Coolest Inventions 2004: Geek Gadgets

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USB Christmas Tree

If your new PC came with more USB ports than you'll ever need, it may be time to decorate your work space. This LED-laden tree cycles through six different colors.

thinkgeek.com ($13)

James Bond Stealth Camera

Given that cameras now come hidden in most phones, who would think to look for one in this Zippo-style lighter case? Great for anyone vying to be 008. thinkgeek.com ($100)

Philips Key019 Camcorder

This tiny USB camcorder recharges when connected to a Mac or PC. The video isn't DVD quality but looks decent on the LCD screen hidden in the viewfinder. usa.philips.com ($250)

ROADWORTHY

In-car navigation devices chart a course by taking readings from global-positioning-system satellites and matching your location to an internal map, calling out every turn with a clear but soothing bionic voice. Garmin's Quest ($650; garmin.com has a small screen and requires some setup on a PC, but it runs on car power or a built-in battery, so it's great for hikes as well as drives. Magellan's popular RoadMate 700 ($1,300; magellangps.com comes ready to roll with detailed street maps of the U.S. and Canada--plus an optional map of Europe--stored in memory.

Maxtor OneTouch II

Hit the big button and this 250-GB external drive backs up your sacred PC or Mac data. DriveLock keeps the files safe in case the drive is lost or stolen. maxtor.com ($300)

USB Mini Aquarium

The fish are fake, but the tropical excitement is real. O.K., maybe that's overstating it, but as the fish swim around, it really looks as if they're waiting for food. thinkgeek.com ($20)

Logitech MX1000 Laser Mouse

If your desk makes optical mice go herky-jerky, try the laser mouse. It's 20 times as precise. It's also the first mouse to sport a lithium-ion battery. logitech.com ($80)

Lexar JumpDrive TouchGuard

This 256-MB USB key chain has a fingerprint scanner to securely manage your passwords. After setup, put your finger on the pad when you visit a site--and you're in. lexar.com ($80)

Microsoft Starck Optical Mouse

It may look like a futuristic tree ornament or one of Ridley Scott's Alien eggs, but it's really a stylish wired mouse by celebrated designer Philippe Starck. microsoft.com/hardware ($30)