The Buzz

While low-cost laptop computers are getting a lot of attention these days, don't expect Sony to enter the market. That's according to Mike Abary, Sony senior vice president, who told CNET that its high-end VAIOs continue to sell well, especially limited edition models designed by artists (like the $2500 Maya Hayuk designer version above). Meanwhile, the mini $400 Asus Eee PC has inspired a cult following among gearheads, who await the upcoming 10-inch model. eeepc.asus.com.

We have our cosmetics and we have our portable music players. Who knew they belonged in an all-in-one device? The Bratz Yaz Lipstick MP3 Player is the first of its kind, we're fairly sure. Geared for the tween market, the product features 512MB of built-in memory, a voice recorder, and matching earbuds and neckstrap. Warning: the shimmery purple hue may not flatter users over the age of 11. $59.97. Fine retailers everywhere.

The Ladybug by Vestalife is too cute. Speakers folded, it looks like any ol' device. Flip out the “wings” and this cleverly designed iPod entertainment system will put a smile on your face. Winner of the 2008 CES Innovation Design and Engineering Award, the Ladybug boasts a universal iPod dock, built-in subwoofer, a digital amplifier, and an AV-out port. Priced at $100, the Ladybug will be available in the first quarter of next year. www.vesta-life.com.

Taking digital pictures is fun—not so fun is having to download all those images to your computer or post them to your favorite sharing or networking site. Enter the Eye-Fi Card. It functions like a standard 2 GB SD memory card, but cleverly embedded Wi-Fi lets you automatically upload photos from your camera to your PC or Mac and a slew of Web services, from Kodak Gallery to Facebook. $100. Various online retailers and shutterbug site Photojojo.com.

It's a book. It's a light. It's both! At first glance, what appears to be an elegant linen-bound volume is actually a pop-up book, which opens up into a lovely source of light. The LED “Book of Lights” comes in traditional Lampshade and Parisian Streetlamp versions. It is available for $95 online at www.charlesandmarie.com.

MacWorld, the annual San Francisco get-together for Apple fans, will feature something new in 2008. Cosponsored by Computer Using Educators (CUE) and IDG, a two-day Educator Academy (January 16–17) will present a program for K–12 professionals. Covering “the why” and “the how” of technology integration, the event will cover the new operating system Leopard and “amazing things you didn't know” about iPods, among other topics. CUE will also present hands-on workshops during the entire week of MacWorld. www.cue.org/macworld.