PRELUDE: gadgets

1. MAGELLAN ROADMATE 760 $1,099 www.MAGELLANGPS.COM

This car navigator tells you where to make your next turn—literally. The speech option announces street names and upcoming maneuvers. Other features include multiple-destination mapping and the “SmartDetour” function to get you around traffic jams and other delays.

 

2. SONY HDR-HC1 HANDYCAM $2,000 www.SONYSTYLE.COM

Relive your most memorable moments in stunningly lifelike 1080i high-definition with Sony’s coolest new Handycam. The world’s smallest, lightest HD camera features 10x optical zoom, 120x digital zoom and an infrared night-vision mode—looks like it’s time to join the HD revolution.

3. IROBOT ROOMBA & SCOOBA ROOMBA SCHEDULER, $329 www.IROBOT.COM

The latest version of iRobot’s floor-cleaning robot will automatically vacuum your floors on a schedule you set, artfully dodging walls and other obstacles, and even sweeping under beds and tables. Coming soon is the Scooba, which will vacuum, scrub and dry your hard floors in one go.

4. OPTOMA MOVIETIME $1,499 www.OPTOMA.COM

Turn any room into a screening room with the MovieTime Digital Projector. The unit features a built-in DVD player, integrated speakers, HDTV compatibility and up to 7.1 channels of surround sound. You can even plug in your console or PC for the ultimate gaming experience.