Rocket In The Pocket

Music critics - including myself - have said that the iPod made music a private affair: It's just you and those beedie little white earphones. However, a new DJ tool actually takes the iPod experience and makes it public again.

The 60 GB Tonium P666 Pacemaker Pocket-Sized DJ System lets you create complex DJ mixes and carry them to your favorite party - just hook them up to your friend's stereo system and the party pumps. Just like the iPod, right? Not quite. The cool part is that the device allows you to mix on the spot. Two different music channels, a la two turntables, a cross-fader for music blending and other neat tricks can turn you into Samantha Ronson for the night - without, of course, the paparazzi.

With great power comes great cost, however: Expect to pay $599 retail for the hip device (though an Amazon sale currently has it at $499).