Ever placed your laptop on your lap only to get 3rd degree burns. Laptops/notebooks tend to get hot
when they are in use. Thermapak technologies has a non-electric solution for you. Check out the
specifications at http://www.thermapak.com/Product.aspx?ProductID=14.

We tried the 15.4" pad to try out. Inside the pad is chemical that absorbs the heat from the bottom of
your computer and turns from a semi solid to a liquid when the heat is absorbed. We immediately
noticed that our computer did feel cooler. Also remember a cooler computer operates quicker.
The unit itself is small and fits in the same bag as the computer. It then acts as an
additional cushion within the case. Once you remove the HeatShift pad from the computer the
liquid turns back to a semisolid.

You can buy it directly from the company for $30 and save yourself the leg burns when you actually use a laptop on your lap.

Imagine typing in the dark, how would you fare? Well, for the touch typists among you, you just probably need to get your hands situated and away you go. So for those who aren't, you may need to learn. Das Keyboard Ultimate is one that would definitely make you learn. Why? Because it is a completely blank keyboard. Check it out at http://www.daskeyboard.com/specifications.php. The Ultimate is a full-sized black keyboard that is completely devoid of any inscription except for 3 LED lights that indicate num lock, caps lock and scroll lock. The keys are very responsive (lightly touch and characters appear on the screen). It does give an audible click which is nice because you get the feedback that you've pressed a key. However, it did annoy some in the office especially when some of us were trying to type articles to meet our deadline while others were still thinking about what to write.

In addition, it has two USB ports on the right side of the keyboard. It is nice to have it to connect or charge devices but it's position did get in the way of our mouse (for right-handed folks). Our left-handed colleagues didn't find it bothersome.

At $129, this keyboard is a bit expensive but certainly a nice keyboard for those who want to learn to become touch typists and not be able to cheat. Just be ready to use backspace a lot if you forget which key is for which character especially the symbols on top of the numbers.

USB Flash drives are common and indispensable these days and can range from very small to fancy ones with cute skins sometimes. But Sandisk's Cruzer Contour is a pretty sleek one that has a retractable connector. http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Item(2573)-SDCZ8-016G-A75-Extreme_Cruzer_Contour16GB_USB_Flash_Drive.aspx. Since the connector is retractable, you won't ever misplace your cap to protect it. Sliding the device to expose or hide the connector is fairly easy. It has a metal back that gives it a heavy sturdy feel to it. It lacks a place to put a lanyard but comes with a nice leather pouch with a hook.

The Contour is also a U3 smart drive which means you can bring software along with your files. We prefer not to so we have more space for files. It transfers files quickly and rated to do 18MB/s writes and 25MB/s reads. We found it for under $10 for 4GB at Amazon.com.

Need a window mount for your iPhone or iTouch so you can view its screen at eye-level especially when you are trying to view maps or directions on it? Griffin Technology's WindowSeat (http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/windowseat) is worth looking at. It comes with a cradle (iPhone 3G, iPhone and iTouch), an extension arm especially for those who have deep windshields in their vehicles, an AUX cable along with the suction piece or dash pad (if you can't mount it on the windshield).

According to the instructions, turning the suction knob all the way actually creates less secure mount so it's better to just turn it to a point you feel it's securely attached. The cradle doesn't obstruct the ports but snugly fits an uncovered device so if you should happen to use protectors, you may not be able to use the WindowSeat without having to take it off first. If you prefer to have a mount though, at under $25, this is a good way to view your iPhone/iTouch safely inside a car.

Earbuds, although nicer to wear tend to fall out especially when you are moving a lot. And some of us just have ears not meant to keep earbuds in. What we end up doing is hooking the earbud cable over our ears to keep them in. Well, for iPod or iPhone users, BudFits (http://budfits.com/whybudfits.html) convert your earbuds to over-the-ear ones. The soft rubber lets you snap the earbuds easily and wear them comfortably while you go about your activities. At only $8.99 on Amazon.com, it's one way to continuously listen to your music without always plugging your earbuds back in. You can pick between clear, black and white.