Have it made in the shade or the sun this summer

Summer vacations may be more fun and comfortable thanks to these innovative new products. Items have been tested by the writer

Motor floater

Let lesser mortals drift aimlessly in the pool or ocean shallows on one of those inflatable rubber floats. You, on the other hand, will be “driving” across the water in your Motorized Pool Lounger. The inflatable rubber chaise has battery-powered propellers on each side. Joystick handles attached to the armrests allow you to steer the two independent propellers at the bottom of the chaise, moving the lounger forward, backward, right or left. The joysticks also can be positioned so that you spin in circles. The propellers are powered by 12 1.5-volt D batteries. A cup holder keeps your drink of choice cool and handy.

Motorized Pool Lounger (535682) is $150 from Brookstone; (866) 576-7337, www.brookstone.com.

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Calling all shades

Are those your sunglasses ringing? Could be, if you’re wearing Zeal Optics’ new Confidant eyewear, which incorporates into the frame a small removable Bluetooth unit that can synchronize wirelessly with a Bluetooth cellphone up to 30 feet away. Little buttons on one arm of the glasses facilitate answering and ending calls and control volume. The polycarbonate lenses can be prescribed by any optician. The lenses automatically adjust to the light, changing from clear to dark gray, depending on the sun’s intensity. The lenses can easily be changed out for other lens options, including polarized lenses or other tints. The glasses come in a hard-shell molded carrying case, along with an AC power adapter and a lens-cleaner bag.

Confidant Bluetooth-enabled sunglasses are $250, car charger $20, from Zeal Optics; (888) 454-9325, www.zealoptics.com.

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Breezy does it

Coleman Corp. designed its new Tent Fan to go in a -- well -- tent. But it also works great as a beach-umbrella-mounted fan. Here’s why. The battery-powered fan secures to a tent with a strong built-in magnet, without damaging the tent’s fabric. (The metal mounting plate is on one side of the tent “wall,” the magnet-backed light on the other.) But the fan mounts just as effectively to a beach umbrella, providing a welcome breeze in the shade. The fan blades are flexible plastic, so you won’t get badly hurt if you stand up -- and into -- the device. The fan runs on one D battery (not included). Watch your fingers so they don’t get pinched when the magnet latches onto the metal base.

Coleman Tent Fan is $13.99; (800) 835-3278, www.coleman.com.

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Dry goods

If it’s the little things that count, better keep them high and dry at the beach. An easy solution is Seal Line’s See Pouch, a waterproof vinyl bag with a watertight roll-down/clip closure. The front is clear vinyl so contents are easy to spot. My advice is to wear the pouch with the clear side facing your body so you can see what’s inside when you want to, but passersby can’t -- no need to tempt thieves if you’re stashing money, a passport or other valuables. The See Pouch has an adjustable neck cord and a built-in fabric belt loop. It comes in two sizes -- 3-by-5 inches or 5-by-8 inches in blue or orange.

Small See Pouch is $9.95; large, $12.95, from Cascade Designs; (800) 531-9531, www.seallinegear.com.

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Laid-back

The Ergo Lounger is a reclining beach chaise that uses some of the most comfortable features of a high-end massage table. A cushioned face hole in the top of the chaise allows you to lie on your stomach without smashing your nose or hyper-extending your neck or spine -- plus you can read a book through the hole. Lie on your back and the opening provides room for a ponytail or hat brim while the padding cradles your head. Three removable pillows -- a U-shaped cushion that is attached around the face hole, an abdominal pad and a breast/foot bolster -- further reduce pressure. The backrest has six settings, from prone to nearly 90 degrees. The lightweight aluminum frame resists rust, and polyester fabric makes for easy washing. All that’s missing is the masseuse.

Ergo Lounger OH (DFE-0406) is $199 at www.ergolounger.com, (888) 820-6606.

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