by Kirstie Freimuth

This month’s Tech Mama column is devoted to mom’s who compute. Portable, frugal, traditional and stylish are the keywords for August so read on and enjoy!

    We’re all familiar with LeapFrog but how many of you knew they had products for the tech-savvy mommy? LeapFrog’s FLY Fusion Pentop Computer is tagged for ages 8 and up but why should the kids have all the fun?? If your work takes you outside the office on occasion or you’re like me and have lost a post-it or two, take note – literally! Here’s how easy it is: write with the pen, upload to the computer. Viola! The text is automatically scanned, digitized and converted. And you didn’t even have to go through the hassle of transcribing what you wrote on that tiny, little, ketchup-stained piece of paper! Cool, huh?

Serious use for a serious toy but it also plays music and does all kinds of neat little tricks! For instance, you can draw a calculator and then actually use it!! The FLY Fusion Pentop Computer comes with a price tag of $79.99 USD, which is a pretty reasonable price for grown-up games and gadgets. Included with the FLY Fusion is a rechargeable battery, memory expansion slot and the rest of typical gear. The downside: all the writing has to be done on the FLY paper but hey, carrying a notebook is a lot easier than lugging around a laptop! You can find more information on the FLY Fusion Pentop on LeapFrog’s website.

As entrepreneur moms, we want to be as cost-conscious as we can, right? So I would imagine that many of us have gotten on the VOIP or Internet calling bandwagon. I chose VOIP instead of Internet calling because I just didn’t dig the whole ‘headset scene’. Though it may appear otherwise, I’m a traditional kinda gal! (Just between you and me, my REAL headset fear is that I’d try to walk away with it still attached, Greek Wedding style!!) The Geekland Powers That Be must have caught some similar flak because Lexon has created the Lexphone, a USB telephone. Seems simple, doesn’t it? Just plug it in to your USB jack and Skype away! Us habitual handset users will feel right at home! When you’re done with your call, press end and put it down – no need to file for workman’s comp due to a phone-related injury. The Lexphone is compatible with Skype and MSN. It retails for approximately $70.00 USD and can be purchased here and at other online retailers. Oh yeah, and the Lexphone comes in black or aluminum – a girl’s gotta have a choice!

Wish List

     Every month, Tech Mama’s going to highlight that “must have if we could have” gadget, gizmo or toy. In keeping with our CompUChick theme, this month’s to-die-for is Intel’s Mobil Metro Notebook. Weighing in at 2.25lbs and only 0.7 inches thick, this silver fox (with gold trim) is a beauty! It comes already accessorized with a magnetized wrap-around folder that has detachable straps. No need for a laptop case! This folder comes in five, count ‘em, FIVE different colors. If that isn’t enough, it’s got a peek-a-boo window so you can check your email without even opening the computer. Wait, it gets better - the folder acts as a wireless charger! As of this writing, there’s no release date but production may start at the end of this year. Santa, baby I’ve been an awfully good girl!

The Odd and Intriguing

Wrapping up regularly will be “Odd & Intriguing” tech gadgets I’ve come across while doing my research.

Starting off the “Odd-BUT-Intriguing” category is the USB Fragrance Oil Drive. Freshen the room while using your computer. Now that’s multitasking! And in the category of “Intriguing and Practical”, for you mom’s working at home with the kiddies underfoot, here’s the Rear-View Computer Mirror. With this attached to the monitor, Mom really will have eyes in the back of her head!

See you next month when we’ll figure out where to PUT all these new toys!!

About the Author: Kirstie Freimuth, wife and mother of one, started her home-based business in order to spend more time with her family. She is the owner of Xpress Assistant and BILLINGxpress, providing varied virtual support to small businesses and client billing services to legal professionals.

Kirstie is also the author of Xpress Tips, a blog of productivity tips for solopreneurs, small businesses and SOHO professionals. Prior to launching her business, she spent over 10 years honing her skills by providing administrative support within a variety of industries including legal, non-profit, manufacturing and retail.