Radio with a Cause
You don't need to be tech-savvy to appreciate these innovations—from a digital camera that uploads photos wirelessly to a glow-in-the-dark bicycle to the one little box that gives you access to more than 6,000 movies. First, although it looks vintage, the Magno AM/FM radio by Singgih Kartono is MP3-ready and thoroughly eco-aware. The case, made of sustainably grown wood, provides employment for carpenters in the designer's native Indonesia.
In three sizes, $200 to $300; AreaWare.com
Stylist: Marissa Gimeno for Halley Resources
Photo: Courtesy of Panasonic
An Instant Slideshow
Vacationing without a laptop? From any T-Mobile HotSpot location (in addition to password-free Wi-Fi areas), this camera lets you post images to online albums—where friends can view you white-water rafting or winning big in Vegas.
Panasonic "LUMIX DMC-TZ50," $450; 800-405-0652
Beyond Netflix
No mailing, no waiting: With a high-speed Internet connection and the pioneering Vudu box, download movies (more than 6,000 titles) straight to your TV for a 24-hour rental charge of $1 to $6.
$299; Vudu.com
The Headset Goes Glam
With its stylish contours by designer Yves Behar, the new Jawbone by Aliph looks like jewelry for the ear. It's actually an exemplary Bluetooth headset, tops in noise-elimination technology and hands-free communication.
$150; Jawbone.com
Good Vibrations
It's got rhythm: Plug the colorful, sexy Naughtinano by OhMiBod into your iPod—or any MP3 player—and it pulses in sync with the tune you're hearing. The tiny Spot by Myla could pass for a piece of custom art. Its dual-speed controls allow for a highly customized experience.
Above left: $69; OhMiBod.com; Above right: $150; Myla.com
Stylist: Marissa Gimeno for Halley Resources
Photo: Copyright the Lego Group
The Grandest Legos
Your beloved childhood construction bricks have evolved: They now click together to form this extravagant new 16.9-inch, 5,922-piece replica of India's Taj Mahal.
Lego Systems, $300; Lego.com
Night Rider
This innovative two-wheeler is coated with paint that collects light during the day and glows after dark—so cars can really see you. City dwellers love its portability and mega-secure lock.
Puma "Stealth Visibility Bike," $1,600; Puma.com
Retro Fitness
First used to train Olympians and Eastern European strong men, kettle bells—more demanding than dumbbells because of their off-balance form—are making a comeback.
Weider, $9 to $30; WeiderFitness.com
Stylist: Marissa Gimeno for Halley Resources
Photo: Courtesy of Livescribe
Note-Taking Made Easy
Transcribe no more: Livescribe's Pulse Smartpen is a Montblanc-size computer that faithfully records voices and handwritten notes, then transmits both kinds of data directly to your PC.
$150 for 1GB, $200 for 2GB; Livescribe.com
Photo: Courtesy of Netgear
Talk All You Want
With Skype's cosmopolitan handheld console plus a trustworthy Wi-Fi zone, call anywhere in the world—no PC needed. Contacting other Skype users is free; modest charges apply outside the network.
Netgear Wi-Fi Phone, $150; Skype.com
