Posted on: Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Tech Toys

New products to delight the techie / Compiled by Gannett News Service

Digital lock uses codes, not keys

Ever walk out the door — and just as you turn the lock — realize your keys are inside? With the new Digital Deadbolt from SmartHome, you can stop worrying about forgetting your keys. The rectangular-shaped lock comes with a push-button keypad that grants access when you punch in your secret code. It doesn't require batteries or an AC outlet, so there's no need to worry about being locked out during a power failure. You will, however, have to remember your code. The lock sells for just under $100.
• www.smarthome.com

Camera snaps wallet-sized photos

Polaroid's clever new mio proves a camera doesn't have to be digital to be innovative. Like most other Polaroid cameras, this one produces instant prints that can be viewed within just a few seconds after being snapped. What makes these prints special, though, is their size: They measure 2 inches by 3.5 inches, the same as business cards, and can be carried easily in a wallet. For $80, the mio comes with a built-in flash and a motorized telescoping lens for close-ups and distance shots. The camera also includes a 10-pack of Polaroid's instant print film; an additional pack of 20 photos costs about $20.
• www.polaroid.com/mio

Program builds 3-D slide shows

With the 3D-Album from Micro Research Institute, you can turn your digital photos into an animated slide show — complete with music, text and recorded messages. You even can copy these finished albums onto CDs, upload them as Web pages or send them as e-mail attachments. And your friends will have no excuse not to look at your pictures because these albums can be viewed in most Web browsers with a special viewer that's installed automatically. Photos can be displayed in a variety of 3-D scenes, including a floating hot-air balloon, a swaying Christmas tree ornament and a rotating 3-D picture rack. This $39.95 title for Windows 98 and newer comes with 23 styles; 30 more can be downloaded for free at the company's Web site.
• www.3d-album.com

Phone headset goes wireless

SSI America makes a wireless headset for folks who like to move around while they talk. The SI-8330 model can be connected via its base station to cellular phones, corded phones or even PCs that use 2.5mm minijack connectors. And with a range of about 16 feet, there's no need to stay close by. The gadget's rechargeable lithium-ion battery lasts about 100 hours on standby and about eight hours when talking. The set includes a battery recharger and costs $89.|
• www.ssiamerica.com

Create MP3 files without a PC

The $200 RipFlash player from PoGo! Products, a small California company, lets you create MP3 files without using a PC. It uses built-in analog-to-digital technology to convert tunes in practically any format to MP3 files.

The player can encode audio using its supplied line-in connector, which can accept input from turntables, cassette players, CD players and radios. As analog music is transferred over the line-in connector, it's converted to digital MP3s that won't skip.
• www.pogoproducts.com