Christmas 2.0-ho-ho — Scads of gadgets for gift-givers

The TraiLeader Pro ($199.99) is an "ABC" watch because it provides altimeter, barometer and compass information, as well including a heart-rate monitor; thermometer; PC link; and speed, distance and calorie measurement. The Accelerator Pulse ($89.99) measures speed, distance, calories and steps and monitors the heart rate. It also offers time, date, an alarm, stopwatch, timer and second time zone features. The Proformer ($39.99) is designed for runners and swimmers. It calculates interval and lap times and can compare that information with the user's personally programmed target times.

Adventurers wanting to let others live vicariously might want to buy the Oregon Scientific ATC5K ($249.99, www.oregonscientific.com). The "action camera" is a self-contained, hands-free, digital camcorder that is waterproof up to 10 feet — perfect for kayakers and canoeists. Expandable up to 4 gigabytes with an SD card and only 4.5 inches long, the ATC5K includes grips and straps for mountain onto helmets, handlebars or other equipment. It's compatible with PCs and Macs and can capture still images, as well as video.

Want to learn to play the guitar? Don't fret. Five guitar models from Fretlight (www.fretlight.com) are teaching devices that plug into any PC or Mac and allow the user to take video-based lessons while the guitar's lighted fretboard indicates the proper finger positions for the notes. The lights can be shut off if you want to show off your rocking-out talent to friends. The guitars cost anywhere from $299 to $899. Each comes with 30 beginner lessons, with 2,000 chords and scales.

If you prefer to tickle the ivory, the Casio LK-100 ($159.99, my.casio.com) uses a similar strategy. Sixty-one full-size keys light up as you play or can guide you through melodies of pre-programmed songs. Two other options for hitting the correct keys are incorporated: a simulated human voice that can call out fingering numbers during portions of the three-step lesson system and a fingering guide displayed on its LCD screen. Boogie down with 50 rhythm patterns and a microphone jack for sing-alongs.

If you like your music on the go, share your iPod tunes but without hauling around a toaster-sized speaker, with the iPod Foldable Travel Speakers ($8.99, www.ipodminimall.com).

When folded, they're about the same size as a small paperback book.