year contract
With its dazzling 4.3-inch display, this 4G cell is the bigscreen TV of smartphones—and that sizable screen just got an extra dimension. Dual cameras on the back take 3-D photos and movies, which you can view on the screen or stream via HDMI to a 3-D HDTV. The powerful dual-core Snapdragon processor was made for web browsing and media streaming off Sprint’s zippy 4G network, while the clever HTC Sense interface makes it easy to keep your favorite Android apps at your fingertips.

Synapse
Nixon • $200 to $250
Your phone, your tablet, and maybe even your bedside alarm clock can multitask, so why not your watch? This wears all its functions right on its ultramodern face. Time, alarm, stopwatch, countdown timer—modes relegated to separate screens on most digital watches—appear simultaneously on the Synapse’s tiered display. Touch-screen controls rather than bulky buttons let you futz with all the features. It’s sturdily built from mineral hardened stainless steel and waterproof to 300 feet, so it’s a stylish timepiece that’s also ready for the great outdoors.

Fairfax sunglasses
Factory 413 • $41
Modern-day daredevils go through sunglasses like they’re made out of cheap plastic—which most are. The lightweight Fairfax shades, however, are molded of an impact-resistant material that can withstand daily abuse from skaters, mountain bikers, and anyone else who prefers a rough-and-tumble lifestyle. With their classic frames (available in matte black or glossy black) and darksmoke lenses, these sturdy glasses are the most stylish safety goggles you can buy, ensuring you’ll always look cool during a hard bail.

Go Flex Satellite
Seagate • $200
External hard drives have become crucial gear for transporting media from points A to B, but this goes the extra mile when you’re on the road. It functions as a portable Wi-Fi network, broadcasting its contents up to 150 feet. Laptops, tablets, smartphones—any device with Wi-Fi connectivity and a web browser—can access the drive and stream its media. The 500-gigabyte drive holds about 300 high-def movies (the battery lasts up to five hours), vastly increasing the media-playing potential of the iPad and other devices that lean on onboard memory.

Automobili Lambor ghini VX7 laptop
ASUS • $2,299
You expect thoroughbred performance from any laptop geared toward gaming, but this 15.6-inch computer looks like it might actually fly off your lap and disappear in a cloud of vaporized rubber. The alumi num casing—available in black, carbon fiber, or see-it-fromspace orange—is modeled after a Lam bor ghini chassis, com plete with taillights, a rear-exhaust cooling system, leather palm rests, and a power button that’s shaped like an ignition key. The high revving second-generation Core i7 processor and three gig GeForce GTX 460M graphics card provide more horsepower than anything else in ASUS’s garage.

Armed notebook
Molla Space • $20
Three-dimensional guns, grenades, and knives explode from the matte-black covers of these artsy-fartsy notebooks. The big idea behind their embossed design is that words and ideas are more dangerous than projectile weapons and explosives, but whatever—we just think they’re the sharpest-looking notebooks since the Sergeant Slaughter Trapper Keeper. Layout style varies by cover weapon. Pages in the grenade notebook, for instance, have a light grid pattern that helps with technical drawing. Line width varies in the knife notebook so you can unleash your creativity without any rigid constraints … or something. It’s all very high-concept, but at least you’re not likely to get punched while journaling.

Xoom tablet
Motorola • $800 ($600 with two-year Verizon contract)
If the iPad 2 is the sleek X-Wing fighter of tablets, Xoom is the Death Star. This flagship Google Android device demolishes Apple’s latest tablet in nearly every specification, from screen resolution to camera quality. While both devices pack zippy dual-core CPUs, the Xoom boasts more memory and is particularly adept at web browsing (especially Flash-based sites). It does cost a little more than frill-free versions of the iPad 2, though. Factor in the Xoom’s built-in HDMI port and card-reader expand ability, however, and the price battle is a wash—as are comparisons between battery life. One win for the cult of Apple: Twice as many apps are available for the iPad 2.

Element portable gas grill
Fuego • $150
No red-blooded Neanderthal should leave his cave without this go-anywhere grill, perfect for charring meat at pic nics, campsites—heck, even on the bus. It weighs less than 15 pounds, and folds flat and slings over your shoulder like a messenger bag until you stumble upon some random rib eyes or roadkill in need of flame broiling. Transformation to propane grill is fast and simple: Just undo the rubber strap that secures the lid and flip down the aluminum handles for legs. With an easy-starting 8,000 B.T.U. burner and a spacious cooking area, the Element also makes a smart full-time grilling solution for carnivores in cramped apartments.

Midnight Shot NV-1 night-vision camera
ThinkGeek.com • $130
Night-vision modes in consumer digital cameras have been deemed a no-no ever since some enterprising photographers discovered they could shoot through thin clothing. The 5.0-megapixel Midnight Shot NV-1 embraces that technology. By night, its infrared LED bathes the darkness in invisible light detectable only by the camera’s lens, which snaps monochrome pics and movies familiar to anyone who’s ever watched a ghost-hunting TV show. By day, the infrared flash penetrates some types of thin fabric, meaning you may capture a little more than you bargained for. A standard day-vision mode takes normal pics.

Stealth arcade table
Arcade Tables • $3,300
Three-plus grand might seem like a lot of quarters to drop on a tabletop gaming machine loaded with 60 games you played to death decades ago, but the Stealth arcade table does double duty as art as well as entertainment. Its geometric German design recasts the eighties sit-down coin-op as a Tron-inspired polygon that’s available in glossy black or white. All components in the seamless chassis, from the high-definition LCD screen to the authentic arcade joystick, are up to abuse-resistant game-room standards. The Stealth comes preinstalled with all the classics that matter, including the entire Donkey Kong and Pac-Man family trees. Challenge your buddies to Congo Bongo and recoup some of those quarters.

