COOL GADGETS

Webster's New World Dictionary defines a gadget as "any small mechanical contrivance or device."

Perhaps the definition should be rewritten to include the word "electrical" since clerks for area retail stores say the gadget buyer will need batteries or an electrical outlet for the modern toys.

Thanks to technology, popular gadgets found around the home have become less mechanical and more electronic.

Ultrasonic Tape Measure

No longer will you have to stretch a metal or cloth reel from end to end to determine a measurement. In keeping with the trend to get away from the mechanical and capitalize on the electronic, the ultrasonic tape measure will provide a measurement without stretching a tape.

Home Monitoring System

Keeping with local security companies, the Orka Monitoring System connects to the phone line and contacts the company when the motion detector is tripped in the home. If the person answering the phone can't give the password, the police are notified.

The unit cost ranges from $100 to $200 and the company charges $15 a month for the service.

Mini Color Televisions

Little handheld color televisions with screens less than 2 inches wide are becoming more popular with people on the go and they're also becoming more affordable. Some color TVs start less than $100.

900 Megahertz Speakers, Headphones

Don't worry about getting tangled up or trying to hide the wires of these headphones and speakers. A gadget inside the speakers and headphones allows your favorite tunes to be transmitted to headphones and speakers with high-quality, stereo sound. Prices for these products can start around $50.

Talking Picture Frames

Add a few more words to the picture already worth a thousand words with this gadget, the talking picture frame. Some of the yakking frames are available for $15.

Voice Memo Recorders

Whether you don't have time to write it down or your just too lazy to find a pen, simply push a button and a voice memo recorder can record an idea, list of things to do or other utterance to be heard later. You can remember the thoughts you deem important for $30 to $70.

Ultrasonic Pet Fences*

Put this gadget around Fido's neck and he won't leave the yard thanks to the ultrasonic pet fence. The fence sends out an ultrasonic signal that causes the dog's special collar to emit a shock, keeping the dog in his own yard regardless of the distractions occurring at the neighbors. You can keep your pet chained up without the chain for around $100.

High-Tech Diaries*

Kids won't have any trouble keeping a diary on this computer-like model. In addition to recording thoughts and experiences, the Casio Secret Sender also has a built-in TV remote, telephone directory, fortune teller, calculator and even a matchmaker including 14 foreign languages. Three models of this are made ranging from $40 to 60.

Karaoke

If you like to sing outside the shower, this GPX Karaoke Party comes with two microphones so you and a guest can sing along. Prices for the home-version karaoke range between $30 and $80.