Gizmo

By Andy Walker, Cyberwalker Media Syndicate

In the age of portable gadgets, it makes sense to be able to take your television with you. This couch-free viewing requires a device like the Casio Portable TV (model EV-550).

Yes, TV addicts you read that right, you can take the boob-tube to the game, to the office, and spouse-willing, to the in-laws’ picnic.

The five by three by one inch gadget has a curious blend of old and new technologies.

For example, it has an old fashioned silver telescopic antenna and a radio-style tuner. Its high-tech edge is its 2.5 inch (diagonal) colour screen. When you change channels a red or green bar floats across the screen and settles on a number on the radio-like dial, showing you what channel you’re tuned to.

The sound on the device is rather tinny, but there is a headphone jack if you want a better experience. There’s also an audio/video input jack, as well as brightness and volume controls. Like an old time television, it has a UHF and VHF switch.

With its 3 AA batteries onboard, the device weighs 3.7 oz. It also features a flip-out stand so that you won’t miss a programming second while you open your beer.

Price: $250 Canadian / US $175
More info: www.casio.com
Buy it: Most department and electronics stores, including Future Shop, the Bay and Sears in Canada and Target and Costco in the U.S.
On-line at: Amazon.com

Search for more gadgets at: The Sharper Image