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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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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Every day when I walk down the street and look up to the buildings into people’s window, I am often amazed by how nicely decorated their apartments are. And there are times when you are appreciating the superb interior design, as you walk past the residential building and come to an office building, your eyes are offended all of a sudden; by the creepy looking office space. What is ruined is the peace of mind and the warm and cozy feeling instilled in your head by the beautifully decorated apartment you saw a second ago. You are stuck with images of dull white light in your head on the rest of your way home. Then there is the question: If you spend almost as much time at your office as you do at home, why don’t you make your office feels like your home?

Google understands the relationship between interior design and productivity and it takes a very unconventional approach to design their offices.

Minimalism with high quality has always been Google’s style, and such idea is shown throughout their offices. Google’s interior design approach does not overwhelm one’s eyes with way too many bold colors. It also uses fun furniture - like massage chairs and pool tables to make the workplace more fun and more like home for its employees.

There are three things that deem the most importance to create a homier office.

Lighting. Good lighting will help to increase productivity. If an office is too dark, it might put your employees to sleep especially when there are computers or other devices that strain human eyes around. In contract, too much light will cause glare on screens and cause discomfort. How much light an office needs depends on the kind of work the office does and also the age of its employees. To make your office feel more like home – not your bedroom, the lighting used in a café or a restaurant would be a good attempt.

Space Usage. It is okay to have a lot of things in your cubicle or in your office, you just need to organize it. Use colorful filing supplies can help to keep your mind entertained. Unless you are going for a retro or a cyber home, use the homier wooden bookcases instead of plastic or steel ones. Plan your space and target to reduce unnecessary motion.

Plants. Plants are great – both artificial plants and real ones. Not only do plants help to relax your eye muscles, real plants also consume excessive carbon dioxide to keep your concentration at a high level. According to a recent study, employees react quicker and are more focus when plants are added to an office. If someone has an allergy, use artificial plants instead. Artificial plants are low-maintenance and have a longer life span. It is also easier to craft your interior design with artificial plants because they will not change in shape and size.

Also, research on how colors can affect the human mind before deciding your theme colors. For example, orange, yellow and red are colors that can potentially increase our appetite, if you cannot endure the potential long-lasting hunger, then maybe you should not use too much of those colors to decorate your office. ■

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(At least in your Neighborhood)

I love my laptop. The thing with laptops is that you tend sometimes develop some affection for it. You take care of it as much as possible, as it will be your sidekick for the next couple years to come. And you are always fearful for the first large scratch, which is why most of us get some kind of casing or sleeves for it. Here are a couple example of sleeves for those who feel like accessorizing their dear laptops.

The “My Documents” folder on your laptop’s file system is the location where most of your files live. The whole “folder” metaphor was first developed by Xerox Parc for its ground-breaking Star desktop system. Those folders were designed to mimic the real-life paper-and-manilla-folders offices use to file paperwork. Now, that metaphor is carried on by all graphical user-interfaces. No matter what operating-system you’ve got on your laptop, you’ve probably got something like a “My Documents” folder.

The neoprene laptop sleeve is big enough to host a laptop up to 15.4 inches. The inner fleece lining keeps everything shiny and scratch-free. Also included is the pixilated cursor-pin to ram that concept home. The “My Document” Laptop sleeve can be purchased through Think Geek

The 9-5 laptop sleeve brings with you to corporate America. Be sure to talk about it by the water cooler; you will be making a lot of friends with it.  Made of heavy duty vinyl and padded with 1/4 fabric backed foam. You can find it at BarrysFarm for just $40.

Without a doubt the sharpest looking laptop sleeve I’ve seen. It folds open like a flower around your laptop and then folds back up into an envelope-like sleeve. Made out of heavy gauge felt. Laptop sleeves are great if you don’t want to buy a seperate laptop bag and just use an existing bag you already own. You can find it at Red Maloo for just under $100.

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