LG Platinum flash RAM USB drive
For: Marissa Mayer* wannabes
A “thumb” drive which carries a whole gigabyte of data in the form of stylish pendant. Weighs only 12 grams, and comes with a presentable case.
(* Who? You’ll just have to Google her..!)
Info: $99; lgusa.com
TV-B-Gone
For: Weary road warriors
So simple: one button, one light. A remote than can turn off practically any TV, so you can silence CNN Headline News in airports around the globe. Key fob-sized, it knows all the codes – the dirty little secret is it also turns TVs on.
$20; tvbgone.com
ThinkGeek.com
For: Geeks and those who love ’em
Website stuffed with stocking fillers such as the USB mini lava lamp ($10), Shower Shock caffeinated soap ($7), spy cameras, Lazer Trip Wire ($40) for protecting your precious desk, and the Power Squid Outlet Multiplier ($15), for when all those black boxes leave no room on a standard power strip.
Info: Assorted prices; thinkgeek.com
Graco Digital iMonitor
For: New parents who want to retain a shred of privacy
Like the newer cordless phones, this uses digital spread spectrum so that neighbors with the same model will never pick up the sound of your baby (or you trying to make another). Comes withone or two speakers.
Dirty little secret: Has many uses in a McMansion.
Info: $60 and $90; gracobaby.com
ATC-1000 Action Camera
For: Extreme sports show offs
Record your plummet off a black diamond ski run, or impress the folks with what a triple loop through a half pipe looks like from your point of view. This shock and splash resistant camera attaches to a leg, helmet or bike to record your hair-raising descents. TV cable allows instant replay on the big screen and a USB allows easy uploads. It’s also got PC compatible Action Lab software to edit still images or video.
Info: $119.95; www2.oregonscientific.com
VIOlight Travel
For: Germ free adolescents
What: Toothbrush travel case which zaps your bristles with ultraviolet light for seven minutes to kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria. Designed by flashy Frenchman Philippe Starck.
Info: $29.95; violight.com
CyberLink DVD Solution 4
For: Mainstream rippers and burners
Ever notice how you don’t really need Office but you do need something to corral all that music, photos and video on your computer? CyberLink’s DVD Solution 4 lets your rip, capture, edit, burn, label and organize the whole mess.
Info: $100 download from gocyberllink.com
Vonage WiFi phone
For: Mobile multitaskers
Vonage phones that work cordlessly via your home WiFi, or from any WiFi hotspots, like coffeehouses. A cheap and efficient way to stay in touch – but until we’re all in a WiFi world it won’t replace your cell.
Info: $130 ($50 rebate currently available); vonage.com
Cordster
For: Anyone with $5
A piece of notched plastic for wrapping cords around, such as headphone cables. Adheres to any flat surface, and is only 1/3 inch deep. Simplicity has its own beauty.
Info: $5; cordster.com
Aquapac
For: Outdoorsy tecchies
If you’ve ever wrecked a fancy tech gizmo with rain or sand, you’ll know sometimes low tech is the best defense. Aquapacs seal to keep out the elements but have clear windows that allow cameras and touch screens to still work. They come in 40 sizes, including compact camera case ($30), flip phone case ($45) and PDA classic case ($25). Think of them as condoms for your prized gear.
Info: $15 – $120; aquapac.net
Swiss+Tech Micro-Pro with Flash Drive
For: Swiss soldiers working in IT
A well-made multi-function key ring tool, with screwdrivers, pliers, wire strippers etc, and a plastic USB flash drive for data. Info: $30; swisstechtools.com
