Gadget World

By Anita Hamilton

Each February, hundreds of high-tech entrepreneurs and venture capitalists meet in Scottsdale, Ariz., for the most exclusive trade show of the year. Closed to the general public, Demo is a place where even a no-name start-up gets a chance to impress. Here's a peek at this year's coolest innovations. --By Anita Hamilton

SIZE ME UP, SCOTTY

Hate trying on clothes in stores? The Intellifit System, at right, makes it easier by taking your measurements using low-power radio waves, then suggesting the right size for you. Step into the glass booth, which looks like the Star Trek transporter, and 10 seconds later the system will have taken up to 200 measurements of your body. Currently being tested in six stores--including Macy's, Lane Bryant and David's Bridal--Intellifit will roll out in more shops this summer.

MOBILE MUSIC

Motorola's iRadio software will let you listen to your favorite MP3s and Internet radio files on your cell phone, at right--or even stream them to your car stereo. But there's a catch: to make your music mobile, first you'll need to move it from your home PC to your cell phone, and that means you'll need a phone with lots of storage space for music. Still, iRadio--due in the fall--is a novel alternative to the iPod.

STORAGE SAVER

Lost your cell phone? No problem. The Openwave Mobile Device Manager, available later this year on Sony Ericsson phones, automatically saves phone numbers, photos, music and other data from your handset on a secure network. When you get your replacement phone, all your contacts can be easily restored.

AUTO CHECKUP

If you get perplexed by that pesky check- engine light that pops up on your dashboard, help has arrived. The CodeScout, at right, helps you figure out what is wrong by plugging into your car's diagnostic port (near steering wheel) and displaying a detailed error message. If it's just a loose gas cap, you can save a trip to the shop. Alas, some of the $150 device's messages are so cryptic, you may end up running to a mechanic to decipher them.