A poor economy and a stagnant industry conspired to make last November´s Comdex, the largest U.S.-based computer trade show, a shadow of its former self. But even in this repressive environment, and with Las Vegas as the backdrop, sparks of innovation flew. They just weren´t sparks of computer innovation, at least not in the traditional sense. Here are our picks for best in show.

COOLEST GADGET:
The $299 Fossil Wrist PDA (left, top), a full Palm OS PDA watch.