The first time I drove using the new OnStar Turn-By-Turn Navigation System, I was struck by the absence of a moving map display. I got over it—sort of. With this seventh-generation system, OnStar turned the power of technology loose on behalf of simplicity, but it doesn't have the longest features checklist.

Currently, no-frills OnStar is priced at about $10 a month; it calls for help if there's an accident but offers no navigational assistance. $30 a month includes directions read off by the always-connected operator. The way this works now, you press the Phone button on the rearview mirror and ask for directions, and the operator stays with you as long as the trip takes. This may be comforting, but it also costs OnStar a ton of money.

With OnStar Turn-by-Turn, once the operator downloads the route instructions to your car, it works just like any other nav system—except there's no map. As you approach a turn, a voice prompt tells you how close you are to the turn and in which direction (left, right, bear right, and so on) you need to turn. Two beeps indicate you're at the turn.

Most cars will have a rudimentary text display indicating the distance to the turn and the street you're turning onto. But a prototype Cadillac STS system I tested didn't have an arrow indicating whether the turn was left or right. And if you go off course and opt to have OnStar navigate you back on course, you get cryptic messages—to drive south and then make a turn, for example, leaving it for you to figure out which direction is south.

Three cars are implementing Turn-by-Turn this spring: the Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS now, and the sportier Cadillac STS a bit later. Virtually the entire 2007 GM line will have the new OnStar system—or more accurately, the buyer will have the option and decide whether or not to pay for it. OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation is included as part of the standard OnStar service for the first year on the Lucerne and Cadillac DTS and STS for the 2006 model year; extended pricing has not yet been announced. OnStar has said it expects pricing would not be different from what others charge for downloadable nav help from, say, cell phones, which is around $10 a month.

Despite some obvious issues, such as the lack of a moving map and the inability to use Turn-by-Turn to set up trips for you on a built-in nav system, I'd say that Turn-by-Turn is a nice leap forward, which OnStar accomplished by applying modest, low-key technology.

I don't do windows and I don't do lawns. So what's a lazy girl like me to do once my lawn starts growing? Introducing the Robomower RL1000.

With this green mutant, you can select the day and time you want the Robomower to mow the lawn all season long. The RL1000 comes with a docking system and station, has a LCD display, 360-degree touch sensitive bumpers, dual navigation systems,  and more.

It can:

• cut with a height of 1.5 to 3.5 inches
• enter the lawn consecutively from as many as four pre-selected points along the perimeter to increase efficiency
• depart and return on a schedule you select, never a need to start it or return it for recharging
• skip the next planned mowing session with the touch of a button
• mow up to 1/2 acre in a few consecutive runs, up to 4 hours on a single charge

The RL1000 is also weatherproof and maintenance-free, and comes with a Theft-Guard theft deterrent system (for those jealous neighbors) and a two-year parts and labor warranty.

Unless you're Tom Cruise or Jessica Simpson, the price tags will leave your wallet in shock: The RL1000 is $1,599.

[Thanks to a GearLog Reader for the tip!]

Here's another twist on the laptop-bag concept: top loading. The WaterField VertiGo bag holds your laptop in a vertical position, and I'm not sure what kind of ergonomic benefit that might have; but the fashion benefit is that it looks a lot more distinctive than a typical laptop bag. I could happily use this good-looking bag for carrying whatever.

The VertiGo's well made of tough ballistic nylon; it feels like it'll last a long, long time. There's a side pocket for your cell phone, and both a front and back pocket that fit magazines. The center stripe is a stylish touch; this one is lilac leather, and other colors, materials, and some checkerboard patterns are available. The strap can be extended long enough to sling diagonally across your chest, which helps distribute the weight. The shoulder pad is removable, but I'd leave it on; it's comfy. You can get the VertiGo in four sizes, and prices range from $79 to $89.

WaterField also makes sleeves in over 30 sizes (and it's a good idea to use one with the VertiGo, since it doesn't have a padded laptop compartment inside). There's a sleeve-builder at the Web site, so you can have it your way: Tell it your laptop make and size, whether you want a strap for it, and so on. A really good idea.

Let me say up front: Despite an irrational passion for the movie Caddyshack, I'm so not a golfer. In fact, I'd never swung a club in my life, until Mad Catz came to my office to preview Mad Catz Real World Golf. 

It's a combination hardware/software bundle. The important part of the hardware is the Gametrak controller, which sits on the floor in front of you and connects up with the PS2 or Xbox. Two slender wires come out of the top and attach to gloves you wear, which is how it tracks your movements. You just need to calibrate for about half a minute, and your onscreen player mimics your movements precisely. I thought the wires might get in the way, but I didn't even notice them after I started swinging away.

The game features 10 golf courses, customizable avatars, and minigames. My personal favorite was one where you smash windows with the ball; good therapy. Even lacking minimal golf skills, I really enjoyed it. I played on an easy level, but experienced golfers can ramp up the difficulty. 

You'll find Real World Golf in stores on April 11 at $69.99.

I still can't get over that it's April and it snowed yesterday! I just hope that these April snow showers bring some May flowers. 

What else amazes me? Those darn cute Mimobots! The newest edition is HERO, landing on Planet Earth April 21st. According to the Mimoco Web site, "HERO is a loveable but hapless rogue, desperately trying to make his way in the world as a fortune-hunting swashbuckler! He'll bring you adventure, magic, riches beyond your wildest dreams, and above all a happy heart! When HERO takes a break from being stupendous, he likes to eat sweet melon buns and do jigsaws."

Designed by UK team TADO, you can pre-order HERO now. Choose from 256MB to 2GB capacities, ranging in price between $59 and $184.