LAS VEGAS — The 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show showcases tons of consumer electronics big and small, cheap and expensive. Yet while it's easy to drool over giant CES standouts like Panasonic's 150-inch plasma TV, sometimes the little guys shine for all the right (and even wrong) reasons. Consider these lesser-known winners and losers spotted at this year's CES.
 

WINNERS

READ YOUR VOICEMAIL. If you want text instead of talk when it comes to messages, SimulScribe (simulscribe.com) and Quicktate (quicktate.com) can turn your voicemail into words you can read via text message or e-mail. SimulScribe has several price options (the priciest at $29.95/month for unlimited messages) while Quicktate has a free beta.

TELEVISION FOR YOUR EARS ONLY. TV Listener ($49.90 at unisar.com) is a wireless headset that lets only its wearer hear the TV, so you can indulge in late-night channel surfing without waking up your significant other or the neighbors if you're into ear-rattling audio.

GPS FOR DOGS. Sure, GPS leads you to your next destination, but it can also lead you to your lost canine with the Zoombak Advanced GPS Dog Locator ($199.99 at zoombak.com). This water-resistant device attaches to your dog's collar and sends alerts to your cell or e-mail should your dog leave its set safety zone(s). Spot Spot's location at Zoombak.com, on your cell or with live customer service. Service plan required.

LOSERS

A FASHION-FORWARD SHOCKER. Personal protection gets fashionable (yes, fashionable) thanks to the TASER C2 ($299.99 to $379.99 at taser.com). The C2 comes in several colors, including leopard print, so you can now shock ne'er-do-wells in style. What's next? Designer mace and blinged-out brass knuckles?

WHAT A CROC FOR YOUR CELL. Those gaudy Crocs sandals now wrap mobiles in kitschy comfort via the tiny new (wait for it) Crocs o-dial ($19.99, jibbitz.com). Geez, why not stick your cell in a baby shoe and hang it from your rearview mirror? Jibbitz charms (pictured on Crocs o-dial) sold separately.

COULD AN IPOD DOCK GET ANY WORSE? The FUNKit DJ animated speaker system (funkitstuff.com for more info) transforms your iPod into a silly mix master with two turntables and micro charm. Makes the singing Big Mouth Billy Bass look chic.

René A. Guzman | 210SA Contributor