Sun
SPOT Satellite Messenger
1. USB stealth switch, $40
Here’s the answer for the boss who appears suddenly lurking over your shoulder, trying to catch you playing computer games or updating your Facebook page. The USB stealth switch, that could become the bane of those lurking bosses, can instantly switch that Facebook screen to a spreadsheet without the mad scramble that makes it painfully clear you’re trying to cover up for goofing off. Billed as the world’s first desktop cloaking device, it plugs into a USB port or a PS/2 keyboard port, sits on the floor under your desk and switches program onscreen with a press of the footswitch. Also good for guarding corporate data from shoulder surfing sneaks.
2. WiFi Hunter Pen, $20
While you’re in the stealth mode: Kinlan has recently joined the WiFi seeking pen makers with its version of what looks like an ordinary ballpoint but that detects WiFi networks with the click of a button. While everyone thinks you are merely jotting down notes at a meeting, you could be surreptitiously scanning for networks. It’s a little less obvious than hauling out your notebook computer or PDA. LEDs incorporated into the pen will give you the go ahead if you’re in a hot zone.
3. SPOT Satellite Messenger, $170 plus $100 annual subscription fee
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast lost on some mountain top or you’re simply trying to track your kids’ whereabouts, this GPS-enabled communications device gives you satellite technology that zooms in on the location. Besides locating and transmitting where the user is, it also transmits the user’s status. The user can select one of four to send messages — from Alert 911 which sends a signal to emergency responders, transmitting every five minutes up to seven days; to non-emergency situations, sending requests up to five multiple cell phones and up to five e-mail addresses; to checking in with an e-mail or short text message; to tracking progress with location information. www.findmespot.com.
4. Gotcha Gift Box: USB Toaster, $8
Confound the gadget geek who has absolutely everything with the winner of the 2006 Gold Floppy Disc Award for Best Cooking Peripheral. As the marketing says, don’t be tethered to your kitchen. Plug into your USB port and make up to four pieces of toast in 30 minutes. The box is real, the product is fake so don’t wrap this up for the geeks in your life unless they have a sense of humour. Find online at The Onion Store at http://store.theonion.com.
© The Vancouver Sun 2007