Gadgets: Wi-Fi makes printing easy from anywhere in the house

Home printer enthusiasts will love the small desktop unit, which measures 13.74 by 9.38 by 7.71 inches and can print up to 19 pages per minute depending on content.

Users have the choice of connecting this printer directly to a Mac or PC via USB 2.0 or my preferred choice of wireless (802.11b/g), which I used to print from all corners of my house.

Various types of paper and envelopes can be fed via an input slot with up to 10 sheets. The paper tray will hold up to 150 sheets.

The unit was easy to unpack and set up. It took just minutes to go from an unopened box to printing, and the printer performs solidly.

If your system doesn't load the necessary print drives on its own with the HP Smart Install, just use the included software disc.

It's always a good idea to check the company website to ensure you're getting the latest version.

The Laserjet Pro P1102W is equipped with auto on/off technology -- a great, energy-efficient feature.

This printer is currently available on the HP website for $99.99 after a $50 instant rebate.

Details: hp.com
___

The new Think Tank Retrospective 20 shoulder bag allows lets photographers carry high-end SLR equipment in style.

Each bag can store a variety of combinations of lenses and flashes up to a pair of digital bodies with lenses along with an extra lens or flash, depending on the size of the lenses. Dividers with Velcro allow you to customize the bag for your particular equipment, which can be changed day to day.

A nice feature allows the Velcro to be silenced, simply by folding a cover over them. This allows the bag to just open and close with a flap, making it much more user-friendly in a quiet environment.

This bag also has inside compartments to store pens, keys, cell phone or an iPod.

Enlarge

Outside compartments allow storage of paperwork and even a water bottle or accessories.

Style and functionality go into everything the company makes, and this bag is no exception.

Traditional camera bags are big and bulky and often unattractive. They say to the world, "I am carrying camera gear." The Retrospective bag boasts an improved style that doesn't advertise your gear when the bag is closed.

The bag is made with high-end canvas that is water resistant and includes a fold-over rain cover.

The padded shoulder strap provides comfort, but a hand strap provides options for users.

The Retrospective 20 is prices at $159. The larger Retrospective 30 model retails for $179. The Retrospective 10 is a little smaller and sells for $149.

All three sizes are available in black or Pinestone.

Details: thinktankphoto.com
___

Bigger is not always better especially when it comes to the Verbatim Tuff-'N'-Tiny Micro USB flash drives.

It wasn't long ago that 16GB of storage could cost more than a house payment and was the size of a shoebox.

Now, these drives measure just 1.2 by 0.5 by 0.06 inches, and they fit easily on a keychain.

Since they are so small, the contacts for the USB connection are exposed. But fear not: Verbatim's flash drives are dust and water resistant -- appropriately designed for their names.

To be sure, I dunked the drive in my morning coffee and used it as a stirrer. I then dried it off and plugged it into my Apple Macbook Pro. Just as advertised, it mounted instantly.

Enlarge

Each drive is packaged with a small lanyard, which I would recommend using since these portable hard drives could be lost easily.

Users also have a choice of an 8GB purple model in purple for $52; the 16GB version comes in black for $92.

The tiny drives have password security for Windows users.

Verbatim has also downsized its external hard drive with the Titan XS Hard Drives.

The 2.5-inch external USB drives are some of the smallest I've seen available and are advertised from Verbatim as just that.

Unlike the smaller flash drives, these are not waterproof -- though they could be used as coasters.

They are built with a shock-resistant rubber enclosure, making them truly portable and able to withstand traveling or storage in a pocket.

The Titan XS drives (PC and Mac) are available in 320GB for $123.20 and a 500GB model for $167.20.

They also include a software (PC only) package of Turbo USB software and Nero BackItUp & Burn Essentials.

Details: Verbatim.com

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