(FORTUNE Magazine) – RIO 500 MP3 PLAYER Despite its pirate reputation, MP3--Internet software for downloading free music--is on its way to ubiquity. Diamond Multimedia's portable player, the best, lets you choose the artist and song, and has a bookmark function for books on tape and news reports. All told, the Rio stores two hours of music or 32 hours of spoken words--and it never skips. $269; 800-468-5846; www.rioport.com

2000 PORSCHE BOXSTER S Among mid-range sports cars, the Boxster has reigned since its birth in 1996, but the competition has been creeping closer. Well, no more: The new Boxster S boasts an enlarged 3.2-liter, six-cylinder engine that churns out 252hp, 48 more than its predecessor. It also comes with six speeds, even stiffer suspension, very cool dual exhaust--and a six-month waiting list. Price to be announced; 770-290-3500

PANASONIC DVD-L50 Say you're a Hollywood mogul on the coast-to-coast red-eye, and you don't have time for screenings. Panasonic's portable PalmTheater puts the silver screen in your lap. The crisp, gorgeous five-inch letterbox picture is outstanding; so are the Advanced Surround Sound, the tiny remote control, and the lightweight battery recharger. $1,099.95; 800-211-PANA

ASICS' GEL-KAYANO Asics' latest, the Gel-Kayano, includes several patented features, such as a Trusstic system to support the instep and prevent torsion; a DuoMax medial post to avoid pronation; and a removable orthotic sockliner, in case you need a prescription one. Whatever--it'll help you run like hell. $125; 800-678-9435; www.asicstiger.com

PANERAI RETRO WATCH The gorgeous, oversized Panerai, designed for the Italian Navy some 60 years ago, has a water-resistant dial and a locking device on the crown that will hold tight down to 400 meters underwater. It does need daily winding--the chronological equivalent of kissing your mate good morning: slightly old-fashioned, but essential. From $2,600; at Tourneau, 800-348-3332; www.panerai.com

THE NIKON COOLPIX 950 The Nikon Coolpix 950 thinks a few steps ahead: Its Best-Shot Selector snaps ten frames automatically and chooses the best one. The megapixel camera also has three resolution modes, a TV connection for video output, and satellite-precise auto-geographic tags--no more pathetic "Mom and Dad at the Grand Canyon last Summer" on the backs of photos. $999; 800-526-4566; www.Nikon.com