"How do you know something is a gadget? That's kind of like asking how you identify obscene material or a funny joke. You know when you see it. When it comes to consumer technology, I'm pretty sure that if you can attach an iPod to it, then it's a gadget.

SoundTech used the same line of reasoning when it announced its AMP3 guitar amplifier and computer music center on Tuesday. There is not much gadgety about a guitar amplifier. Until, that is, you can attach an MP3 player to it.

photo

The AMP3 offers features standard on many guitar amplifiers, including controls such as the tone expander that can change the sound from warm and rich to bright with heavy undertones. There is a built-in instrument tuner and an assortment of digital signal-processing effects. The AMP3 has input features described as "clean," "hot tube" "over drive" and "high gain." It also has a headphone jack so you can practice without driving the neighbors or parents crazy.

The line-out jack enables the guitar hero to connect the AMP3 to a home PC and record the jam session in MP3 format. The line-in lets you play music from your MP3 player, PC, CD player or any other audio source without disconnecting your guitar. An extension speaker is included for a bigger sound.

The unit can run on AC when you're playing at home. A single 9-volt battery powers the unit when you are on the go, so you're not stuck playing air guitar.