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Gift Guide:PC Accessories
By Staff, posted 12/3/2003 11:05:21 AM

Belkin Mini-Wireless Optical Mouse http://www.hubcanada.com/Belkin
Estimated price: $75
Take a standard mouse, shave off some weight and size, eliminate the ball, and cut the cord. That pretty much describes Belkin's Mini-Wireless Optical Mouse -- no ball, no cord, and about one-third the size of a standard mouse. A USB Radio Frequency module that plugs into the computer (it comes with a USB extension cable) communicates with the mouse at distances of up to a 90 cm. The mouse, while small, is quite comfortable to use and has a scroll wheel and a rubbery coating that improves grip. It's powered by two AAA batteries, and has an off-on switch on the bottom for conserving battery power. --David Tanaka

Humanscale CPU Dolly http://www.hubcanada.com/humanscale
Estimated price: $196
One of the best solutions to desktop clutter is moving your computer under your desk (it helps muffle the fan noise, too). One way to do that is with a CPU stand -- preferably on casters. Not only do the wheels make it easier to clean under the desk, it makes it easier to access the computer's cables. Humanscale's steel CPU dolly is more expensive than most, but it's also one of the lightest, sturdiest, and best-designed out there. Its base accommodates tower-style CPUs up to 22.8 cm wide, and its adjustable handle makes it a snap to put even a 62 cm-long CPU on without fear of tipping. Best of all is the simple mechanism that uses the computer's own weight to hold it securely in place -- just put it on the dolly and you're done. --Emru Townsend

Samsung SyncMaster 191T Plus http://www.hubcanada.com/Samsung
Estimated price: $1,180
If you want a bigger monitor but don't want to use up a lot of your desktop space, check out the SyncMaster 191T Plus, which handles both analogue and digital video signals. The screen itself pivots between landscape and portrait, the whole thing swivels in place, and the screen's height can be adjusted. And of course, since it's a Samsung TFT display, the picture is fabulous. --SC

Zboard interchangeable keyboard system http://www.hubcanada.com/Ideazon
The Zboard (think "zee" instead of "zed" and it'll all make sense) is such a simple idea it's surprising it wasn't done before: unlike a standard keyboard, the Zboard consists of a base unit and removable keyboard components that can be swapped out for other configurations. It may be as simple as a module that's relabeled to show you Photoshop or Excel commands right on the keys themselves, or as involved as reconfiguring the keyboard to include huge cursor buttons and regrouped function keys specific to some of your favourite games. There are currently keyboard inserts for eight different productivity applications and seven different game titles (with more to come). Ideazon also has a generic gaming keyboard called the Zboard Crossfire, which is designed to be used with many different games. The good news is that whichever keyboard insert you choose, all you have to do is pop it into place, and the software reconfigures the keyboard layout automatically.
Zboard base: $27;
Gaming keysets: $15 to $20;
Application keysets: $20 to $55;
Base and basic keyboard starter kit: $40 --SC

Logitech QuickCam Orbit http://www.hubcanada.com/Logitech
Estimated price: $225
If you don't live close to friends or family, Web cameras are a great way to stay in touch, allowing you to see each other while chatting online. With most Webcams, though, if you lean to one side or the other, you may just lean out of the image frame. Rather than spending all your time repositioning the camera, take a look at the QuickCam Orbit. The camera module sits on top of a 22 cm stand, and you can set up the camera to pan and tilt automatically when you move using the Face-Tracking feature. The camera captures still images up to 1.3-megapixel, video at resolutions up to 640x320 (including up to 320x240 live streaming in compatible instant messaging programs like MSN and Yahoo), and audio from the built-in microphone. It connects to your computer via USB and is compatible with both Windows (Me, 2000, XP) and Mac (OS X 10.1.5+). --SC