Which do I love more--gadgets or learning new things? It's a tough call.
Two recent purchases fill both needs. I plan to learn (and teach) with sound as well as sight. This gave me an excuse to buy a portable speaker and a set of 900 mHz wireless headphones.
The more interesting device is the Soundbug speaker. About four inches across, the Soundbug is a miniature battery-powered amp attached to a suction cup. Stick it to a window or table -- any hard surface -- and that resonates as your speaker. I'm trying out different surfaces now and will report back with my findings.
The Advent AW770 headphones will free me to listen to lectures or tunes while wandering around my house or yard. Time will tell if I really get into this.