Jonathan Takiff: These gadgets get you ready for summer fun | Philadelphia ...

THE GIZMO: Having fun now that summer's officially here? Gizmo Guy hopes to get you in the mood with good-to-go gadgets for your outdoor entertainment, recreational and dining pleasure.

TV IN MOTION: Much improved over earlier battery-operated models, the 3.5-inch, color-screened RCA DMT336R Pocket Digital TV pulled in most locally broadcast channels in my reception-challenged neighborhood with crystal-clear images and sound (with connected headphones).

A nonglare screen allows for outdoor viewing in indirect sunlight. Better still, this future-proof "hybrid" model also tunes the new breed of Mobile Digital TV channels, a standard-definition-only version of digital TV customized to play on small sets in moving vehicles. The DMT336R nabs FM radio stations, too. At the moment, there's just one M-DTV channel beaming in our neck of the woods - NBC 10's family features-oriented "Non-Stop Philly" (aka 10.2), though four more (including a mobilized WTXF-Fox 29 and WHYY-PBS 12) are supposed to launch before year's end.

During a 45-minute drive from Fox Chase to Center City (mostly down Broad Street), the one and only M-DTV signal dropped out for a split-second maybe 15 times - not too shabby. The battery delivers three hours of video play per charge. A kick stand holds the thing upright on a tabletop. $159 at RCAPortableTV.com.

TAKING THE MUSIC WITH YOU: Have lots of music stored (or Web-accessible) on your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone, iPod or iPad? Now you can easily share the good sounds with friends in the back yard, the front stoop or wherever.

Just link that device wirelessly or by audio cable to the punchy, battery-powered SuperTooth Disco amplified speaker system . Small but solid, this slim-line, 2.6-pound Disco blaster boasts a mighty 28-watt amplifier, a backported woofer and cranks to 90 decibels without distorting.

The rechargeable battery lasts three to four hours at full volume, 10 hours at a more moderate listening level, and 1,500 hours in standby. Also cool, SuperTooth Disco's control buttons wirelessly trigger basic music playback functions on devices located/beaming as far as 85 feet away! $149 (including carrying case and connector cable) at department, speciality and mobile phone stores, www.SuperTooth.net .

Bound for the beach or pool?

Pyle PLMRMP3A 4-Channel Waterproof MP3/iPod Marine Power Amplifier

This 4-channel waterproof MP3/iPod marine amplifier is a powerful addition to your marine audio setup. It pushes 200 watts maximum on each of the two channels for a bone-rattling power that’s basically unmatched. It takes RCA line inputs and includes a 3.5mm-to-RCA adaptor so you can plug in your MP3 player or iPod easily. Also takes standard high and low level inputs from a marine head-unit. Comes with a wired remote control for volume gain. For safety, this amp is equipped with power protection circuitry and soft turn on/off prevents damage to your speaker equipment. Basic Four-Channel Marine Amplification Plenty of Power in a Small Package

The PLMRMP3A packs a surprising 200 watts max (at 4 ohms) for each of its four channels, surprising for an amplifier of its size–just 6.10 x 3.35 x 1.38 inches.

The PLMRMP3A takes RCA line inputs and includes a 3.5mm-to-RCA adaptor, so you can plug in your MP3 player or iPod easily, for a quick and easy music solution. It also takes standard high- and low-level inputs from marine head units, so it can be used for system expansion. A simple two-way switch gets your input level set up for either option.

For safety, this amp is equipped with power protection circuitry. An anti-thump turn-on and soft turn-on prevent any damage to your speakers.

This amplifier also includes a wired remote control, for adjusting volume gain.

The MP3 and Internet audio handbook, your guide to the digital music revolution

"Roll Sound!"

Torque

Torque

PCs All-In-One Desk Reference for Dummies