Looking for cool, high-tech gifts for the holidays?

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/11/2001 (8950 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With less than a month to go until Christmas, I found myself wandering about the shopping malls on the weekend.

The allure of the latest in techno-gadgetry drew me into an electronics store, just to see what was new. If you have anyone from a gadget guru to a total technophobe on your list, these stores are certainly a good place to go looking.

Here are a few of the cool items available this holiday season:

z Garmin ETREX GPS — With its six-ounce, lightweight package and buttons located on either side, this hand-held Global Positioning System (GPS) device allows for easy one-handed operation. Its bright yellow colour makes it easy to find in a backpack or bag, and its 12 parallel-channel GPS receiver will run for 18 hours on just two AA batteries. For hiking or travelling long distances, Garmin’s TracBack feature helps navigate the way home. The device is completely waterproof. (Retail price: $199.99)

z Grundig eTraveller VII short-wave receiver — For the travel enthusiast, the Grundig eTraveller short-wave receiver can be kept in a pocket or backpack. It picks up most international SW bands, or can be tuned for AM and FM and is equipped with a clock and alarm. It comes with earphones for private listening and carrying pouch. (Retail price: $129.99)

z Casio Digital Wrist Camera — This is one of the coolest gadgets on the market. The digital wrist camera records up to 100 black-and-white images, allows for instant viewing and lets the user delete unwanted pictures. It also includes a serial PC link and software for downloading images to a computer. An auto-date stamp feature automatically records the date and time the images were shot. (Retail price $199.99)

z Kodak mc3 digital device — It’s a video recorder, it’s a camera, it’s an MP3 player and it fits into the palm of your hand. This product enables the user to shoot still photography and record video, and instantly view the images. It can also download favourite tunes and play them anywhere as MP3s. All three features can be combined, using the software provided, to create video clips or music videos. (Retail price: $299.99).

z The Kodak DX3600 EasyShare Digital Camera System and Camera Dock — According to a recent survey conducted by RadioShack Canada, digital cameras top the list of preferred electronic gift items with 31 per cent of Canadians. The EasyShare camera has everything to create great digital pictures. High-quality 1800 x 1200 image resolution delivers clear images and the 46mm colour LCD display allows the user to instantly review images taken. With the optional USB Kodak DX camera dock interface, users can send digital pictures from the camera to a computer at the touch of a button. The Camera Dock also quickly and automatically recharges the camera’s battery pack. (Retail prices: Kodak EasyShare Digital Camera $449.99. Kodak Camera Dock sold separately $129.99).

z Garmin The StreetPilot III — Going on a road trip to visit relatives this holiday? Or perhaps you have a directionally-challenged person on your gift list. Imagine an over-the-road co-pilot creating a route to get you to your destination and then providing clear, accurate, voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions. Meet the StreetPilot III, the latest, portable satellite navigation device for your car or truck. This travelling companion’s full-colour LCD display will show the nearest highway exits, gas stations, restaurants, ATMs, hospitals, rest areas and much more. (Retail price: $1,399.99).

All of these items are available at Radio Shack stores.

If you would rather shop on-line, visit www.radioshack.ca. The site is equipped with pictures, descriptions and price quotes. They say you can order until Dec. 17 and still have your gifts delivered in time for Christmas. To make it really easy, gift-wrapping is also available on all Web site orders.