Pico CD/DVD-Duplicator
$699 FROM DISCMAKERS.COM
Musicians and filmmakers will have time to burn with Pico, a portable duplicator that automates the tedious process of copying CDs and DVDs. After installing a small application and connecting the drive to a Windows-based PC via a USB port, simply stack blank CDs in a bin, select the files to duplicate and walk away. A tiny robotic arm will reload the burner as necessary, creating up to 12 CDs or six DVDs an hour. Best of all, the included mp3 ripper makes it a snap to convert CD collections.
Nintendo DS Lite
$129.82 FROM WALMART.COM
The latest hand-held device from Nintendo delivers the same goodness as the original DS in a much smaller, visually refined package. About half as thick as the old version, the DS Lite borrows much of its sleek look from Apple’s iPod. The price has not increased, so there’s no reason not to go “lite” with Mario and his pals this summer.
Timex Expedition compass watch
$94.95 AT REI.COM
Time may not be on your side, but an impeccable sense of direction will be with help from this watch. The Expedition features a compass needle as a fourth hand. Its stainless-steel bezel and leather strap are classy enough for the boardroom and tough enough for the outdoors; it’s water-resistant to 100 meters.
IOGEAR USB 2.0 hub & card reader
$37.99 AT COMPUSA.COM
Memory cards for digital cameras, mp3 players and gaming systems come in so many shapes and sizes you need a personal scorekeeper to keep track. Or you could just hook up this versatile unit that adds six USB ports–and also reads and writes data to and from the 12 most popular memory card formats. This gadget works on any Mac or PC and requires only one USB port.
