Cool Stuff 2002: Travel Gear

Computerworld -

Got too many gadgets to carry around—cell phone, PDA, MP3 player, GPS unit, digital camera? One solution is the eVest, which is chock-full of pockets for devices (including pockets inside other pockets, and a secret pocket) and built-in Velcro-closed channels to run wires through. Hidden collar loops hold your headphones or earbuds close. Made of a lightweight but sturdy water-repellent cotton and nylon fabric with a mesh-lined back and neck area to keep you cool and dry, it has a raised collar and is reinforced at armholes and other stress points. Plus, there's an interior reward tag in case you lose it.

Scott eVest Manufacturer: Scott eVest LLC, Chicago Web Site: www.scottevest.com Price: $139

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Travel Mouse Manufacturer: Logitech Inc., Fremont, Calif. Web Site: www.logitech.com Price: $50

If you're like most people, you'd rather use a mouse with your laptop than whatever else the maker provided. A new travel package from Logitech combines a high-styled, scroll-wheel USB optical mouse with a short cord, plus a USB extension cord and carrying case in a compact unit that takes up little space in your case. If you look at this and wonder what happened to the buttons, never fear. The sleek one-piece aluminum top actuates the two buttons, even if it doesn't look like it. Works like a charm.

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Keyspan Mini-USB Hub Manufacturer: Keyspan Corp., Richmond, Calif. Web Site: www.keyspan.com Price: $39

My laptop has only one Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection on it. But sometimes I need to connect three or four USB devices, such as a mouse, PDA, Zip drive, external CD-rewritable drive, business card scanner, digital camera or memory card reader—it seems as if there are more USB peripherals every day. The Keyspan Mini-USB Hub is perhaps the best answer to that situation when you're on the road. There are many others available, but Keyspan's nifty little package is the smallest of the bunch, and when you're traveling, smallest and lightest is the name of the game.

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