To measure the size of your laptop, measure the lid diagonally in inches. If you’re buying the computer backpack in store you could bring your laptop along to make sure it fits but if you’re buying it online you have to be sure you have the measurement right.

With the size of the backpack, you need to think about what you’ll be carrying. You don’t want to squeeze too much into the bag when the laptops there. You’ll have the laptop, the charger and perhaps you wallet and keys. What about papers? Books? Plan ahead for what you might need. If you carry a lot then make sure there is plenty of room. Better you carry a bag a little bigger than you crack your laptop screen.

When it comes to security in a computer backpack, you want something which holds the laptop snugly and has enough padding to take a shock. You always want to make sure the bag itself is reliable. There is no use having all the padding in the world if the stitching falls through.

Some computer backpacks have extra features. Some will have mobile phone or stationary compartments. Some have security feature to help prevent theft of the laptop.

When it comes to the look of a computer backpack there is more to think about then fashion. If you carry a plain black bag with the logo of whichever brand, it screams laptop. What I mean is, for any potential thieves looking for someone with valuables, you will stand out.

Computer backpacks come in many colours and styles. You can get a personal one matching whatever your taste is or even a plain professional one but at get one which looks like a plain backpack.

The price of a computer backpack can be pretty high. They can vary from as little as $20 to upwards of $2000. You can just put your laptop in a normal backpack, you wouldn’t be the first to use a jumper as padding and do so.

Whether it’s a home office or a large business, computer and monitors use and waste a large amount of electricity as well as increasing our carbon foot print. A computer left running overnight or for the weekend is where more of the wasted electricity is found as over 30 million of the 60 million home computers and the 104 million office computers are left on. This means about 15 million tons of wasted energy every year.

Many people find their computers producing decorative screensavers are also adding to their carbon footprint since computer still have to run at full power to be able to produce this screensaver. Screensaver isn’t the only piece of computer which using this much energy just sitting on our desks. Yet there is an option for many of us who have to leave our desk several times a day to tend to other business. One person’s carbon footprint from just their home computer can be reduced by more then 650 pounds a year at the same time they save $30 to $50 on their electricity bill just by adding an Ecobutton.

The Ecobutton is a lighted device that sits on your desk just like your mouse and connects to your computer by a USB cable as a reminder of reducing our footprint. Whether it’s a short or long break, you can just simply press the button and your computer slips into an “ecomode” saving energy by slipping into using the same amount of power it uses when your computer is shut down.

Another reminder to boost your choices to reduce your carbon footprint is the software that comes with the Ecobutton. This software tells you how much power, how much money, and how many carbon units you have save by using the Ecobutton.

The Ecobutton is just one more small way each person can reduce their carbon footprint and increase the money in their pocket. With money being tight and our knowledge of the importance of going green, Ecobutton gives us one more step in the right direction, but isn’t the only positive advantage. It also saves us time. To be able to reduce our carbon footprint without the Ecobutton means we have to wait for our computers to reboot on our return.

Saving time and money at the same moment we are reducing our carbon footprint make the Ecobutton a good choice as an addition to all the computer equipment on our desk. The only downfall that can be found is there is no price or information to purchase. This can only be done by emailing the company directly. So check it out and see what you think.

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This one is handy for number crunchers on the road: a mouse that doubles as a numerical keypad. It’s better than holding down the Function Key on your laptop for a number keypad, but most people would want it in wireless. Not very ergonomically confortable either.

Cursor shaped Mouse

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Here’s an unusual and interesting design: a mouse shaped like a Cursor. We are assured that it is comfortable to use, it’s wireless, and that it’s no bigger than any other mouse. Judging by the image, we would probably think likewise.

Skype Phone Mouse

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This has a handy function for Skype users: a mouse that can be used for making calls. Complete with microphone and audio control.

SpyMouse

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Be careful about what you say round this mouse. It has an inbuilt condenser microphone – capable of picking up on any nearby conversations. The website for this product even say “Exterior look and specifics are subject to change without warning”, so watch out - any mouse could be a suspect.

Two Computer Mice you won’t find in Shops

The Minty Box

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When you have a spare optical mouse and you’ve got dremel tools, a minty tin, epoxy glue, a mini-hack saw, and around 4 hours of free time, this is what you get: the creative ‘Minty Mouse’

Nintendo Mouse

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Somebody bougght an old Nintendo Controler and installed an optical mouse inside. Result: very cool mod.

