I've never pondered that question before today.  Ok, so this post isn't about a gadget, it's about lonely dogs and Internet radio.  In keeping with our tradition of classy posts, I thought this combo was just too weird to pass up.  Call me out of the loop, but I just stumbled across DogCatRadio.com, an Internet radio station designed and programmed for pets: dogs, cats, snakes, anything.  It plays soothing music throughout the day, and it's playlist is intended to keep your pets in good spirits. 

The comforting DJs even tackle what can only be called a true niche, Spanish speaking animals.  I tuned in tonight just in time for the Spanish half hour, which is intended for, according to the DJ, "the bilingual pets out there.  We don't descriminate."  I have two Chihuahuas, but I've never been greeted with so much as a "que pasa" when I get home from the office.  Hmm.

One major hurdle: How do you get your dog to boot up the PC and tune in to an Internet radio station?  Perhaps our own Dan Costa will figure this riddle out, and train his troublesome pooch to tune in.

 During the Winter months, my brother likes to venture to Belleayre Mountain to ski. I was a cross-country skiier in high school, but have never tried downhill skiing.

 What I do remember from skiiing is the fact that everything around you is serene. I enjoyed the sound of my skiis gliding across the glistening snow and hearing the squirrels scurry through the woods on their quest for nuts. It was so peaceful.

 But, seems like not everyone enjoys that peacefulness as I do. Burton Snowboards and Motorola Inc. will collaborate to launch a collection of Bluetooth-enabled winter gear for tech types that want to stay connected. If you visit the Motorola site, you'll notice the Burton Audex Snowboard Jacket that gives you wireless connectivity for your cell phone and iPod. The jacket sleeves are said to feature a mini caller ID for screening purposes, as well as a control panel that lets the user take or make phone calls and manage music on their iPod.

 I, for one, like to enjoy nature without the use of technology, but hey, I guess these jackets will come in handy if you don't want to miss an important phone call or prefer listening to some tunes while skiing or snowboarding. It'll be interesting to see how these jackets will do with Winter enthusiasts.

The jackets, slated to hit shelves in December, will be available in three styles. Each Burton Audex Snowboard Jacket will sell for $599.95 on the Burton Web site.

For more information, read PC Magazine's report.

BlackBerrys are a must-have for corporate folks only and since I was self-employed for much of the last decade, I missed what all the excitement was about.  My Treo seemed to do everything the BlackBerry did, only better. The new BlackBerry 8700c (Check Prices) is the first phone I have seen that makes me think about parting with my Treo. The new 8700c comes with more memory, for advanced PDA-like functions and nice large color screen. Plus, the company managed to make it smaller than previous models. And I do like that thumb-wheel.

Despite all of the patent problems they are having, RIM knows how to make a nice portable email machine.

For up close look at the device it self check out PCMag's slideshow. Or you can read the full hands-on 8700c review here.

Sony just announced at SEMA (the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, which focuses on the automotive industry) the XPLOD MEX-1GP AM/FM CD/MP3 receiver. Loaded with 1GB of flash memory, it can store up to 500 mp3 or WMA files that can be loaded via a USB port located on the faceplate, or play CD-R/RW discs. 

To copy over tunes: Simply, detach the faceplate of the radio, carry it over to your Windows PC and attach it via USB.  Your PC will recognize it as an external hard drive.  Then, load it up with your music.   Finally, carry back to your car and reattach it to the base unit, and you're in business. 

The LCD screen can show track information (album, artist, track name) and will allow you to shuffle your music.  It doesn't look like you can create playlists, though, but we haven't heard back yet from Sony.  But it is packaged with a wireless remote so your backseat passengers won't be clambering over you when they want to play DJ (doesn't that always happen?).

The XPLOD MEX-1GP AM/FM CD/MP3 receiver will retail for $350 and will be available in February 2006.  (No shopping links yet!)

More information on this product at TechnoRide.com (hosted by PC Magazine) as well as continuing coverage of the SEMA show.

Nikon announced the new D200 D-SLR ($1,699 List) today. From a price and features perspective it falls between the company's sub $1,000 models and the 12.3MP DX2, which sells for around $5,000. Still, there is no mistaking this for a consumer-level camera, among the new features are multiple autofocus settings and the ability to wirelessly control two separate groups of i-TTL Speedlight flashes. Plus, the company claims it can store 1,800 images on a single battery charge.

We will find out for sure when PC Magazine gets it into the Labs in a few days. Until then you can get more details on the D200 here. The D200 will ship in December.