Tech Toys
Compiled by Gannett News Service
DVD works like VCR, records home movies
Two new DVD recorders from Philips can easily add some pizzazz to your home movies. The DVDR1000 and the DVDR1500 recorders both work like a VCR. But instead of recording images from your camcorder or TV onto tape, they record them on DVD+RW discs. These sharp-looking home movies can then be played back on the recorders, as well as most standard DVD players and on PCs with DVD-ROM drives. Besides home recordings, the machines also can play DVD-video, CD music, CD-Recordable, CD-Rewritable and video CDs.
The DVDR1000 has a silver casing and costs $1,999. The DVD1500 has a black exterior, comes with a Pronto Pro Intelligent Remote Control and costs $2,999.
Information: philips.com
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Desk helps kids learn letters, phonics
An innovative learning tool from Fisher-Price can help preschoolers master letters and phonics sounds through a variety of sensory experiences. The Learning Sensations Play With Letters Desk comes with a set of interactive rolling blocks. Each block bears a textured letter that a child can practice tracing. Each block also contains an audio bar code that is activated when a child rolls it across the table or floor. For example, when a child rolls the P block, the desk will name the letter and phonics sound and then explain that the word "Pig" begins with P.
The battery-operated toy, which shuts off on its own, costs $29.99.
Information: fisherprice.com
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Latest AirPort adds security, AOL support
Apple Computer has released its second-generation AirPort wireless networking system that includes, among other enhancements, improved security.
Capable of transmitting data at 11 megabits per second (Mbps) up to 150 feet, the AirPort network is based on the popular 802.11b wireless networking standard. Configured through a central base station, it's designed to link up your computers so you can share a single high-speed Internet connection or take your laptop out in the back yard without having to fuss with cables.
The new AirPort base station offers special wireless support for American Online (5.0 or higher). Network set-up requires inserting network cards into each computer you want to connect. AirPort cards run $99 each, while the new base station costs $299.
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Software finds lost files in a snap
You need to find a file in a hurry but can't remember what you called it, where you put it or even when you created it. You could let Enfish Find do it for you. The software program indexes your PC's documents, e-mails, contacts and other types of data so it can find information you need by entering keywords. It also indexes some types of Web information for quick retrieval. Enfish Find even can display related information on the same screen.
Enfish Find costs $69.95. The program, including a free trial version, can be downloaded from the company's Web site.
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Site sells digital 'Potter' sheet music
Harry Potter fans can download digital sheet music to their favorite songs from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" film at musicnotes.com.
The site features all nine songs by John Williams, including "Hedwig's Theme,"
"Hogwart's Forever," "Fluffy's Harp" and "Quidditch."
Fans can print and play the songs away from the PC, or they can download the site's free music player and interact with the music online.
An individual title costs $4.95; the entire set is $24.95.