Mouse pads have come a long ways in the last several years and a long ways from the plain old foam, plain Jane jobs that we see sitting on top the majority of desks in stuffy offices everywhere. Our mouse pads started out to solve a problem that helped our computer mouse to more easily glide, which gave us more error-free control over our cursor on our computer desktop. The smooth, flat surface of the mouse pad made a perfect location to silkscreen company logos, trademarks and photography that would create another cottage industry of collectible mouse pads.

Today, there are thousands and maybe even millions of different mouse pad designs both high-tech and low-tech, colorful and bland, expensive and cheap that would overwhelm the average person. There is absolutely no way in the world that this article can even to begin scratch the surface of all of the awesome and cool mouse pad designs, so stay tuned for other cool mouse pad articles that I will be writing in the weeks ahead. So, please enjoy and thank you for your support.

Ouija Board

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Honestly, this board game has always given me the creeps and now using the mouse we can channel dead people at the same time as we surf the web. Just don’t freakout too badly when you hear voices whispering out from the dark corners of your room.

High Tech Mouse Pad

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What do you get if you cross modern day high tech technology with a mouse pad? You will get the “USB Hub + SD/MMC Card Reader + Mouse Pad” and yes, that is the actual name that the manufacture named it. The name says it all, so I will not bore you with anymore-technical jargon.

Sexy Mouse Pads For Men

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Ewe, I want one of these – not for me, but for a friend (wink!). Not too sure if the mouse pads are ergonomically designed, but who really cares.

More Than Just Another Mouse Pad

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Redmaloo’s felt laptop cases are the perfect solution to securing your expensive laptop computer when on the go and transforms into a portable workstation at the times that you want to surf the Internet. It is a laptop case, a workstation and one cool mouse pad rolled up into one.

Cool-iCam Mouse Pad with Built-in Art Pad

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The Cool-iCam Art Pad is the perfect solution to multitasking at the office, because the built-in photo editing tablet allows the user to edit digital photos with professional results. The user can operate their computer mouse, remove red-eye, change colors and edit photos however they would like and all by using this one very cool art mouse pad.

Flexiglow Mouse Pads

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Flexiglow mouse pad allows the user to illuminate the dark and gloomy corners of your office cubicle with your choice of three bright neon colors red, green and blue. Just plug in the USB connection and adjust the dimmer switch to increase or decrease the light intensity and relax with a little extra color in your life.

Mouse Pad with Card Reader / USB Hub / Speaker

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This is the ultimate mouse pad for all of you mulitaskers that need extra USB hubs to connect all of your gadgets to and a 5-in-1 card reader, so to upload your digital photos and audio. The built-in speakers will come in handy when in the mood to listen to all of the free music that you have (IL) legally downloaded off of the Internet.

Color Changing Mouse Pad

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This is an awesome James Bond 007 like mouse pad that at first glance appears to be a plain old black surfaced mouse pad, but just as soon as the heat from the user’s hand touches it, then the invisible logo or message is revealed. Now, if only someone would invent a way to hide the answers to the next college exam on one of these types of mouse pads, the world would be a much better place.

Backlit Lighted Mouse Pad

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Lighted mouse pads may not serve or solve any major problem that computer user’s must sometimes deal with, but if anything they do help to brighten up with style a desk or office. Really lighted mouse pads are yet another way to trick out your desktop and nothing more.

C-Pen 20 Mouse Pad

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Saved the best for last, as it would seem. The C-Pen 20 Mouse Pad is a multi-functional gadget that takes the stress out of navigation and has 10 programmable active buttons that are located at the top of the mouse pad, so that the user can save their custom commands or more complex macros. The mouse pad comes with a C-Pen, which can be used to replace your standard mouse.

The removal of the cord was the first hurdle to overcome, and next the focus seemed to shift to packing more functionally into a smaller streamline version of the computer device. After mouse functionally was improved upon, the designers and manufacturers began to focus on making the mouse trendy cool for youthful user.

This article only introduces you to a small fraction of a very large product line of computer mouse or mouse-related products currently available for sale on the market today. This is the first article in a mini-series of articles that will present new mouse and mouse-related products to you.

Please, be sure to leave any comments in the comment section provided at the bottom of this article. If you want me to investigate an unique mouse or mouse related product to consider for inclusion in the next article of this series, then please leave a complete website address where the mouse or mouse related product can be found and I will check it out.

1. Wow Pen Traveler

   

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   Wow Technology has developed an ergonomic wireless mouse that contains built-in laser pointer and flash memory functionality. This advancement in design and style makes today’s “WOW PEN” PC mouse a cut above the rest, because it allows the user to control their computing activities without stressing the wrist or forearm, in which can help prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome from setting up in the user’s hands and fingers joints. Hands up, this is one cool wireless computer mouse.

