It’s always nice to catch up with gadgets a few years after their introduction — especially gadgets that made a big splash initially. How have the devices evolved over time? Are they even still around?

In the case of the Slingbox, the answer is a definite “Yes” — and it’s better than ever. The Slingbox was a huge hit when it first came out several years ago. Imagine firing up your laptop anywhere in the world, and being able to watch what’s on your home TV at that very moment. It was exciting and exhilarating, and gave people a new way to think about how TV and the Web can interact.

Sling Media, which makes Slingbox, has a number of new models out, including the Sling SOLO. The SOLO is a significant update from the original gadget, which looked like a giant, silver Hershey bar. Here’s how it works: you hook the Slingbox up to your DVR, satellite receiver or cable box. Then, through the magic of the Internet, the signal is sent anywhere you have access to the Information Superhighway. Setup of the Slingbox is simple — so simple, even my wife could do it!

The SOLO upgrades include the ability to receive high-definition signals, as well as using your smartphone/cellphone as the receiver. Have you ever wanted to turn your BlackBerry, Windows Mobile or Palm Pilot into a TV? Now you can.

The other cool part is that there are no subscriptions: plunk down your plastic for the Slingbox, and that’s it. If you’re going to be out of town for the Super Bowl, and can’t stand the thought of missing Pittsburgh crush Arizona like a bug, do yourself a favor and get a Slingbox SOLO. Then you won’t miss one moment of the Steelers’ beatdown of the Cardinals.