Gadgets: More back-to-school goodies

After doing a back-to-school tech guide last week, my files still had a lot of cool new gadgets that didn't make the original story. So to clean out the notebook, here are a few more gadgets great for school or home.

Cygnetts GrooveToons What is it? Using your iPod nano, this alarm clock will ensure the owner wakes up on time (getting out of bed is another story -- it does have a snooze button). The colorful unit has built-in speakers and displays the clock and alarm on the iPod itself. Users will find it simple to use, just dock the player and set the wakeup time. The backlit iPod will help the sleepyheads see the time. The unit is designed to use with first-, second- and third-generation iPod nanos and will charge it while docked or playing. Colors are black, silver, blue, pink and green. Information: www.cygnett.com, $49.99, available at Amazon.com

Kensington Notebook Lock What is it? According to Kensington (via FBI survey in 2005), a laptop is stolen every 53 seconds in the U.S., and this can help lower those numbers. Most laptops have a built-in T-bar locking connection and this self-coiling cable is ideal to hook up the unit to a table, chair or most anything. Users can set the combination to up to 10,000 different codes and the cable extends from 3 inches to 6 feet. Information: http://us.kensington, $24.99

Targus Grove Convertible Messenger/Backpack What is it? A computer bag/backpack that holds most laptops up to 15.4". Targus is an environmentally friendly company and has built the EcoSmart Family of Products PVC-free along with recyclable parts to help reduce the amount of toxins released into the environment. The bag easlity converts from a messenger back to a backpack in seconds and features multiple compartments. The conversion is made with adjustable shoulder straps, and tuck-away backpack straps along with a padded handle for comfortable carrying. It's made with durable nylon material and comes in an earthy olive color. Features include a padded laptop sleeve with compartments to hold pens, MP3 players, water bottle and room for many other accessories. Information: www.targus.com, $79.99

iLuv: i168 HD Radio unit What is it? This is a digital stereo dual AM/FM alarm clock radio along with HD Radio stations and multicast channels. The unit displays on a liquid-crystal display - the time and date along with both the station your listening to and song information. Users can program presets for up to 30 radio stations (10 for AM / 20 for FM) along with being able attach to an auxiliary line, any other media player for audio (iPod, etc) with an 3.5mm jack. Information: www.i-luv.com, $129.99

Radius Atomic Bass Next-Gen Earphones What is it? The atomic bass line from Radius has an angled tube it sit with comfort in your ear canal to let the bass be felt along with music sounding clear and natural. . Three sizes of soft silicone earpieces are included to make the right fit in your ear, which also helps keep them from falling out. They are made of aluminum and come in colors including blue, red, teal, silver and violet to match the player or personal style. Information: www.radiusproducts.com, $39.99 Gregg Elman is the Star-Telegram's photo director/technology. His Gadgets column appears weekly.