Do these gadgets make your life easier?

5 new technologies, 1 basic claim: The power to make your life easier. Do they deliver?

1. BlackBerry

The promise: Corporate email and phone in your pocket; anywhere can be your office.

The reality: At first: Ah, sweet freedom. Then: Let me catch up on some email before bed. Finally: Damn ball and chain.

Simplify-your-life grade: F ("A" for the rare person who actually skips out of the office periodically and turns it off at 6 pm)

2. In-home wireless network

The promise: A PC for each family member. One Internet connection. One printer. No wires.

The reality: The set up abuses you mentally for six weeks before magically working.

Simplify-your-life grade: B+

3. In-car navigation system

The promise: Never get lost again, thanks to audible turn-by turn directions.

The reality: Arguably more useful than a map. But real-time traffic with suggested alternate routes... Well, that's the killer app. Given Indian dug-up roads, we would much rather chart our own course depending on where you are likely to meet lesser traffic.

Simplify-your-life grade: C- (A+ someday)

4. Mini vacuum cleaners

The promise: Cleans up those hard-to-get places.

The reality: It keeps the place presentable. And sucks those breadcrumbs before your girlfriend can make a huge cry about it. But then so does your Kanta bai.

Simplify-your-life grade: D+

5. Wireless surround sounds
The promise: Full, rich, 5.1-channel surround sound, without running cords under the carpet.

The reality: Sure enough, great sound, no wires!

Simplify-your-life grade: A