Practicality in your pocket

Tom Rowe and Malachy Browne on some dinky little devices that can make everyday communication easier.

iTech Virtual Keyboard

The “Virtual Keyboard” from Golan Technology seems like a step into the future. This pocket-sized device projects a regular-sized keyboard onto any flat surface. The keyboard can be used with a variety of devices, including mobile phones, Pocket PCs or BlackBerrys. It is perfect for machines that come with tiny keyboards that are awkward for normal fingers to use. It requires your existing device to be capable of using Bluetooth.Apart from the technology, the best thing about the keyboard is how it looks in action. It will stop people in their tracks.

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WiFi Hotspot finder Essentially

Wi-Fi Hotspot Finder saves laptop users the trouble of having to power up their laptop to find a wireless network. At the press of a button, the keyring-sized gadget indicates the availability and strength of a wireless signal in the finder's immediate vicinity. Most private wireless networks are encrypted with secure network keys, but this accessory is useful should one require a wireless network in a hotel, airport or other public place that offers wireless services.  Care should be taken when passing sensitive information such as credit card details and passwords over open wireless networks as it is quite easy for fraudsters to target unsuspecting wireless users.

Swizzlestick

These days, the worst aspect of losing your mobile phone can be the loss of your contact numbers and photos. Rather than manually storing all these numbers on computer or paper, you can now use ‘Swizzlestick' to quickly download these numbers, as well as any photos or music, from your phone. It is compatible with most mobile phones and also acts as a normal memory stick. You can now rest easier in the pub, happy in the knowledge that your memory is safe at home.