Making Book on the Latest in Electronics

Bookman, a new line of electronic dictionaries, encyclopedias, Bibles and other reference books from Franklin Electronic Publishers, debuts today at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

The neat thing about these electronic books is the slot in the back for additional cartridges, so with the push of a button you can add more books. Each Bookman can hold two cartridges.

So, if a student looked up the biography of Christopher Columbus in the “Concise Columbia Encyclopedia” and didn’t understand one of the words, she could go to the “Mirriam-Webster Dictionary” for the definition. Or a working mother could check her Bookman cartridge of “The Betty Crocker Cookbook” for, say, the noodles Romanoff recipe, then forward to “Diet and Nutrition Guide” for the nutritional content of the sour cream and Parmesan cheese in the dish.

The possibilities for these libraries will be endless, according to Franklin representatives, as the company adds dozens of specialty book titles. By mid-1996, Franklin expects to have more than 120 Bookman cartridges. (There are 14 now.) Prices for cartridges will range from $10 to $90.

All Bookman units have a typewriter-style keyboard, LCD screen and four color-coded keys that perform different functions, depending on the electronic book or cartridge in use. Pocket models run on two lithium batteries; speaking and non-speaking desk models take four AAA batteries. The units range in price from $60 for the pocket size to $150 for desk models and will be available at retailers in the next few months. Or you can order Bookman from Franklin by calling (800) BOOKMAN.

Just the Thing for Small Talk

Also being launched this week is Bang & Olufsen’s Beotalk 1400, the smallest telephone/answering machine to hit the market.

The device weighs only 2.2 pounds and is 7 inches high, 4.8 inches wide and 5.2 inches deep. Operated by a microchip instead of a tape, the machine allows users to retrieve messages remotely, holds up to eight messages of 40 seconds each and stores a 40-second outgoing message. Users of the same machine can leave messages for each other by using the “record local message” function.

The built-in pressure chamber speaker in the Beotalk 1400’s phone is similar to the one the Danish company uses in its headphones, and provides better sound and less distortion than most phones.

Beotalk 1400 is available in black, cobalt, cerise, jade and white, it and comes with a wall mounting option. Set to retail at about $300, Beotalk 1400 will be in Bang & Olufsen stores nationwide in mid-March, or you can order from Bang & Olufsen of America by calling (800) 323-0378.

Polish Up Your Shoes on the Run

Kiwi Brands, the shoe-care firm, has introduced Shine Wipes, handkerchief-sized shoe cleaners that come in a packet the size of a matchbook. Each towelette is good for one quick shine.

According to Kiwi’s Carey Sands-Bohrer, the company added a citrus scent to its silicon-based shining agents so your hands don’t smell like shoe polish after using a Shine Wipe.

Shine Wipes come in a package of 10 for about $2 and are available nationwide at grocery and drug stores, mass merchandisers, chain discount outlets, and selected shoe repair and specialty shops.