Tech Toys
Compiled by Gannett News Service
High-tech screening for unwanted calls
Telemarketers can be a hassle. They always call just as you are sitting down for dinner. You can try to screen them with an answering machine or caller ID, but the folks at Avinta Communications think they have a better solution.
It's called the TriVOX ($69.95) module and here's how it works. You connect the boxy device to your phone and an answering machine, which is required. Next, you program the TriVOX with a secret code that you enter from your phone's keypad. Then, you give that code only to people whose calls you want. When the phone rings, the system's automated attendant will answer. Callers who punch in the code will automatically be rung through. Those who don't will be invited to leave a message.
Information: avinta.com
• • •
Mice for laptops have desktop feel
Laptop computers don't generally come with mice. Instead they use built-in devices — known as track pads or track pointers. But as most laptop users can attest, these solutions aren't as intuitive or as comfortable as using a mouse. That's why a variety of manufacturers have developed a new breed of portable mice designed to make using a laptop more like a desktop.
One cool-looking option is the MouseMan Traveler ($49.95) from Logitech. Its silver metal finish with black trim feels cool and comfortable to the touch, and its optical sensor means you can use the mouse on a surface with or without a mouse pad. The optical sensor also replaces the traditional mouse ball, which can become clogged with lint and dirt.
Information: logitech.com
• • •
A speaker for your pocket
Listening to music on a personal player with headphones is great when you're alone but not so fun when you want to share your favorite tunes with a pal. A new portable gadget — the Tech-Link Pocket Audio Speaker from DSI Toys — provides an easy solution. Just plug the pocket-size gadget's speaker plug into your player's audio jack, turn it on and pump up the volume. While the sound isn't exactly state-of-the art stereo, it's plenty loud. And for gamers who want to share the sound effects of their favorite portable games, the portable speaker can even be plugged into Game Boy systems.
The $10 gadget runs on a nine-volt battery, comes with a belt clip and is available in three colors: red, green and purple.
Information: dsitoys.com
• • •
Mix it up on the PC
Want to play disc jockey on your PC? Just plug the DM2 Digital Music Mixer into a USB port on a Windows PC, install the included Beatnik's Mixman software and you're ready to go. With this package, you can mix up the beats and add special effects to more than 600 audio tracks.
When you've finished creating a remix, you can save or e-mail it in a variety of formats, including Real Audio, Windows Media Audio and WAV.
The music mixer costs $99.95 and works best with a Pentium II processor or higher.
Information: mydm2.com
A DVD player with fun extras
Sampo America has introduced a DVD player with a built-in CompactFlash card reader that does much more than play DVD movies. The $250 machine also can display digital still (JPEG) and moving (MPEG1) images stored on CompactFlash cards and CD-recordable and rewritable discs. It can play music on traditional discs, as well as those containing MP3 tunes. And the versatile DVE-631CF player can also read video CD and super VCD discs.
Information: sampoamericas.com
