Motorola’s ROKR E8 is a head-turning phone with many built-in advances that give it a smarter interface than basic cellphones. Its standout feature is its keyboard, which dynamically changes to accommodate whatever you’re doing.
The Gremlin represents a fresh approach to denting the iPod hegemony. The portable music player, for $299, has built-in Wi-Fi, so it can download songs without a personal computer. Still, the device has a few rough edges.
Walt tests a new, modestly priced, supposedly simple, iPod auto accessory that aims to ease the distraction problem for those who try to navigate their iPod library while navigating the roads.
Regardless of how “wireless” communications technology has become, your gadgets only work if the batteries can be recharged. With that in mind, Walt test devices that are specifically designed to work in emergency situations.
Edited by Walt and written by Katie Boehret, this is a guide to gadgets, web services and other consumer technologies.
Ethics Statement
Here is a statement of my ethics and coverage policies. It is more than most of you want to know, but, in the age of suspicion of the media, I am laying it all out.