2. BMW Mouse

   

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   This is the perfect mouse for car collectors, because not only does it look like a BMW automobile, but it has working headlights, too. Want more can we ask for?

3. Mouse Skeleton

   

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   The Skeleton Mouse gives a whole new meaning to working yourself to the bone, now doesn’t it? Your friends and family will freak out after they see this PC mouse sitting on your desk.

4. Aircraft Mouse

   

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   Up, up and away. The aircraft mouse flies in the face of criticism and gives you a high flying mouse experience. It remarkably resembles a stealth fighter jet and lights up adding that extra little bit of flare when working in the dark.

5. GamePad Mouse

   

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   Gamers prepare yourselves for the ultimate gaming gadgets with this all-in-one PC mouse and gamepad. It works just like any other PC mouse, but the built-in game pad makes playing World of Warcraft (WoW) or any other computer game a snap to play like a pro.

6. Stone Mouse

   

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   This is touted to be the first fully-functional computer mouse made entirely out of stone. It is truly an elegant custom computer mouse that gives being stoned a whole new meaning.

7. Bamboo Mouse

   

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   The Green Movement should really be impressed with the bamboo computer mouse, because it is entirely produced from a renewable crop product. Bamboo grows rapidly about a foot or more in a single day.

8. Mouse Mouse

   

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   Some people just will not be satisfied unless the computer mouse actually looks like a real mouse, so now they have the opportunity to really own a mouse computer mouse of their very own. It is not recommend for anyone who gets squeamish at the mere sight of a real mouse, so in other words, this would not be a desirable gadget to give to your mother or sister as a gift or anything.

9. Fishing Lure Mouse

   

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   The fishing lure computer mouse would make a great gadget gift for any die hard fisherman that you know. It looks just like a deep-diving crank bait fishing lure without the sharp hooks. This fishing lure mouse is perfect for fishing for information on the Internet.

10. Candy-Filled Mouse

    

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    Thank goodness this candy is enclosed in a hard acrylic case, because it wouldn’t last long around my house. This is surely a sweet looking mouse that really works, just like any other mouse that we commonly use.

11. USB Mouse with Built-in Skype Telephone

    

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    You know that not too many of us can live too long without having our cell phones nearby and this USB computer mouse comes complete with a fully-functional Skype telephone built right into this nifty mouse.

12. The World’s Thinnest Mouse

    

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    Have you been looking for a computer mouse that is thin enough to tuck into your shirt pocket to take with you when you are on the go? If you have, then look no further than this mouse. It is about the size of a credit card and is a fully functional device that works like any other mouse does. Just don’t carry it in your wallet, because it could quiet possibly destroy it before you even have the chance to break it in.

13. Inflatable Mouse

    

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    This computer mouse offers something completely unique as it needs to be inflated before being used to interact with your desktop computer. I suppose that this PC mouse would make a nice addition to anyone who already has inflatable beds, couches, and other inflatable furniture scattered throughout their home. Honestly, I would be very disappointed if it should spring a leak and deflate, just when I’m honing in to the high score in Missile Command.

14. Alien Fossil Mouse

    

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    Now, I don’t really know if aliens or UFOs are really, but I do know that the Alien Fossil computer mouse is. Actually, it looks very strange and probably feels just as strange as it looks, too.

15. Shoei Helmet Mouse

    

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    This computer mouse will surely satisfy the most curious motorcycle fetish, because it is after all a miniaturized reproduction of a Shoei Helmet. The only thing that would make this a better mouse design would be if it could actually be worn while working, because accidents do happen at work (like your co-workers walking by and smacking you across your head).

My computer isn’t typically slow but there are days it takes forever so this got me think of little things I could be doing while I was sitting here waiting.

I checked out some sites and came across lots of little office toys you can plug into your USB ports but my list contains merely little cheap USB toys that will make you smile.

USB Dog

I know some people out there might not find this funny but to me these USB Humping Dogs are so cute and hilarious. They are fairly cheap only costing $12.99 from most computer gizmo shops, and once plugged into the computer they start humping the USB stick with speed. A great gag gift for someone close to you and will definitely put a smile on most people’s face.

USB Retro Upright Vacuum

Now don’t expect to clean the house with this little guy but it is meant to clean up around your computer work area. It works just like the normal size vacuums only smaller and is still pretty powerful. Easy to clean and only cost $19.99 perfect for that clean freak you might know.

