Great gadgets,
gizmos and gotta-haves

by Tara Wood

So, in what's become Quest's pre-holiday season tradition, we present our annual holiday gift roundup.

This year we're featuring high-tech items. Some of these gift ideas boast the latest in assistive technology and are designed for people with disabilities. Others are designed for any consumer with an appreciation of the latest electronic wizardry.

Still others are intended to complement high-tech items that you may already have in your life, such as computers and cell phones.

Knowing that "high tech" can sometimes mean "high price," we've tried to present a wide range of prices and products, ranging from very useful to just pure fun.

In addition, we've included an article with tips about computer work station ergonomics (i.e., how to set up a place to use your computer that won't harm your health), with a sampling of products invented to enhance your ergonomic health.

Please keep in mind that it's not possible for us to list every retailer that carries these products. The Web sites can point you to dealers in your area, or you can sometimes purchase products from the manufacturers online. Always shop around to find the best deal!

Also, the prices listed are manufacturers' suggested retail prices, and can vary, depending on accessories, product features and dealer pricing.

Happy shopping!

Miracle Mouse — The Miracle Mouse uses head motion to control PC games and run any Windows application. $699.Maui Innovative Peripherals, www.maui-innovative.com.

Cordless Optical Track-Man — Said to be the first finger-operated trackball, this device features both optical and cordless technology. $69.95. www.logitech.com.

NaturalPoint Smart-Nav — About the size of a Webcam, the SmartNav sits on top of a computer monitor, or clips to a laptop

MACH-1 Assistive Technology Power Center — This device, mounted on a power wheelchair or scooter, contains a 24-volt battery power system that can be used to power computers or other devices when electrical outlets aren't handy. The product removes noise and regulates power spikes that can occur when the wheelchair battery is used to power devices.$595. www.assistivetechnologies.com or (800) 244-4906.

Gus Joystick Mouse — This software application enables a common joystick or game pad to control a computer cursor just as a mouse does. $85. www.gusinc.com or (866) 487-1006.

SAM-Joystick or SAM-Trackball, for Windows or Macintosh — This "switch-adapted mouse" functions as a regular mouse and a switch interface. It features click, double-click and drag switch inputs. $174 for Windows, $164 for Macintosh. www.rjcooper.com or (800) RJCooper (752-6673).

Palmtop Portable IMPACT — A 1-pound communication device offers all the features of similar, larger

Switcheroo — This large button functions to provide mouse clicks within any computer software. Accompanying software also allows the user to configure buttons to become keystrokes or mouse functions. $99 for Macintosh or PC. www.rjcooper.com or (800) RJCooper (752-6673).

Computer Accessories & Peripherals

The Notebook Necessity — Laptop covers and cases give your notebook style and personality. Some have carrying handles, and they boast styles from leather to leopard prints. Prices start at $22.95. www.notebookneeds.com or (866) 527-9727.

Computer toppers — This sleepy little angel is one of several toppers that can decorate your computer. The hand-glazed terra cotta angel is $29.99. Dragons, wizards, kokopelli and more start at $14.99. www.computergear.com or (800) 373-6353.

Laptop light — Plug this lightweight LED light into your computer's USB port and clip it to your laptop lid. Then bend or twist it to illuminate the keyboard. $29.99. www.computergear.com or (800) 373-6353.

FX100 Keyboard — This flexible, compact, water-resistant keyboard is designed to work with devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cell phones. These keyboards can be rolled up for travel and mobile use. Prices start at $59.95. www.man-machine.com or (301) 341-4900.

Entertainment

Audible.com — This Web site enables you to listen to books, magazines, radio and other audio entertainment. Audible's many options include burning your own CDs (3-month subscription is $44.85) or buying Audible's Otis digital audio player (the basic listener package includes player and a 3-month subscription for $135.95). www.audible.com or (888) 429-5575.

MP3 players — These small, portable devices play digital audio files. Consumers can choose players that offer varying

Digital Video Disc (DVD) players — The next generation of home video players ranges from entry-level machines that sell for about $100 to DVD changers that hold 300 DVDs and display an on-screen catalog ($600). Manufacturers include Sony, JVC, Magnavox, Panasonic and more.

Video Games — No matter what type of machine or computer your favorite game player uses, there are plenty of hot new video games for this holiday season. Titles include Madden 2003; Spy Hunter; Buffy the Vampire Slayer; SimCity4; Harry Potter; Lord of the Rings: the Two Towers; Crazy Taxi; and Grand Theft Auto III. Expect to pay $30 and up. Games are widely available at toy, electronic and discount stores, and from online sellers such as ebgames.com; DVDempire. com; www.jugalanga.com; and more.

For Fun and Convenience

B.I.O.-Bugs — Biomechanical Integrated Organisms are just some of the innovative "thinking" toys by Wow Wee. Use remote controller, or let them scamper about on their own and discover their environment. Voice-activated toys are also available, starting at $19.99. They're available at many toy, discount and department stores, or find out more at www.wowwee.com or (800) 327-8264.

Cell phone faceplates — Find a colorful plate for just about any phone on the market. Choose from flags, cartoon characters, zingy colors, team mascots and more. They start at $6.95. www.cellphones-accessories.com or (888) 782-7822.

Executive Flashing Pen —This pen flashes silently when it picks up the signal of an incoming cellular phone call (works with 800-to-1,900-megahertz phones). Many colors and styles are available, starting at $7.95. www.cellphones-accessories.com or (888) 782-7822.

Dialogue ER Ameriphone — This personal emergency response telephone is designed to alert family, caregivers or authorities to a crisis. It can amplify calls up to

Create-A-Pad — Print your own mousepads using any inkjet printer. Pads load the same as paper in the printer, have nonslip bottoms, and sensitive, tracking surfaces on top. A 3-sheet pack is $12 (online only) or 10 for $40. www.rjcooper.com or (800) RJCooper (752-6673).

Fossil Wrist PDA Palm — Download and store important data from your PDA, such as to-do lists and calendar, in this watch using

Quick Link Super Pen digital scanner — Capture printed text on the go with this hand-held scanner. Scan text one line at a time, then

SCOTTeVEST

Personal digital assistants (PDAs) — These hand-held pocket computers are super organizers that can merge data with your personal computer or even access e-mail or the Web. PDAs on the market can work with a variety of computer operating systems, and boast a growing number of amazing features. Popular brands include Compaq's iPAQ, Sony's Clié and Palm hand-helds. Start at about $250.

Thanks to Lown's Costumes of Tucson, Ariz., www.lownscostumes.com, for help with this article.