10 of the coolest gadgets for the beach

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Beach time means frolicking in the sun, but smart folks do that responsibily. This UV meter will make sure you're not getting too many harmful rays and let you concentrate on the fun activities. Just strap the meter to your wrist and the gadget tracks exposure to UV rays, even taking into account your skin type. It has alarms when you've been out of the shade too long, and even functions as a clock and stop watch.

UV Meter: $29.99

Get full gadget coverage from ZDNet Mobile News by James Kendrick

Published: June 21, 2011 -- 11:27 GMT (04:27 PDT)
Caption by: James Kendrick
Taking gadgets to the beach can be an ordeal as electronics don't mix well with water and sand. This gadget bag solves that problem by sealing your precious smartphone or iPod from the elements, while allowing full use of the device (even shooting pictures). The gadget sits inside its protective cocoon, and is visible for interaction as desired. The bag comes with both a neck strap and an arm band for securing it as you find most comfortable. The bag is waterfproof to 20 meters so you can even head into the surf with your precious without worry.

Waterproof gadget bag: $13.00

Published: June 21, 2011 -- 11:27 GMT (04:27 PDT)
Caption by: James Kendrick
Snorkeling is a great pastime at the beach, but have you ever wished you could snap a photo of something cool seen while doing it? With the Liquid Image mask you can take pics to your heart's desire due to the integrated 5MP camera in the mask. The camera sits right above your goggles so what you see is what you shoot with the mask camera. The mask has 16MB of integrated memory for storing photos, and also accepts a microSD card for up to 2 GB of storage. The mask works up to depths of 15 feet and connects to a PC via USB for uploading the photos.

Snorkel mask with camera: $99.99

Published: June 21, 2011 -- 11:27 GMT (04:27 PDT)
Caption by: James Kendrick
Heading to the beach means fumbling with beach towels, so why not take this cool towel with integrated speakers. The towel is a bag that unfolds into a full-sized beach towel, and has speakers in the pillow area. Just plug your iPod, phone or MP3 player into the jack and listen to your favorite tunes while catching some rays.

Beach towel with speakers: €59.90

Published: June 21, 2011 -- 11:27 GMT (04:27 PDT)
Caption by: James Kendrick
Walking around the beach with a big old metal detector will surely label you as a big dork, but those who like scavenging for buried treasure at the beach can now do it in style. These special sandals coupled with the tiny control box strapped to one leg comprise a full metal detector that works while you walk around on the sand. When buried metal is detected by the sandal an unobtrusive red light accompanied by a gentle vibration signals the wearer that treasure has been spotted.

Metal detecting sandals: $59.95

Published: June 21, 2011 -- 11:27 GMT (04:27 PDT)
Caption by: James Kendrick
Taking gadgets to the beach means keeping batteries charged, and what better way to do that than with solar power. The Solio charger has three solar panels that are efficient at capturing those rays at the beach and turning them into power to charge a multitude of devices with the included power tips. Your iPhone or microUSB equipped device (among others) can be charging while you lie on the beach doing absolutely nothing. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Solar gadget charger: $99.95

Published: June 21, 2011 -- 11:27 GMT (04:27 PDT)
Caption by: James Kendrick
If you don't want to deal with solar panels but want to make sure your gadgets will have enough juice to last all day, check no further than the Callpod Fueltank. Just plug in this gadget to charge at home and when it's time to head to the beach throw it in your bag. When your phone or other gadgets starts running out of power, just plug it into the Callpod to keep going. It charges your gadgets while connected so you'll easily make it back home with plenty of juice to spare.

Portable power pack: $48.73

Published: June 21, 2011 -- 11:27 GMT (04:27 PDT)
Caption by: James Kendrick
If you can't head out to the beach and must slum back home at the pool, don't fret, we've got your back for useful gadges. This radio-controlled cooler is fully mobile and can scoot around under your control to take ice cold beverages to your guests while you kick back and relax. Your friends will be impressed as the robo-cooler trundles over with a nice beverage. Or just serve yourself, it's fun and useful at the same time.

Radio-controlled cooler: $66.20

Published: June 21, 2011 -- 11:27 GMT (04:27 PDT)
Caption by: James Kendrick
You've got your iPhone or iPod at the beach so all you need are some good speakers to turn it into a boom box that's the envy of all your neighbors in the sand. This system is a dock that does just that -- pop your iPhone/ iPod into the system and get your groove on. But there's more to this system than that, it is also solar powered so just open the panel and let the sun do the work. But wait, there's even more. The system is splash-proof and charges the iPhone or iPod while it is in the dock.

Solar powered iPhone speaker dock: $161.03

Published: June 21, 2011 -- 11:27 GMT (04:27 PDT)
Caption by: James Kendrick
A lot of folks own iPhones and the Otterbox case is the perfect way to protect it at the beach. The case keeps out sand and splashing while leaving the phone completely accessible for normal use. This case is universal and fits both the AT&T and the Verizon iPhone 4. Sometimes easiest is best, so just pop your phone in the case and forget it. Well, don't forget it, be sure and bring it with you to the beach with no worries. There are Otterbox cases for most smartphones so if you don't have an iPhone just look around and you'll probably find one for your phone.

Otterbox iPhone 4 case: $25.00

Get full mobile tech coverage from ZDNet Mobile News by James Kendrick

Published: June 21, 2011 -- 11:27 GMT (04:27 PDT)
Caption by: James Kendrick
Ten slots were quickly filled up so here's a bonus gadget just for you.

Looking good at the beach only takes you so far, you have to make sure your iPhone is charged to keep in touch with your friends. That's where the solar-powered bikini comes into play. The entire suit is one large, well, small solar panel that soaks up the rays to charge up your gadgets. Just plug into the suit and your phone will get a wholesome charge from the sun's natural rays.

Solar bikini: Price TBD

Published: June 21, 2011 -- 11:27 GMT (04:27 PDT)
Caption by: James Kendrick