If there's one thing the popularity of WeatherBug and various other desktop weather applets has shown, it's that techies love meteorology. The Oregon Scientific Wireless Weather Forecaster ($30-$45) combines alarm clock functions with all the weather data you'll need to be properly equipped to face the day.

The time is set automatically by contacting the atomic clock in Fort Collins, Colo., assuming it's within range of its signal. What's the range? Two thousand miles. That alone is enough to excite any self-respecting techie.

Data is gathered from outside via a wireless sensor with a 100-foot range. (The Forecaster supports up to three sensors. You can buy additional sensors separately.) In addition to getting indoor and outdoor temperatures (-22F to 140F) and a weather forecast, you can check the phase of the moon and get alerts if the temperature is approaching freezing -- just in time to cover the vegetable garden.