PowerbagRechargeable Backpacks

If you find yourself running out of battery power for your smartphone, cameras and other devices, check out the line of backpacks and messenger bags from Powerbag. It’s pretty much a charging system disguised in a cool-looking bag. Each bag comes with a built-in, lightweight, rechargeable and removable battery. It can connect up to four devices at a time using the included pre-routed connectors (1 micro, 1 mini, 1 Apple) and one USB port. The bag itself recharges by plugging into any standard wall outlet with the included AC Adapter. The battery inside the bag is powerful enough to charge a smartphone up to six times and can even top off most eReaders and tablets. MyPowerbag.com | $139.99

ZeroChroma Smartphone

CasesChances are you got a new iPhone or tablet for Christmas. I suggest wrapping it up again but in a protective case to prevent damage. Some newer case models do more like by propping up the device for easier viewing. ZeroChroma makes cases for the iPad, iPhone, Kindle and the Samsung Galaxy Tab 7. They do a nice job of protecting the device and allow you to use them in lap, table and angle modes. The cases have an ingenious rotating theater-stand that folds flat. Some of the rotating stands rotate up to 15 different angles for hands-free movies, FaceTime, gaming, email and everything else you do on your gadgets. Each case has an anti-slip rubber edge and stand tip to prevent slipping even if the surface isn’t level. Zerochroma.com | $25-50

Travel Vest by Scottevest

Linksys E4200 Home Networking Router
We have so many devices throughout our home and are just now finding ways to share content on them all. Wireless is the way to go and the Linksys E4200 Dual-Band Router is a must-have tool for high-speed media sharing. This sleek-looking router is thin, glossy black and can be placed anywhere throughout your home. Designed for optimum home theater performance, the router works with the latest entertainment devices including Internet TVs, iPads, game consoles, smart phones, eReaders and VoIP devices. The included software provides a simple three-step setup and network management tools such as parental controls and guest access. Now it is simple to stream music or video on your PC to most any device within range of the router.
$179 | homestore.cisco.com

Pandora/DMX Internet Radio
I remember making fun of Muzak-style songs piped into stores and elevators. Though it sometimes puts me to sleep, many businesses rely on services like this to enhance sales and stimulate customer senses. Pandora Internet Radio has partnered with consumer branding company DMX to create a personalized Internet radio solution for businesses. The DMX media player lets business owners play audio using a fully licensed music designed for their commercial setting. Car dealerships, medical offices, restaurants and coffee shops – among others – use this service to make shopping and listening experiences more pleasurable. Signing up for the service is done online. Once you receive the media player simply connect it to the Internet and activate it online. You can then create, play and refine your stations from any Internet browser.
DMX media player – $75 | Pandora Internet
Radio monthly service – $25 | dmx.com/pandora

Looxcie Wearable Video Cam
I first saw the Looxcie video cam about a year ago and got a kick out of the unique idea of wearing a small Bluetooth camera on your ear to capture everything that you see. It was a bit too large and heavy but I figured the second version would have more improvements. Ta-da! The new Looxcie 2 is lighter and easier to use so be careful if you see me wearing this; I may not be on the phone but rather capturing video of everything in my sight. It does act as a typical Bluetooth headset for hands-free phone conversation but primary use is for capturing hands-free video. This new model can store up to 10 hours of 320p video and has the capability of instantly sharing video clips with others via email, Facebook and Twitter. The coolest feature of the Looxcie is the free app that can be downloaded to an iPhone, iPad or Android smartphone. When Looxcie is connected to your Bluetooth smartphone the app acts as a viewfinder so you can see what the camera is capturing and then quickly edit the video. $179 | Looxcie.com

Michael Garfield is known as “The High-Tech Texan®.” His radio program airs on The 9-5-0 weekdays from 10am-12pm and Saturdays 11am-2pm. Visit his website at www.hightechtexan.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @hightechtexan.

iSafe Backpack with Alarm

Hardware theft continues to be rampant and it is important to protect your laptop, tablet and other gear when traveling. A company called iSafe has patented several lines of backpacks and bags to alert you if that all-important bag leaves your side. The iSafe Collegiate Laptop Backpack comes with a two-speaker alarm and a red strobe light that flashes when a cord is pulled. Perfect for college students and worldwide travelers, one simply needs to carry the bag with a few fingers on the alarm pin. If the bag is pulled away from the owner, a deafening siren should scare off the mugger and alert passersby within a few hundred yards. The alarm-equipped bags also come sized in school backpacks for younger kids and messenger bags. $79.98 | isafebags.com

