New fashion fads extend past runway

Fashionab-Lee

Being fashionable isn’t just about having the hottest clothes. The trendiest gadgets also are a necessity for the fashion-savvy. These fabulous devices will have you instantly forking over what’s left of your holiday cash.

Have you ever wished you could carry thousands of downloaded songs everywhere you go? Check out apple.com for every variation of the classic iPod digital music player that Apple has to offer. The iPod mini holds 1,000 songs and comes in an array of pastels for $249. The U2-obsessed will cherish the special edition black and red iPod that holds 5,000 mp3s for $349. If a multitasking gadget is more up your alley, the iPod Photo holds 15,000 songs or 25,000 photos for $499. If your bank account isn’t large enough for any of these, try the spanking new iPod Shuffle for only $99. This charming contraption is the size of a stick of gum and boasts 12 hours of music playback.

For those of you who already have an iPod in your clutches, Apple iTunes makes downloading easy, legal and affordable at 99 cents per track online at apple.com/itunes. Create a mix of workout jams for UREC, or a softer mix for studying.

If you want a variety of music without downloading, opt for a satellite radio. Circuit City carries XM and Sirius receivers for as low as $79.99. Car kits and portable stereos are extra money, and monthly fees apply. Visit circuitcity.com for more details.

These days, another source for music comes in the form of a cell phone ring. Cell phones are a status symbol in Hollywood, and most of us outside of Los Angeles also would be lost without them. Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton wouldn’t be caught dead without their Swarovski crystal Sidekick IIs. You also could buy one of these handheld cell phone/Internet combos for only $200 at T-Mobile (sorry, crystals are hundreds extra).

The Motorola Razr V3 also is one of most sought-after phones on the market. This super-thin phone features a camera, speakerphone, video playback, aluminum case and a color screen on the outside with caller ID. Check motorola.com for details. At $600, the Razr isn’t cheap, but if you’re lucky enough to have the dough, pick one up at AT&T Wireless.

If you’re yearning for a digital camera with several megapixels, get one while the prices are low. The higher the number of megapixels, the better the resolution of the picture will be, according to megapixel.net. Circuit City offers a vast selection. Try the 4-megapixel Kodak Easy Share camera with a 1.6 Liquid Crystal Display screen on the back to view all of your prized pics. For a more compact camera, try the pocket-sized 2-megapixel Panasonic D-Snap SV-AS 10 for $199.99.

Whatever your budget, get one of these gadgets while they’re hot, because in the world of technology, before you know it there will be something newer and better.