GADGETS
Whether you’re a hard-core surfer or simply someone who dreams about surfing, the Lodown watch from Nixon can help you stay ahead of the action.
Preprogrammed with tide charts for 200 beaches for the next 15 years, the watch also can help boaters and fishermen plan their outings.
Plus, thanks to its reinforced polycarbonate case, the watch can be taken 100 meters under water.
Priced at about $90, the watch sports a wave counter, a dual-time option, an alarm and a countdown timer. www.swell.com
Everyone in the shot: Ever notice how the family photographer rarely shows up in any pictures? The XShot 2.0 camera accessory can remedy that.
Designed to securely hold a digital camera or a hand-held video camera, the telescopic accessory can be extended 37 inches. Simply connect the camera to the device with the built-in thumbscrew, adjust the angle, extend the XShot and snap a photo with your camera’s self-timer.
When you’re done shooting pictures, the extender can be collapsed and stuffed inside your bag. It costs $30. www.xshotpix.com
Runs on water: Water and a dash of salt are all you need to power a stylish little clock from Bedol.
Designed to run on its own, the Water-Powered Clock doesn’t require any batteries or an electrical outlet. Here’s how: The digital watch contains electrodes that turn the water into energy, and the salt helps the process by creating compounds that aren’t normally found in tap water.
When you replace the water, the clock remembers the time, so you don’t need to reset it. The clock will go on sale later this summer for $16. www.bedol whatsnext.com
Sleek appeal: Unlike many desktop PCs, Acer’s Aspire X1200 minidesktop won’t hog the space on your desk.
Measuring 10.6 inches high by 4 inches wide by 14.4 inches long, the Aspire X1200 can be placed on a small table, shelf or desk.
Better yet, the PC can play high-definition movies with high-definition sound via a monitor and speakers or through a TV hookup.
The $450 model includes 4 gigabytes of memory, a 320GB hard drive, a DVD burner, a 14-in-1 media reader, five USB ports in front and four USB ports in back. Other configurations are available. www.acer.com/us
Gannett