Iomega iPhone Backup & Charger

Speaking of lost or stolen items, can you imagine what you would do if your iPhone went missing? Family, friends and business contacts may be lost forever. That is why the Iomega Superhero iPhone Backup & Charger could be invaluable. This cradle sits on your counter and plugs into your wall outlet. Just insert your iPhone and it will automatically back up your contacts and other information while recharging the battery at the same time. A progress bar lets you know when your backup is complete. If your iPhone is lost or stolen, you can easily restore your contacts and photos from the SD card included in the Iomega Superhero and put them on your new iPhone.$70 | iomega.com

LG G-SlateI

t’s another month so that means at least one new tablet was launched. LG entered the booming category owned by Apple’s iPad with its first tablet, the G-Slate. Partnering with T-Mobile, the LG G-Slate is the first 4G Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)-powered tablet from the two companies. The 8.9-inch, 3D-capable, multi-touch display delivers a fast mobile experience including the ability to record 3D and full HD video via its dual 5MP rear-facing cameras – a unique feature in the current tablet realm. The device is a bit heavy at 1.37 pounds but the speed of the dual core processor makes it worth carrying around the device and using it for everyday tasks. $529 after rebates and with a 2-year wireless plan t-mobile.com

foxL Pocket-Sized Stereo Speaker

We love listening to our music when out with our iPods and mp3 players, but sometimes you want to share your tunes instead of rocking out with your headphones. foxL is a tiny portable Bluetooth speaker for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android or other Bluetooth devices. About the size of a Snickers bar, the foxL brings music to picnics, the beach or any place. Created by a former NASA audio engineer, the foxL speaker has impressive bass sounds and hits the high notes quite smoothly. The speaker can also be used as a speaker phone for phone calls, which makes this a very versatile product. $199 | soundmatters.com

Michael Garfield is known as “The High-Tech Texan®.” His radio program airs on The 9-5-0 weekdays from 10am-12pm and Saturdays 11am-2pm. Visit his website at www.hightechtexan.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter @hightechtexan.

Nintendo 3DS

If televisions can go 3D, then why not video games? But you don’t need glasses to enjoy fun on the move with the latest from Nintendo. Its new 3DS system brings a new level of depth to games such as Nintendogs + Cats and Steel Driver. Gamers can customize the 3D effect with a special depth slider control. The interactivity is amazing and some of the characters seem to literally jump out of the screen. 3D versions of Madden NFL, Mario Kart and Zelda are on the way. You can also snap 3D pictures with this dual-screen device and make your own Mii characters. I know it is a hit as I haven’t seen my 14-year-old son in days. $249 | www.Nintendo.com

Casio TRYX

With a 12.1-megapixel sensor and a 3-inch rotating LCD touchscreen, Casio’s TRYX creates a new category. Point, smile, watch and click. The swiveling body lets you see yourself in the frame and snap a well-composed self-portrait. The camera body also functions as a tripod when swiveled. As with most digital cameras, the TRYX can record 1080p HD video and the quality looks great. The pre-loaded software makes it very simple for sharing photos on Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.

$249 | www.Casio.com

Samsung Suede with Muve Music

Music continues to be an integral part of our lives, but downloading a song at 99 cents a pop can get pricey. Cricket Wireless figured out a way to appease music fans with a new cell phone with unlimited music downloads. Launched in early April, the Samsung Suede has a 3-inch touchscreen face and packs a 3-megapixel camera and camcorder. But it’s the large music note button that sets this gadget apart from others. Muve Music is the service Cricket created that allows for unlimited music downloads. The music libraries are well-stocked with hits and recommended tracks, and the My DJ portal helps grab tunes by a range of genres. All this music – plus unlimited talk, text email and web browsing – for just $55 a month makes this a winner.

$149 | $55/month for unlimited music,

talk, text, email, web www.MyCricket.com

Iogear Wireless On-Lap Keyboard

More people are surfing the web in their living and media rooms thanks to Internet-ready HDTV monitors. It is a bit tough to type on a remote control so you may want to try a wireless keyboard that rests on your lap. Iogear has such a device that is compatible with your PC, game console and HDTV. The 2.4-GHz Wireless On-Lap Keyboard lets you type up to 33 feet from your entertainment center. The keyboard is designed with comfort in mind; a contoured back helps it rest comfortably on your lap and a slip-resistant rubber grip will keep it in place. Shortcut keys provide quick access to your favorite apps and websites.

