Toys for adults - technological products

THIS Christmas adults are looking to escape the real world, and while shopping for loved ones they are likely to put themselves at the top of their shopping list.

Technology items top the "toys for adults" list, with the new Apple iMac Desktop leading the pack for computer-savvy patrons.

Also popular among business moguls and basketball stars is the new BlackBerry wireless handheld organizer that contains all the usual handheld bells and whistles and incorporates a built-in world phone that is designed to work in North America and Europe.

Of special interest to women are the Relaxor Gift Spa Combo and the new Blend-N-Go jar to send the $5 smoothie packing.

If you are interested in giving or receiving these and other gifts, sit back and relax.

For good adults, male and female, Santa's got a brand new bag.

RoboScout is a walking, talking, seeing, hearing personal robot that moves forward, backward, right and left. Sensors detect obstacles and stairs, and adjustable arms hold up to 2 pounds of drinks and snacks on two included trays. Sharper Image, $599.95.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The BlackBerry is what rappers, Bill Gates and the NBA have in common. With the new wireless handheld organizer by Canadian company RIM, you can send/receive wireless e-mail, cell phone calls, calendar, address book, browse the Web and control all your communications from one device. Priced in the $400-$550 range, the new BlackBerry 6710 will be available just in time for the holidays.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The Apple 17-inch iMac is the new top-of-the-line consumer desktop iMac. It features a 17-inch wide-screen display that floats in mid-air, an 800MHz PowerPC G4 with velocity engine, a SuperDrive for playing and burning CDs and DVDs, and a large 80GB hard drive that can hold more than six hours of video, 15,000 songs and 73,000 digital photos. It retails for approximately $1,999.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Digital Camera technology has advanced to allow custom photography capabilities in cameras the size of a credit card. Casio, Inc. debuts the 2.0 mexpixel, EXILIM EX-S2 and EX-M2 for family celebrations, evenings out, sporting events, weddings and vacations. The retail price on the EX-S2 is $299.99 and the EX-M2 is $399.99.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

DVD Power Tower makes storing DVDs a snap. It's a space-saving motorized organizer that rotates 360 degrees for easy viewing and quick selection. It includes a built-in, ultra-bright LED lamp and is available from Sharper Image for $169.95.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The new Oster In2itive Blend-N-Go lets consumers wave bye-bye to the $5 smoothie and blend a smoothie or other drink directly in a single-serving jar that functions as a convenient to-go cup--no dirty blender jar to clean and no spills in the car. It retails for $14.50.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Video game aficionados of all ages swear by the Xbox video game system. At $199, the game system features more than 200 new selections to choose from, including the NFL Fever 2003.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Ladies will love the Relaxor Gift Spa Combo (below, left) from the J.C. Penney 2002 Christmas Catalog and Web site. Retailing for $49.99, the set includes footbath with vibrating massage and built-in heat lamp, manicure/pedicure set, facial sauna and facial brush.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Golfers won't want to miss two items to improve their game. Both from Sharper Image, the Freddy Connect Dual Trace Swing Trainer retails for $49.95 and shows the golfer streaks of light to trace the swing path and clubface angle. The 7X18mm Golf Scope ($49.95) accurately displays your distance to the pin from up to 200 yards out. It comes with a carry case that attaches to your belt.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

COPYRIGHT 2002 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group