Write And StoreIt's about time our USB drives do something useful besides just storing files--like writing, for instance. Brando Workshop's USB Flash Drive Laser Pen stores 512 Mbytes of data and even works as a laser pointer. (What, no MP3 player?) The $27 pens come in white, silver, and black. The drive sits inside the pen cap.
Safe, Not Sorry
The next time you travel abroad, carry your medical history with you on a 128-Mbyte USB drive. The $57 Medistick, designed by a Swiss company of the same name, carries your password-protected data in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, with a blank template for any other language. It's compatible with any Windows ME/2000/ XP computer, but not with Macs. One drive stores up to five histories, which can be updated.
Life, Online
Sony is gambling that wireless networks are so omnipresent, and instant messaging so popular, that consumers will pay $350 for a device to browse the Net, listen to music, view photos, and send IM and e-mail. The new mylo requires no monthly contract since it operates over open wireless networks.
Get Worldly
The back-to-school rush may have subsided, but there's one more item you may want to add to your child's arsenal: The SmartGlobe is a unique educational gadget that really makes learning fun. Oregon Scientific has programmed the $130 3-D interactive sphere with nearly 30 multiplayer games customized for three age groups, including adults. A USB connection updates content about world events.