PRELUDE GADGETS NOVEMBER 2005

Mathmos Airswitch
$70
From the makers of marvelously gaudy lava lamps comes this altogether more intriguing addition to household ambience. The Airswitch emits a 40-watt glow when you pass your hand slowly over the top, and will dim if you lower your hand toward it or brighten when you move it away. www.mathmos.com

Kensington SX 2000 Speaker
$160
If your iPod could speak, this is what the speech bubble would look like. Made to complement any sized iPod, the SX 2000 takes full advantage of flat-panel speaker technology, providing your portable friend with superior bass, great sound and an elegant resting place. www.kensington.com

Vidster Digital Video Camera
$80
Here’s one way to stop your creative kids from messing with your expensive digital camera. The Vidster is a durable video camera for children that includes easy-to-use photo and video editing software. The perfect starter kit for future Spielbergs. www.mattel.com

Asteroids Watch
$130
Fossil has teamed up with Atari to bring you the first watch that goes back in time. This retro homage to the late ’70s arcade game Asteroids, plays the original animation on a black watch face while the hands keep you in sync with the present. The square dial is also suitably ’70s, and the watch comes in a box adorned with vintage Atari artwork. www.fossil.com