Published: January 17, 2006
By S. E. Slack, author and technology expert

Couldn't make it to the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas? That's okay - I put on my running shoes and toured it to find the top five office items you won't be able to live without in 2006.

With more than 2,500 exhibitors from 100 countries to review, it soon became obvious that a lot of them were simply putting a new twist on an old idea and trying to pass it off as a cool new "must have" for this year. I looked past the glitz and glamour right into the heart of the matter: If a product didn't make your job at least a little easier, it didn't make our list.
1. Babble
2. LaserKey 850
3. Wow Pen
4. Maxtor
5. DriveSync

 

 

3. Wow Pen
Maybe you've seen those pen devices that act as optical mice. I had, and I wasn't impressed. Somehow, they just seemed a bit too awkward to use and the tiny tip was scratchy and irritating. But a little Korean company called Waawoo got me excited about a new product called the Wow-Pen Eco (and its corresponding wireless version, the Wow-Pen Traveler). 

This portable optical mouse is easier to hold than the other pen devices I've tried, and it combines the pen-like shape with a broader base that is effortless to grasp and move. While not currently available for lefties, the Wow-Pen can be used on any flat surface and is designed for control by the index and middle fingers. The index finger runs the right and left mouse button, while the middle finger controls the scrolling wheel. The design means that you are more prone to grasping the device with your fingers than your hand and arm, which reduces fatigue and helps eliminate carpal tunnel strain.

When you aren't using it, the device simply stands by itself wherever you leave it. A nice bonus to this product is optional presentation and handwriting software, which allows you to handwrite on a variety of applications.

The Wow-Pen Traveler works in 2.4 GHZ environments up to 50 meters and both versions are silver nano embedded, which offers the latest in anti-bacterial properties. Both items are expected to be available soon in a variety of colors through the company's Web site, WowPen, for between $40-$75 USD.

 

 

 

 

 

S.E. Slack
S. E. Slack is a writer and author with more than 17 years of experience in business writing. She specializes in technology, with an emphasis on "de-gunking" technology so the masses can both understand and use it. Slack has written numerous articles for small- and medium-sized businesses, appearing internationally in business magazines and online business sites. She has also been an executive and business transformation communications consultant to IBM, Lenovo International, and State Farm Insurance Cos. Her books include The Financial Advisor's Guide to the Microsoft Office System, The Accountant's and Auditor's Guide to the Microsoft Office System, The Financial Analyst's Guide to the Microsoft Office System, and A Public Relations Survival Kit.