Tired of boring-looking laptops? The HP Pavilion dv2000t sports HP’s “unique imprint finish—a polished piano black coating with a subtle wave pattern.” The coolness doesn’t stop with its looks. The dv2000t weighs in at a mere 5.3 pounds but its 14.1-inch BrightView Widescreen will keep you from squinting or scrolling. An Intel Core Duo processor gives you Centrino technology for longer battery life. With the ability to play and burn CDs and DVDs, a Graphics Media Accelerator card and a built-in Webcam for live video conversations, you’ll have plenty of cool stuff to do after you’ve finished your work!
Price: From $750 (after rebate)
Available through www.hp.com
Targus 15.4” Feren Backpack
Now that you’ve loaded up on gadgets, you’ll need something cool to carry them in! Named by Laptop Magazine as one of the best notebook cases for under $100, the Feren (which is really a backpack) is designed to fit notebooks with up to 15.4” screens. The insulated front pocket and two side water bottle pockets are perfect for stocking up on snacks and drinks during those long days. A removable cell phone holder clips onto the shoulder strap and a 4-slot CD/DVD sleeve and MP3 player pocket are positioned near the padded notebook compartment for easy access. It also has a water resistant bottom to protect your notebook from the elements.
Price: $69.99
Available through www.targus.com
LG Chocolate Phone
Calling it a “part MP3 player, part phone,” Verizon Wireless recently started selling the Chocolate by LG. The Chocolate offers a rich array of features that includes the ability to store and play up to 1,000 of your MP3 songs, glowing touch-sensitive navigation keys on a unique sliding number pad, Bluetooth® capability, and even the ability to download a navigation system so you’ll never get lost! Of course, it has a camera too, but that’s not new anymore, is it?
Price: $150
Available through www.verizonwireless.com (with a service plan)
Kodak Easy Share V705 Digital Camera
Calling it “the world’s smallest ultra-wide-angle zoom digital camera,” Kodak will begin selling the V705 in September at a suggested retail price of $350 (but you’ll undoubtedly be able to get it for less at some of the big retailers). With 7.1 megapixels, an optical zoom of 5x (compared to the usual 3x), a 2.5-inch LCD screen and dual lenses, the V705 is worth a look if you’re into getting high quality digital photos from a compact camera. You can even choose your color – silver, black or pink – so the camera will look as good as the photos! And, at less than 0.8 inches thin and weighing less than 4-1/2 ounces, this one won’t weigh you down!
Price: $350
Available September 2006 through www.kodak.com
iH5 iPod Clock Radio
If the song you wake up to is going to be stuck in your head all day, you might as well make sure it’s one you like! With the iH5 clock radio, you can dock your iPod and enjoy superior sound from the Reson8™ speakers with gradual wake or gradual sleep volume control. There’s even a patch cord so you can play CDs. The removable dock inserts fit ALL docking iPods and charge your iPod while it’s docked.
Price: $100
Available through www.ihomeaudio.com.
