The portable powerhouses on these pages allow you to do just that. Think of them as digital servants that simplify your life and maximize your fun. Potent as these gizmos are, one humbling trait remains: Like a man's dreaded refractory period, the batteries will always need recharging.
POGO! PRODUCTS RADIO YOURWAY
WHAT IT IS A digital AM/FM radio recorder
WHY YOU NEED IT Most radio programs aren't worth the price of the air they ride on, but Radio YourWay can record four hours of the good stuff--your favorite news, sports, and music--and play it back at your leisure. $125;
TOSHIBA SATELLITE P25-S507
WHAT IT IS A souped-up, big-screen laptop
WHY YOU NEED IT Because the capacious 17-inch screen, massive 60GB hard drive, and wi-fi connectivity make this one laptop that really can replace your desktop computer. Factor in a CD/DVD-R/RW multifunction drive, four USB ports, built-in Harmon/Kardon sound system, and you've got a certified mobile entertainment center. $2,100;
LOGITECH IO DIGITAL PEN
WHAT IT IS A PC-based writing instrument
WHY YOU NEED IT Because the paperless office of the future ain't coming, but the digital revolution is proceeding apace. When you don't have the time or luxury to lug your lap to your next meeting, bring the io. Use it with digital paper to store up to 40 pages of handwritten notes. The pen's cache can be downloaded to your PC. $199;
MINOLTA DIMAGE XT
WHAT IT IS A digital camera for quick-draw shutterbugs
WHY YOU NEED IT Capturing great moments requires great timing, and the Xt has the shortest start-up seconds--of any digital camera on the market. The diminutive DiMage also packs ample features, from a 16MB memory card and a LCD panel to a full complement of controls including picture review, autofocus, and flash. $399;
T-MOBILE SIDEKICK
WHAT IT IS A cell phone with e-mail and internet capabilities
WHY YOU NEED IT Caller ID, call waiting/hold/forwarding, and other features to trick your boss into believing you're working from home instead of sneaking nine holes. $299 for the hardware; voice/data service plans start at $;
LOGITECH MOBILE CORDLESS HEADSET
WHAT IT IS A wireless cell-phone headset for distracted drivers
WHY YOU NEED IT This headset fits on either ear and has controls that allow you to answer your phone and adjust the volume from as far as 10 feet away. $;
APPLE IPOD
WHAT IT IS A digital music player on steroids
WHY YOU NEED IT It's now available to both the PC and Mac hordes in a single unit; has a thinner, more user-friendly design; and supports audiofiles formatted as higher-quality AACs as well as MP3s. Download songs from Apple's Music Store for 99 cents each and get litigious music-industry lobbyists off your back. Did we mention it ships with three games? Solitaire, Brick, and Parachute. 10GB ($299), 15GB ($399), and 30GB ($499);
ALPHASMART DANA WIRELESS
WHAT IT IS A personal digital assistant that functions like a laptop
WHY YOU NEED IT With a full-size keyboard and the capacity to run Palm OS applications such as AlphaWord, PrintBoy, and Palm Reader, the Dana has all the functionality of a laptop for a third the price. You can write memos, organize your Rolodex, or finish that damn novel. $429;
NOKIA N-GAGE
WHAT IT IS A cell phone crossed with a stereo and a video arcade
WHY YOU NEED IT This console-quality gaming system has a cell phone, an MP3 player, and an FM radio. Pick up Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell and exterminate bad guys while listening to your favorite MP3s. $299: service pricing varies;
HARMONY REMOTE SST-768
WHAT IT IS A remote that rules every home-theater device in the house
WHY YOU NEED IT Control all your video and music gizmos with one stick. It's Windows and Mac compatible, and all you need is an Internet connection to program everything through Harmony's Web site. $299;
