Two new devices that played particularly well with jaded tech correspondents were the insanely expensive Optimus Maximus, a $1,500 computer keyboard in which each key has a tiny screen that is individually programmable (allowing it to switch from English to Cyrillic layout, for instance, at the push of a button), and a charming kit from Bug Labs that allows aspiring tech designers to cobble together their own handheld devices from interchangeable modules.

Digital shutterbugs got fun new toys, like a Casio camera capable of shooting 1,200 low-resolution frames per second (allowing you to capture each detail of a balloon popping) and a cutely designed waterproof camcorder from Sanyo. Polaroid’s very cool looking Zink was a pocket-sized photo printer that uses no ink cartridges, instead relying on special heat-activated photo paper. For display of photos, there was a seemingly endless array of digital photo frames, none of which were more appealing than this delightfully retro handmade model crafted out of wood.

In the car department, automakers touted some attention-grabbing models — a “Boss” Tahoe that could drive itself, for instance, or a fuel-cell/electric hybrid Cadillac that produced zero carbon emissions. Sadly, all were “concept cars” — that is, models that won’t be in dealer showrooms anytime soon, if ever. Among the car-centric innovations that actually might be purchasable, an infrared night vision system from Flir looked like a godsend for drivers worried about late-night deer crossings, and a company called NavNGo demonstrated software for GPS systems that renders buildings in 3-D form, making it easier for users to get their bearings.

Which leaves us with the items you’ve probably already seen on the nightly news — the “are you kidding me?” gizmos that are of debatable necessity, at best:

* Taser, apparently unconcerned that even trained police officers often have trouble using its electro-shock products responsibly, targeted fashion-conscious civilians with a leopard-print model and a holster with a built-in MP3 player. (When you’re trying to knock a stranger to his knees, the right soundtrack is a must.)

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