CES 2004: Picks and Pans

We Still Have to Get Some Work Done

But can it write your presentation, too? Targus transformed a common travel mouse into a clever three-in-one device: mouse, pointer, and presentation control. Flip a switch on the bottom, and the mouse becomes a laser pointer or a remote control for PowerPoint or another application. The $80 Wireless Optical Mouse/Pointer/Presenter (available in February) operates at 2.4 GHz, previously a frequency only found on larger, desk-bound mice. Its receiver serves a dual purpose as a recharger, another first for small travel mice. Cute. Clever. And incredibly useful for those who take their show on the road. --Michael Lasky

Do you know where you're going to? With the TeleNav service and one of three Nextel cell-phone models, you'll always know where you're going--and how to get there. The phones have a built-in GPS. You call a toll-free number, state your destination, and--presto--directions are downloaded to your phone. The phone will verbally guide you, and can even redirect you if you miss a turn. The service costs $6 monthly; the downside is that only the three Nextel cell phones have it, although TeleNav says more will be on board by year's end. --Anush Yegyazarian

File swapping: The HP Pavilion ZX5000 notebook's USB digital drive is pretty cool. It lets a small Secure Digital memory-based device connect to the notebook, making it easy to transfer big files to another system. Very convenient. --Kalpana Ettenson

Classy carryall: Belkin showed its slim notebook bag, called the Women's Tote. Finally, a notebook case that has a shred of style. --Rebecca Freed

Less impressive: Salient Technologies' two-button V-Mouse isn't your ordinary mouse. Its odd phallic shape made it difficult to grip, and its right and left click buttons are located in an awkward spot on the front. When not in use, the mouse can stand up on its own on the included magnetic mouse pad. The wired USB 2.0 mouse is available now for $42; a wireless model is scheduled to ship in six months for $85. --Alexandra Krasne

Quietly powerful: Case-and-component company Antec is showing the Phantom, a new noiseless power supply that doesn't have a fan. Shipping in April, it keeps its cool with heat sinks instead. --Harry McCracken

Picture perfect: Belkin wants to help you eliminate those unsightly plugs and cables hanging behind your home theater equipment with its PureAV line products. Its audio and speaker cables are designed to provide cleaner sound and better pictures, and its surge protectors safeguard your equipment and reduce line noise from components. Audio and speaker cables range from $10 to $45 and have 24-carat gold-plated connectors. Surge protectors offer fireproof plastic coaxial protection for HDTV, cable TV, or broadband cable. With support for six to nine outlets, devices range in price from $30 to $90; higher-end protectors start at $120. --Alexandra Krasne

Saving space: The thin look of LCDs is spreading to PC speakers, such as Aiwa's $149 UZ-US201 USB speaker. The one-piece, one-point speaker stands vertically to save space. You can place it in front of or behind your monitor. --Grace Aquino

Tools We're Talking About

Look, no hands: Intecs offers a microphone you wear around your neck. Using a piezoelectric-based microphone, the Lucy headset responds to the vibrations from your neck. Intecs also markets a Bluetooth version that might appeal to motorcyclists. --Andrew Eisner

Cut the cord: Jabra's Speakster is not just another Bluetooth headset. Instead, it wirelessly transforms any Bluetooth cell phone into a dynamic speakerphone for hands-free use in a car or a makeshift conference room. The two rechargeable AA batteries provide 10 to 15 hours of talk time and 20 to 30 days of standby time. It will retail for about $119 this April. --Michael Lasky

More Bluetooth buzz: GN Netcom is offering an ingenious wireless Bluetooth headset that works on both your landline and cell phone. The $299 GN 6110 Wireless Headset could push the still-floundering U.S. Bluetooth market into prime time. Attach the tiny receiver/charger to your wired phone and work hands-free, making or taking calls up to 30 feet away. If you don't have a Bluetooth cell phone, use it at home or the office. --Michael Lasky

Inking made easy: Everybody hates paying exorbitant prices for the ink jet cartridge replacements from printer vendors, but few want to deal with messy refill kits or poor printing by off-brand cartridges. A new refill system from Inke could be the answer. The $70 unit automatically refills your empty cartridge using air pressure and a $10 ink refill tank. --Tom Mainelli

Maybe it was something they ate: Tired of spending hours perfecting family photos on the PC, then seeing the kids' faces print out in green from your ink jet? Check out the Spyder from ColorVision. Once a $350 product for pros, it's now a more consumer-friendly $149, but works the same: It recalibrates your monitor so prints look the same as onscreen images (if you're using the printer's approved inks and paper). For cheapo inks and paper, ColorVision's $299 Print Fix package helps you calibrate your monitor by scanning your own printouts. --Tom Mainelli

Easy on the eyes: The 4-megapixel Kodak EasyShare LS743 is the most attractive and compact yet, featuring a good-size 1.8-inch LCD, and is affordable at $349. Also on display is the Casio QV-R51. This $399, 5-megapixel camera features a large 2-inch LCD--a very nice perk when you're viewing photos or framing shots on-screen. --Grace Aquino