The annual Consumer Electronics Show showcases the newest unreleased gear, from giant LCD televisions to $100,000 stereo systems. In between sucking down copious amounts of free drinks and giant shrimp, we managed to get a peek at some of the high-end goodies you'll be salivating over later in the year.

LG RU-55LP1D 55-inch LCD TV
The line of large LCD screens from LG had us mentally calculating how long it would be until we could spring for a new set (we just got the 42” plasma back in May). While the technology still needs a little work to compete with plasma’s picture, we’re firmly convinced that LCD screens will be the next standard. And, if they all look as nice as this LG, that’ll be just fine with us. [Q3 2005; $TBD]

Gizmondo
Take a peek at this portable game machine that packs in features from wireless messaging to GPS. Got a good look? Better make it last because once the Sony PSP comes out, you’ll never hear about this gadget again. It seems pretty nifty, but against the much-hyped Sony handheld (and without any killer app games), we see the Gizmondo quickly being relegated to the scrapheap of tech history. [Q1 2005; $349]

Kodak EasyShare One
One of the big developments at the show was this novel next step in digital camera development. By adding a WiFi chip to a standard 4MP digital camera, Kodak has opened a whole new world for photo sharing. Besides being able to upload photos to your PC without plugging anything in, you can also e-mail pics to friends and family right from the camera. [June 2005; $599-699]

Slingbox
The Slingbox is a pretty simple concept that has big potential for media junkies. It’s a simple streaming server that hooks into your current computer setup and lets you access your movies, music and TiVo’d television programming from a laptop or remote computer over the internet. So if you DVR “The Biggest Loser,” ‘cause you’re going to be out of town, just pop open your laptop in the hotel room and you’re all set to get your reality TV fix. Isn’t technology wonderful? [April 2005; $250]

Audiovox D1420 Portable DVD Player
We always wanted a portable DVD player, but were put off by the laptop-lite form factor. (Why not add a few hundred dollars and a few pounds and make it a proper portable PC?) Audiovox is one of a handful of companies trying out a novel new approach to portable DVD players. Why we never thought of just sticking an LCD screen in what looks like a round discman-style player is beyond us, but we’re glad someone finally thought of it. [April 2005; $149]

XACT ReGo Sirius Radio Receiver
Satellite radio is a great idea, but the clunky docking stations and antennas that you have to stick out of your window seem decidedly low-tech. XM Radio finally got a walkman-style player late last year, leaving competitor Sirius out in the cold. Now, the XACT ReGo is a step in the right direction, allowing you to record programming and also play MP3s. A true walkman-style device (like, with a headphone jack) won’t be out until later this year, making this kind of a half-step for Sirius. [Q2 2005, $300]

Sony PSP
Only because this is the most eagerly awaited gadget in recent history could Sony get away with highlighting it without giving away any major new details. Street price? Release date? Rumors abound, but no official word. Not that it matters, because exactly two seconds after it’s released in the US everyone you know will be on line at some electronics store trying to be the first on the block (or cubicle row) to have one.
[March 2005, $TBA]