(FORTUNE Magazine) – BOUNCE BOOTS The first thing you notice when wearing Exerlopers is that you bound along like an astronaut on the moon when you're running in them. But that's not the real point, says the maker, NordicTrack. Adding some spring to your step when you run can reduce the impact on your joints and bones, and may even make your workout more effective. With each step the elliptical springs compress, absorbing much of the shock -- which is often two or three times your body weight. NordicTrack claims that using Exerlopers can prevent stress-related running injuries and will also increase the amount of calories you burn, partly because your muscles have more time to react to and work against the impact of each stride. The boots are available directly from NordicTrack in Chaska, Minnesota, for $200. You'll need to specify your weight so the springs will have the right amount of tension.

GUMMI SAVERS First came Life Savers, then their holes. Now Nabisco is rolling out another version of the 81-year-old candy called Gummi Savers. They're soft and chewy, like Gummi Bears, Gummi Worms, and other Gummi goodies, but the flavors are Life Savers' familiar old five plus two new varieties, Tangy Fruits and Mixed Berries. The new Savers come in the classic roll, though they're lodged in a plastic tray with dividers to keep the Gummis from gumming together. Price: 45 cents per roll.

CREDIT CARD MODEM Here's a way for notebook computer users who want to fax or send data via modem and cellular phone to lighten their loads. Usually they need to crowd their pockets or briefcases with a bulky adapter and batteries. Developed by AT&T Paradyne and Nokia Mobile Phones, the modem is the size of a thick credit card and slips into a special slot now found in many IBM-compatible notebook computers, including some made by Toshiba, Sharp, and NCR. Put it in, and you're in business. The convenience doesn't come cheap: The modem works with only three Nokia phones, models 121 and PT128, and the Technophone 415, each of which sells for $799. Available in May, the modem itself will be $699, which includes a separate cable for use with most ordinary phone lines (it won't work with some office and hotel phone systems). The credit card format is expected to become the communications link of choice for upcoming personal digital assistants, such as the Apple Newton.

SMART RADIO Next time you feel as if someone is watching over you, check your radio. A new industry standard called the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) is designed to let broadcasters send text messages such as emergency warnings and traffic alerts to radios equipped with special LCD screens. It's the first use in the U.S. of a technology that could eventually replace the Emergency Broadcast System (that annoying squeal you hear tested periodically on your radio); stations could even alert you at home to impending tornadoes or other catastrophes by activating RBDS-equipped radios or smoke detectors. For now, radios with RBDS make channel surfing a whole lot easier. The first ones out, two car stereos from Denon, have eight-character LCD screens that can display the station's call name or music format. Stations are classified by 22 formats, such as country or jazz; choose one, and the radio will automatically search for all stations of that type. About 40 FM stations currently broadcast the RBDS signal, and 50 more have ordered the equipment. You can also set the radio to interrupt whatever you're listening to when any RBDS station issues a traffic update. Denon's basic car stereo system sells for $450, or $600 with a fancier cassette deck. Other manufacturers, including Sony, Philips, and Blaupunkt, plan to follow by year-end.