Tech Guide

GROWNUPS

DCR-PC100 Digital Handycam Camcorder SONY, $1,799 Digital camcorders are still pricey, but they offer a better picture, plug into your computer for easy editing and fit snugly in your hand.

Extiva DVD-N2000 SAMSUNG, $349.99 With a Nuon chip inside, this DVD player offers a slew of effects, including action capture and moving zoom. You can also use it to play video games. iPAQ H3650 Pocket PC COMPAQ, $499 The most powerful handheld Pocket PC features a rich color screen, a built-in MP3 player and scaled-down versions of popular Microsoft software titles. Buck Rogers, meet James Bond.

Smart Picture Frame KODAK/STORYBOX NETWORK, $349 This digital picture frame and a subscription to the StoryBox Network (six months free with purchase) lets you get news and entertainment and swap family photos--all without a computer.

NetVista X40i IBM, $1,799-$2,299 There are more great computers to choose from than ever before, so style has become an important factor. IBM's powerful all-in-one flat screen is as classy as they come.

Palm m100 PALM, $149 Changeable color faceplates and a gently curved design make this Palm as easy on the eyes as it is on the wallet. Less memory than high-end Palms but satisfactory for the beginner.

Advantium Oven GENERAL ELECTRIC, $1,299-$1,899 There has been talk of space-age kitchens since the 1950s, but this culinary coup brings it home. Using light, the Advantium cooks faster than regular ovens, more evenly than microwaves.

TWENTYSOMETHINGS Communication is the name of the game for Gen X, Gen Y and those who dislike being labeled

Nomad Jukebox CREATIVE, $500 This sleek, easy-to-use MP3 player can hold as much music as 150 CDs. The Nomad lets you record from other devices and transfer the files to your Mac or PC. Backlighted screen for your playlist.

Visor Prism HANDSPRING, $449 Get all the organizing power and memory of a Palm in vivid color. Add-on modules can even turn Handspring's Prism into a cell phone, an MP3 player or a miniature digital camera.

SCH-6100 Mobile Phone SAMSUNG, $149 Surf the Web in style using this lightweight, elegant phone. Comes with voice-activated dialing, memo recording and a small but easy-to-read screen.

Touchpoint 3000 LG INFOCOMM, $400 Seamlessly combines mobile phone, address book and organizer. Tap someone's name, and it dials for you.

Solo 1150 Laptop GATEWAY, $1,299 This is a great deal on a hip, mobile machine with a crisp, 12.1-in. display, a 550-MHz chip and a year of prepaid Internet service.

Nikon Coolpix990 NIKON, $999 Stunning picture quality and a distinctive twisting body make the Coolpix stand out among an impressive crop of high-resolution digital cameras this year.

eTrex Summit GARMIN, $267 Combination global-positioning system, altimeter and compass in one lightweight, waterproof device. Easy to use and read.

TEENS If it talks or makes music or plays games, then it's hot

JamCam 3.0 KB GEAR, $99 The trouble with old-school cameras is film: it's pricey and needs processing. JamCam doesn't use film. This entry-level digital camera keeps pace with your inspiration and budget.