Take a look at the most interesting, most useful gadgets that appeared in Fast Company magazine this year.
The electronic name tags for conferences are populated with job, interest, and agenda information. They use infrared and radio frequencies to exchange electronic business cards, and broadcast interests to conversation partners.
Learn more about the nTags [1].
It's a box that you connect to an analog source on one end and your computer on the other. It converts those old tapes -- or LPs or radio -- to digital files stored on your PC. You can either play them from your hard drive or burn them onto CDs.
Learn more about Instant Music [2].
These gizmos plug into your computer's USB ports to power electronic massagers. One is for your eyes, the other will soothe your scalp.
Learn more about the USB massagers [3].
It uses the iPod's dock connector to transmit a signal via FM radio to your sound system, creating excellent sound. Plus, the PodFreq's FireWire port lets you charge your iPod while in use.
Learn more about the PodFreq [4].
Its carbon-composite crown is reinforced with nanotubes, making it strong but light, and distributing weight to where it's most effective. The 460cc head handled effortlessly. Combine that with a graphite shaft, also using nano-construction, and you can easily get 200 yard drives.
Learn more about the Staff Dd5 [5].
It comes with three built-in solar panels which work even in indirect sunlight; the bag comes with a multitude of adapters for your PDA, MP3 player, or cell phone. For rainy days there is a detachable battery pack. The bag is constructed of heavy, UV-resistant nylon, and a capacity of about 900 cubic centimeters.
Learn more about Voltaic's Messenger bag [6].
This device lets you record video off of a VCR, DVD recorder, cable box, or TiVo, then watch what you record on a 7-inch-wide screen. With this model you can also record and listen to MP3s, directly store and view photos, even play games. The rechargeable battery is removable, so you can swap in an extra when the old one is low.
Learn more about the AV 700 Mobile DVR [7].
It has a two-watt speaker attached to a cigarette-lighter adapter, and a keypad with built-in microphone, control buttons, and clickable scroll wheel to adjust volume and navigate menus. The mike is enhanced by noise-cancellation and echo-reduction, and software provides voice activation and voice-recognition abilities.
Learn more about the Easydrive kit [8].