Want to be able to chat with your long distance loved ones and be able to see them? Not everyone has a built-in web cam on their computer and this little gadget solves that problem. From Restoration Hardware, this Eco Trends Web Cam is 'eco friendly' because it is made from recycled plastic. It swivels and is also illuminated. PC/Windows® compatible (except Vista), silver. $39
Jabra is one of the world's most well-known Bluetooth headset manufacturers and is now ready to light up the tech world with Bluetooth speakerphones. This new phone is slim and easy to use, which will be important with a lot of the new hands-free cell phone laws coming out. The SP5050 has a background noise reduction feature, a visor clip, is lightweight, and has number redial, call mute, voice dialing, and a night driving mode - this shuts off the LED lights at night so your eyes don't get distracted. You also have the ability to transfer calls from the phone to the speakerphone and vice versa. It also has a rated talk time of 12 hours and a standby time of 8.3 days. 
And it's not an Apple product! The Samsung YP-S2 MP3 player is a must-have accessory to take with you. With playback for up to 13 hours, you'll enjoy all your favorite tunes longer than on an iPod. A concealed LED along the bottom edge of the MP3 player flashes various colors and patterns based on the playback mode you select. Supposed to offer more realistic sound effects and a true-to-life surround sound experience. Easy-to-use controls are embedded on the back face, including play/pause, volume and playback options. Comes in a few colors, weighs less than an ounce, holds 250 songs, is marble-shaped and only $39.99.
That is what Apple promises, as it tries to compete with the working person's Blackberry. It's coming July 11th, has 3G speed, Microsoft Exchange for emails and contacts and maps with GPS. Starts at $199. Wonder if they will let other cell phone providers pick it up? Go to the Apple store or AT&T to buy.
Amazon makes a gadget called a Kindle, that is a wireless portable reading device. It can instantly give you access to more than 120,000 books, newspapers, blogs, books or magazines. No cables or syncing needed. Wireless connectivity allows you to access from anywhere. Holds about 200 titles at a time and is only 10 ounces. You can also get top U.S. newspapers auto delivered. The width of a pencil and has a long better life. Perfect for the person who travels and has a voracious reading appetite. $399.
Gadget cords getting out of control? There are a few charging stations out there on the market and Cupcake Life has been reading the reviews (too big, too much counter space, can't be wall mounted, not very chic, cords cannot be concealed) and has determined this one to be a good option for a few reasons. It can be wall mounted (most can not), has a hidden door in the back for cords, holds 3 cell phones, PDA’s or iPods and it just looks sleek. There are a lot of them out there that are bulky and look dated with the clunky wood. This one is black and retails for $40. I also found a another cute one that comes in red and holds 2 devices for $23
Have you been at the beach and needed to recharge your Ipod? Stereo? Computer? Been in your car or at the airport and needed to recharge your computer, cell phone? Been on a plane and needed to recharge your computer's battery in order to watch more movies? The Black & Decker Power To Go can help you with that. It is a cordless AC/USB power supply. Ideal for a laptop, 7 LCD TV, portable DVD player, travel gaming system, cellular phone, PDA, digital camera, MP3 player, Bluetooth headset, AM/FM radio and cordless shaver. I found it for about $45 at Home Depot. They also have smaller sizes that go down in cost. The $45 one has about 9 hours of power, though. It is portable, lightweight and perfect for that European vacation too.
If you didn’t have enough planning and foresight like me, then you probably did not get your car loaded with GPS. I found out some guys are reading this site, so I figured I would offer up some Xmas goodies they will like as well. I personally love techy gadgets that make life easier. I bought this portable Magellan Maestro and it has been a lifesaver! Great for outside sales reps who think the printing of the Mapquest directions has gotten old! You can use this Magellan (or Maggie as I like to call her) with voice prompts, which means you don’t have to take your eyes off of the road to read directions. It is also pretty small, about the size of a larger Ipod. When you miss a turn, it redirects you to the correct destination path. I love the feature where it will determine your destination and point you towards the closest Starbuck’s, gas station, grocery store, etc! I plan on bringing it with me when I travel next, for walking directions. This is very worth the $240 ish price tag. Maggie has been a very loyal friend. Cheers!
