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Summer Lovin': Tech toys for the cottage

Touch of class

Just because you're spending time at the cottage doesn't mean you need to be without cool technology. Oh sure, some believe you should "rough it" while on the lake -- to take some time away without the big city amenities -- but there is some wiggle room for keeping the kids entertained on rainy days, using a computer to get a bit of work done or capturing nature with a great camera, so I’ve put together some suggestions. First, the HP dx9000 TouchSmart ($1,749.99.) It’s a breakthrough desktop computer that lets you use your finger to interface with your digital life (a wireless keyboard and mouse is also included). For more on the latest in computers,

Game on (and on)

Anyone with kids understands the value in a portable gaming system to keep the kids (or kids at heart) entertained while on the go. Whether it's in the backseat to and from the cottage or to unwind after a long day of fishing, the Nintendo DSi ($199.99; nintendo.ca) is the latest portable player that works with all existing Nintendo DS titles. It also includes two cameras, music playback and the ability to download games wirelessly over Wi-Fi. Check out the most recent

Shoot now; ask questions later

Capture memories of the family with the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS ($599.99; canon.ca), a 10-megapixel digital camera that incorporates a CMOS image sensor and 1080p Full HD movie recording (after all, a still image doesn't always tell the story). Additional features include a 20x wide-angle zoom lens, image stabilization and 2.8-inch LCD screen. For more on the latest in photography,

Turn the page

Thanks to the Sony eBook Reader (from $349.99; sonystyle.ca), digital books have come of age. Fit hundreds of classic or contemporary novels in this thin e-book reader, featuring text so real you might check your fingertips for ink. Other features include long battery life, a built-in reading light and audio playback. Learn all about

Plug in, tune out

Find a spot at the beach, lay down your towel and lie down to bask in the sun's glorious rays. All you need now is your favourite music, podcasts or audiobooks. The 4GB Microsoft Zune ($99.99; zune.ca) is a portable media player that can hold about 1,000 songs or plenty of videos and photo. It can also play games and FM radio, plus you can choose one of many designs to decorate the back of the unit. Read up on

Scrapbookers wanted

Create projects on those hazy Sundays when it's too hot to go outside. The Epson Artisan 800 ($349.99; epson.ca) is a multifunction machine that prints, scans, copies and faxes -- plus you don't need a computer as it takes memory card slots and USB connections. Along with photo lab-quality photos, you can create scrapbooking projects, greeting cards, jigsaw puzzles, personalized calendars, and more. Read up on

TV time

Sony’s 52-inch 1080p Bravia HDTV (model # KDL-52XBR7; $3,999; sonystyle.ca) incorporates the company's new Motionflow 240Hz technology, delivering exceptionally detailed and smooth motion by essentially quadrupling the typical 60 frames-per-second rate. Add x.v.Color and new Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE) for exceptional contrast (resulting in deep blacks) and you won’t be able to peel your eyes away from the screen. Check out

Don't break in case of emergency

Just as the Boy Scouts teach us, it's good to be prepared. The Eton FR-300 ($29.99) is an all-in-one emergency device that includes an AM/FM radio (and access to NOAA weather and TV-VHF channels), cell phone charger, built-in flashlight and emergency siren -- all powered by a hand-crank or batteries. Learn all about

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