Buying a gadget can mean running a gantlet of confusing questions. How many gigabytes? Mac or Microsoft? What about megapixels? Plasma, LCD or DLP? How long is the battery life? How much are you willing to spend?

Digital cameras are amazing. Even compact digital cameras selling for less than $100 take photographs with great resolution. The point-and-shoot cameras are great – that is, as long as the subject of the photo isn't moving very fast.

The next generation of wireless Internet products certified by the Wi-Fi Alliance is expected to hit shelves this summer, even though a final standard for the technology isn't due until 2009, the industry group says.

A convincing twin of Darth Vader stalks the beige cubicles of a Silicon Valley office, complete with ominous black mask, cape and light saber. But this is no chintzy Halloween costume. It's a prototype, years in the making, of a toy that incorporates technology that reads brain waves.