I’ve Found Another Love

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 NEVER leave home without my love – Nina. Not that she’s jealous but recently she discovered I never leave home without my 12 megapixel Fujifilm X10. Even when I pack my Nikon D300 in my camera bag, I slip the X10 in my pocket. I find I’m using the lightweight X10 more often than the heavy D300.

Recently I’ve been capturing fantastic images with this pocket size camera. The 2.8 inch LCD monitor is so bright, I’ve been looking there more often than through the viewfinder. Yes, this little solid metal compact body comes with a viewfinder, unlike most similar size cameras. I feel more comfortable using the viewfinder rather than looking at the monitor you’re forced to use on most small cameras that lack a viewfinder.

I like the stylish shape, looking more like a rangefinder. The aluminum lens cap fits nice and snug The 4X zoom lens is a snap to use. You move the zoom manually, and that first move opens the camera. You power up without taking your eye off the viewfinder or the 2.8-inch monitor. That’s a great advantage over other machines where you have to look for the on/off button. The zoom range is 28-112mm equivalent.

On a Midtown bus with available light

Gloria Steinem by a window Downtown

Since you don’t rely on the battery to move your zoom – you move it by hand – the battery lasts much longer. You don’t deplete the charge as quick.

Did I mention how impressed I was with the lens: F2 wide and F2.8 telephoto. That’s fast. I delight in taking shots in low light, available light, without flash. The results are wonderful. I used the camera in recent days to capture candid portraits and was most gratified by the sharp outcome. See the two images I made in March. Amazon price $599.

Great Portfolio For iPad

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HE iLuv Creative Technology team in New York has come up with an outstanding carrying case that you must have if you have an iPad or Galaxy Tab. It’s the Professional WorkStation Portfolio (iCK826).

It turns your device into a portable system. If you yearn for the tactile response of a laptop keyboard, you have it with the detachable Bluetooth keyboard, which is Velcro secured. There are even dedicated keys specific for iPad functions, which is mighty convenient.

Use the retractable kick stand while typing or movie viewing. Battery life is very good, allowing for 5 days of continuous use.

The stylish folio jacket provides excellent protection for your device. It’s stylish, it’s cool, above all it’s professional. Priced at $129.99 at www.i-luv.com.

Magellan’s Has What You Need

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VERY catalog from Magellan’s offers a vast array of essential gear to make your globetrotting safe, comfortable and pleasant. The latest edition is no exception. Call 1-800-962-4943 for your copy, or visit www.magellans.com. You’ll find the following items to enhance your journey.

CLARKS VESTAL SLIP-ONS Made of cool leather and mesh uppers, these loafers will make you feel like you’re walking on air on any terrain. Available in Taupe, Olive or Navy. $92.

KENSINGTON COAT With a shirred stand-up collar, this light-weight coat will keep the breeze at bay on a windy day. Of the four pockets, three are zippered. Made of water- repellent, wrinkle-resistant poly. It’s knee length with a two-way zipper. Specially priced at $109 (regular $149).

MANHATTAN MESSENGER iPAD BAG A Magellan’s exclusive, this ultra organized leather shoulder bag holds your device in its own padded compartment, securely closed with a full-width zippe, while you store your phone, map and boarding pass in a separate pocket. Has a leather trimmed business card holder. Crafted of black calfskin leather and nylon, with an adjustable nylon strap. $99.

HATCH Velcro straps give these comfy sandals a customized fit for any woman. An adjustable pad cushions your Achilles tendon. Available in Black or Pewter leather, or Stone nubuck, with manmade soles. $110.

MONACO 31-INCH UPRIGHT From Lipault Paris, created by Francois Lipovetsky, luggage designer for Air France, comes a handsome hard-sided suitcase that makes walking a snap. Its four wheels rotate all around so the bag moves easily in any direction. Inside are a zippered mesh panel, zippered toiletries pocket, and compression straps. The bag is made of lightweight polycarbonate. Comes with a combo lock and matching luggage tag. Available in Red. Orange, Purple, Gray, Chocolate or Black. $259.

MEN'S WINDBREAKER A Magellan’s design, this packable travel jacket, loaded
with six interior pockets and two zippered
hand warmer pockets with flaps, will protect
you from wind, rain and cold. Has a zip-off
hood that stows in the neck collar, snap-close
storm flap, and adjustable snap cuffs. Fold it
up and tuck it into the corner of your day bag.
Comes in Black, Navy, Chili or Leaf. Special at
$75 (usually $95).

Must Haves

e-HANDLE Here’s a comfortable way to hold your e-Reader. E-Handle attaches to your device and allows you to hold and read without strain, and without danger of dropping your device. People with dexterity issues will now be able to hold their device with greater ease. Priced at $24.95 at www.scottpaultech.com.

XPLODERZ The toy blaster line that fires gel-like ammunition has released a mid-range blaster to its arsenal of fun. The Xploderz XBow 1500 blasts its hydrated ammo up to 75 feet with a soft impact. "It’s a safe and cool alternative to paintball and airsoft," says Ron Brawer of the Maya Group, which makes Xploderz. XBow 1500 comes with 1,500 rounds of ammo; each clip holds 75 rounds. It looks like a crossbow (duh, that’s why it’s called the XBow). Available for $29.99 at Amazon.com and www.xploderz.com.

ORBEEZ This girl’s activity line lit up the Toy Fair aisles with the Orbeez Magic Light-Up Globe. "It’s like a snow globe on steroids," is how Obeez brand manager Sharon Cohen describes this toy with its color-changing lights and swirling water movement. Put the tiny pellets into the globe, add water, and watch them grow into squishy balls. Girls delight in watching them bounce in a magical light show. Priced at $15.99 at www.orbeezone.com.

CHAOTIC CONNECTIONS From Greenville, S.C., comes a board game that gauges how successfully you can construct a road that will connect several cities on your itinerary. It can drive you crazy as opponents put up barriers, road blocks and detours but you’ll have loads of fun, believe me. You’ll even learn a little geography as you set out on your cross-country road trip. And it won’t cost you $5 a gallon. Good for 2 to 6 players above age 9. Available for $29.99 at www.chaoticconnections.com.

BROBO These 13-inch huggable plush are actually night lights. Tap the hand on the "Shine Force" light on the chest and – Poof! – they vibrate and illuminate the dark. Children will sleep peacefully and securely knowing that Brobo is watching over them. SRP $25-$30.

FLASHING BLINKY LIGHTS The company, based in Sun Valley, California, is a cornucopia of everything you can hang an LED on. They have Blinking Rings $2.49, Light Up Maracas $2.99, Flashing Pacifiers $2.49, Rock Guitar Red LED Sunglasses $4.99, Black Fedora Hat with Flashing LEDs $6.99, Soft Black Light Show Gloves $12.99, and an entire array of light up items to decorate any holiday, party, event, birthday you can think of. See them all at www.FlashingBlinkyLights.com.