Gizmo fans might have thought they were in handheld heaven when computer-organizers like the Palm Pilot appeared, letting them take their address books, chess games, and favorite recipes on the road. Now the creators of that product have gone off on their own and one-upped themselves. There's a slot in the back where users can plug in memory cards to back up data, or modules that contain games or books. Even better, users will soon be able to pop in accessories that turn the Visor into a pager, an MP3 music player, a gps receiver, or even a cell phone. The Stowaway adds a full-sized keyboard that folds away like an origami accordion.
Some people think there's no satisfaction in a device that emerges from the box fully assembled.
Robots are a perfect toy for them. The SilverBot is a simple step on the road to roboticist. Detailed graphics show how to snap together the bot, which strides forward on spindly legs, its head scanning the room and its arms waving. For those with naval ambitions, the Amphibious Solar Vehicle offers a slightly more advanced entry point. The body is made of Styrofoam, but there are quite a few pieces to add.