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Photos courtesy of (from left): Belkin, Neonode, Polaroid, iHome*

By N'Gai Croal
Jan. 21, 2008 issue

Even if you factor in the jaded streak that runs through most tech journalists, the oft-exchanged phrase at last week’s Consumer Electronics Show, “More of the same,” was a legitimate assessment of the gadgets on display. That said, we did manage to dig up some products worth highlighting. One was Jook, a hardware add-on for digital audio players that would permit you to broadcast your music wirelessly to other Jook-enabled music devices within 30 feet, or to listen to music being broadcast by other users and tag songs for purchase the next time you dock your player with your PC. Another was Seagate’s D.A.V.E., a Bluetooth- and Wi-Fi-enabled pocket-size hard drive that allows you to access any audio or video files on it from devices as varied as iPhones, laptops, car stereos and more. Here are some other products that caught our eye.

* Belkin Surge Protector, $50: This remote-controlled power strip lets you shut off devices without ducking under your desk.
* Neonode N2 Mobile Phone (price not announced): Its infrared-based touchscreen is more rugged than that of an iPhone or Palm. The device also plays music and movies.
* Polaroid Mobile Photo Printer, $150: Connect phones and cameras via Bluetooth or USB for two- by three-inch prints
* iHome iP47 Clock Radio, $150: iPod players with built in alarm clocks aren’t new, but the speakerphone for iPhones is genius. You can also stream MP3s to the iP47 from any Bluetooth device.