USB Missile Launcher

Ok, ok I know what the majority of you are thinking and your right this is kind of an immature toy, but still it puts a smile on my face so it’s bound to do the same for another. This USB Missile Launcher cost $29.99 and is ready for firing out of the box. Just simply plug it into your USB port and aim the missiles with your mouse and press your button to fire. The soft foam darts will shoot an amazing 12 feet and is guaranteed to make someone smile.

USB Kitty

The USB Kitty is a neat little gadget for the desktop of cat lovers. This little guy is totally functional and uses voice, sound and motion technology. It sits on your desktop and every now and then lets out a little meow when it senses your movement. Great little gift for that special pet lover and only cost $24.99 at most gizmo stores.

USB Hamster

Here’s another cute little USB toy for the pet lovers out there. This little hamster on the wheel is cute and will run around the wheel as fast as you can type on the keyboard.

USB Putter Return

Finally for all you hardcore golfers there is a putter game now available for your desktop or laptop computer. It returns the ball and keeps track of your score and anyone else that plays. For only $18.99 you can’t go wrong for such an enjoyable game.

USB Motorcycle Engine

This little toy appealed to me because I am a huge fan of motorcycles. This little USB gadget once plugged in sounds like a chopper and also has totally function parts. The block moves up and down and if you switch gears the engine sounds changes like it does when you shift on a normal size motorcycle. For only $39.99 it makes the perfect gift and will put a smile on any motorcycle lover’s face.

USB Chameleon

This life like Chameleon has to be one of my favorite USB gadgets yet. I only recently fell in love with lizards because my youngest step daughter had gotten one for a birthday present. It sits on the corner of your screen as you can see and every now and then it rolls its eyes usually in different directions. This little guy will definitely bring smiles to anyone you see’s it in action and for $24.99 I think I’ll be buying one.

USB Greenhouse

If you’re a plant fanatic then this little USB greenhouse might be for you. All you do is simply place the soil in the bottom of the greenhouse, and then you plant the Marigold seeds which come with the package and plug it into your USB port. Water every couple days and watch your plant grow big and healthy. It’s pretty reasonably priced at only $29.99 and makes a great last minute gift.

USB Bendi Board

Are you messy or accident prone like me? If so, then this might be the answer to your problems. This is the Bendi Keyboard which is totally functional and almost indestructible. It’s made from 2 pieces of rubber totally sealed around each key eliminating the worry of spilling drinks on your keyboard and much more. It’s easy to use and very easy to clean since it is machine washable. The average price range for a keyboard similar to this is about $30 which to me isn’t all that bad considering how messy I can be at times.

No matter if it’s a cell phone covered in diamonds or a toilet covered in 24k gold; people do stupid things and buy stupid things when they have too much money. Even when it comes to computers for some people money is no object and they want the best or most expensive that money can buy.

Here’s my list of six of the most remarkable and expensive computer accessories you can find on the market. You might not be able to afford any of these products but hey there are people out there that can. So check out my list to see what rich people like to buy for accessories for their computers.

CineMassive MasterPlex 30D

Now this computer display is for the hardcore gaming fan or person who spends 95% of their time in front of a screen. This 6 screen monster is said to be one of the biggest screens available for consumer purchase. The center screen is a 30 inch LCD and is surrounded by five 20.1 inch LCD’s which gives the user a total of 13,696,000 active pixels. The whole unit stands about 34.8 inches tall and is 55 inches wide. When the CineMassive MasterPlex 30D was released to the public it had a whooping price tag of $7,499 but now you can get this beauty for a mere $5,995 from their website. This might not be the biggest and most expensive computer display but it was the only one I found with a price tag.

There is word that Siemens is in the process of perfecting this gigantic 8 panel seamless computer display which is said it will bring user fatigue down drastically. There is no exact word of price or release date but rumor has it this beauty will be on the market by the end of 2008.

Happy Hacking Keyboard HP Japan

Now it never seems to amaze me what the Japanese comes up with but this one, even surprised me. Although this looks like an ordinary keyboard the price for this little gizmo is a whooping $4,400 US making it one of the most expensive keyboards in the world.

You ask why such a high price? Well maybe it’s because the whole keyboard is hand made and painted, or maybe it’s because it’s dusted with gold dust. If you can believe this some sites even say the hairs on the brushes used to lacquer the boards are that from virgin females but no word if that’s fact or fiction. If you got about $4,500 laying around then maybe its time to upgrade your keyboard to this unique accessory.

