Wyndham Wisdom

Tunes to Go

Make these digital music gadgets your new vacation essentials. Your ears will thank you

1. What's Not to Love?
Check out the new iPod Nano. Available in two versions (8 and 16 GB) and nine colors, it works with iTunes' new Genius software. To change songs, you can shake it--which is oddly satisfying--and you can turn it on its side to watch video in widescreen. Plus, new spoken menus make it easier for the vision-impaired to use. Thoughtfully innovative, as usual. (apple.com; from $149)

2. Closing the Gap
The Samsung P3 media player is a serious iPod challenger--in part, ironically, because it will play your iTunes songs. It's a touchscreen audio/ video device with the addition of decent speakers. It also includes an FM radio and Bluetooth wireless connectivity--pure gravy. (samsung.com; available in 8 to 32 GB; price TBA)

3. Supersized Sound
Even the newest iPod doesn't come with speakers, but the X-mini Capsule Speaker solves that problem. Eminently packable, this design-award-winning marvel delivers a surprisingly hefty low end sound in a package the size of a ping-pong ball. Just make sure the guest in the next chaise is OK with your Hotel California playlist. (x-mini.com; $30)

4. Charge It Up
Solar power adapter . . . extra juice for a fading MP3 player . . . AA battery recharger: This little weather resistant USB gadget from Energizer, the Solar Recharger, does it all, employing a rotating, flip-out solar panel to power up your gadgets. (energizer.com; $50)

5. It's a Stream
The new Squeezebox Boom, an Internet radio, is a godsend for anyone staying at a resort with an open wireless network. Take two minutes to sync it, and you can stream tunes from your computer (excluding copy-protected iTunes files) and play Web radio services like Last.fm and Pandora. Though it's no bigger than a bread loaf, the sound rivals that of any mid-priced home theater system. (logitech.com; $270)

6. On the Road, At Last
Monster's iCarCharger 200 connects your music player (including the latest iPhone) to your car's audio system while recharging it. With super-easy playback controls, this monster is a must. (monstercable.com; $50)