Off Duty, Technology - Marine Corps Times

New gadgets: Delphi offers portable GPS device

Drivers who share cars will appreciate the portability of the NAV200, a pocket-size Global Positioning System navigation device that can easily be moved from car to car. Loaded with a 400-megahertz processor, the fast-working device delivers voice-guided directions through built-in speakers and displays the information on a 3.5-inch color touch-screen. Delphi’s navigator also can play music and movies. It ships with a memory card loaded with mapping software and suction mounting tools for the dash or windshield. Cost: $380.

Vonage lets you take Net phone on road

The V-Phone makes it easy for Vonage fans to keep on talking while traveling away from home. Setup is simple: Plug the USB device into any PC with a broadband connection, plug in its earpiece microphone and you’re ready to go. Just like a real phone, the on-screen phone can handle call forwarding, call transfers, call waiting, caller ID, conference calls and voice mail. Better yet, the device is small enough to clip to a key chain and has enough memory (256 megabytes) to hold your phone numbers, files and music. Plus, it comes with built-in audio electronics, so you don’t need a PC with a sound card. Cost: $40.

Device helps guard against sunburn

The UV Hawk from Q3 Innovations lets you play it smart in the sun. The “sun-sensitive” gadget measures the intensity of ultraviolet light, and then, based on your selected skin tone and the strength of your suntan lotion, it estimates how much time you can safely spend in the sun. It also provides regular updates so you can monitor your time outdoors. Designed with a clip-on strap, the 2-ounce device is small enough to bring on walks along the shore. Cost: $50.

Interactive DVDs teach you to play guitar

No matter your guitar preference, eMedia’s new line of interactive DVDs can teach you to play. The instructional DVDs for acoustic guitars, electric guitars and bass guitars include song-based lessons, an animated fretboard, a tuner, interactive chord charts and the option to receive instruction in English or Spanish. The DVDs also show students how to string and tune their guitars. The Essential Acoustic Guitar, Essential Rock Guitar and the Essential Bass Guitar titles cost $20 each.

Deborah Porterfield writes for Gannett News Service.