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The Digital Holiday Shopping List

What cool tools will you give this holiday season? Which ones will you ask for? We have ideas for everybody, from gadget freaks to audiophiles.

Michael S. Lasky and the Editors of Digital World

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Wi-Fi for Dial-Up

Photograph: Marc Simon
For years, only broadband users have been able to access the Internet wirelessly. Not anymore: With Always on Wireless's $149 WiFlyer, a portable Wi-Fi router for both dial-up and broadband, wireless access is available wherever there's a phone line. Conveniently, the PDA-size device stores the access numbers of all major dial-up service providers (AOL, MSN, EarthLink). The device has a range of up to 300 feet.

One thing we'd change: Including a battery-power option would help make the WiFlyer truly portable.

Your Own American Idol

Photograph: Marc Simon
It looks like a microphone with extra buttons, but IVL Technologies' $80 On Key Karaoke Player is an all-in-one fun machine with 20 built-in pop and traditional songs--more available online. Connect the mike to a TV and sing along as highlighted words pop up on screen. Can't sing on key? Hit the Auto-correct button. Another button adds acoustic effects.

One thing we'd change: The silly background photos on the TV screen have nothing to do with the song that's being played.

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