It also made calling easier with a voice command feature. Touch the microphone boom for a couple of seconds, then ask it to phone someone in your phone’s address book. The Voyager Pro even knew to ask whether to dial the home or work number.
And with an add-on service called Vocalyst you can have the Voyager Pro read your e-mails or the latest weather report out loud.
So much telephonic technology, and it’s comfy, too. Maybe I can get used to Bluetooth headsets after all.
AirStash Wireless Flash Drive by Maxell Corp. $149.99 at Amazon.com
Apple Inc.’s iPad is such a lovable device, powerful, elegant, and sleek. One reason: the features that Apple left out, like a port for inserting SD memory cards for extra data storage. Most iPad users don’t mind, but Maxell’s looking out for those who can never get enough. For you, there’s AirStash, a pricey but slick combination of flash memory and Wi-Fi.
You plug the AirStash into a computer’s USB port to charge up its battery and to copy any files you might need; documents, music, whatever will fit. Disconnect the AirStash, press its power switch, and it becomes a Wi-Fi hot spot. Simply connect to it in the usual way to gain access to the files stored therein. Up to three devices can connect to the AirStash simultaneously. Obviously, you’ll have to disconnect from your Internet router, but it’s only temporary, and a small price to pay for some extra storage.
Still, it’s very costly storage. AirStash holds just 8 gigabytes but costs $150. These days, an 8-gig thumb drive runs less than $10. But then, where are you going to plug that thumb drive in? Besides, someone has to pay for the AirStash’s battery and Wi-Fi chip. I just don’t think that someone will be me.
Wireless N Day/Night Network Camera by D-Link Corp. $99.88 at Amazon.com
Even from six miles away, I can see my bedroom’s a mess. You’ll have to take my word for it, but I know thanks to a smart little home surveillance camera from D-Link. The Wireless N Day/Night Network Camera lets you keep an eye on pretty much anything from pretty much anywhere. And it works pretty much any time, too, since the camera features infrared imaging. No lights? No problem.
Setup couldn’t be much easier. With many newer Internet routers, the entire process is wireless, though with older routers you can plug in the included Ethernet cable.
Once the camera’s installed, download an app for iPhones or Android devices and set up an account on D-Link’s online security monitoring site. Now you can easily check in on your most precious possessions, wherever you are.
