Off Duty, Technology - Marine Corps Times

New gadgets: Free software helps families organize

Cozi Central promises to turn your computer into a Command Center that can help your family get organized. Available as a free download, the software service helps parents and children keep track of sports, homework assignments, music lessons, play dates and whatever else needs to be done. Family members can send each other reminders (“Take Josh to orthodontist at 4,” “Pick up dry cleaning after work,” etc.) They also can check family schedules on their home computer or access the information remotely from another computer. Better yet, should mom have a brain freeze driving home from work (Which field are the kids practicing on after school today?) she can call Cozi and the service will read or text-message the info from her calendar.

Samsung offers slim multimedia device

You can watch videos, listen to music, tune into FM radio, read text files and record your thoughts with Samsung’s new multimedia player. The slim T9 model measures just 0.44-inch thick and weighs about 1.7 ounces, making it small enough to discreetly tuck inside a shirt pocket. It has a 1.8-inch color screen, a built-in microphone and can handle a variety of formats, including MPEG4 video, JPEG images, and MP3 and Windows Media Audio music. A 2-gigabyte model costs $150 while a 4GB version is $200.

Wireless chair immerses you in sound

”Sit back and enjoy the show“ takes on an entertaining new dimension when you’re lounging in the PM440w Sound Rocker from Pyramat. Equipped with a wireless transmitter, 3-inch full-range speakers and a 5.5-inch subwoofer, the chair immerses you in sounds delivered wirelessly from a connected TV, stereo or video game console. The seat includes an MP3 docking station, a headphone jack and a handy storage pocket where you can stash remote controls, headphones and other accessories. Cost: $200.

Tiny portable drive has plenty of room

You can carry your favorite photos, songs, video and important work presentations inside the Passport Pocket. The 6-gigabyte USB drive from Western Digital connects to a PC via a flip-out rotating USB connector. The drive comes with synchronization and encryption software, making it easy to safely share files between two computers. Weighing less than 2 ounces, the matchbox-sized drive costs $100.

Deborah Porterfield writes for Gannett News Service.