Electronic Gadgets

Way back in the dark ages, circa 2006, if you wanted to read e-books and surf the Web, you had to buy two devices. These days, however, the latest tablets and e-readers allow you to do both. Only, which device is best?

By Patrick J. Kiger

You're dying to see more of the world, and binoculars may help you do it. Find out which pair is perfect for spying on your neighbors and which ones will help you spot cosmic craziness in the sky.

By Kate Kershner

Want to watch video on the go and don't know which gadget you should get? We've got a guide to all your streaming needs.

By Jane McGrath

Science fiction writers have come up with some really clever gadgets, gizmos and vehicles. Here are 10 that we wish we could get our hands on.

By Jonathan Strickland

By now, you've probably "spotted" the newest arrival on the digital music scene. Spotify, the Swedish music streaming service that's been hot in Europe for years, is now making waves in the United States.

By Nathan Chandler

The idea of technology that you wear isn't new, but it's an industry that's exploding in popularity, from Google Glass to fabrics that turn movement into electricity.

By Nathan Chandler

Ever wonder about that eerie-sounding music in old sci-fi flicks? Those haunting strains may come from a theremin, an instrument you play without touching. How's that possible? Find out in this article.

By Gerlinda Grimes

If you're about to buy a little gold sticker to protect your brain cells from cell phone radiation, then please stop what you're doing and consider a more sensible use of your money -- such as magic beans or a wish-granting monkey's paw.

By Robert Lamb

Instead of buying a GPS system, you may want to know how to use your laptop as GPS. Learn how to use your laptop as GPS in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Music effects like Auto-Tune may have taken over the airwaves, but the talk box was one of the first devices to make musicians sound like robots. Do you feel like we do?

By Jane McGrath

If you know how to use a condenser microphone, your audio will come out crystal clear. Learn about how to use a condenser microphone in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

There are some people who believe that it won't be long until humankind has the technology to enable people to live forever. What would it take to make that happen? And would we really want to?

By Jonathan Strickland

If you've ever played an instrument, you've probably had to keep time with a metronome. How do these mechanisms give musicians a steady tempo?

By Gerlinda Grimes

A guitar can come across a little thin if it's plugged into just an amplifier with a clean sound. Add a few pedals to the mix, though, and you could be stomping out some gnarly effects.

By Gerlinda Grimes

Ever wonder what's inside a vending machine? Take a look at this vending machine image gallery to find out.

By Kaliyana Finney

Backscatter X-ray systems are now used to conduct full-body security scans in many airports. But how does this new technology work? Does it invade your privacy? Is it safe?

By Nathan Chandler

From devastation in Haiti to jubilation in New Orleans, 2010 was a pictorially poignant year. We won't soon forget the massive not-a-sinkhole in Guatemala or Lady Gaga's meat dress. Take a tour of the year's most unforgettable events in images.

By Candace Keener

Tech pundits said Apple couldn't make a consumer tablet that would succeed. But then the iPad sold more than a million units within 28 days. How did Apple prove the naysayers wrong, and how has their tablet evolved?

By Josh Briggs & Wesley Fenlon

Calculators may show up anywhere in our lives that numbers do -- from calculus class to restaurants -- but the technology that powers these devices is fairly recent. What made it possible, and how does it work?

By Jacob Clifton

Do you have a smartphone? How about a digital camera? A portable music player? We bet you'll be surprised by how many of these 'essential' gadgets you actually own. Take a look and see whether yours made the list, or if we omitted any of your favorites.

By Chris Pollette

The Dyson Air Multiplier works like a fan, but it has no blades. Can it be as effective as a traditional fan? What's so different about it?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler & Nathan Chandler

These amazing timepiece pictures explore unusual and exotic time gadgets. Learn more and explore timepiece pictures.

Traveling can be a lot of fun, but there's no joy in picking up a stomach bug from untreated water. What if you need to sterilize water on the go and you're traveling light?

By Josh Briggs

If you travel and you like gadgets, chances are you've been on the road when the batteries gave out. What if you could generate power for your gizmos yourself?

By Ed Grabianowski

Grocery shopping may be fun for you, yet for many others it's a pain in the neck. But electronic technology just might make it faster and simpler to run to the store.

By Josh Briggs