09/ 20/ 2006
Rapid Recovery
It doesn't take a big disaster to lose your computer files. It can happen to anyone at any time, which means backing up your data is a must. That's where the Maxtor OneTouch III Turbo comes in. Fast, quiet and cool, this external hard drive with a capacity of 1 terabyte--that's 1,024 gigabytes--makes backing up your data as simple as logging off your computer for the day. With multiple hard drives combined into one single, portable unit--called RAID--you can make sure your data can always be retrieved, even if one of your hard drives can't.
Cost: $800
Buy: www.maxstore.com
Plug and Play
Toss those standard-issue computer speakers you're using. Stylish and compact, the B-Flex stereo speaker from JLab Audio delivers crystal-clear sound through your USB port--no other wires are needed. Pumping digital audio through a 2-watt digital amp, the B-Flex also features a USB flex cable that lets you position the speaker in any direction.
Cost: $40
Buy: www.jlabaudio.com
Portable Presentation
Lightweight and compact, the PK-20 Pocket Projector from Mitsubishi can--quite literally--fit into the palm of your hand. Even though it's small, the projector can cast a 40-inch, 800 by 600 resolution image from a PDA, DVD player, laptop computer or digital camera, making it an excellent presentation companion on any business trip. With a long-life lamp, no warm-up period and an optional battery pack, this projector will make sure your business presentations go off without a hitch.
Cost: $900
Buying Info: www.mitsubishi-presentations.com
DIY Documents
Eliminate the last-minute rush of frenzied document assembly before a big meeting with the ProClick Pronto P3000 binding system from GBC Office Products Group. About the size of a desktop printer, the ProClick Pronto fits documents with a professional binder spine in two easy steps. Editing documents is a cinch, too--the ProClick spines let you quickly swap pages in and out.
Cost: $2,000
Buying Info: www.gbcoffice.com/pronto
Voice Over Anywhere
First there was Skype, free software that lets you make free telephone calls over the Internet. But you had to be on your computer to take advantage of it. Not anymore. With the Skype WiFi Phone from Netgear, you can use Skype from anywhere you have wireless access. All of your contacts are listed on the phone's color display so you always know who's online and available to talk. You can even make calls to ordinary phones using Skype-Out, which starts at less than 1 cent per minute.
Cost: $300
Buy:www.skype.com
