Email without a computer: An easy way to join
the email generation on the cheap is with the MailStation from CIDCO, a $99 email machine.
That's all it does. You don't need need to know anything about computers or event need to
have one.
Just plug the MailStation into your phone line and you're ready to go. The unit dials out
when you want to send a message or check if you have one. It automatically downloads any
incoming correspondence and then gets off the line.
My wife, who tried the MailStation and liked it, says it's very easy to use. To get that
$99 price, you'll need to sign up for one year's email service, for another $99.
For more information, go to www.cidco.com or www.vtechworld.com, another
company that makes email stations.
Digital picture frames: Picture frames comes in all shapes and sizes. But the
old-fashioned frames won't do you any good if you're taking digital snapshots. For that
you need the CyberFrame from Sony.
The CyberFrame displays digital shots taken with a Sony digital camera. Just take the
memory stick, slip it into the slot, and the CyberFrame comes to life. And the CyberFrame
can provide a slide show by changing shots every few seconds.
State-of-the-art is never cheap. The Sony CyberFrame costs $900. For more information, go
to www.sony.com.
Remote control device: My neighbor Gene
volunteered to try out another new gadget for me. Since he broke his leg and is in a
wheelchair now, the UltimateREMOTE Home Control Kit was just what the doctor ordered.
The UltimateREMOTE not only controls your TV, VCR, cable box or satellite, it also runs
anything plugged into these special control modules. So with just the push of a few
buttons, Gene can start anything within 100 feet, such as the fan across the room, a light
or the coffeemaker.
The UltimateREMOTE Home Control, created by a Seattle company, has a starter kit selling for
$20. For more information, go to www.x10.com.
Digital music products: These tiny,
lightweight personal audio players deliver digital-quality music from CDs or downloaded
from the Internet. Transfer a three minute and 30 second song in just seven seconds!
Create your own play lists. No moving parts mean no skips. And one AA battery will power
these devices for about 10 hours.
Products range from RCA's Lyra, for $200; learn more
at www.lyrazone.com.
The RIO 500 is available for $270; learn more at
www.diamondmm.com.
Also Creative Lab's NOMAD can be had for $250; visit
www.nomadworld.com.
Digital grand piano: Yamaha Disklavier GranTouch with
SmartKey is a supersmart digital grand piano that can operate as fully automated player
piano.
But the SmartKey gives a unique interactive
experience. The piano actually signals which key you should push by wiggling it. Then, it
accompanies you! It costs $16,695; to find a store that sells it, go to www.yamaha.com.
