High-Tech Gadgets Are Topping

Registry Gift Lists

When you’re shopping for a gift for your best friend’s wedding, don’t be surprised if the bridal registry includes digital cameras and cellular phones alongside the traditional linens and bath towels.

According to Laurie Bauer, from Minneapolis-based Best Buy, more and more couples are registering non-traditional gift items.

“Technology plays a big role in today’s weddings, from the ever-present camcorder to the latest fad of showing home movies of the bride and groom,” Ms Bauer says. “Today’s technology products save us time and make life more fun, so it’s not surprising to see consumer electronics on the wish lists of modern couples.”

Ms Bauer offers a high-tech list of wedding gifts to make the newlyweds’ life together even better:

*Help the new couple stay connected and provide safety and convenience for newlyweds on the go with the Sprint PCS Touchpoint phone. It features Internet browsing with two-way e-mail capabilities ($199.99).

*There’s not a lot of time for watching TV after the wedding, but you can ensure the new couple never misses their favorite shows by giving them TiVo Personal Television Service. TiVo lets you watch what you want, when you want, giving you control over live TV.

The Philips Electronics personal video recorder (PVR) that works with the TiVo Personal Television Technology is $499, and TiVo Personal Television Service is either $9.95 a month or $199 for a lifetime subscription.

*With a digital camera you can share wedding photos with family and friends in just minutes via e-mail. With no film to develop, digital cameras are convenient and easy to use. Prices range from $200 to $1,000.

*Every new couple should start their lives together with a home computer. Great for family time together exploring the Internet, playing game software or e-mailing loved ones throughout the world.

*Newlyweds who prefer a portable hand-held computer will appreciate the Palm V or Palm VII. For under $500, these Palm Pilots will fit in a briefcase or purse and run most computer programs, making it easy to work from a virtual office.

*It may not sound like the most romantic way to spend a honeymoon, but video game buffs will love the new Sega Dreamcast and video game software. The bride and groom can spend some quality time together playing “Sonic Adventure” or “SoulCalibur.” The system is priced at $199, with more than 20 games available from $39.99 to $49.99.

*For couples who are movie fans, watching a favorite romantic film on DVD provides digital picture and sound and an opportunity for a few hours together. Titles including Gone with the Wind, Dances with Wolves, Casablanca, The Big Chill, My Best Friend’s Wedding, The Wedding Singer, City of Angels and The Horse Whisperer range from $19.99 to $24.99. DVD players start at $199.

*For couples who are travel or fitness buffs, a portable MP3 player is the perfect gift. Diamond’s line of Rio Portable Internet Audio Players are the best way to listen to music from the Internet in its most popular format (MP3 files). Compact, lightweight and skip-free, these MP3 players are great for couples on the go.

*Give the newlyweds the gift of time and convenience with practical kitchen and home appliances. Popular new items include the Popeil rotisserie, Toastmaster 2-lb Breadmaker and George Foreman Grill.

— courtesy Article Resource Association