Lukis Digital Picture Frame

There's one in every office. The guy who adorns his cubicle with photos of his little cherub smiling, sleeping, spitting up. It's this same guy who just has to pass around pictures of his last trip to the south of France and tacks up a few to remind everyone else about the vacation they'll never get to take. Go ahead, one-up him with the $100 Lukis Digital Picture Frame. This JPEG ImageViewer displays digital pictures on a high-quality 4-in. diagonal color screen at 220 x 160 pixels. The unit supports a 5-volt or 3.3-volt SmartMedia card, so it is simple to plug the card in and view pictures taken on a wide variety of digital cameras. Use it to frame that shot of you and your sweetie kayaking over Niagara Falls and, ahem, that picture of your new Ferrari. No one has to know you got the image off Ferrari.com. Contact Lukis, 5375 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 201, San Diego, CA 92121; 800-358-7267; www.hscus.com.

Intel Play QX3 Computer Microscope

One wonderful thing about children is their intense curiosity. To help feed that fire, take a look at the $99 Intel Play QX3 Computer Microscope. Using it, your kids can magnify, display and manipulate microscopic objects on their computer screen. The digital video imaging technology allows users to view, enlarge and save images of bugs, plants and anything else that they can get their hands on. Video and still images, as well as time-lapse movies, can be produced, and then shared with friends and family through printouts, e-mail or an onscreen show. The QX3 microscope also can be removed from its base so your kids can explore the world around them. Contact Intel, 2200 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95052; 888-628-8389; www.intelplay.com.

Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer

"Look, Ma! No ball!" The $74.95 Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer has eliminated the little rubber ball—you know, the one that finds every crumb on your desk and accumulates gunk. We have one guy in our office that pulls out the ball from his mouse and rolls it back and forth while he's on the phone. We don't get it. Anyway, using a new optical sensor called the IntelliEye, Microsoft has eliminated the mouse ball. The IntelliEye scans the surface beneath the mouse 1500 times per second and accurately tracks the smallest motion. There are more than the two traditional buttons on top. Two "thumb" buttons on the lefthand side let you, for example, move text up and down or copy and paste. The scroll wheel is now grooved, too. Best of all, because the IntelliMouse has an optical sensor in place of the traditional rubber ball, you don't need a mouse pad anymore. Contact Microsoft, 1 Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052; 800-426-9400; www.microsoft.com.

Mindstorms Lego Droid Developer Kit

Just say the kids wanted it. That'll make life easier. The $100 Lego Droid Developer Kit says that it's designed for ages 9 and up. But we had to pry more than a few 40-year-olds away from trying to make their favorite Star Wars droids, from R2-D2 to the battle droids from "Episode I." The Lego droid kit features three different building skill levels: Apprentice, Jedi Knight and Jedi Master. In all, the kit contains more than 600 pieces and is powered by the Micro-Scout, the smallest Lego microcomputer, which has a built-in light sensor, motor and seven behaviors to choose from. But you know it'll happen. Your kids are building at the Jedi Master level and you still can't figure out how to make the Apprentice droid. Contact Lego Systems, 555 Taylor Rd., P.O. Box 1600, Enfield, CT 06083; 800-510-5773; www.legomindstorms.com.

Philips Digital Speaker System DSS330

You have a screaming fast computer, a new flat-panel monitor and the latest games, but there is something missing. Your MP3 files don't have much punch and your games sound tinny. Finish off your system with the $129 Philips Digital Speaker System. These satellite speakers feature Philips Incredible Sound technology, generating a total 3D listening experience. The 3 x 4-in. speakers come with a subwoofer and a remote control and they connect via your computer's USB port, automatically configuring and taking the headache out of adding new hardware. Go ahead, pump up the music. You deserve it. Contact Philips Consumer Electronics, 64 Perimeter Center, East Atlanta, GA 31146; 800-835-3506; www.philips.com.

Real Feel PoolShark Pool Cue Controller

Virtual pool games are fun, but let's face it: Using a mouse and keyboard to sink a sweet three-cushion shot is just not as satisfying as doing it in real life. The $29.99 Real Feel PoolShark Pool Cue Controller brings that feeling one step closer. This sports simulation device from InterAct allows you to play Virtual Pool using a real cue and maintaining natural hand position and motion of play. The patented force feedback and spatial movement sensors allow for real-time measurement of motion, direction and force—all this and no need to chalk up. Contact InterAct Accessories, 9611 Pulaski Park Dr., Suite 309, Baltimore, MD 21220; 410-785-4064; www.interact-acc.com.

Timex Ironman Triathlon Watch With Data Link

Who needs a pricey, gold-and-diamond-studded Rolex when the $70 Timex Ironman Triathlon Watch does so much more? On top of the impressive sport timing functions, the Timex Ironman Triathlon offers the Data Link system. First, enter phone numbers and personal information including daily, monthly and yearly appointments, anniversaries and reminder alarms into your computer by using the Timex- and Microsoft-developed software. (Sorry, Mac users, the watch does not work with Apple computers.) Now put your watch into communicate mode and hold it in front of the monitor. Presto! The selected information is transferred from your PC to your watch in seconds via flashing bars of light. So aside from knowing what time it is, all your appointments, to-do items and more are right on your wrist. Contact Timex, P.O. Box 310, Middlebury, CT 06762; 800-367-8463; www.timex.com.

X-10 MouseRemote And Video Sender Kit

You went for it, shelled out a couple of extra clams and upgraded to the best DVD drive around. It's too bad that you can watch those flicks only on your computer. Here you go, buddy. Let us make your day. With the $88 X-10 MouseRemote and Video Sender Kit, you can use your computer's DVD drive anywhere your little heart desires in your home. It's simple. Plug the sending unit into your PC's RCA In/Out plug and into a wall outlet. Then, plug the receiving unit into the RCA connections on your TV or VCR and a wall outlet. Use the included software to program the MouseRemote and you're ready for action. We know, that's another remote to dig out of the couch. But this one is worth it. Contact X-10, 91 Ruckman Rd., Box 420, Closter, NJ 07624; 800-675-3044; www.x10.com.

APC SurgeArrest Surge Protection

It's happened to most of us at some point or another. You're working on a very important document, the lights flicker and poof—your computer goes dark and your work hits the intergalactic bit bucket. Power outages, spikes and flickers are the bane of the computer user's existence, causing keyboard lock-ups, system crashes, corrupted data and lost connections. The $299.99 APC SurgeArrest SurgeStation can help you avoid these headaches and more. With an uninterruptible power supply and USB connection, the SurgeStation will automatically save your files and shut your computer down in the event of an external power outage. So when the lights go down, your computer won't. Contact American Power Conversion, 132 Fairgrounds Rd., West Kingston, RI 02892 USA; 800-788-2208; www.apcc.com.

WatchGuard Security Firebox II

While it's painted fire engine red, this is no toy. It should, however, be on every network administrator's wish list. You see, if you are in charge of a network or run a business, you must be aware that today's "always on" Internet connections make your company more susceptible than ever to hackers. Monitor and keep your network safe with the $4990 WatchGuard Security Firebox II. The WatchGuard Live Security System is made up of four key components: the WatchGuard Live Security Broadcast system that uses push technology to bring you the latest security bulletins and software; the Watchguard Security Suite that includes VPN firewall software; the WatchGuard Policy Manager allows you to define the type of security policy that you want to enforce; and the WatchGuard Firebox II appliance. There's no reason to be vulnerable to attack when the protection tools that you need exist. Contact: WatchGuardTechnologies, 316 Occidental Ave. S., Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98104; 800-734-9905; www.watchguard.com.