Creditor money-clip knife
Carbon Fiber Gear • $200
We can think of a few places—bank counters, airport security lines, strip clubs—where a money clip with a fold-out knife might lead to unfortunate misunderstandings and jail time. Outside those situations, this precision-engineered tool makes a cuttingedge addition to your back pocket. It’s about the size of a credit card (and only three times thicker) when retracted, and the clip unfolds to become a six-inch knife with a carbon-fiber blade, wrought with a titanium handle; the entire package weighs less than two ounces. Removing the clip makes the Creditor svelte enough to sheathe in your wallet. Just don’t forget it’s there before your next flight.

Emissary messenger bag
Zulu Nylon Gear • $249
Designated as a MOLLE messenger bag (military jargon for modular lightweight load-carrying equipment), the lethal-looking Emissary is funky and functional enough for urban bike commuters but sturdily stitched to pass Special Forces muster. The multipocketed main compartment can accommodate a 15-inch notebook or tablet with plenty of room for accessories, documents, books, and small arms. The bag’s exterior bristles with zippered compartments for gadgets you need to keep quick on the draw. If you somehow manage to fill the bag’s crannies, just clip extraneous gear or grenades on the loops that crisscross the bottom. The Emissary is available in black, brown, green, and camouflage.

UltraView outdoor TV
Ciil • $2,800 to $8,000
These high-def TVs are built to withstand the most extreme backyard conditions—and even some natural disasters; they’re permanently encased against rain, snow, dust, and bugs. They’ll even function completely submerged (although we don’t recommend watching the game in the deep end of the pool). Display sizes range from 32 to 55 inches, and every model comes with a shatter-resistant screen, weatherproof speakers, and an ambient-light sensor that adjusts for sun glare. Best of all, you won’t have to lug the TV to the garage come wintertime. These sets operate in temperatures ranging from 114 degrees to 13 below.

Portable charger
iSound • $130
Boldly go beyond the reach of power outlets with this pocketable battery that charges five gadgets simultaneously. The Power Max delivers up to 480 hours of juice to any USBpowered device, from tablets to smartphones to digital cameras (it comes with a mini-USB adapter). Charging power varies by gadget. A fully powered-up Power Max will recharge a dead iPad twice, an iPhone 4 up to 11 times, and portable media players nearly 20 times. Keep it plugged in at home for use as a master charging station for all your USB-powered toys. While in the wild, an LED indicator shows how much charge time remains until you should return to civilization.

Coolpix P300
Nikon • $330
This 12.2-megapixel pointand-shoot is easy to carry and even easier to operate. Its quick startup and rapidfire shooting mode make it hard to miss action shots, while a high shutter speed ensures sharp shooting in twilight conditions. A pop-up flash brings some old-school pizzazz. The dedicated video button records at a full 1080p, trumping the competition’s models. When you’re ready to get a little more hands-on, switch to the manual settings more common to higher-end cameras. But with so many auto-photo features at your disposal—from vibration reduction to a panoramic mode—there’s no shame in taking the easy shots.

Nike+ SportWatch GPS
Nike • $199
This is essential gear for any type of runner—except maybe those running from the law. It uses TomTom GPS info and the optional Nike+ sneaker sensor to record every nitty-gritty detail of your daily jog, from calories burned to route taken. The bulk of this info scrolls across the watch’s easy-to-read face, which isn’t bogged down with buttons; for a more detailed analysis you can download your run and route data online via the USB plug built into the strap. Audible “attaboys” keep you motivated when your performance is up to par, plus the watch will nag you if you haven’t hit the streets in a while. You’ve been warned.

XtreaMP3 waterproof
MP3 player
Finis • $150
The unfortunately named XtreaMP3 is small and shock resistant, with earbuds specialized for aquatic rocking out, so it can take the silent drudgery out of lap swimming and add a sound track to surf sessions. The XtreaMP3’s one gigabyte of memory holds up to 240 songs that will stream for nearly eight hours on a single charge. A neoprene strap secures the player to your forearm, and oversize shuffle and track-select buttons make it easy to choose tunes in crashing surf. You wouldn’t want to wear this thing in the legendary swells of Maverick’s, though—it’s waterproof only to 15 feet.

SkyProdigy 130 telescope
Celestron • $800
Nothing makes you feel brainier than ogling heavenly bodies through a high-end telescope. And nothing makes you feel dumber than trying to find those heavenly bodies when the vastness of space and the Earth’s rotation turn the view-finding process into a galactic crapshoot. This auto-aligning reflector telescope does the hard work for you. Its motorized mount and camera-equipped computer automatically target any planets, stars, or galaxies you input, making it easy to spy on interstellar neighbors at 307x magnification. The SkyTour option finds the most spectacular stellar objects based on your location, season, and time.

Soulra XL solar
boom box
Eton • $300 (estimated)
What’s a better poolside or campfire companion than a splashproof and solarpowered portable speaker system for your iPhone/iPod Touch? The solar panel does double duty as a clamshell lid during wet weather, and a stowaway remote lets you crank the freedom rock from across the campsite. Don’t expect to live off the electric grid, though. For every four hours of sun-powered playtime, the Soulra XL requires a day to recharge its lithium-ion battery through its solar panels (four hours via its AC adapter).