Targeting the family.

• Position: What's New? - Brief Article

With all the advanced technology gizmos around, we figured obtaining a reliable baby monitor would be a breeze. In they came and out they went as we tried unsuccessfully to get a unit that didn't buzz, crackle, muddle the sound, go dead silent for no apparent reason, use up batteries in a couple of nights, or pick up signals from neighboring houses.

Finally, Lady Luck smiled on us as we found the Ultra-Compact Monitor ($70) from Philips Consumer Electronics Company, Knoxville, Tenn. Its extrasensitive microphone picks up every sound, which comes through crystal clear on the loudspeaker in the pager-size parent unit with a handy belt clip that allows the wearer the freedom to move around the house. The parent unit also has a charging base for batteries--they last up to 12 hours --while the reception extends up to 600 feet. A link light indicates that the communication connection between the two units is reliable; a visual and audio warning lets you know when the parent unit has lost connection; and there are two channels for reduced interference. Moreover, it comes with a pair of AC power adapters for plug-in use. The Philips Ultra-Compact Monitor is available at Target stores.

Now that the weather is warm, we finally are turning our attention to the great outdoors. And when you think outdoors, you think of Eddie Bauer, which has put out a line of merchandise exclusive to Target, including a three-room dome tent ($199.99) that will...