Stay on top of the weather
You can quickly gauge what the weather’s like outside with Brookstone’s Wireless 5-Day Weather Forecaster. Designed to receive local weather updates via a radio signal from AccuWeather, the stand-alone device displays current weather conditions and five-day forecasts. Measuring 4 by 4 inches and three-fourths of an inch thick, the device has an internal magnet and a stand, allowing you to stick it on a refrigerator or place it on a nightstand. Cost: $85.
brookstone.com
IPod accessory provides bigger view
IFlip delivers the big picture to video Apple iPod owners. When attached to an iPod, the iFlip displays the iPod’s video content on an 8.4-inch screen with a resolution of 480 by 234 pixels. Its rechargeable battery provides up to five hours of playback, conserving the iPod’s battery. The device includes a tilting iPod dock, integrated speakers and two headphone jacks. The portable fold-up unit from Memorex weighs 2.5 pounds and costs $200.
memorexelectronics.com
Let your car tell you what’s wrong
When the “Check Engine” light goes on in your car, you no longer have to play guessing games. A hand-held diagnostic tool called CarMD can help you decide whether the problem requires immediate attention or can wait until the car’s next service date.
Designed to work with vehicles made since 1996, the device plugs into a data link connector located under or near your car’s dashboard. When you turn on the ignition, it collects information about your car. If everything is OK, it’ll display a green light. If there’s a possible problem, it’ll display a yellow light, and if your car needs service, it’ll show a red light.
You can get more detailed information by plugging the tester into your PC and downloading reports that explain what the tester found. Cost: $90.
carmd.com
Talent tapper
American Idol Extreme Music Creator can help you tap into your musical talent. Developed with Sony Media Software, the package includes a CD with more than 250 loops and samples produced by “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson. It also features software that lets you record vocals and instruments, remix songs, preview recordings and burn them onto a demo CD. The Windows-based program costs $50. Another title, American Idol Jam Trax, contains tools to record vocals, change the tempo and key, and e-mail recordings. Cost: $20.
sony.com/mediasoftware
