Zboard Ideazon, $50 for base and $30 to $40 for extra overlays We all know many computer programs - be it business applications or PC games - often have a steep learning curve. After all, who wants to keep referring back to a 500-page manual to figure out what all the keys do? The solution is the "Zboard" (pronounced "Zee-board"), a keyboard with snap-in interchangeable faceplates that includes graphics and words to explain what keys do what. The overlays are specific to programs such as Adobe PhotoShop, Microsoft Word and Excel, and computer games like Age of Mythology or Medal of Honor: Allied Assault. The Zboard is available at CompuSmart and CompuCentre stores across Canada. More info is at www.ideazon.com.
MouseCaster SmarTec Ltd., $45 Now here's a quirky idea. The MouseCaster looks like a regular computer mouse but inside its shell is a digital radio receiver so it'll turn your PC into an FM radio (and the mouse cord acts as the antenna!). The MouseCaster features 28 pre-sets, an auto-scan function and has a timer so it can be used as an alarm clock, too. As a bonus, the bundled software can be customized with downloadable (and free) "skins" to change its look, and it also enables Web surfers to record songs and other audio programs in a variety of formats such as MP3 and WAV. Visit www.mousecaster.com for more info.

DRC212N DVD Player RCA, $139 Movie fanatics certainly welcome the trend of inexpensive DVD players that aren't short on features. RCA's latest fits that bill. The DRC230N is a progressive scan DVD player that offers crisp and bright images (High-Definition TV set required for this feature), plus the player will play MP3 music and list the song information onscreen at the same time (perfect for summer parties, eh?). This RCA unit also features digital audio and component video outputs and a TV/DVD remote control. Available in stores across Canada.

Portable Link Skullcandy, $50 What happens when you get a phone call on your cell phone while listening to your Walkman? If you hear the call, you must take off the earphones, pause the music and hope to answer the phone in time. Not anymore with a new gadget called the Portable Link. This unique set of earphones has two connectors: one for your portable music player and the other for your cell phone. When a call comes in, you'll hear the ring in your earphones and the music volume will automatically be lowered if you decide to pick up the call. A tiny microphone on the earphone cord allows you to chat hands-free. You'll never miss a beat (or phone call) again. Visit www.skullcandy.com. - Marc Saltzman