MORE COOL PORTABLE AUDIO GADGETS

StikAx Music Mixer

Okay, so this gizmo isn't technically a portable audio gadget. It is, most definitely, an audio gadget, and it works with any PC to help you mix your music on the go.

The StikAx is a handheld device that you use to mix sound and images on your PC or Mac. It works with accompanying TrakAx software and a sample loop CD to let you create your own audio and video mixes without touching a computer or musical keyboard.

This is a great gizmo for wannabe DJs who don't want to learn how to use complicated mixing software. You use the joystick-like device to drag, drop, clip, and merge sound and image files via the TrakAx software. The handheld unit has a bunch of dedicated thumb buttons that let you do the job one-handed, if you want.

Of course, a big part of this product is the TrakAx editing software, which works on any Windows XP computer. TrakAx lets you create mixes one event at a time; you can then edit your final mix using a variety of professional effects and transitions. All this is facilitated by the sample CD, which contains 450 prerecorded loops and beats in a range of different styles. (And each loop is pre-cleared for commercial use!) You can add your own sounds and music via USB microphone, keyboard, or synthesizer.

It's all surprisingly easy and extremely neat, thanks to the gun-like StikAx controller. The result is a type of point-and-shoot audio/video editing that anyone can master, at a price that's definitely affordable.

(As I write this, the StikAx is being sold exclusively in the U.K.; contact the company for details about U.S. availability.)

Model: StikAx Manufacturer: Ministry of Sound (www.stikax.com) Minimum hardware requirements: 1.3GHz Pentium 4, 256MB RAM, Windows XP, USB connection Price: ~$90

Edirol R-1 Portable Music Recorder

So far I've talked a lot about portable audio players; now it's time to talk about a portable audio recorder. The R-1 is a high-quality handheld audio recorder that records and plays back at any of nine quality levels, ranging from 64kbps compressed MP3 format to uncompressed 24-bit linear WAV. Maximum recording time is 137 minutes (in 64kbps MP3 mode), using the included 64MB memory card. You can record via built-in microphone, external mic, or line inputs.

Model: R-1 Manufacturer: Edirol (www.edirol.com) Dimensions: 3 15/16'' x 5 5/16'' x 1 3/16'' Weight: 8 oz. Price: $450

SoundSak SonicBoom

The SonicBoom is a backpack with built-in speakers and power amplifier ideal for jamming on the go. The whole thing is powered by six AA batteries, and the 4'' speakers are powered by a 5 watt/channel amplifier. You can even get it with an optional hydration reservoir, in case you get dry mouth while grooving on the trail!

Model: SonicBoom Manufacturer: Sound Kase (www.soundkase.com) Price: $149.99

Monster iSpeaker Portable

This is an odd little portable speaker system. The speaker folds up into a double-CD-sized case, then opens up for listening. Connect any portable audio player via the supplied 3-foot cable; the whole thing is powered by four AA batteries.

Model: iSpeaker Portable Manufacturer: Monster Cable (www.monstercable.com) Price: $59.95

i-glasses Wearable Video Display

I would be remiss if I didn't mention at least one heads-up video display. The i-glasses system is a head-mounted video display that connects to any portable video player or gaming system. Flip down the visor and you have your own personal video display, with 800 x 600 resolution. It's like watching a 70-inch screen from 13 feet away, sort of.

Model: i-glasses VIDEO Manufacturer: i-O Display Systems (www.i-glasses.com) Price: $899