In a gadget groove

 

latest developments

From an MP3 player that can pop into a cassette deck to a hybrid product that combines a Palm handheld and a cell phone, new devices are trying hard to capture the public's imagination.

Revamped Palm-cell phone to debut The Kyocera Smartphone, which will be officially announced Nov. 27, is the successor to the pricey, bulky Qualcomm PDQ. MP3 player puts new spin on tape decks Digisette has begun selling the $250 Duo-MP3, a portable MP3 player that not only looks like a cassette, but also can be popped into a traditional tape deck to play its stored music. Compaq, Microsoft launch cheaper Web device The two companies introduce a new version of their Net-surfing device, this time offering a lower price and a traditional monitor instead of a flat-screen display. previous coverage New MailStations sleeker, but Web access limited Cidco plans to update its MailStation email terminal early next year, but don't look for the products to support full Web surfing anytime soon.