03/ 30/ 2006
Lightning Fast
Four times faster than its predecessor, the MacBook Pro from Apple is the must-have notebook computer. It's the first Apple notebook equipped with the Intel Core Duo chip, two processors combined on one chip to maximize speed. With a built-in iSight camera, you can set up a video conference in no time at all, and the included Front Row software and Apple Remote lets you dazzle clients with presentations or videos.Cost: $2,000 and up
Buy: www.apple.com
Payment Pal
Whether you're a traveling salesman or a residential contractor, taking credit cards just got easier. The MobileSwipe by SemTek instantly turns your cell phone into a credit card terminal, allowing you to make real-time credit card transactions no matter where you are. And you won't have to worry about security, either. Transactions with the MobileSwipe are super protected thanks to a triple-DES encryption and secure MobileSwipe servers.
Cost: $250
Buy: www.mobileswipe.com
ID Required
Forgotten passwords are a thing of the past. With the Bio Drive from Kanguru Solutions, your data is instantly accessible at the touch of a finger. The built-in biometric sensor requires your fingerprint before allowing access to the stored data, which translates into fewer forgotten passwords and higher security. The biometric USB 2.0 flash drive can store up to five fingerprints, but is only compatible with Windows machines.
Cost: Starting at $100
Buy: www.kanguru.com
Best Seat in the House
Nobody ever said flying was comfortable. But a new gadget from Magellan's can make it a little more bearable. The Best Seat uses microprocessor-controlled pump and valve system-the same kind used in wheelchairs-to shift the points where your body comes in contact with the airline seat, so your circulation is continually enhanced. And at only 3 pounds, the ultra-portable Best Seat can provide comfort for 50 hours before it needs to be recharged.
Cost: $225
Buy: www.magellans.com
Power Shredder
Just like with papers, if your business stores sensitive information on CDs or DVDs, they need to be shredded when they're no longer needed. With a touch of a button, you can shred your confidential CDs and DVDs into thousands of tiny pieces with Primera's DS360 Disc Shredder. Able to shred up to 12 discs per minute, the DS360 can also destroy a variety of other media such as credit cards, bank documents and up to seven sheets of folder paper at a time.
Cost: $130
Buy: www.primerastore.com
Dictate Direct
Tired of typing? Retire your keyboard with Dragon Naturally Speaking Professional 8 software from Nuance. Fully integrated with Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, this voice recognition software allows you to create documents-including e-mails-about three times faster than you could type them. With a 99 percent accuracy rate and built-in noise reducing microphone, you can work at your computer without a single stroke of a key.
Cost: $200
Buy: www.nuance.com
Mini Mouse
This miniature wireless mouse from Targus is perfect for the frequent flier, road warrior or anyone who is cramped for space. The 10-Channel Wireless Mini Optical Mouse automatically searches up to 10 channels, ensuring interference-free operation in crowded operations. Plus, with an on/off switch to recharge the battery and an accompanying USB recharging cable, you'll never find yourself with a dead mouse.
Cost: $50
Buy: www.targus.com
My Gadget
Sean Connolly
Owner, The Connolly Group
Santa Barbara, Calif.
Gadget he can't live without:
The HP Officejet Pro K550 is the fastest color ink-jet printer on the market, printing up to 33 full-color pages per minute-and it's designed specifically for the needs of small businesses. Offering laser-quality color prints at a fraction of the cost, this printer can give your business a professional look without busting your bottom line.
Cost: $200
Buy: www.hp.com
"We need color capabilities for special projects like monthly resident newsletters for the apartment complexes we manage. Before we had the Officejet Pro K550, we used color paper and black ink. This was an excellent improvement that was so easy to do. Best of all, it was a snap to set up. I just plugged it in, and it was ready to go."
