Thousands of new gadgets are introduced each year, but few
rise above blandness and mediocrity. The list below represents some of the best
products among the several hundred I've tried this year. Each represents
excellence in design and performance, a good value, and stands apart from
competitive offerings.
Toshiba mini NB200
netbook - While Toshiba is late to the netbook market than many of its
competition, the NB200 is a product worth waiting for. It has a near full-size keyboard, a
rarity on netbooks. It weighs three pounds, gets more than five hours of real
battery life, and has the highest environmental ranking for a PC. Its three USB
ports remain on when the lid is closed making it a portable charger,
as well. Best of all, it's shipping with Windows 7.(Toshiba.com, $350).
Novatel MiFi - A
stand-alone wireless card, sold by Sprint and Verizon, it combines 3G and Wi-Fi
into a credit card-size device that provides a Wireless hotspot wherever you
go. It allows up to five devices to be wirelessly connected to a 3G network and
eliminates the need to install drivers in your devices. I use it with my
notebook and iPhone, and share it with others in meetings. $100 plus $60/mo.
sprint.com and verizon.com.
TripIt Pro -The TripIt Pro app for
computers and smart phones brings organization to all of your travel plans,
making it a must for frequent business travelers. Simply forward your
confirmations from airlines, rental car companies and hotels, and TripIt
organizes each trip, adds the items to your calendar and provides you with
timely reminders. (Tripit.com, $49/year)
Plantronics Voyager
Pro Bluetooth headset - Among the dozens of Bluetooth headsets I've tried,
the Pro is one of the very few that gets just about everything right. It provides very good clarity at both
ends of the conversation, has a long battery life and is comfortable, even when worn all day long. Its
controls are easy to use and understand, and it uses a standard micro USB
charger. (Plantronics.com, $99)
Windows 7 - This
long awaited new Windows operating system puts Vista users out of their misery
and brings a new level of usability to all PCs. It's an example of where less is more: fewer interruptions,
annoyances and quirks. It's the first Windows OS that should give Apple some
pause. If there's one complaint it's that there are too many versions,
complicating what should be a simple purchase. (Microsoft.com, about $120.)