Pro 2 64 GB USB Flash Drive

Now here’s a beast of a memory stick for you data hungry freaks who like to keep back ups of everything. This is the Pro 2 GB USB Flash Drive 2.0 will hold a mass amount of data for those business presentations or whatever you might want to download to another computer. Even use it to store downloaded music or movies but be prepared to pay a hefty price for this little guy. The Pro 2 will run you about $3,340 but if you ask me Ill stick to the cheap $20 memory sticks just incase I lost it.

Zeus’ Platinum PC

Now if you’re bored looking at your same old pc tower day in and day out then the Zeus Platinum PC might be for you. This PC is being called by some people as the World’s Most Expensive PC because its casing is made out of platinum and the diamonds form star constellations around the case. If you think it’s pretty and looks expensive then you’re absolutely right because this PC tower cost nearly $800,000 US. There is a gold model if this one is to steep in price range and it will only cost you a mere $650,000.

Most Expensive Mouse Pad

I personally don’t use a mouse pad because I have a laser mouse and it seems to work just fine for me, but for those you who do use mouse pads then this top of the line pad might be right up your alley. This is a basic mouse pad made of solid carbon fiber with an inlaid leather mouse area. Looks nice and is easy to clean but is it worth the $489.00 US that it sells for? Probably not!

Expensive USB Mouse

Now I couldn’t finish my list without including one of the most important accessories of a computer, the mouse. Now this beauty is made out of 18 carat white gold with 59 brilliant cut diamonds that are placed in whatever pattern you want. Makes for a great anniversary gift to that special someone but just be prepared to pay at least $24,000 for this item

So that’s the list and if you have $838,224 US sitting around you want to burn, then you can afford everything on the page but for me I guess I’ll just keep dreaming!

1. Wireless PC Lock
   
   

   This is a great protection against people trying to break in your computer whilst you are gone. You first plug the USB-stick-like wireless receiver in you desktop or laptop, and then place a small badge in your pocket. If you and your badge move further than 2 meters away from your computer, it will be locked. Each piece has its own security code so one computer can only be locked by one badge. I’m sorry to say this kids, but this USB gadget is also useful for parents who don’t like their children being at the computer all the time.

   Price: £7,99 – €10 – $15

2. Vacuüm Cleaner
   
   

   It’s true – the keyboard you’re sitting at right now, is the dirtiest spot in your whole house. This USB vacuum cleaner is a great solution for all that. It can easily keep your keyboard clean of crumbles and dust. It is also equipped with two brushes, one for general cleaning and one for cleaning between and underneath your keyboard. Also has two power levels.

   Price: £7,99 – €10 – $15

3. Air Darts
   
   

   Have some annoying colleagues in your office? This USB air dart launcher is a great solution. Just plug the launcher in you computer and load it with the three harmless soft foam rockets. Next you aim with your mouse and click to fire. The launcher pans 180 degrees and can tilt up to 45 degrees.

   Price: £19,75 – €25 – $38

4. Pencil Sharpener
   
   

   Tired of sharpening you pencils manually? Got some free USB ports? Then this is the gadget for you! Once plugged in, this device sharpens your pencils. Once your pencil is sharp, a LED will flash to alert you. The sharpener is equipped with a tray that can easily be removed for cleaning.

   Price: £6,99 – €9 – $14

5. Aquarium
   
   

   This aquarium is the home to two small (fake) fishes. As the power from your USB port generates a current in the water, the fish will start to swim around. It’s also equipped with a blue LED that lights the tank. Both the current and the LED can be switched off. The aquarium contains about half a litre of water.

   Price: £6,99 – €9 – $14

6. Mini Fan
   
   

   Having a hot day at your office? Bad air-conditioning? Here’s a great solution! This USB-powered mini fan will serve you all the cooling you need. It has a flexible neck for easy positioning, soft blades that can’t cause any injury and a silent motor so neither you or your colleagues are disturbed. But you can still laugh at them because you’re cool and they aren’t.

   Price: £6,99 – €9 – $14

7. Fridge
   
   

   This mini fridge is a great addition to the mini fan. Where the mini fan keeps you cool, the mini fridge keeps your drink cool. It only takes five minutes to cool your beer to a temperature of 54°F/12°C. The fridge is about 20 centimetres high and is connected to your USB port by a 2 meter-cable, so you can place the fridge under your table.

