Time to Upgrade Your Technology

SAMSUNG SGH-X830

The "Mini MP3 Phone," the new X830 from Samsung takes listening to music on your phone to a new level. The unique swing-open design allows the unit to function as two different devices, rather than one device with music navigation and mobile communication crammed together. When closed, the X830 behaves like an MP3 player, with an interface that displays playlist, EQ settings and song information. In the open position, the X830's keypad is exposed, allowing for optimal phone functionality. The X830 contains 1GB of memory for storage of 250 songs, is Bluetooth ready, and has a USB 2.0 connection for speedy music transfers. Its average price is about $385.

VIEWSONIC VIEWDOCK

Electronics manufacturers have come up with just about every conceivable way to integrate the iPod into their products over the past few years; but this one from ViewSonic makes more sense than most. With its built-in iPod dock, the new ViewDock series of wide-screen LCD computer monitors easily lets users view video stored on their iPods on a display up to 65 times larger than the iPod screen. And with its full suite of ins and outs- including USB ports, built-in speakers, headphone jack, audio out and more- the display is also ideal for listening to audio from the iPod. It also features an 8-in-1 card reader and a built-in subwoofer and is both PC and Mac compatible. Its average price is about $495.

PANASONIC HDC-DX1

Panasonic's entry into the HD camcorder market features two new models, the HDC-SD1, which records onto SDHC Memory Cards, and the HDC-DX1, which uses dual-layer DVD-R discs to capture about 40 minutes of high-definition footage. Both cams feature Leica lenses and five microphones, resulting in true 5.1 surround sound when heard through a home theater system. Pick it up and maybe you'll be the next street DVD director. Its average price is about $1400.

JBL ON AIR CONTROL 2.4G WIRELESS LOUDSPEAKER SYSTEM

The promise of a fully wireless world has been on deck for quite some time, but the fact remains that most of our audio, video and computer components are still tethered together with snaky cables, cords and color-coded wiring. With its new On Air Control 2.4G Wireless Loudspeaker System, JBL has taken a major step forward in the quest to rid our speakers of baseboard-hugging and under-the-rug wiring jobs. The system features a pair of shielded two-way speakers and a transmitter/receiver module and can be used with A/V receivers, portable audio devices, computers, personal DVD players and other devices, with an operating distance of up to 70 feet. Its average price is around $350.

JVC KD-NX5000

Up to date everything! This year is 2007 and it's not cool to drive around in a car with an iPod connected through a cassette adapter, a GPS system suctioned to the windshield, and CDs falling between the seats. JVC's new KD-NX5000 brings all that and more into one easy-to-use, sleek-looking unit. The 1-DIN HDD-Navigation DVD/CD receiver features a built-in 3.5-inch-wide monitor and offers 40GB of hard-drive storage, with 24GB devoted to music and 16GB allocated for maps of the U.S., Canada and the U.S. Virgin Islands. GPS voice guidance is available in English, French and Spanish. The system can play CDs and DVDs, and optional accessories allow for Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera and an iPod interface that offers complete control of the iPod with the head unit. Its average price is around $1000.