I used to fantasize about wearable electronic gadgets that are fashionable enough to be on a runway show. And then I realize that, as of 2008, when Fashion meets office supplies and/or electronics, it almost only means mediocrity.

Necktie with a Cooler. Starting off, we have another office-compatible tie. This tie developed by Thanko has a built in USB-powered silicon cooler underneath the knot of it.The purpose of the tie is to provide ventilation in the neck and head area for guys who have to wear a tie in summer. Powered by a USB cable, the tie is turned on by a switch that reminisce a table lamp switch, on which you can control the speed of the fan. In the event that you do not have access to a computer, a separately-sold battery case that can fit into your shirt’s chest pocket is available. Also, with the use of the fan, there is always a wire hanging down from the tie whether or not you are trying to go for that look.

Portable Keyboard. Designed by Erik De Nijs, these pair of jeans are actually a bluetooth keyboard to a computer. The keyboard is infused in the front at the most convenient spot to lay your hands on. The back pocket is specially designed for your mouse and a pair of speakers are places on the outseam of the jeans around the knees area. To sum it up, there is also a joystick controller witfully placed right behind the fly of those jeans and I wonder why.

Convertible Heels. Both driving shoes and heels, these convertible heels designed by Sheila’s Wheels, focus on providing with a comfortable and healthy driving experience and the beauty most women would love. These pair of shoes are developed as a result of a research conducted by Sheila’s Wheel, a sub devision of a UK insurance company, uncovering that inappropriate footwear is regularly worn by British women when driving. The shoes have a grip pattern underneath the sole to provide better pedal control.

Privacy Sweater. If you hates to feel like there is always someone looking over your shoulders, trying to see what you are doing on the computer, this would be a good thing for you to have. Although this may seem to be a regular sweater, it provides you warmth and the privacy you need, just imagine wearing this in a cafe.■

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Interactive whiteboard have been replacing conventional whiteboards in many corporations and schools. Electronic whiteboards are large interactive display that connects to a computer and projector. A projector projects the computer’s desktop onto the board’s surface, where users control the computer using a pen, finger or other device, which allows a greater interactivity during presentations.

Panasonic will release Jan 20, 2009, two types of electronic whiteboards in six different models. Users can set passwords by using the LCD display on the main unit. Each board can accept passwords, which will in turn restrict the ability to transfer information from the board to USB flash memory. For those cleared for access, the whiteboards can transfer on-screen information to a PC via USB. By using a password, data on the whiteboard can be restricted from being printed or stored in USB flash memory. In addition, it is possible to display an alert on the LCD display when users fail to clear data on the whiteboard after the reading process.

Two types of whiteboards are available, a film-board type that can be hung on a wall and a steel board-type on which documents can be posted by using magnets. If the whiteboard is connected to a PC via a USB cable, the data on the whiteboard can be directly transmitted to the computer. In respect to the film board models, the reading performance was improved so that unclear letters, which were difficult to read on previous models, can be read more accurately. This improvement reduces the need to trace unclear and unreadable letters using a marker.

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What do you envision in an office space in 10 years? It is one of those questions that give you goosebumps, isn’t it?
Here are four nifty items that may give you some insight.

iPod Nano Tie
	Apple has made a few attempts in intergrating iPods with fashion. Their strategy is rather marketing-incline than subtlety; they want people to wear an iPod as an accessory. While the delicatly designed iPod looks as good as it is sitting on a desk as a talisman of industrial design, it may not necessarily look good with a Michael Kors watch or a Ben Sherman shirt. A British company came up with a tie that hides your iPod Nano. Flip over the tie, you will see 2 loops that help to hide the wire hanging off your iPod Nano and an extra flap of fabric that serves as a pocket to your iPod. The tie came in navy, red and pink and it is made of 100% silk. Steve Jobs may be an expert in computer products, but when it comes to fashion advice, you go to someone like Carson Kressley.
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Your Personal Massues in Your Office
One night, you are at your office; over time; on a deadline; don’t you wish there was someone who can give you a massage? One of the 2008 new invention is this Head Spa Massager. The moment you put on this device, it simulates thousands of little fingers massaging your scalp. Despite it’s ‘futuristic’ and interesting design, it is sold at an affordable price. The device uses a rechagrable battery and is fairly easy to carry with you. If you feel such an intense need that you need a personal masseuse in your office, this is probably a good option besides the fact that you are going to look lke the Borg Queen…
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Portable Office Work Station
I am a transformer fan, which explains why I find this Portable Office fascinating. This giant box looks like nothing but a decoration when it is condensed, it is in fact not one but two office spaces when extended. It includes 2 desks, outlets and a tone of storage space. It also has a handle and weels underneath it for mobility. Imagine the flexibility this invention can offer an office space. Would not it be cool if we use these things instead of cubicles?
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Robo Receptionist.
The final object that will most likely be implemented in an office space in countable years is possibly an android - a robot that look just like us human. Believe it or not, without make a big deal out of it, androids are being developed all over the world. One of the famous projects belongs to Kokoro, a Japanese company that specializes in anamotronics and robotics. Kokoro has came up with a few versions of female androids. They are all so advance at a point where they understands basic commands and interact with human beings. It has been announced and demonstrated that the female androids developed by Kokoro are capable of fulfilling receptionists positions. Androids are definitely the most fascinating invention and ought to be paid more attention to.■

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Let’s talk versatile. Most of the things you get for your office are probably of no use to your home and here are some cool, versatile gadgets that will better your office AND your home.