   Price: £12,95 – €16 – $25

8. RC Car
   
   

   Now this is something special. When you plug in this small garage, the battery of the car inside will be charged. After ten minutes, you can use the arrow keys of your keyboard to steer the small car around. You can even press spacebar and make the car honk. Fully charged, the car can drive around for about five minutes. You can also customize the car’s decal.

   Price: £19,99 – €25 – $39

9. Cup Warmer
   
   

   You have seen a fridge that keeps your drink cool when the day is hot. But what if it’s freezing, and you want to keep your coffee hot? Just plug this cup warmer in, place your cup right on top of it and it will be heated up to 120°F/50°C. There is also a LED light showing you whether the warmer is switched on or off and just like the fridge there’s a nice long USB cable.

   Price: £5,99 – €7 – $12

10. Paper Shredder
    
    

    Have a desperate need to get rid of personal papers or just garbage? This paper shredder can shred papers up to the A6 size, which is equal to two A4 placed next to each other. Your papers are shredded into long pieces of about 3.5 millimetres wide. There’s also a reverse switch for when you suddenly realise that you still need the paper you’re having shredded.

    Price: £10,99 – €14 – $21

5. Modify your flashdrive’s icon and name

Using an autorun.inf file placed inside the root folder of the thumbdrive, there are many things you can play around with, such as modifying your flashdrive’s icon and name. Personalise your thumbdrives so that you are the only one in the world with your picture as its custom icon! Click here to learn more.

4. Make a “sawed-off USB cable” flashdrive

Yes, the above picture shows a working flashdrive, no matter how strange it looks. Doing this can surprise your friends to a great extent. Learn how do make one yourself here.

3. Boot a separate OS

Hate the OS a public computer is running on? No problems, just boot up a separate OS from your personal flash drive. DamnSmallLinux is only one of the many choices. You can find out more about DSL here.

2. Encrypt your thumbdrive

Encryption allows you to protect sensitive and personal files stored on your flashdrive, ensuring that if you lose your flashdrive, the information doesn’t’ fall into the wrong hands. Get more information here.

1. Run Firefox portable

Since many public computers do not have Firefox preinstalled, you can use the portable edition of the popular web browser to surf the net, and even synchronize the plug-ins and bookmarks of your Firefox at home to the portable version! Get it here!

In conclusion, your flashdrive has much more functionality than you think, so be sure to explore its hidden potential. For all you may know, you might discover something new!

So for the holiday season, we purchased a second iPod.

As I started to sync up the new iPod, it dawned on me that I was putting all of my music onto it. This was not what I intended to do.

I have iTunes set to only sync up songs that are selected. I realized that I could probably uncheck all the songs that I didn’t want to load, but what a hassle. If I were to then sync my original iPod back up, I would need to go through the select/unselect process all over again? No thanks.

After doing a little research, I was able to determine there are actually a few different ways I could meet my objective, one of which was exactly what I wanted.

1. Create separate user accounts on my computer. Each user account could then have its own library.

   This is not a bad solution, however, not ideal. I don’t really want to have to log on and off as different users each time I want to sync up my iPod. Let’s keep going.

2. Create separate playlists and set your iPod to only sync up from that playlist.

   This is a better solution. This way will save some steps for music we share. And we each have control over our own music. However, is there a still better way?

3. Create a separate iTunes library for each iPod.

   This sounds like exactly what we want. How do we do it?

Follow these steps, and you will be off to iPod independence and happiness!

NOTE: It is important that you create a new library. Do not just make a copy of your existing iTunes Library file. If iTunes is open, quit it.

1. If iTunes is open, quit it
2. Mac users: Hold down the Option key while you open iTunes.
   Windows users: Hold down the Shift key while you open iTunes.
3. In the dialog that appears, do the following:
4. Click Create Library
5. Name and save the alternate library file. iTunes opens with your brand new library file.
6. Open iTunes Preferences
7. Click the Advanced tab and then click the General tab
8. De-select Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to library checkbox if it is selected and click OK. This will prevent iTunes from creating duplicate copies of your existing media files in the new library folder.
9. Add the specific media files you want on your iPod to iTunes either by dragging them into iTunes or using the Add to Library option in the File menu
10. Once you have the iTunes Library just how you want it, connect and sync iPod
11. Once the sync is complete, quit iTunes
12. Mac users: Hold down the Option key while you open iTunes.
    Windows users: Hold down the Shift key while you open iTunes.
13. Click Choose library
14. Choose your original iTunes Library and click Choose (Mac Users) or Open (Windows Users). You can now switch back and forth between the different libraries for different iPods.