Prelude gadgets

Canon PIXMA MP800 photo printer and scanner
$299.99
Bring the magic back to photography without having to go to the lab with the PIXMA MP800, which produces high-resolution, grain-free prints from digital files in just 36 seconds. Bluetooth and IrDA technology even allow you to print directly from your camera phone. Plus, the unit can copy and scan your old pictures, including slides. www.canon.com

LG VX9800 media phone
$299 with two-year Verizon contract, $469 without contract
At first, this small clamshell might just look like another Blackberry clone vying for space in an executive’s briefcase. Thankfully, the VX9800 is a whole lot more— a bright LCD screen and builtin speakers allow users to enjoy MP3s and downloadable news clips and TV shows. Also included are a 1.3 megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth and a MiniSDTM memory slot. us.lge.com

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T9 digital camera
$450
Not your average point-and-shoot, Sony’s slim, stylish, six-megapixel DSC-T9— featuring a Carl Zeiss optical zoom lens—is packed full of performance features. Super Steady Shot ensures that a little hand movement won’t ruin your shot, and extremely high light sensitivity will produce crystal-clear images in low-light environments like restaurants and nightclubs. www.sonystyle.com

Panasonic DMR-ES40V DVD recorder and VHS VCR
$299.95
VHS tapes are so 20th century—now’s the time to get rid of those bulky eyesores that line entertainment units, storage rooms and closets. The DMR-ES40V transfers your favorite VHS movies, home videos and recorded television episodes to recordable DVDs with the touch of a button. A host of technologies ensure that you get the crispest image available. www.panasonic.com