Tech '09: The Hottest Rock Gadgets on the Horizon

• SanDisk slotRadio: Aimed at the entry-level market, said low-cost ($99.99 with music card) portable MP3 player cum FM radio runs microSD cards preloaded with 1000 songs in all genres by Billboard topping artists. Extra cards run $39.99, with artist and track info displayed on an attractive 1.5-inch OLED screen.

• Creative Sound Blaster for iTunes: A Flash drive-sized USB add-on for computers that enhances audio quality and enables wireless transmission of digital ditties to headphones, receivers and speakers from Mac or PC. The gizmo works with both iTunes and unprotected MP3 songs.

• Cisco Media Hub and Wireless Home Audio: The former is a family of networked, high-capacity storage devices that warehouse and provide a one-stop hub, wirelessly accessible via PC or remotely through Web browser, for music, movies, pictures and more. The latter, a line of streaming audio devices — including an amplifier, stereo-attachable player, standalone music system and touch-screen remote — which can be mixed and matched to enjoy songs in any room of the home.

• VTech IS9181: A manufacturer primarily known for cordless phones and educational electronics extends its reach with this WiFi Internet radio receiver with integrated 3W stereo speakers and 10W subwoofer with class D amplifiers. Music fans can access 11,000 free online stations, wirelessly stream digital audio from Mac/PC and connect to MP3 or CD players via built-in 3.5mm jack.