SanDisk 1 GB Cruzer Mini

The SanDisk 1 GB Cruzer Mini offers a gigabyte of flash storage for just $59.99 with free shipping (after a $15 rebate).

Features:

- USB 2.0 enabled
- Small size
- Requires no drivers
- Stylish Design
- Backward compatible with USB 1.1

HP iPAQ RZ1715 Pocket PC

The HP iPAQ RZ1715 Pocket PC is on sale for $199.99 with free shipping. You get a lot of good features for that price:

* Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 software for Pocket PC
* 203 MHz Samsung 2410 processor
* Up to 25 MB user available memory including 10 MB iPAQ File Store
* Five Way navigation button plus 4 programmable application launch buttons
* 3.5″ Transflective type QVGA TFT, Portrait and Landscape modes

CyberHome Progressive-Scan DVD Player

The CyberHome Progressive-Scan DVD Player is a great progressive scan DVD player at an amazing price of $37.99 (free shipping), with a few surprises.

Features:

* Progressive-scan video (480p) with 3:2 pulldown support
* Plays DVD, DVD-R and DVD+R, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, SVCD, VCD, MP3, and JPEG picture CD
* Picture zoom, last-disc resume
* Dolby Digital an DTS 5.1-channel surround sound passthrough
* Plays PAL and NTSC discs

This player also has hidden features! In addition to playing PAL and NTSC disks, it will also supposedly play disks from any region (I haven’t personally tried this), with simple instructions available on the internet. Here’s the hack:

Turn on unit, make sure no disc is in tray, push menu 1, 9, then a screen comes up. Third line from bottom is region code. Enter code for the region you want to play, or just push 0 for all regions.

Delphi XM SKYFi Radio Receiver

Get the Delphi XM SKYFi Radio Receiver for just $54.94 from Amazon.com, with free shipping.

Features:

* Plug-and-play satellite radio for the car, home, office
* Purchase with the SKYFi home adapter or vehicle kit
* Requires activation of a subscription to XM Radio ($9.99 per month)
* Large, bright display
* Remote control for convenient channel navigation
* Measures 4.7 x 2.9 x 1.3 inches (W x H x D)

XM Radio currently offers over 100 channels of commercial-free programming.

Creative Labs 30 GB MP3 Player

The Creative Labs Nomad Jukebox Zen Xtra 30 GB MP3 Player is currently just $177.59 with free shipping after a $20 rebate. This is great price for 30 gigabytes of storage.

Features:

* 30 GB storage lets you bring up to 8,000 songs everywhere you go
* Use AudioSync to synchronize your music on your player with your PC
* Ultra fast USB 2.0 port, compatible with USB 1.1 too
* High-capacity Li-ion battery — up to 14 hrs continuous playback
* Compatible with Microsoft Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, and XP

Some VideoNow Disks in Short Supply

The VideoNow Color is shaping up to be the hot item this Christmas. And supplies are plentiful. However, the disks that play on the VideoNow seem to be in short supply. Both Amazon and Walmart.com appear to be sold out of almost every cartoon title available (Ama zon Link). Meanwhile, titles like “Trading Spaces”, “monster Garage”, and “Fear Factor” are in plentiful supply.

I think this is a case of both major retailers (and possibly Hasbro) badly misunderstanding the target market for these video players. These are “cartoon players”, plain and simple. Kids who want VideoNow want cartoons, not home decorating shows, and I would personally never let my 9 and 10 year old kids watch “Fear Factor”.

Supplies of cartoons will certainly loosen up after Christmas. Hopefully, they will loosen up before Christmas.

At least Amazon is still offering a VideoNow bundled with a cartoon disk. It’s the “VideoNow Color Platinum Value Pack” for under $50, and it comes with a Fairly Odd Parents disk. I ordered one of these for my son. Since it only comes in platinum (grey), it isn’t suitable for my daughter, though. She is getting a purple VideoNow, without a bundled disk. Now I just have to find some SpongeBob disks for her.

Cobra Radar Detector

The Cobra ESD 9210CS Vehicle Radar Detector is on sale for $93.09 with free shipping, and has the following features:

- 10-band extra-sensory detection radar/laser detector with LaserEye feature for 360 degree signal detection
- Exclusive Strobe Alert function alerts drive to the presence of emergency vehicles; SmartMute virtually eliminates false alerts
- Voice Alert system offers audible alerts so you can keep your eyes on the road
- VG-2 Alert allows drive to be aware of VG-2 radar detection surveillance
- UltraBright data display makes viewing easy; also offers Stay-set memory, digital signal strength meter

Grundig Mini 100 PE Portable AM/FM/Shortwave Radio

Save 40% on the Grundig Mini 100 PE Portable AM/FM/Shortwave Radio with Headphones, priced at just $29.99 with free shipping. This is an inexpensive and compact way to begin exploring the world of shortwave radio.

Features:

# Pocket-sized radio with AM/FM tuner and shortwave receiver
# Receives 6 shortwave bands for worldwide coverage
# Includes telescopic antenna and built-in speaker
# Removable belt clip and earphones provide hands-free use
# Runs on 2 AA batteries (not included); 1-year warranty

Robosapien

The Robosapien Robot is available for $89.99 through Amazon.com. This may be the coolest toy ever!

From the Manufacturer:

The Robosapien Robot is a full function fast moving robot minion suitable for all your world domination needs! Designed by a NASA scientists, the Robosapien is simple enough for kids and advanced enough for adults. Features include real, multi-speed fast dynamic walking, running and turning; fast, full function arms with two types of grippers; 67 pre-programmed functions including pick-up, throw, kick, sweep, dance, fart, belch, rap, and half a dozen kung-fu moves. Robosapien speaks fluent international “caveman”. Programmable “reflexes” to touch, pickup, kicks or sound; and up to 84 program steps, with 4 program modes for advanced operations. No computer required, all functions handled by an ergonomic remote control which runs on regular batteries for over 6 hours. Includes three demonstration modes: Disco dance, Rude behavior, and Kung Fu kata.

Sony Battery Quick Charger

The Sony BCG-34HD4 Super-Quick Worldwide Battery Charger with 4 AA NiMH Batteries is marked down to $15.99.

Features:

* Charges four AA and AAA batteries at a time
* Unviersal voltage from 100-240V
* Alkaline battery detection, temperature and voltage safety controls
* Includes four 2300mAh NiMH batteries