Prelude - Gadgets
Alienware Aurora 7500
Considering its recent purchase by Dell, you know that Alienware must be doing something right. The maker of high-end, sleekly designed PCs has won over the hearts of hard-core gamers (computing’s most demanding customers) with its ultra-powerful systems. The Aurora 7500 is the top of the line and boasts the highly advanced NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GPU (for eye-popping high-definition graphics) and AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core processor for high-speed processing.
Systems start at $1,839 but can run up into five digits. www.alienware.com
P3ProSwing
Just because you don’t have time to make it onto the fairways doesn’t mean you can’t be working on your game. Improve your golf skills in the comfort of your own home with the P3ProSwing, a golf simulator and swing analyzer. Easily connected to your computer, the device measures club speed, tempo, ball flight, swing plane, clubface position and distance as you drive, chip and putt your way across the 7,393-yard virtual Highlands National Golf Course. The simulator can be used indoors and outdoors, in any kind of weather. $699 www.p3proswing.com
Scottevest SeV Tactical VC
If James Bond listened to an iPod, Q would probably outfit him in one of these high-tech jackets. Forty pockets and compartments provide ample hiding space for the fledgling spy, including some that are sealed with magnets. The microchip-enabled garment has volume controls integrated on the outside of the sleeve, allowing the wearer to adjust the sound of his tucked away MP3 player. The futuristic fabric doesn’t have any hard components, utilizing conductive fabric ribbon cables for the ultimate in comfort. It’s even washable! $309.99 www.scottevest.com
Pioneer Inno portable XM receiver
The XM Satellite Radio on AirTran Airways flights is so addictive that you probably wish you could take it with you. Thanks to Pioneer Electronics, now you can. The Inno delivers 160 channels of XM’s lauded commercial-free music and premier sports, news, talk and entertainment programming, all in a device small enough (only 4.4 ounces) to take on your morning jog. Plus, you can load your favorite MP3 and MWA music files to the 1GB hard drive, making this the ultimate mobile media machine. $399 www.xmradio.com/inno
Sony CMT-HPR99XM Hi-fi
Can’t get enough of the fantastic programming offered on AirTran Airways’ XM Radio system? Enjoy all the wonders of XM Satellite Radio at home with Sony’s latest hi-ficomponent system. In addition to the XM capabilities, the stereo has a five-disc CD changer and AM/FM tuner. An easily accessible line on the front makes connecting digital music players a breeze, and the stylish design is sure to impress even the biggest gadget snobs. $200 www.sonystyle.com