Pivot Power
$29.99; quirky.com/products/44
You’re not just buying a power strip that goes around corners, you’re buying a story! Jake Zein of Milwaukee, WI, who designed the Pivot Power via the web community Quirky.com, has made half a million dollars in a year with this gadget.
Who for: Cable guys
3 of 6
Samsung SUR40 with Microsoft PixelSense
$8,400 (display only), $9,049 (with legs); samsung.com
If the toddler’s got a tablet, then why shouldn’t Mom or Dad have a Samsung table for the home office? This 40-inch screen sees and responds to touch and real-world objects, supporting more than 50 simultaneous inputs. It’s basically a light table that makes demos utterly memorable.
Who for: CEOs
4 of 6
Iomega EZ Media & Backup Center
$169.99-$279.99 (1TB to 3TB); amazon.com, go.iomega.com
Hey, you, get offa that cloud! Having second thoughts about entrusting all your precious files to a server farm owned by data miners? The Iomega EZ Media & Backup Center lets you keeps it local by storing up to 3TB right there on your desk.
Who for: Everyone and everything
5 of 6
Jabra Solemate Portable Speaker
$159.99; Best Buy, bestbuy.com, jabra.com
Here’s a speaker you can splash and drop without dire consequences. Works with Bluetooth or standard 1/4-inch cable. Also works as a speakerphone.
Who for: Budget audiophiles
6 of 6
iClooly Phonestand Plus
$39.95; amazon.com, iclooly.co.kr
This stylish metal stand turns your smart phone into something anyone could use to avoid the dreaded Salesman’s Neck or hang-up-by-cheek.
Who for: Grandparents, architects
