Gary Dell'Abate

I've been working in radio for close to 30 years now, and I have access to all kinds of recording equipment, including some great microphones. Most of the gear I can get my hands on is pretty high-end stuff that uses XLR connectors and would require elaborate equipment that I just don't have at home. So I was really interested when the MXL Studio 1 USB microphone ($130) landed on my desk. It's a portable condenser microphone that connects to your computer via USB. MXL boasts that it's plug-and-play, and that's not a joke: No installation discs. No drivers. No preamps, mixers, or extra gear. Nice.

My biggest issue when I pack for travel is what book(s) to bring. Should it be a hardcover (awfully heavy in my carry-on), or a couple of paperbacks? Sometimes I choose a book based on its size rather than if I think I'll like it. It looks like SONY has solved that problem for me with the PRS-505 portable reader system, a.k.a.

When I moved into my new house earlier this year, I had hopes of setting up some of my more antiquated gear. One of the pieces is a Technics turntable - state of the art, circa 1985. When people (er, guys) see it, they start waxing poetic about their vinyl LP collections and how, "one day," they're going to get another turntable.

The days of getting in your car and driving to a video store to rent a movie are coming to an end. In addition to the new iTunes Movie Rentals, there are other ways of getting movies into your home without getting off your couch.