Usually when we think of GPS, it means a technology that's used to locate things on Earth. We often forget that satellites can be pointed in other directions, toward other planets.

That's particularly valuable if you're like us and can't find the Big Dipper to save your life. The "SkyScout Personal Planetarium" from Brookstone can do a lot more than that, with a database of more than 6,000 planets, stars and constellations, and a red arrow on the "viewfinder locator" pinpoints what you're looking at. Making stargazing even easier is … Read more

We may rail against watches that try to reinvent the way we tell time, but we'd never criticize one that provided important safety information. And what could be more important than radiation levels?

But the "Radio Active" stainless steel LED watch doesn't really measure radioactivity, though it does use some '50s-era atomic warning symbols to tell time. As much as we appreciate the effort, we're still not sure if this something we could use. "The design has nothing but signs and words," according to the description on AudioCubes. "However, it won't … Read more

There's a dirty little secret among MP3 owners: Even some of the most ardent iPod loyalists still have CDs. The horror.

But rather than hide them in the closet, we say this: If you've got it, flaunt it. And we can think of no better way to do that than with these "MixIt CD Stickers" from the Container Store. Popgadget notes that you can personalize your otherwise boring media storage with "colorful dots, happy stripes or cheerful florals." And if you change your mind, they can always blend in with the wallpaper.

Even though we fully acknowledge our unusual paranoia about anything involving airport security, we think normal people may benefit from something like this too.

The "Bag Snatcher Alarm" might be worth the $72 investment if you've ever had a momentary panic attack when separated from your luggage at a terminal counter or hotel lobby, however briefly. The concept is simple: You attach a signal transmitter to your suitcase or bag, then affix the receiver to your keychain, clothing or forehead. If the two devices are ever separated by more than 2 to 5 meters, the receiver will … Read more

The world has been waiting for the ultimate all-in-one uber-device for years, only to be disappointed time and again. So many of us are destined, at least for now, to carry a few gadgets at a time. But where do you keep your cell phone, camera, MP3 player, PDA and anything else you can't do without?

Brookstone has one alternative with its "Technology-Ready Fleece Jacket," which goes where iPod apparel leaves off. The jacket has 12 hidden pockets designed to carry all your precious possessions, as well as a "patented routing system" for earbuds and … Read more

Good grief, look at this thing. It looks like a shoulder-mounted Stinger missile launcher.

Brookstone's portable VistaPix IS70 Digital Spotting Scope is a combination camera-telescope with a 70mm lens, 2-inch LCD screen and 3-megapixel resolution that promises to magnify images up to 14 times. But be careful where you point this handheld monster. In today's security-obsessed society, police may shoot first and ask questions later.

As fond as we are of new watch designs these days, we feel compelled to voice one minor concern: We can't figure out how they work.

And we don't think we're alone. Our evidence: This "Scope Silver Metal Belt Watch" from AudioCubes offers instructions on how to read the time.

According to the LED watch's product description, "It uses the idea of intersection between the horizontal and vertical lines to mark the time." Um, right. Call us old-fashioned, but we think it's asking a bit much for us to learn how … Read more

Other countries may lead in consumer technology development, but the Russians continue to show their asthetic prowess in everything from next-generation keyboards to phones made of gold and African Blackwood.

Their latest entry is a handmade optical mouse from designer Slava Tyukalov, who says his wireless creation is made from materials similar to those used by space agencies to form a "graphite-aluminum composite metal matrix" wrapped in high-grade Italian leather. According to his blog, the "Cold Steel" version pictured here goes for $397, though he stresses that demand is high (the Russians have discovered the wonders … Read more

Pink phones, as we've noted before, can be a tricky proposition--there's a fine line between tasteful pastel and Pepto-Bismol. But this Nokia 7373 captures the right palette, though it kind of resembles an old-fashioned pencil box.

That's because it has a rotating 240 x 320 display with a rounded edge on one end, to go along with its 2-megapixel camera, MicroSD card slot and USB connectivity, as noted by TechEBlog. For men who have issues with a "Powder Pink" phone, the 7373 also comes in "Bronze Black" to go with your power drill.… Read more