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Popular Science rounds up best tech

By Daniel Sieberg
CNN Headline News

Discovery Kids Ultimate Labs DNA Explorer
Discovery Kids Ultimate Labs DNA Explorer is one of the new products selected for Popular Science's annual "Best of What's New" issue.

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(CNN) -- From wireless TV to a DNA kit for kids, the products and inventions selected by Popular Science magazine for its annual "Best of What's New" issue come in all shapes and sizes.

The magazine hits newsstands this week, and it's the 16th edition to review the year's top 100 tech innovations. (Popular Science is owned by CNN Headline News' parent company, Time Warner.)

I traveled to New York last week, where the Popular Science editors displayed several of the items in Grand Central Station.

I spoke with Suzanne Kantra, my counterpart at the magazine as the technology editor, and Scott Alexander, a senior editor, about some of their choices. Although many of the selections are digital gizmos, Kantra pointed to three products that don't necessarily qualify as typical gadgets.

The first one she pointed to was the Kirtas Apt Bookscan 1200, which allows libraries or others to digitize books more efficiently. The $150,000 machine automatically scans the pages and turns the images into digital format. It can digitize up to 1,200 pages per hour, and uses a vacuum arm to lift and turn the page so there's no harm to the paper. (Maybe one day it'll even help people read in bed.)

Kantra also liked the Discovery Kids Ultimate Labs DNA Explorer, which turns budding scientists loose with a realistic genetics setup. It retails for less than $100, and it can extract real DNA from fruits or vegetables. Call it Chemistry Set 2.0.

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Also on the chemistry side, Kantra noted the Mountain Safety Research MIOX Purifier for cleansing water. Field-tested by the military in Afghanistan, it an also be used by hikers or anyone who lacks power for an extended period of time. The pocket-sized device uses water, salt and batteries to neutralize bacteria. It retails for $130.

Alexander walked me through a few high-tech toys, including the Bang & Olufsen Beolab 5 speakers. The magazine writes about their rather philosophical outlook: they know how to listen. A microphone built into each speaker can calibrate the shape and contents of a room and adjust itself accordingly. Audiophiles dreaming of enhanced sound quality will have to save up: They cost $16,000 per pair.

Two other technologies that Alexander highlighted are related to the visual arena: DVD and TV. The Go-Video D2730 Networked DVD Player allows you to access video stored on your PC. It can even go wireless. Speaking of wireless, Alexander says the Sharp Wireless Aquos takes TV one step further. Actually, it takes it wherever you want (within 200 feet) because it uses Wi-Fi technology to transmit images from its base station. Even the power cord isn't necessary, as it can use rechargeable batteries. These display technologies sell for $300 and $1,700 respectively.

Finally, on this abbreviated list, batteries have long been associated with keeping gadgets on the go, and another pick from Popular Science is the Rayovac I-C3. It charges those necessary little accessories in 15 minutes for about $30. So you don't have to live without your favorite device for very long.


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