Aircurve
Most iPhone docks do only one thing well: scam you out of your greenbacks with the promise of superior audio quality that, in practice, quickly strikes a disappointing chord. Thankfully, this transparent amplifier (which uses no speakers, just clever engineering to offer reasonably loud and solid sonic playback) delivers decent acoustic performance for minimal cost. A welcome nightstand or desk accessory, it's one of the more intriguing options available for everyday listening use, if not parties or studio listening sessions.
www.griffintechnology.com / $19.99
Blackberry Bold 9700
Desperately seeking a smartphone that means business? Rejoice, as this revamp of the popular mobile handset ups the workday ante with high-speed (3G) Internet access, support for WiFi calling, a gorgeous 2.4-inch display, optical trackpad, and beefier processing power. Compared to its larger forerunner, it offers less screen real estate, but takes a step forward in terms of design, speed and ergonomics. And stacked against rivals, the device's QWERTY keyboard, extensive email, and world-calling capabilities make it a viable contender.
www.t-mobile.com / $199 w/ two-year contract
HD-XR
Until they invent a way to beam films and television shows directly into our puny skulls, we'll settle for the next best thing: Streaming video. But while you're admittedly better off investing in a WiFi-ready Blu-ray player for slightly more, there's no doubting the ease with which said dedicated media extender pushes Netflix or Amazon "Video on Demand" content straight to your HDTV. Following a quick setup, the device makes it easy to wirelessly grab movies and primetime favorites.
www.roku.com / $129.99
NC300B/W
Listen up-or don't-with a pair of noise-canceling headphones that makes it easier to concentrate on what matters (i.e. Miley Cyrus' vocals), less on what doesn't (say, the bawling toddler next to you whose wails her enthusiastic bleats strangely resemble). Compact and lightweight, these models aren't just suitable for travel and easy to utilize, given quickly adjustable volume controls. They're also a decent value for a unit that retails toward the low end of the high-tech audiophile gear spectrum.
www.ableplanet.com / $99.99
Abyssus Azer
Whether playing target practice with zombies' heads or using on-screen cursors to pretend to tickle Lara Croft's nipples, gamers demand one thing of their mice: Pixel-perfect precision. Enter a 3,500dpi, 3.5G infrared-sensor-equipped model that delivers peak accuracy and-especially when combined with a six-pack of Red Bull-can actually give PC owners an instant leg up on the competition. Just point and snipe away: Capable of tracking even the most exact motions, your victims' high-resolution nards will never know what hit them.
www.razerzone.com / $49.99