Fast Forward

You've heard about the year 2000 problem--you know, every computer at the stroke of the millennium turning its clock back to 1900. But what about the 1998 problem? We mean your gift dilemma--right now. What matte-black digital delights are you getting little Timmy, Mom and Sis for the holidays? With an avalanche of wired products on the market that are faster, leaner and sometimes cheaper than ever before, we thought we would lend a hand. On the following pages you will find our picks for the home, the office and the road. And if you can't bear the thought of the crowds at the mall, see our guide to Web shopping too.