Gadgets: BlackBerry speakerphone clips to car's visor

The BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone (model VM-605) lets users stay connected hands-free, allowing for more attention to driving.

After pairing the speaker and a Bluetooth-enabled phone, simply clip it to the visor; there is no further installation or software necessary.

The device is simple to use and worked very well with voice-activated calling. It also supports caller ID and verbal notification of the caller.

A built-in speaker provided the sound for the call and the built-in microphone responded well to my voice. During my testing, no one said they couldn't hear me on a call.

Since the device clips onto the visor in a second, you might want to remove it when not in use to prevent an invitation for theft.

To charge, simply connect the included USB cord or use an existing phone charger. A car charger is also included.

The device is music-ready for those who want to listen to music from a cell phone through the car stereo system.

Details: na.blackberry.com, $99
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It's an understatement that the iLuv iMM153 Desktop Dual Alarm Clock wakes you up.

The unit not only docks an iPod or iPhone for charging and playing, but can be used with the alarm to wake up to your favorite tunes.

For those who find it hard to wake to music, this unit gives you a choice of being awakened by multiple alarm options, including a bed shaker, FM-radio, iPod audio, a buzzer or any combination of alarms.

The bed shaker is a wired device, about the size of a hockey puck that plugs into the back of the unit and can be placed under a pillow or mattress.

Once the alarm goes off the shaker vibrates the bed to help you wake up.

The LCD is adjustable to 10 different levels of brightness by tapping the snooze button.

A standard universal iPod dock on top connects the device and charges it overnight.

On the back is a 3.5mm Aux line input jack to connect other audio devices.

According to iLuv, it works with iPod touch 2nd generation, iPod nano 5th generation, iPod nano 4th generation, iPod touch, iPod nano 3rd generation, iPod classic, iPod nano 2nd generation, iPod with video, iPod nano 1st generation, iPod 4th generation and the iPod mini.

Built-in speakers play the music and there are 10 programmable presets for 10 radio stations.

It runs on standard AC power or for portability it will work with two AAA batteries.

It's available in black, blue, pink or white and sells for around $45 online.

Details: iLuv.com
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When you think of Energizer it's easy to just think of batteries and their bunny icon but they also make some pretty useful products.

Outdoor enthusiasts will like The Night Strike Handheld Flashlight ($99) a rugged, water-resistant portable light with a magnesium-alloy case.

It's small enough to be carried in a pocket or with a removable belt clip.

It has multiple lighting modes to help the run time and get the proper brightness projected in most any situation.

Expect up to six hours of light while using nothing but Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries.

The Micro Led Headlight ($29.99) is more of a light, which I could use -- especially when trolling around my attic.

The light is built into an adjustable headband and offers hands free use for this or any activity where extra light is needed.

After putting it on your head and turning it on with a push-button switch there is not more to do. It's even waterproof and works on just one AA battery.

Details: energizer.com
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Smith Micro Software's new StuffIt Deluxe 2010 for Mac is a must-have for any Mac user who shares large files.

Video, music, photos or any large file is compressed for distribution in seconds; the file can easily be shared in a variety of ways including email or ftp://ftp.

Users can also avoid sending files this way with a new feature in the software called Stuffit Connect.

This enables users to alert the recipient of the files with a link via e-mail. They then open the link to access the files. The software allows users to share up to 2GB of files in a secure Web site.

Other new features include StuffIt SmartSend and improved compression for audio and digital images.

StuffIt SmartSend lets users simply choose the option of Stuff and Mail from the menu bar. This automatically compresses smaller files and attaches them to an email.

Larger files are compressed and uploaded with Stuffit Connect.

Stuffit 2010 for Mac sells for $79.99 and owners of StuffIt Deluxe or StuffIt Standard can upgrade $29.99.

Details: smithmicro.com

(c) 2010, Gregg Ellman.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.