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LOOK MA, NO PC! Until now, adding new music to your MP3 player meant plugging the device into your computer and transferring songs off the hard drive. But next-generation audio players like the Digisette DUO-DX E-Cassette ($189) can record songs directly from a stereo system without computer software — or, for that matter, a computer. Just pop the DUO-DX into a stereo tape deck, hit the record button and automatically convert CDs, tapes or radio tunes into MP3 files.

NOTHING BUT NET Because this year's World Cup soccer tournament is being held in Japan and South Korea on the other side of the world, most of the matches don't appear on U.S. TV until the wee hours of the morning. Happily for soccer junkies, there is no shortage of websites competing to fill the void with up-to-the-minute scores, running commentary and even a few video highlights. Among the best: ESPNSoccernet.com, FIFAworldcup.com and TEAMtalk.com.

ROLL 'EM UP Laptop computers are practical tools — especially for business travelers — but pecking at their shrunken keyboards can be a pain. Enter the Manhattan True-Touch Roll-Up keyboard ($35). This laptop accessory is the same size as a full-fledged desktop keyboard but is encased in New Age flexible plastic that can be rolled up like a newspaper. Now if they could only perfect those roll-up screens.