Nine Gadgets Every Geek Needs for Summer Fun

by Nathan Eddy

No power? No problem. Juice Bags feature an integrated solar panel that generates up to 7 watts of power. You can use a Juice Bag to charge your cell phone, iPod, GPS or any 12-volt electronic device. Imagine being able to go anywhere in the world-anywhere-and be able to keep your satellite phone, GPS unit or digital camera charged.

You cant be outside all the time during the hot summer months, but you can keep cool using your computer with this USB-powered 5-inch fan, which also keeps the noise level low so as to not disturb your sweaty office mates.

The LapDome “Planet Rambler” is padded and includes a modular backpack. This laptop computer carrying case pops open to shade and protect your laptop. It offers privacy, security and protection from the elements, but most of all, it offers computer screen visibility outdoors all of the time.

This waterproof MP3 player attaches to your swimming goggles, allowing you to listen to music while you swim. The player’s short headphone cables do not interfere with your stroke as you swim. The player supports both MP3 and WMA digital audio formats, and its built-in 1GB memory can hold up to 300 songs, enough for an entire week of swim workouts.

The 11th-generation Pentax Optio W90 waterproof digital camera is built for rugged adventure, offering enhanced waterproof, shockproof, dust-proof and cold-proof performance, and features an inventive Digital Microscope mode with LED lighting. Designed with the look of mountaineering equipment, the Optio W90 kit includes a woven web fabric strap complete with a carabiner to attach the camera to a backpack and other outdoor gear.

This iPod speaker only requires the power of the sun for listening to music outdoors. Your iPod docks into the speaker, drawing power from its rechargeable lithium battery, which stores the sun’s energy. The device is perfect for poolside gatherings or boating because it also resists splashing water from all angles per its IPX-4 waterproof rating.

This detachable lens adds 8X optical magnification to your iPhone 3G’s or 3GS’s built-in camera. A black cover snaps into place around your iPhone, securing the telephoto lens in position over the iPhone’s camera lens. Why? Because they can.

This swim mask boasts an integrated waterproof digital camera, eliminating the need to carry an underwater camera, keeping your hands free as you swim. The 5MP camera can operate to a depth of 15 feet, and the mask’s eyepieces are made of tempered glass and have integrated crosshairs that allow you to line up shots. Simply press the shutter button to take pictures or videos.

This amusing and completely unnecessary remote-controlled cooler can roll across a patio, rug or kitchen floor to deliver a well-timed beverage to parched party guests. With room for 12 cans or bottles and ice, the cooler rolls on four sturdy underside wheels up to 40 feet from the host at the controls.