Though Monster’s products are notoriously expensive (like that $150 HDMI cable the salesman said you absolutely had to have), the sub-$20 Monster Outlets To Go Powerstrip makes it a must-have addition to the Speaker’s Toolkit, specially if you’re a road warrior. The ultra-compact strip fits easily in your briefcase or backpack, weighs next to nothing and sports three outlets (two on one side, one on the other; a 4-outlet model is also available). The outlets themselves are spacious, allowing plenty of room for many oversized “brick” A/C adapters. Wait — it gets better. The Outlets to Go powerstrip includes a built-in resettable circuit breaker, a 24K gold-plated plug, and a blue LED light indicating that the outlets are receiving power. (Don’t underestimate the importance of an indicator light — I’ve accidentally shut power off to my charging laptop in hotel rooms when I switched off a lamp with a wall switch.) Finally, the unit includes a flat plug which will fit just about anywhere, and the cord neatly wraps around the powerstrip for storage, so you won’t end up with a rat’s nest of tangled cord. Highly recommended, Also available in white and silver.

Logitech Cordless Presenter 2.4GHz Read Our Review

I’ve always been a believer in wireless/cordless presenters, the battery-powered remote control devices you use to remotely control your presentation. A small USB transmitter/receiver plugs into the computer and you control your presentation wirelessly from across the room. I’ve owned a few of these, but when I purchased the highly-rated Logitech Cordless 2.4 GHz Presenter last year, I knew I had found the new “best in class” of wireless presenters.

The Logitech is small, unobtrusive and not distracting in the presenter’s hand. Though small in form factor, the Logitech packs the critical features you need, including flawless wireless control up to 50 feet away. (No software is needed — just pop the USB plug out of the main unit, plug it into the computer, and you’re ready to go.) The buttons are comfortable and intuitive (start/end slideshow, slide forward/back, black screen, volume control) . An integrated red laser pointer keeps you from fumbling for a second device. And best of all, the Logitech masterfully integrates a nicely visible LCD countdown timer, which provides discreet, vibrating warnings at 5 and 2 minutes remaining. No more setting your watch on the podium, or worse, looking at your watch during your presentation. I’ve found this feature has rescued me from all sorts of nutty solutions to staying on time — more on that in a future post.

Another nice feature: A battery indicator on the LCD display so you’ll know in advance if you’re running out of juice. The unit includes a compact neoprene case and takes up negligible space in your briefcase or purse. The unit is so portable that I always bring it along. You’d be surprised how many times even high-level conferences don’t provide workable equipment. Just don’t leave it behind when everyone asks you to borrow it!

Logitech Cordless Presenter 2.4GHz Read Our Review