Gadgets for when every second counts

Here are some watchful ways to keep an eye on your traveling time.

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Winding up

Freeplay Summit Radio: This multiband clock radio has three power options: a rechargeable battery pack with an AC/DC wall adapter, solar panels on top and a hand crank in back that provides 30 minutes of play time with 30 seconds of cranking. The Summit measures 6 1/2 by 4 by 3 inches thick. It has digital tuning and 30 preset buttons. It also has an alarm with sleep and snooze functions. To fully charge the battery (providing 20 hours of play time), you would have to crank the handle 40 minutes or expose the solar panels to 40 hours of sunlight.

Freeplay Summit Radio lists for $100. U.S. distributor is C. Crane Co.; (800) 522-8863, www.ccrane.com .

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Clip-on

Smith & Wesson Carabiner Watch: This heavy-duty metal watch clips onto a belt loop or bag. It can also stand so it can be used as a 2 1/2-inch-high desk clock. It has a compass at its base and a bullet-shaped mini-flashlight in its right side. It runs on a lithium battery and comes in a translucent gift box that looks like a miniature steamer chest.

Smith & Wesson Carabiner Watch (10800) is $49.95 from A.J. Prindle; (866) 774-8278, www.ajprindle.com.

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Chatter clocks

The WristLinx 2-Way Radio: With this walkie-talkie timepiece, which has a built-in microphone, you can speak to your buddy up the trail or ski slope, without manipulating the controls, through its voice-activation option. It has a backlighted LCD, rechargeable batteries and an AC charger. A call-alert function allows you to signal others. The transmitter, with 22 communication channels, reaches up to 1 1/2 miles.

WristLinx 2-Way Radio (10772) is $49 from Frontgate; (888) 263-9850, www.frontgate.com.

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Night watch

Night Vision watch: No more fumbling for a flashlight to find your way around a dark room or campsite. The water-resistant Night Vision wristwatch will do the job. One quick push illuminates a light on the dial of the analog watch, making it easier to read in the dark. Two long pushes of a button on the left side of the watch activates a bright LED beam in the top of the watch for 2 1/2 minutes. Three short pushes cause the beam at the top of the watch to blink, turning it into a signal strobe.

Swiss Army Night Vision watch is $275; (800) 442-2706, www.swissarmy.com.

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About face

Giant Screen Travel Alarm: If you want an easy-to-read clock, the Giant Screen Travel Alarm fits the bill. A tap of the large snooze/light button illuminates the 1 1/4-inch-high numbers. The clock measures 4 1/2 by 3 1/4 by 1 inch thick and weighs 4 ounces. It also shows the month and date and the time in another zone. The alarm, which increases in frequency, can be delayed for five minutes extra snooze time before intruding again.

Giant Screen Travel Alarm (AC160) is $29.85 from Magellan’s; (800) 962-4943, www.magellans.com.

Gear & Gadgets appears once a month. Judi Dash can be reached through e-mail at judidash@aol.com.