In Brief

By Roy B. White

BERRYPHONE We remember the BlackBerry when it was a popular beeper-size, mini-keyboard-equipped pager that allowed users to send and receive e-mail wirelessly almost anywhere. Two years ago, it grew a bigger screen for Web browsing and appointment booking. Finally, last week, the BlackBerry PDA 5810 ($499) sprouted a cell phone. Now it's all grown up.

DRINKIN' BUDDY At last, a personal digital assistant that's worth bending an elbow for. The BarMaster ($29.95), from Excalibur Electronics, is a chic, flask-shaped gizmo that lets wired boozehounds search for the perfect drink by name, ingredient and even glass type. It also knows a few drinking games. Cheesy pickup lines not included.

NEAT FOOTED A running shoe that does the running for you? The a3 (that's A cubed), from Adidas ($130), comes close. Conventional shoes protect feet with extra cushioning that reduces shock at the point of impact. Adidas says the a3's innovative design and space-age materials also position feet for better performance. Can't wait for the a4.

--By Roy B. White