Speaking of batteries, people constantly running short of juice might like the Solar Style Solarola ($39, www.solarstyle.com), a solar charger for cell phones and other portable gadgets. The company hails the device as eliminating the need to carry around extra batteries, saying all the user needs to do is charge the Solarola in the sun and plug it into the portable device using the correct connector.

People needing power from nonbattery sources might want to consider a PowerSquid Surge Protector. Flexity LLC offers three types, including the Surge 3000-Calamari Edition ($80, www.powersquid.net).

Basically it's a powerstrip, but with one important difference. Rather than having lined-up plugs, which can prove challenging for oversized or odd-sized power adapters, the PowerSquid is in a "cephalopod design," which is company-speak for "squid-shaped." Just plug your stuff into the ends of the tentacles and the rotating swivel plug into the wall.

The company also offers a Surge 3000 model for $70 and an Outlet Multiplier for $13.

Logan-based ifrogz (yes, that's its real name) is offering device-protection products for folks wanting to share their electronic gizmos with others without concern that those gadgets will be smashed to bits.

One popular item is the ifrogz Tadpole case for video iPods ($24.99, www.ifrogz.com). Ifrogz offers more than 300,000 different case combinations, but the Tadpole is designed for adults who want their kids to enjoy the shows on the miniature video device. The dust-repellent silicone case, available in a variety of colors and weighing only 2.7 ounces, protects the video iPod. But the key is large handles, one on each side, shaped for small hands, allowing kids to hang on to the diminutive device during car trips to the store, doctor's office or gym.

Several audio products in recent years have sported an interesting combination of nostalgic exterior and sleek high-tech innards. Crosley and other companies offer turntables and other players encased in old-timey wooden cases, but one Crosley product available this year is the Crosley Songwriter CD Recorder ($399.95, www.crosleyradio.com).

This handy device not only has an AM/FM radio and plays CDs, records (on a three-speed turntable for 33 1/3, 45 and 78 rpm vinyl) and cassette tapes, but also can turn tunes from records and tapes into digital-format recordings on CDs. Imagine — you can take "You Light Up My Life" with you anywhere! Ain't technology great?