The Early Show

Gadgets To Enhance Your Time Outdoors

July 4, 2008 / 8:29 AM EDT / CBS

Most Americans will be spending the Fourth of July weekend outdoors, so you may want to check out some cool, "hot" gadgets that are perfect for the entire summer!

On The Early Show Friday, CNET TV Senior Editor Natali Del Conte told co-anchor Harry Smith about several hi-tech gizmos to make being outdoors even more fun!

The following descriptions were prepared in part with information provided by the manufacturers:

Portable UV Sensor by Oregon Scientific ($20)

(from Oregon Scientific) Know when to protect yourself and your family from harmful UV rays with this compact, stylish UV monitor. Exposure timer uses UV, SPF and skin type to calculate recommended exposure time, and updates automatically with changes in UV intensity. Monitors current UV levels and temperature and has a built-in digital clock

Del Conte's take:

It costs around $20 and it monitors incoming UV rays and then calculates exposure time based on the SPF in your sunblock. You tell it your skin type and set the time so it knows when the rays are the strongest, and it gives you a reading of how hot it is outside and how long you should stay outside before you do damage to your skin. It also has a countdown timer so it will tell you when you're done and its time to cover up or go inside.

Polar RS800sd Running Computer ($500)

(from Polar) The Polar RS800sd Running Computer is a complete system for planning, monitoring and analyzing your training. It provides an optimum combination of features for elite level athletes and their coaches. With the new Polar WearLink transmitter W.I.N.D., the Polar RS800sd is part of the world's first integrated training system together with adidas running gear. It also comes with the new Polar s3 stride sensor W.I.N.D. for detailed speed/pace and distance tracking, and is compatible with Polar G3 GPS Sensor W.I.N.D.

AND

Garmin Forerunner 405 ($300)

(from Garmin) Long runs, tempo runs, speed drills. You expect a lot from your body…and from your training gear. Meet Forerunner 405. This GPS-enabled sport watch tracks your training, then wirelessly sends your data to your computer. The ultimate in training technology, its sleek design features a touch bezel that lets you quickly scroll and select features on the run. Loaded with serious training features, Forerunner 405 continuously monitors your time, distance, pace, calories and heart rate (when paired with heart rate monitor). Each run is stored in memory so you can review and analyze the data to see how you've improved. You can even download recorded courses to compete against previous workouts or race a Virtual Partner. Customize Forerunner's data screens for instant feedback while you train.

Del Conte's takes:

Both of these heart-rate monitors are just about the best that money can buy. They both monitor heart-rate, cadence of your stride when you're running or walking, calories burned, etc. But they also have GPS so they can tell you where you are if you get lost and they can tell you how far you've gone on your hike or workout.

Olympus Stylus 1030SW ($399)

(from Olympus) The camera that redefines tough. The Stylus 1030 SW is one tough camera. The Shockproof, Waterproof, Freezeproof and Dustproof design gives active people the confidence to take this camera anywhere and shoot in nearly any condition. Plus, the wide-angle lens lets users capture more of what they see. Great for divers, surfers, rafters, skiers and anyone with an active lifestyle.

SHOCKPROOF (6.6FT): Accidents happen. A rugged metal body and revolutionary shock-absorbing construction are designed to withstand a 6.6-foot fall, drop or other mishap.
WATERPROOF (33FT): Innovative waterproof seals and gaskets allow you to take underwater movies and amazing pictures in a pool, lake or ocean.
FREEZEPROOF (14°F): Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, sledding and other winter fun, this camera is winterized to perform at below-freezing temperatures.
CRUSHPROOF (220 LBF): With a rugged body and reinforced LCD, the Stylus 1030 SW withstands up to 220 pounds of pressure so your camera and images are protected.

Del Conte's take:

This is the most durable digital camera I've seen and it performs just as well as any other camera on the market. It is 10 megapixels and comes in a lot of fun colors but it is also shockproof, waterproof, and freeze-proof. You probably won't need the freeze-proof function this weekend but you can drop it from up to 5 feet even when it is on. And you can dunk it in up to 10 feet of water. There's an optional casing so you can take it even deeper if you want. I've ruined so many digital cameras by dropping them so this one is a lifesaver.

Flip Video Mino ($179)

(from CNET) The Flip Video Mino is the fourth generation of Pure Digital's popular straight-to-Web mini camcorder, designed to make shooting and sharing low-resolution videos very easy. Thinner, smaller, and lighter than its older and less expensive sibling, the Flip Video Ultra, the Mino crams similar technology into a more compact, more attractive package that integrates a rechargeable lithium ion battery. (For a comparison of the various models, the company provides a comparison chart.) Most of the 3.3-ounce Mino is about redesign. The USB connector now flips straight up, rather than to the side, for an overall more compact footprint that should fit better in a crowded USB environment. It has a slightly smaller transflective LCD display - 1.46 inches compared with 1.5 inches - that enables you to still see what's on the screen in bright daylight. The back navigation controls are snazzier than before, with touch-sensitive buttons embedded into a shiny, flush surface. The port for the AV output has been shifted down slightly and is smaller (it's smaller than the standard 2.5mm jack - a cable is included). And finally, the threaded tripod mount has been moved from the left side of the bottom of the camera to the center.

Del Conte's take:

This is the second generation of Flip's budget camcorder. Flip got its reputation for being the easiest digital camcorder out there because you don't need memory cards or cords to get the video onto your computer - you just flip open the top and the camera itself plugs right into your computer. It also has the easiest controls you'll ever see, right in the back - basically "record" and "stop recording." It's also relatively affordable, at only $179.

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