The scoop: MyDitto network storage server, by Dane-Elec, about $185 for 500GB (1TB and 2TB are also available).

What it is: This box contains two slots for a hard disk drive, and connects via Ethernet cable to an open port on your home router. When you connect to the router and power up the box, it becomes a NAS drive for your network, capable of storing files. The drive can also act as a streaming media player for iTunes or any other UPnP media player/device on the network. You can access the drive from any computer on the network, or across the Internet.

Read more

The scoop: GoFlex Net, by Seagate, $99.99 (without drive; GoFlex drives sold separately).

What it is: Part of Seagate's new GoFlex line of products, the Net is a network storage device that replaces the company's DockStar unit. The Net is a docking cradle that supports connections of two GoFlex portable drives. The dock itself plugs into an open router port. Access to the network for each PC is provided through the Pogoplug application, which you can download from the Pogoplug (and Seagate) Web site. You can also access the drive from any Web browser.

Read more

The scoop: S4 True Handsfree Voice Controlled Car Speakerphone, by BlueAnt Wireless, about $100.

Read more

The scoop: Rock-IT portable vibration speaker, about $50, by OrigAudio.

What it is: The Rock-IT connects to a portable music player or computer (anything that sends sound through the headphone jack), and through vibration sequences the music goes to a sticky pad that you can place anywhere. The object you stick the pad to becomes your speaker. The Rock-IT is powered through two AAA batteries, or via USB if you want to plug it into your PC.

Read more

The scoop: Echo ZE backup drive, by Lexar Media, prices range from $49.99 (8GB) to $139.99 (32GB).

What it is: Lexar claims the Echo ZE is one of the smallest USB drives in the world, and it's hard to argue when you see the 20.1-by-15.1mm drive, which is no bigger than your thumbnail. Yet this tiny device provides up to 32GB of storage capacity, automatic backup and encryption on a PC or Macintosh when plugged into a USB port. The extremely small size means you can basically plug it in and forget that it's there.

Read more

The scoop: FlipSlideHD video camera, by Cisco, about $280.

What it is: The newest digital video camcorder from Cisco, the FlipSlideHD adds additional recording time (up to four hours) and a new form factor that lets users slide the screen to produce an angled viewing display for showing videos. The 3-inch widescreen also includes a touch-screen capability for recording and zooming (no physical buttons for record/zoom).

Read more

The scoop: FreeAgent Go hard drives with muvee Reveal software, or pre-loaded Paramount movies, by Seagate, about $100 (for 500GB model).

Read more

I've had my Apple iPad for about two days now, and when someone discovers I have one, they always ask two questions: "What do you think?" and then, "Can I touch it?" After I let the person try the device and explain what it can and can't do (it won't make toast, in case you're wondering), I then find myself either trying to defend the device or point out its flaws, depending on the predisposed opinions of the person asking me the question.

Read more

If it's been a while since you've purchased or upgraded your home wireless network equipment, you're not alone. Sales of home wireless gear have been pretty flat, leading to several theories about the reason why. Some feel that the current technology of 802.11g and/or 802.11n products is good enough for most home setups, and others suggest that the complexity of setup prevent new users from buying and installing these products.

Read more

The scoop: LaDiDa iPhone app, by Khu.sh, $2.99 in the iTunes App Store

Read more