$150 gets you 8 megapixels
For $150, you get 8 megapixels of shooting power from Pentax’s Optio E40 digital camera. Powered by AA batteries, the compact model boasts a video- shooting mode, a 3x optical zoom, a 2.4-inch LCD, an image stabilizer, face-recognition technology and a slot for a Secure Digital card. It will go on sale in September. A similar model, the Optio M40, features a slightly bigger 2.5-inch LCD screen, auto and manual focusing, 21.9 megabytes of memory and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Available in August, it will cost $200.
Make calls or rock out away from the computer
Go ahead and pace. With the wireless Q-Bean, you can listen to music and make calls from your computer while walking around the house. The package includes a 2.4-gigahertz digital radio frequency transmitter that connects to a USB port on a computer and a wireless receiver with a built-in microphone, remote control functions and a jack for its ear buds. Priced at $120, the Q-Bean has a range of about 150 feet and works with Windows Media Player, Media Center, iTunes, Skype and other popular computer applications. The Q-Bean-ST, a stereo version with a battery-operated transmitter for MP3 players, TVs and other electronic gear, is $130. q-bean.com
Laptops with color, media features
Gateway adds a bit of color to two new laptop lines. Available in red, blue or gray, the Gateway T-140X boasts an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, a 14.1-inch display, 1GB of memory and a 120GB hard drive. The laptop also includes a webcam, a five-in-one digital media reader, built-in wireless connectivity, a DVD burner and easy-to-reach multimedia controls. It costs $1,000. A similar model, the Gateway M-150X with a 15.4-inch screen, also is $1,000. Other configurations are available.
All your travel info in one place
The Portable Travel Profile can help you pull together important travel information. Loaded with 64MB of memory and intuitive templates, the USB gadget can store a variety of data and images, including copies of your family’s insurance cards, driver’s licenses and passports, as well as credit card numbers, flight plans and hotel reservations. To access the data, plug the device into a USB port on a PC and type in your password. The waterproof, steel-encased device can be carried on a key chain or inside a wallet. Cost: $50.
