Even an altar boy can be lured by the lewd promise of a clever interface. The devout among us so easily crumble at the mere sight of a streamlined audio component or complex MP3 portable. Now, ZDNet Music indulges your darkest audiophillic fantasies by presenting you with five hot pieces for a decadent perusal. Be careful to enjoy these devices in moderation, as an overdose will surely succeed in numbing the senses.

CAR STEREO MP3 JUKEBOX
empeg-car
With variable LED color displays and an interactive remote control, the empeg looks and feels similar to your current stereo head-unit.

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Much like the pull-out stereos of the early '90s, removal of the mpeg Player from the dashboard involves sliding the entire unit from the receptor bay. Once detached and linked to your PC, the empeg player can be easily recognized as a portable MP3 player. The unit functions as an in-dash digital music jukebox, letting users store over 600 CDs' worth of music (10,000 individual tracks) in its hard drive. After uploading, users categorize songs as they see fit and access them through the display screen or on the included remote control. The player will ship with a home power supply, USB cable, serial cable, and the appropriate software to facilitate music uploading. Additionally, the player features front and rear stereo outputs, stereo inputs, power, auxiliary control, and a serial connection for future expansion.

Available: June 2000
URL: http://www.empeg.com
Price: to be announced

STAND-ALONE INTERNET RADIO JUKEBOX
Kerbango Internet Radio
Founded in 1998 by three former Apple computer executives, Kerbango's free tuning service offers almost all existing 2,000 traditional AM/FM stations and some 800 Internet-only stations online.

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Despite the retro design, the Kerbango console features many interactive options. For example, while playing, the Kerbango will tell you not only who recorded the song, but also where you can buy an old vinyl copy and when the band is touring, and it will let you instantly purchase a concert ticket (if the station is coded to do so). The Kerbango Internet radio uses an embedded version of RealNetworks RealPlayerand can be easily introduced into any home. A power supply and either a phone line or cable/DSL are all that is required for installation. The Kerbango team is still negotiating with manufacturers and expects to license its technology to other major players such as Sony, JVC, and Panasonic.

Available: July 2000
URL: http://www.kerbango.com
Price: less than $300

Next: Three more hot gadgets