LaCie RuggedKey
Just because it's a flash drive doesn't mean it's impervious to damage. Protect your mission-critical data when traveling while storing it on a LaCie RuggedKey ($40-$70). Available in 16GB and 32GB capacities, these speedy USB 3.0 thumb drives come encased in Neil Poulton's distinctive orange rubber design, and support AES 256-bit data encryption to keep your data safe from non-external threats.
AirSlab
Yes, we know the new Retina MacBook Pro has asymmetrical fan blades to cut down on noise — but ideally, those fans wouldn't be kicking on at all. That's where the AirSlab ($50) comes in. Crafted in the US from full grain Walnut veneer or Baltic Birch, each one is made to fit Apple's 13- or 15-inch portables, and sports a bevy of perfect circular holes to promote cooling, as well as cork feet to attach for desk use — which also means that it's great for keeping the heat away from the boys when your using it on your lap.
Leap Motion Control Device
Forget Kinect — if you're looking for a way to control your computer via natural movements, look no farther than the Leap Motion Control Device ($70). Based on proprietary technology, this sleek, compact motion sensor sits on your desk in front of your monitor, creating a 3D interaction space of 8 cubic feet that is 200X more accurate than anything else on the market — the difference between waving your arm and signing PDFs in the air with an actual pencil.
Aviiq Ready Clips
Tired of carrying a tangled mess of charging cables in your bag? Let Aviiq Ready Clips ($20-$30) straighten things out for you. These pen-sized cables feature a built-in clip that holds them securely in place, a flat, tangle-free cord, a standard USB plug on one end, and your choice of mini USB, micro USB, or Apple 30-pin connectors on the other, ensuring that there's one to work with your device of choice. [Scouted by Alfonso]
Timberland Earthkeepers Casco Bay Canvas Shoe
Prepare for casual summer days with Timberland's® Earthkeepers® Casco Bay Canvas Shoe. These lightweight, laid-back kicks will add a stylish pop of color to any no-sock, warm-weather look. Choose either a fun slip-on style or the one-eye moccasin style, with a choice of four colorways ranging from blueberry to poppy. See the entire collection here.
USB Bracelet
Is it jewelry? Or a computer peripheral? Actually, the USB Bracelet (€30; roughly $40) is a little of both. Made in Scandinavia, It features a silver and gold metal, 2GB thumb drive that serves as the clasp for a 4mm real braided leather cord. Available in black, brown, and beige, it sure beats that gold microprocessor necklace you bought last year.
Logitech M600 Touch Mouse
Are you a Windows user that's secretly wished for a PC-centric Magic Mouse to help you through the day? The Logitech M600 Touch Mouse ($70) might just be what you're looking for. Sporting a large touch surface, it lets you scroll and swipe your way through webpages, files, photos, and more, while an optical sensor provides plenty of accuracy, and a tiny receiver creates a solid 2.4 GHz wireless connection for the M600 and up to 5 other devices.
Level 10 M Mouse
BMW's cars are generally pretty elegant, so we'll forgive you if you fail to see the car maker's influence on the Level 10 M Mouse ($TBA). The latest result of the collaboration between Thermaltake and BMW's Designworks USA, the M Mouse is designed to go great with the Level 10 PC Case, and sports a highly breathable design, a wired connection to eliminate lag, side A, B and trigger buttons, and an overall look that should be far more attractive to hardcore gamers than owners of 5-series sedans.
Samsung Series 9 Monitors
Sammy's been in the news a lot lately for ripping off Apple's designs, but it's giving the boys from Cupertino a run for their money with these new Samsung Series 9 Monitors ($1,200 and up). Sporting an ultra-sleek aluminum design, the Series 9 features quad high-definition (QHD) resolution, professional-grade Plane Line Switching technology, anti-glare, edge-to-edge glass displays, height-adjustable stands, and round bases which house a plethora of connections, including DisplayPort, Dual Link DVI, HDMI, MHL, and USB, along with 7W stereo speakers. Arriving on a desktop near you in March.
Levitatr Bluetooth Keyboard
How do you keep a keyboard's keys from scratching everything in your bag as you tote it around? You flatten them out, of course. The Levitatr Bluetooth Keyboard ($100-$110) brings this idea to fruition, with elevating, LED-backlit keys that raise up when they're needed and retreat into the stealth black surface when they're not. Other features include a rechargeable Li-ion battery, a built-in kickstand, and an anodizer aluminum silver or black chassis.
Crypteks USB Drive
Have a penchant for puzzles and some data that no one else needs to see? Keep it secure on the Crypteks USB Drive ($130-$160). This hardcore portable drive features a precision-crafted aluminum mechanical lock that offers up 14,348,907 possible combinations that you can customize to keep your data concealed in 256-bit AES Hardware Encryption. A perfect stocking stuffer for the secretive and security-obsessed.
Glass Multi-Touch Keyboard & Mouse
And you thought Apple's input devices were minimal. This Glass Multi-Touch Keyboard & Mouse ($350) uses infrared LEDs placed at the edge of the glass — in conjunction with one or more cameras — to detect your touches on the completely clear tempered glass surface. Other features include Bluetooth support, rechargeable lithium polymer batteries, tactile sounds and lighting that can be disabled at your desire, and solid metal bases that'll look great next to your rig, be it a PC or Mac.
Prop Laptop Stand
Speaking of Kickstarter, it's also been a terrific proving grounds for innovative laptop stands. The Prop Laptop Stand ($18) is no exception, designed to be portable and affordable without compromising style, the Prop consists of two lovingly curved pieces of responsibly-sourced plastic, which promote better typing angles and increased air circulation, all while accommodating laptops up to 17-inches in size.
