Mobile Tech: 11 Invaluable Accessories for On-the-Go Gear

For the ecologically conscious recipient--or the friend with constant iPhone battery problems--check out Novothink's solar-powered Surge.

Wrapped in a nonslip case, this lightweight device replaces a traditional power pack with a sleek solar panel, that (during daylight hours) permits continuous charging from the sun. The first solar charger to be endorsed by Apple, the Surge comes with an external LED battery status indicator and a Solar Planner App to help you estimate how long it needs to remain in the sunlight to achieve a full charge.

The Surge comes in iPhone 3G/3GS and iPod Touch models. See the case for yourself, alongside three other nifty iPhone/iPod accessories.

More info | $70

Logitech's Portable Lapdesk N315 presents a convenient way to make mobile computing more comfortable. The base spares your legs from laptop heat, provides a flat surface to work on, and includes a retractable mouse pad.

The lapdesk is compatible with any notebook 15.6 inches or less; and with a thickness of half an inch, it doesn't add much bulk to a laptop bag.

More info |$30

Victorinox--longtime maker of the red-clad, multipurpose Swiss Army Knife--has added the SwissFlash to its cache of versatile implements. This sleek cybertool combines a USB flash drive and a powerful LED light with such hardware as a blade, a nail file, scissors, and a ballpoint pen.

The USB flash drive detaches for passage through airline security and comes in sizes ranging from 1GB to 16GB.

More info | $43 to $125

Cocoon's innovative Grid-it system is the simplest way we've seen yet to store electronic gadgets and their assorted chargers, cables, and accessories. The flat organizer fits effortlessly into any bag, and the user can configure the elastic bands to hold all kinds of mobile devices, regardless of shape.

More info | $15 to $25

If you're trying to find something for someone who has everything...help them keep it that way with Nio by TenBu Technologies. This tiny tag syncs to the owner's phone via Bluetooth and attaches to any device in need of security.

Whenever the phone or the device strays beyond a designated distance apart, the phone and the tag sound an alarm to alert the owner. Be sure to check the compatibility list to confirm that the Nio supports the recipient's phone (it doesn't yet work with the iPhone or with Android phones). Here's a full review.

More info | $70 per tag

With its BlueTrack technology, Microsoft's wireless Explorer Mouse is a great input device for daily use in an office and for untethered computing on the road. The sturdy, comfortable mouse works on nearly any planar surface (including ones that optical and laser mice have difficulty with), and the snap-in miniature transceiver guarantees a reliable wireless connection at distances up to 30 feet away.

More info | $80

Here's a novel (and potentially very useful) stocking stuffer: an LED light that's shaped like a light bulb but fits in your wallet. How retro.

Only slightly thicker than a credit card, the bulb pops out to give the user a bit of extra light and to illuminate the contents of the menu in a dimly lit restaurant or just about anything else a person might want to see.

More info | $10

Timbuk2's roomy bag is small enough to avoid check-in charges, and its detachable laptop case makes getting through airport security a snap.

This durable suitcase can hold a week's worth of clothing and includes a practical waterproof pocket along with standard zippered components. Most appealing, however, is the attached messenger bag for stowing laptop and work gear.

More info | $225

For finicky travelers who wish they could take their TiVo with them on the road will love the WinTV-HVR-950Q TV tuner. It lets them watch and record shows on their PC. The USB stick is particularly great because it lets its possesser connect a TV antenna and use it at home, or use the portable digital antenna for travel.

(For a version tailored to Macs, try the Equinux TubeStick hybrid, reviewed here.)

More info | $99

Picture taking has never been simpler, and photo printing is catching up. Equipped with a color touchscreen LED, the compact HP Photosmart A646 photo printer weighs just 2.37 pounds. It folds out to print in three sizes (4 by 6, 4 by 12, and 5 by 7), and the user can connect it via Bluetooth, USB, or memory card.

Bonus: Almost a third of its construction material is recycled plastic and the carrying case is composed entirely of recycled plastic bottles.

More info | $100

One of Time Magazine's 50 best inventions of 2009, OrigAudio's foldable, self-powered speakers take up virtually no space and fold out to a 3.15-inch cube. The speakers are compatible with any standard headphone jack. They come in three whimsical styles, as well as in a "blank canvas" version that the user can personalize.

These do-good wonders are made from recycled paper, and part of the proceeds from their sale goes to the Music National Service.

More info | $16 for a set of two; $40 for three sets of two