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1. Asus Eee ultraportable notebook
The Asus Eee is small – very small in fact. It’s about the size of a paperback book and weighs less than 1kg so you can easily slip it into a bag and carry it anywhere. Despite its dinky dimensions, the Eee is a proper computer running a version of the open-source Linux operating system rather than Windows. There’s plenty of built-in software, including word processor, internet browser, e-mail and spreadsheet programmes, along with games and media playing applications. However, adding more programmes is tricky unless you’re technically minded.

The 7-inch screen is clear and bright – though its small size means you have to scroll around big web pages or documents – and the device also includes three USB2 ports, a webcam, stereo speakers and Wi-Fi, but there’s no Bluetooth which is a shame. While the keyboard is tiny, after a bit of practice you can type reasonably well unless you’ve got sausage fi ngers. Battery life is acceptable at about 3.5 hours.

You wouldn’t want the Eee as your main machine – it’s too cramped for extended use, it’s relatively slow, there’s limited storage space and the lack of Windows could be a problem – but as a go-anywhere alternative to a full-size laptop it’s perfect.

2. SpaceNavigator controller
This is one of those gadgets that you didn’t know you needed until you’ve tried it. It’s a tilting / twisting / zooming wheel for PCs and Macs that can make using some programs easier and more intuitive.
The SpaceNavigator plugs into a spare USB port and its pleasantly weighty and high-quality feel belies its relatively modest price. You can use it with a large number of different programmes – mainly design and 3D applications – though one of the best uses is as a controller for Google Earth, the immensely popular satellite image viewer.

As an addition to a mouse, the SpaceNavigator works very well and the ability to control three dimensions with just one device is impressive. The gadget is configurable and even works in Microsoft Word, making zooming and scrolling particularly quick.

3. Data Modem
Laptop computers are great for web surfing and email on the go, but fi nding a Wi-Fi hotspot to get internet access can be a pain. This broadband mobile modem from mobile phone operator 3 gives total freedom for those who need internet and email access wherever they are.

Once set up it’s easy to use – you just plug in the very compact USB device, check you’ve got a decent 3G data signal and you’re away. Surfi ng speeds are good – 3 say it’s up to 2.8Mbps though in tests we only managed a top speed of about 1.2Mbps, which is still very impressive at more than 20 times the speed of a dial-up modem. Prices are from £10 a month for 1GB of data – plenty for occasional or light use – £15 for 3GB and up to £25 a month for 7GB of data for heavier downloads.

The cost of the modem ranges from free on a 24-month contract to £99.99 on a 12 month-contract.

4. Stash folding cycle helmet
Cycling may be the environmentally-friendly way to travel, but it’s also essential you look after yourself as well as the planet and wear a crash helmet. The trouble is, cycling helmets are bulky at best and storing them once you’ve reached your destination can present problems. The Stash gets around this by featuring folding side panels which simply click in and out of place.

Folding the helmet doesn’t make it vastly smaller, but it is enough to make a significant difference in bulk. This means that when folded you can slip it into a normal bag or rucksack easily, with space to spare. The folding mechanism works well – it’s simple and easy to use – and the helmet meets European safety regulations so should be tough.

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