A new kind of high-powered graphics, brain-wave computing, ultimate mousing, the super-saver surge strip and Radar O’Reilley’s cans
HP Pavilion dv2800t Artist Edition Laptop
shopping.hp.com; $1,129
The colorful graphics plastered on the case of HP’s newest notebook were created by 20-year-old Joao Oliveira of Porto, Portugal. His design, titled “Asian Odyssey,” bested more than 8,500 other entrants in the “Take Action. Make Art” contest conducted by HP and MTV. The notebook itself is a limited edition of HP’s popular Pavilion series, sporting a Centrino Duo processor, optional HDMI output and a high-def 14.1-inch screen. Four runner-up designs will also be available as decorative skins for laptop owners looking for some flash.
Razer Salmosa Mouse
razerone.com; $40
With an 1,800-dpi infrared sensor on the bottom of its minimalist black chassis, the Salmosa is built for speed. At maximum sensitivity, it’s capable of executing movements about 2½ times as fast as a regular, optical mouse, which can come in very handy in the fast twitch-intensive world of PC games. Even with three additional, customizable buttons, the Salmosa is still one of the lightest units in its class, which is a benefit for anyone regularly using a mouse more than a few hours a day.
Emotiv Epoc Neuroheadset
emotiv.com; $300
Fast thumbs are the mark of a true gamer, but Emotiv is trying to change that. The Neuroheadset, available later this year, observes complex signals sent by the brain and translates them into on-screen action. It uses noninvasive electroencephalography (EEG) to pick up both the user’s thoughts as well as his or her unconscious emotions. The result is an incredibly immersive computer interaction, which could eventually prove useful to the military or even the disabled. But most important, it’ll be great for showing up people who won’t quit bragging about their Wii.
Belkin Conserve Surge Protector
belkin.com; $50
Turning off your computer monitor or flat-panel TV when not in use is a step toward energy conservation, but if your gadgets are still plugged in, they’re sucking power in standby mode. The Conserve remedies that by giving six of its eight outlets the ability to be completely shut off, which cuts down on both costs and carbon emissions. The whole set-up is controlled by a wireless remote so you can do your part for Mother Nature without having to crawl under the desk.
Sony PFR-V1 Personal Field Speakers
sonystyle.com; $500
Serious audiophiles often have difficulty finding headphones that live up to the experience of their home systems, but Sony’s radical – and downright ugly; didn’t Gary Berghoff wear these in “M*A*S*H”? – Personal Field Speakers split up sound by frequency in an effort to produce killer audio. Bass is created by metal “extended bass reflex ducts,” which are inserted into the ear. Highs and mids come from spherical speakers that float in front of the ear. The result is an ultra-crisp signal that sounds like it’s coming from directly in front of the user. Unfortunately, they allow everyone around you to hear your tunes, so think twice before taking them on the train.