USB Drink Holder. When your coffee gets cold because you are working too hard, or when there is not a fridge in your office when you brought in a can of energy drink to boost your performance, don’t you think you deserve a better treatment for the kind of work ethic you have? Check this USB drink holder out. It comes in different shapes and designs to appeal your eyes. Plug it into an USB port and you can keep your drinks however you want it. A hot energy drink or a cold coffee without ice or the other way around, it’s all your choice.

Portable Natural Light. Our power is too little to control mother-nature, but if sunlight is a very important element for you to give your 100% at work, there is a way to cheat on the rainy days or in your windowless office. This blinds designed by Ms. Makoto Hirahara looks just like another window with a blinds on, but you will fall in love with it if you love a window in your space but cannot afford to dig a hole in a wall. Take a closer look; you will realize that the window is in fact a light fixture behind the blinds. The two pieces work together to mimic a naturally lit-through window. Maybe you do not get a view outside the window, but you will definitely get the light or the illusion you need.

The 2008 Fold-up Seating. From Molo Design, we have this fold-up seating called “Softseating”. Softseating is the combination of physics and the art of paper; it uses a honeycomb structure and is designed to fan out to create seating in different shapes to fit your needs. It comes in different colors and you have an option to purchase a textile version which is manufactured using class A fireproof material. The design and the flexibility of Softseating is definitely a good thing to both your office and your home.

Nappak. If you would like to work late and sleep over in your office, go right ahead (great perseverance, by the way), but don’t do it on the roller chair, do it with Nappak. Nappak is a portable, space efficient air bed. It almost looks like a golf club bag when Nappak is rolled up. It is very portable and will give you just what you need when you need a good sleep. Bring it to your office or leave it at home as the center piece for you “guest bedroom”.■

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If your office is like most - you are probably doing a “Secret Santa” this holiday season, where you wind up with someone’s name who you know the least in the office and you need to purchase them a gift. It can always be a tricky situation. While you can always go for the predictable gift such as a candle, a picture frame or the gift card, I always try to be more creative. Here are some ideas for great Secret Santa gifts that will appeal to your more geeky coworkers.

Swingline Red Stapler

People sometimes form very strong bonds to inanimate objects. This is especially the case when you come into daily contact with, say, a red Swingline stapler. The ultimate utilitarian desktop accessory. Its vibrant red color stands out amongst the grays and beiges that consumeoffice space. The sleek, smooth retro lines. The sheer weight. The precise, solid movement. The mechanics. The thick, dense sound as paper is conjoined…

The Red Stapler can be bought here.

Hot/Cold Coffee Mug

This coffee mug will switch from saying “cold” when it’s cold, and “hot” when it’s hot.  Not only it is great design, but it is also useful  to know when that coffee that’s been sitting in there all day long is cold as ice should be enough to merit the $25 price tag.

More info over here

Office Space Kit

Everyone gets an Initech mug and a little stapler. The stapler should only be used on TPS Reports, mmmKay? And make sure you use the new TPS Report Coversheets for each one. Also, you’re getting a motivational sign to hang in your workspace. Yeah. Don’t forget the Jump to Conclusions Mat - it’s our newest product developed in-house by yours truly. And just in case you don’t work out here, you’re getting a piece of starter “flair” so you can work at that horrible little restaurant down the street.

[via Think Geek]

Fifty Jobs Worse Than Yours

A hysterical tour through some of the world’s worst jobs, guaranteed to make you grateful for the job you have and thankful for the one you don’t!

The books features fifty color photos of the awful, the pitiful, the hysterical jobs out there, and all their undesirable employment details. Fifty Jobs Worse Than Yours is the perfect gift for anyone stuck in a nine-to-five grind who needs to remember why it could be a whole, whole lot worse!

[via Amazon]

Samsill Leather Multi-Ring Zippered Portfolio

This combination ring binder, pad holder and supplies black leather portfolio is a great companion for workers on the move. But it`s not only great for keeping your documents organized, the genuine leather exterior provides a professional look. The handle on spine and zipper closure make this a mini portfolio an ideal choice for individuals on the go.

The can be bought over at shoplet.com.

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