PRELUDE GADGETS APRIL 2006
Verizon VZ Navigator
the only th ing worse than being lost is having to ask for directions. But with VZ Navigator, you’ll no longer have to make unscheduled stops at the gas station. Enjoy all the power of a GPS navigation unit in your cell phone, with local maps, turn-by-turn directions and over 14 million points of interest. the technology will first be available on the stylish new Motorola V325 handset ($129 with a two-year customer agreement). the most discreet map you’ll ever carry. $9.99 for unlimited month ly access, www.verizonwireless.com
Sony HDR-HC3 HDV 1080i Handycam
Want to be the next Scorsese? Start practicing in stunning high-definition with Sony’s ultra-compact camcorder. the world’s smallest and lightest HDV 1080i camcorder, the HDR-HC3 is packed full of features for budding directors, including a Carl Zeiss lens, 2.7-inch touch panel LCD screen and Sony’s new ClearVid CMOS Sensor and Enhanced Imaging Processor, which promise to produce more vivid colors and sharper pictures. the camcorder doubles as a camera that captures stills even while you’re filming video. $1799, www.sonystyle.com
Tee2Green Sureshotgps
thanks to recent rule changes, golfers can now use GPS technology in many tournaments to help them figure out just where they are in relation to the pin, the back and front of the green, and the hazards. the Sureshotgps precisely measures distances, taking the guesswork out of club selection. the gizmo can also suggest clubs for you, keep score and record information about all of your shots, which you can then download to your PC and analyze with the included Sureanalysis software. $399, www.sureshotgps.com
Apple iPod Hi-Fi
Just when you th ought that there couldn’t possibly be another iPod stereo system, Apple unveils its first speaker dock, promising that it will be the ultimate listening experience. the minimal design perfectly matches that of the mp3 players, with two 80mm midrange speakers providing clear vocals and a 130mm woofer for bass. the unit comes with a remote control, and you can plug it into the wall or use six D-cell batteries to take it on the road. $349, www.apple.com