Whether you’re surfing the Internet, taking work home, computing with the kids or on the go, the following computer and wireless accessories can help, and they fit just about any budget. Best of all, they’re easy to set up: With some, it’s just a matter of popping in the batteries.
Although these items are available at most retail stores, phone numbers are included to help the procrastinators in their searches.
– ESPNET to go: Motorola updates its Sports-to-Go MVP receiver with gobs of news and analysis from ESPN. A great wireless device for the computer-shy sports nut. Receiver is $99 with a $25 activation fee. Monthly fees for packages ($11.99-$14.99) depend on services. 1-800-WBN-ESPN, ext. 002.
– Electronic planning: The folks at Franklin Electronic Publishers have reduced Quicken 3.0 to a snazzy palmtop device called Pocket Quicken on Bookman. The $99 unit works alone or interfaces with a Mac or IBM to update your accounts (checking, savings, credit cards, etc.) and generate an expense report. There also are two cartridge slots for Franklin’s many e-books. 800-243-4650, ext. 810299.
– A fab printer: So fab it prints onto fabric, creates cards, a cross-stitch pattern and has a drawing program. Canon’s line of color Bubble Jets–BJC-210, BJC-4100, BJC-610–range from $249-$569. A line of specialty papers allows for myriad gifts and crafts. Hours of fun for the family. 800-848-4123.
– True portability: Sony’s CD-ROM Discman is a double-speed drive that’s almost as light as a feather. It takes two AA batteries and works with laptop and PCs with a PCMCIA card (a device about the size of a credit card). The sleek player will run music CDs as well and comes with a headset. The PRD-150 rings in at $499 without sound and $749 with 16-bit sound for the PRD-155SB. 800-352-SONY.
– Lights, action: Goof off (or stay busy) for hours without disturbing others with the NCL 480 ($49, ASF) light for the notebook and PCL 300 for the palmtop ($39). Both light accessories come with adapters for cars and boats and run on batteries. 800-771-3600.
– In the fast lane: Motorola has a line of modems for computers large and small (IBM compatibles and Macs) for $289-$495. The 28.8 kbps Lifestyle is the fastest analog device on the market for the desktop. The Power Series has the 14.4 and 28.8 kbps PCMCIA Cellular Modem that also has a phone adapter and works with palmtops. Go for high speed with the BitSurfer Pro–a digital device with a 128 kbps transfer rate (courtesy of Ameritech where available). 800-TEAM-DATA.
– Light touch: The Alps GlidePoint Keyboard ($149.95, Alps, Mac/IBM compatibles) frees up your workstation with an integrated touchpad that does away with the mouse. The GlidePoint technology replaces clicking with light taps–much easier on the joints. There is also a wristrest. 800-825-2577.
– Games on demand: If you already have the Sega Genesis ($99), you are ready for The Next Level. For $12.95-$14.95 a month, your cable company can hook up the Sega Channel. The monthly fee gets you 50 games a month, sneak previews, game tips, contests and special programs.
