Virtual golf

GIZMO GALLERY

Bill Gates likes golf and he doesn't always get the time to putt balls into holes. Microsoft Links is one way to compensate.

Links is a virtual golf experience replicating conditions across many major golf courses, which are mapped in excruciating detail. It also involves very rigorous physics to simulate golf shots. Pick the course, pick the club and make the shot; pros say that the maps are detailed enough and the shot-making realistic enough to help them plan real-life championship play.

You can also build your own course or play the annual online VGA tour, a popular global gaming event, which offers good prize money. The championship edition of Links is available on a PC/ Windows platform.

Floating sound

If you want to jazz up your pool parties this summer you could buy the Clark Aquasonic 339 transducer (http://www.clarksynthesis.com). The International Olympic Association uses it in synchronised swimming events. The 135-watt output loudspeaker (that's continuous output, peak output is 400W) floats, offering sound both above and below the surface of water.

Attach the 25-foot speaker wire, drop it in the pool and chill out for a unique listening experience. Waterproof hardware and connections will prevent any shorts. It's expensive at $600 equivalent and you may need an adapter to run it on Indian power supply.

Portable speakers

Sony SRS-T57 speakers come for around Rs 1,200 and offer a great combination of sound and portability. There's no headphone jack unfortunately, but the 300-gm speakers have a very compact design that folds away neatly into a normal-sized pocket or purse. Four AAA batteries provide power (AC adapter separately sold) to the 2 watt units and really improve the quality of sound on a laptop or a Diskman/Walkman.