Electronic Gadgets

You know the calculation: number of miles on your trip odometer divided by your tank capacity. Mileage monitors claim to one-up such simple estimates with real-time feedback. Are such monitors really accurate, and does it even matter if they are?

By Julia Layton

Back in the days of the horse and buggy, you didn't have to worry about overheating the engine -- but you did get splashed with mud and slush. Nowadays, the dashboard is less for protection than for information.

By Molly Edmonds

Thinking of outfitting your car with every electronic add-on the market has to offer? Inspector Gadget would approve. But let's make sure you do it in style.

By Molly Edmonds

Carmakers say RFID ignition systems are unbreakable -- at least by your average thief of average means. But what are the technology's flaws, and should you really protect your ride by wrapping your key in tinfoil?

By Julia Layton

Some Bluetooth users simply clip a headset on their ear to talk on a cell phone without the need to hold the actual phone. Others take advantage of the full line of Bluetooth technology, such as installing a Bluetooth car stereo.

By Jessika Toothman

The ability to tell time has been around for centuries. What began as a fairly simple practice has evolved into a complex system of time, daylight savings and leap years. But where did it all start, and what was the role of sundials?

By Jessika Toothman

If you're one of those people who feels better when they can keep an eye on things, then maybe you need a security camera system for your home.

By John Fuller

Once only found in the movies, high-tech spy gadgets are part of our everyday lives. Is someone listening in on your conversation right now? Are you being followed?

By John Fuller

Learning how to play an instrument may be as simple as playing with blocks. You can get started with the reactable without even touching a user's manual.

By John Fuller

Technology has changed our lives, mostly for the better. But what happens when our inventions get the better of us? The results can be devastating.

By Chris Pollette & Dave Roos

Electronic books have been out for years, though none of them met with much success — until the Amazon Kindle. What's so special about this little device?

By Jonathan Strickland & Chris Pollette

Depending on whom you ask, machines are running our lives. But what happens if they start to build more efficient models of themselves and get rid of us?

By Jonathan Strickland

Ever had to answer your cell phone in the middle of a busy street? You could shout above the din or let your call go to voicemail, or you could speak clearly into a noise-canceling headset.

By Tiffany Connors

Psychologists have created a number of tools to help them delve deeper into the mysterious human subconscious. What are these tools, and do they really work?

By John Fuller

You're out shopping when suddenly a voice tells you to buy the product right in front of you. Brilliant gimmick or creepy invasion of personal privacy?

By John Fuller

Night vision is a popular military application with some very interesting civilian uses. Check out night vision equipment, peer through night vision goggles and learn about the technology with this image gallery.

Massage can have real health benefits for you, but what if you don't know a good massage therapist? Perhaps a massage chair might be the answer.

By Jonathan Strickland

Muscles aching? Perhaps you'd enjoy a session in a zero-gravity massage chair. You don't need astronaut training, but you'll need a fat wallet.

By Jonathan Strickland

Freed by the latest technology and dipping prices, bands are now able to put together their own recording studios -- and take them on the road.

By Jonathan Strickland

The thermal fax machine leverages heat to print words and images. Learn how the thermal fax machine works along with its advantages and disadvantages.

By Jane McGrath

This cult coffee maker could cost more than your car. But maybe going without wheels wouldn't be so bad if you had the perfect cup of coffee to start your day.

By Molly Edmonds

If your kitchen instincts are extinct and you've never "whipped something up" in your life, you may be interested in this smart kitchen utensil for newbie cooks.

By Molly Edmonds

The fax machine, a cornerstone of modern business, has a long and interesting history of development. Learn more about fax machines in this article.

By Tim Crosby

Millions of police officers, soldiers and ordinary citizens carry real-life stun weapons to protect against personal attacks. But what happens if one of those people accidentally stuns someone else?

By Katherine Neer

The Avatar Machine lets users see themselves from a third-person perspective as if they were in a virtual environment. Could this gadget inspire human behavior studies?

By Jonathan Strickland