Ergonomic Notebook Stand with USB 2.0 Hub (ENS-USB), from APC

Price: About $100

What it does : This is an amalgamation of several devices, including a docking station for a notebook (when used in the "up" position you can eliminate an external monitor and use the notebook's display as your monitor), a notebook cooling device (when the notebook is elevated, heat is dissipated better), a USB 2.0 hub (the device gives four extra ports to the notebook) and an ergonomic device (a two-step height adjustment can help reduce back and neck strains).

Why it's cool: Think of this as a converged device for your notebook. If you're looking for a device that will cool your notebook, it succeeds. If you're looking to save some space on your desktop you can use the notebook's display as your monitor while adding an external keyboard. The addition of four extra USB 2.0 ports (two on the back of the stand, one on each side) is the icing on the cake. If you're always running out of USB ports with your notebook, having the extra ports means you don't have to unplug your peripherals.

Ergonomic settings are difficult to judge (we're not medical experts), although this device lets you place your notebook in three different positions to help relieve muscle strain. We found that we could comfortably work on a coffee table in our living room with the notebook in the flat position. Moving the notebook to the other two positions on the stand would be good for use on a desktop, and would require the external keyboard.

Grade:        (out of five)

Powerline Ethernet Adapter, from Belkin

Price: About $100.

What it does: The adapter connects your computer via Ethernet cable to a home network through any power outlet. When one adapter is used with the computer and the other adapter is connected to a router, the PC can connect to the Internet. The adapters also can be used to connect two computers to each other through the power-line system within a house. Anywhere you have a power outlet, you can connect a PC to a network via the power-line adapter.

Why it's cool: We love how the adapter quickly plugs into any power outlet on the wall (Belkin recommends not plugging it into a power surge protector, though) and does it through Ethernet (we love using Ethernet more than USB cables, which other adapters use). The adapter connected to our network rather quickly and easily, and the configuration utility lets us set up a 56-bit encrypted power-line network quite simply. Giving your network the ability to expand beyond wireless (let's face it, some areas don't do wireless well) makes this a worthy investment.