2. X1R Remote-Controlled Golf Caddie

You don't have to be a geek to appreciate the stylish X1R remote golf caddie, but it probably helps to be an avid golfer. In fact, the X1R is distributed by Stuart Golf USA, and intended for the more serious golf enthusiasts out there.

Instead of pushing your golf bag around on a wheeled rig, hoisting your bag in and out of your golf cart, or letting a human caddy do the heavy lifting, you push a button and let this mechanized and motorized caddy obligingly do its thing. No fear tactics, intimidation, or gratuity is necessary to keep your clubs close at hand. At a retail price of $1,995, you can bet that this isn't a kiddie remote control toy - it's strictly for "big kids" with budgets to match.

Though the carrier looks big when unfolded, it isn't much bigger than a portable baby carriage when collapsed.

The X1R is constructed of strong materials, and features a durable combination of precision injection moldings and bonded composites to create a ruggedly handsome and mobile construction. Its exterior is detailed in a stylish tuxedo black or satiny silver finish that emanates a strong business-class appeal.

The X1R can rotate up to 360 degrees, going forward, backward, left or right. Twin motors bring the X1R to a gradual stop, and slow its movement on declines; it has an integrated anti-tip wheel that keeps the rolling trolley upright while climbing inclines. Solid-grip treads maintain good traction and reduce free spinning wheels on slick surfaces, for ultimate performance both on and off the course. While it's no all-terrain brute, the X1R can traverse both level and uneven terrain equally well.

Finally, the X1R includes several items to warm any golfer's heart. These include storage for necessities such as golf balls, tees, sunglasses and towels; a one-piece scorecard and pencil holder; and a gimbal-mounted drink holder that adjusts to accommodate various bottle sizes and dimensions. Swing-arm action folds the caddie's upright mount into the base for easy storage in the trunk of a car. Handling the caddy is about like lugging a mid-sized vacuum cleaner around, only this thing surely doesn't suck!

The X1R's battery supply is good for about 27 holes' worth of golf on a single charge, unless you and your golf buddies start goofing-around with the remote controls. And who can blame you - even the kids could enjoy that! While the X1R won't necessarily improve your game, it can boost your image on the links as you turn heads with this golf über-gadget.