Hotwired: Traditional geek costume upgraded

Adidas-1 Running Shoes, the Nokia Medallion I and the BMW series V integrated helmet.

It's all well and good showing off your geekiness by buying expensive baubles like iPods, digital cameras or phones that double as iPods and digital cameras - but if you continue to dress like a science student, people will treat you like one.

And so it is that we discover a great range of cyber-clothing for those amongst us willing to take that first step down the path of convergence: fashion and technology convergence, that is.

And why not? These are devices that go everywhere with us, never leaving our sides except to recharge their small but worthy batteries within, and without which we'd be lost, out of touch, unable to connect.

Fear not. The integration of clothing and technology means soon you'll be able to power that cellphone with the sweat of your own brow and you'll never need to say the words "I'm about to run out of juice," again.

Adidas-1 Running Shoes

What do you want from a running shoe? lightweight, breathable fabric that lets you run and run all day as if you were a labrador? A cushioned sole that adapts to the environment?

Adidas has the shoe for you. It's capable of up to 5 million calculations per second (yes, this is a shoe) to subtly alter the sole to better cushion your foot. If you're flat-footed, additional support will be used to help you run. If you run off the road onto a forest track, the shoe will sense every pine needle to give you better grip. Or something like that.

Actually this isa worry. What if my sneakers decide I shouldn't go to the dairy for chocolate but should head for a run? Will I be able to take them off? On the other hand, perhaps the shoes could be convinced to go running without me.

Price: $500.

Nokia Medallion I

Not content with making cool funky phones, Nokia has come out as a wannabe 70s rocker.

Download your favourite digital photo to the medallion's tiny screen or have it display the time - the choice is yours. You can store up to eight images or use your phone's infrared port to beam new pictures to the medallion.

As the Nokia website says: "Reveal your alter ego with Nokia Medallion I. Just snap a shot of your latest inspiration and upload it in an instant to this wearable display. Your colour image and the sleek steel frame are housed in a daring choker designed for dramatic personalities with a hidden side."

Really, there's nothing to add to that is there?

Price: Nokia's website seems somewhat reluctant to say.

BMW series V integrated helmet

Bike nuts need not fear being left out of the loop. BMW, the IBM of the motorbike world, has introduced a new helmet, the System V, that includes a wireless Bluetooth headset so riders can talk on their cellphones while hurtling through traffic at warp speed.

Yes, not content with being known in the body parts' industry as "donor cyclists", these Mad Crazed Fools can now talk you through the crash as it happens. Excellent. You can use the wireless device to chat with your similarly-equipped pillion passenger or just to connect to your cellphone and order pizza for later.

Of course, if you hook up your iPod to a Bluetooth unit you'll be able to play your favourite tunes right into your ears. Theme to Easy Rider, anyone?

Price: To be announced.