I guess you could say that I’m a gadget-loving kind of girl. If there is something out there that can make my business run smoother at the click of the button, I want to know about it!
I compiled the following list of cool techy items that will definitely help your biz this coming year. I know that a lot of people are techno-phobes, so I’ve included things that are pretty low-tech, as well as mind-blowing.. (Seriously! The last one is pretty cool…)
If there’s one thing on this list that I do hope you invest in, it is the Maxtor USB Powered Hard Drive. I’m sure you all remember the episode of Sex And The City where Carrie’s computer crashed and since she wasn’t backing up her work, she suffered the “oh, what the hell am I going to do now???” panic attack…
Now, I know that many people are using the USB stick drives as a storage solution for some things, but if you want to back up your system or all of your music, photos, etc, you’ll need something big… Maxtor USBs come in capacities up to 320GB. Do you realize how much storage space that is? We’re talking up to 5,330 hours of digital music, 102,400 digital photos, 320 hours of digital video, 80 – two-hour DVD quality movies…
If you’re on the go, don’t worry. They are about the size of a couple decks of cards, so you can easily put them in your laptop bag. They are also really cute, as they come in a bunch of different colors including Cobalt, Topaz, and Granite.
They range in price from $129.99 to $179.99 depending on how much storage space you purchase. I know that is a chunk of change, but it’s more than worth it when you know your data is backed up and secure! You can pick one up at Best Buy.
If you have a lot of passwords to remember, are worried about computer fraud or just want to look like an under cover spy, check out the Eikon To Go from Upek
It’s very tiny so it will fit into your pocket or purse without a problem. You just put it into your USB drive and you’re good to go. It will remember all of your passwords for you, from your email to your bank account, as well as lock up any documents you don’t want others to have access to. It will work on a PC or a MAC and is available for under $50 through Amazon
I think that Bluetooth headsets are the way to go if you are on your cell phone a lot (you may think you are an awesome driver while balancing your phone and coffee against the steering wheel, but guess what? you’re not). The problem for me is that I’m soft spoken. And I don’t want to sit around, yelling my effin’ head off to get my message across.
If you have experienced similar problems, check out Jawbone Bluetooth Headset 
Now, I have Verizon, so I have ‘the network’ behind and sometimes that just isn’t enough help with an ordinary Bluetooth headset. With The Jawbone, I can talk on my cell hands free, and I don’t have to constantly ask “can you hear me now??”
If you are afraid of technology, you’ll still be able to use this. It only has 2 buttons. You can handle that! This retails for $129.99 and is available at Best Buy as well as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Or if you want to save some money, check out the sale that Amazon
I realize that many people own Mp3 players simply because they want to listen to music, but I look at my iPod as a business tool, as well. That’s why I love the iCarPlay 250 by Monster
So why am I all hyped up about this? And why do I consider it a business gadget? Well, I have a whole collection of business audios on my iPod and with this gadget, I can listen to ‘em while I drive around. You gotta’ admit, it’s pretty impressive to say you learned a new business tip while picking up a loaf of bread. (and don’t forget I have a business focused podcast that you can listen to in your car with the help the iCarPlay!)
If you are one of the ‘cool kids’ who happen to own an iPhone, you can use the iCarPlay to go hands free! Not to mention that this little gem will also charge your iPod / iPhone. The list price for this is just under $100, but at the time of my writing this, Amazon
Speaking of keeping things charged, I recommend putting the iGo Everywhere 
The iGo is a universal adapter with interchangeable tips. You just switch the tip on the end for whatever device you need charged, from your cell phone to your iPod, etc. It’s a lot cheaper to just buy the tips you need than to buy separate chargers for each one, and it also saves much more space. It retails for $39.99 but again, at the time I’m writing this, Amazon
If you’re looking for a way to keep your iPod charged while listening to it without headphones, check out the iP27 Portable Travel Alarm Clock from iHome.
This is an alarm clock, of course, and the sleek, space saving design will look good on your night stand. Personally, I find that setting your alarm to your favorite song will definitely make getting up in the morning a much more enjoyable experience! The retail price is $79.99 but Amazon
If you are one of the ‘cool kids’ with an iPod Touch or an iPhone, Pogo iPhone Stylus
The Pogo Stylus also allows you to display a bit of your fashion sense, as it comes in four colors, cranberry, black, silver and gunmetal. You can pick one up from Amazon
This next idea is perfect for those of you who are bit slow to embrace technology, especially when it comes to smartphones. It’s the Peek Mobile Email Device
It retails for $99.95 and requires a monthly service fee of $19.95 to actually send and receive the email. There are no contracts or hidden fees with the service plan, so if you’re afraid of commitment, you don’t have to be scared of Peek. Again, you can pick this up at Amazon
However, I must say that if you are comfortable with technology (and commitment), you may as well get a smartphone. For as slim as the Peek is, it’s still another thing to carry. If you’re okay with operating a phone that can handle email, use that instead.
Now I said the last had some “wow” power … It’s the Kindle: Amazon’s Wireless Reading Device
There’s no doubt that they are impressive. It can hold 200 books, all on its own. You can also buy SD cards and use those to store more books. The Kindle only weighs 10.3 oz so you can literally have a huge library of books in less space than a normal book takes up!
The screen is easy to read and The Kindle is relatively simple to use. You don’t need a computer, cables, or anything special. You don’t have to subscribe to a monthly contract or anything!
The Kindle
You can also get leading U.S. magazines and newspapers, as well as some foreign newspapers – and even some blogs delivered to your Kindle. You’ll also have access to Wikipedia.org, plus the ability to email your Word documents and pictures to your Kindle. A downside is that it does not have a color screen.
The Kindle