A laptop bag for the style-conscious
Just because you’re carrying a laptop doesn’t mean your bag has to be boring. Consider RoadWired’s new Skooba Skin. The protective laptop case is slim enough to fit inside another bag or suitcase, yet stylish enough to carry on its own as a fashion tote. Each case has special flaps that can be folded over or pulled up to create a carrying handle. Available in seven color schemes and three sizes, the bags cost $30 to $40. skoobabags.com
Making it easier to deal on eBay
You will be so worldly – at least where eBay is concerned – after you install the Nabit 2.0 desktop application on your PC. Developed by Digonex Technologies in Indianapolis, the program can help you search, sell and buy goods in 22 countries, including China, Germany, Hong Kong and Australia. Better yet, the program automatically translates bids and pricing to the appropriate currency on both ends of the sale.
Nabit also allows you to search for items, place bids, watch items and receive outbid notices without opening your Web browser to the eBay site. The new version is available as a free download. digonex.com
Keep favorite shows in your pocket
Can’t stay awake for “The Colbert Report”? With Neuros Technology’s MPEG-4 Recorder 2, you can record the video onto a Sony Memory Stick or a CompactFlash card and then view it on a Sony PlayStation Portable or an Apple video iPod. To use a PSP or another device with a compatible memory slot, just pop in the card and enjoy the show. To watch on a video iPod, you first transfer the video to Apple’s iTunes via a computer and then synchronize it for playback on the iPod. The portable recorder costs $150. neurostechnology.com
Stream audio, video through instant messenger
With Microsoft’s LifeCam, you can instantly share streaming audio and video with your friends. Designed to work with the Windows Live Messenger service, both the LifeCam VX-6000 and the LifeCam VX-3000 webcams have streamlined controls that make it easy to find and instant message buddies who are online. Priced at $100, the VX-6000 can capture 5-megapixel still shots and 1.3-megapixel video. The VX-3000 can produce 1.3-megapixel still shots and capture video with a resolution of 640 by 480 pixels. It costs $50. Both will go on sale in August. microsoft.com, ideas.live.com
