High-tech gadgets

By Globe staff, Lylah M. Alphonse, 01/13/02

Digital dynamo

This tiny (1-by-43/4-by-1/2 inch) silver voice recorder holds up to 200 minutes of memos or 99 separate messages. Since it records digitally, you can forget forever packing mini-cassettes. It costs $100 at www.redenvelope.com, or order by calling 877-733-3683.

A sun-run battery

SunDial lithium-ion batteries are solar-powered, so youÕll always have enough charge to make that emergency cellphone call. About 20 minutes of exposure to the sun results in enough power for a 5-minute call; in about 4 hours, the SunDial battery is charged enough for 4 hours of talk time or 100 hours of continuous standby time. The battery, which fits Nokia and StarTAC phones, is available in several colors, including clear ice and smoky gray, for about $50 in the Herrington Catalog (800-903-2878) and online at www.herringtoncatalog.com.

Perfectly personal

Pamper your PDA with a Swing Case from Coach. Perfectly proportioned to fit your Visor or Palm Pilot without extra bulk, the case also has pockets for two credit cards and an adjustable tab closure. Available for $88 in black, cardinal red, or saddle brown at Coach stores in the Boston area; through their catalog (800-223-8647); and online at www.coach.com.

Lylah M. AlphonseÕs e-mail address is lalphonse@globe.com.