$75 | www.iogear.com

SensoGlove

I will take any advantage I can on the golf course. But I didn’t realize a glove could improve my swing until I tried the SensoGlove during my last round. This golf glove has built-in sensors that constantly read the pressure of your grip. A built-in computer actively monitors your grip with sensors placed strategically throughout the glove, providing instant feedback at all the points of your swing. Audio feedback warns you at the moment your grip becomes too tight, allowing you to learn and maintain correct grip pressure at every point of your swing. It took me a while to get used to the feedback but I quickly learned when I gave up my death grip for the proper lighter grip. Fore! $89 | www.SensoGlove.com

iBike Dash

Cycling Computer . Great weather means getting outside to exercise. If you bike, then the new iBike Dash CC (Cycling Computer) is for you. It’s a lightweight wireless bicycle computer system that turns any iPhone or iPod Touch into your own personal fitness trainer. The compact (3.2oz) device is easy to install and takes your biking from leisure to fitness. It measures your speed, power, heart rate, wind speed, time, trip, elevation and calories to become healthier and fitter. The iBike Dash CC includes a free iBike app which features customizable tools, from simple speedometers to workout programs. The app is displayed on the iPhone or iPod touchscreen with easy-to-read graphics and animation. The iBike Dash CC not only is a virtual trainer but also a co-pilot and navigator as it uses the iPhone’s GPS, map and weather capabilities to enhance the biking experience. $199 | www.iBikeDash.com

iGrill Wireless Thermometer

I love to grill but my impatience sometimes takes me away from the burgers and chicken. Recently I have been looking at my smartphone to monitor when the meat is just right. The iGrill is revolutionizing the way I cook and grill today and I won’t play chef without it. This device is a grilling/cooking thermometer that offers an app that can be used with your Android phone or iPhone. It communicates with your phone via Bluetooth, so you won’t have to worry about those messy wires. Plug the probe of the device into your chosen meat and then connect the device to your smartphone. The beauty of this thermometer is that you’ll be able to keep an eye on the temperature of your grill while you’re around the house entertaining your guests. $99 | www.iGrill.com

Energizer Inductive Charger

Cords and cables are so 20th century. You can now keep your desk or kitchen counter clutter-free when charging your smartphone. The Energizer Inductive Charger provides a simple way to juice up an iPhone or BlackBerry by simply laying them on the charger – a glossy, flat, black pad. Two devices can be charged simultaneously and a USB port on the side of the pad allows for another device to be, well, plugged in. This advanced technology features Qi (pronounced chee), the new universal standard for inductive charging. Each smartphone does need a separately-sold sleeve which doubles as a protective case.The device charges gadgets at about the same rate as other charging options. But it is easier – and cooler – to toss down your smartphone on a pad instead of finding the proper cord and plugging it in.

$89 (charging pad) | $35 (iPhone/BlackBerry charging sleeve) | energizer.com/inductive

MicroVision Mini Projector

Smartphones are great devices to look at photos and videos. But if you want to share those memories with others you really don’t want them huddling over your shoulder. Bring on one of the world’s smallest projectors. The MicroVision SHOWWX+ is about the size of a smartphone and can connect to an iPhone, iPad and iPod Apps with TV-Out. It also works with MacBook and other laptops via a VGA dock. Once connected you can enjoy movies, photos, presentations and streaming video up to 100” in image size. It projects on any surface without having to refocus and the image is pretty spectacular. The projector weighs just 4.3oz with battery that lasts about two hours. That sure beats schlepping around a heavy projector and cables like back in the old days.

$399 | microvision.com

Epson Stylus NX625 All-in-One

Printers continue to get smarter, faster and do more things. Epson ups the ante with its Stylus NX625 printer/scanner/copier.   With built-in WiFi, multiple users can conveniently share one printer. This all-in-one also prints from mobile devices (including the iPhone), offers two-sided printing, boasts a 2.5-inch color LCD and built-in memory card slots for PC-free printing. I have been impressed with Epson’s DURABrite Ultra ink that is water, fade and smudge resistant. Its footprint is small enough to leave a lot of extra space on your desktop as it measures 17” wide and 14” deep. Epson claims this is the world’s fastest all-in-one, spitting out 15 ppm (black) and 7 ppm (color). This is a great device for families and students at an affordable price.

$149 | Epson.com

Dell Streak 7

Another tablet device is on the market to try and unseat the reign of the iPad. While the Dell Streak 7 won’t outsell Apple’s device it does offer some unique – if not better – options. This is the first tablet designed for T-Mobile’s 4G network and the connection is very speedy when used within T-Mobile’s 4G footprint. It uses the Android 2.2 operating system with a 5-paned home screen for quick access to your favorite apps. Unlike the iPad, the Dell Streak 7 has two built-in cameras including a front-facing webcam for video chatting. The rear-facing camera has a digital and optical zoom, and LED flash, and can shoot HD video. It comes preloaded with T-Mobile TV with access to live and on-demand TV and Qik Video Chat that works on the 4G network and Wi-Fi. And to one-up the iPad it has an SD Card slot to expand the memory.

$200 (with a 2-year T-Mobile contract) | $450 (no contract) | t-mobile.com