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Those interested in “tats,” but not permanent ink, may like these iPod-friendly stickers. Users visit HP’s site to use their pre-made Tattoo designs, or upload one of their own images (of almost any file type) to the site to create a custom template. Download the PDF template and print using any color inkjet printer. You must use Adobe Acrobat 5.0 or higher to successfully print the PDF (we tried Preview and failed miserably). We wish the Tattoo fit better on our Click Wheel iPod (perhaps an extra millimeter or two in the screen window would be nice), but happily, it didn’t leave a gunky residue when we removed the sticker.
–JA’QUON SCOTT
www.hp.com/music | 800-752-0900 | $15 for pack of 10
This comfortable three-button mouse doesn’t turn on until you take out the USB receiver from inside, thus saving the life of the two AAA batteries it requires. We established signals quickly after connecting the USB receiver, which bends upward to enhance the signal. Its size is about equal to the standard Apple mouse— not tiny for portability, but portable nonetheless. Plus, we find it more ergonomic than most of the ultra-mini mice out there. The responsiveness of the wireless connection (good for about three feet) is fast enough for almost any application. Only occasionally when playing fast-paced games did we notice a slight lag in response.
–MARKKUS ROVITO
www.kensington.com | 650-572-2700 | $50
A re-released version of the madly entertaining retro-spy first-person shooter, it includes a bonus mission with four new levels, a new enemy with improved A.I. and a bonus soundtrack CD full of swingin’ ‘60s lounge music. Although the game is a couple years old, its re-release is justified for the unique spy gadgetry, tongue-in-cheek story and characters and innovative environments, including a shark-infested sunken submarine, an active volcano and the thin air (while skydiving). This is an excellent game for anyone with an older Mac or iBook who can’t play the latest titles. G3/350MHz required; G4 recommended.
–MARKKUS ROVITO
www.macplay.com | 214-855-5955 | $30
 Less of a hub than an extension cord, the RePorter plugs into the audio input, audio output, FW400, FW800 and USB port on the back of your Mac tower so you can place the inputs on the face of the RePorter anywhere the five-foot cord will allow, making it more convenient to connect devices. You get two USB inputs on the RePorter for the one port you use on the Mac, but these are USB 1.1, not the 2.0 standard that all new Macs provide. It would be nice if you also got two FW400 ports on the RePorter, but this is not the case. However, the RePorter retains bus power, so you can still use USB and FW bus-powered devices. We think it’s best for a machine like the dual-1.25GHz G4 desktop, which has FW800, but not USB 2.0.
–MARKKUS ROVITO
www.marathoncomputer.com | 800-832-6326 | $59
Designed to match your silver G5, this Logitech 2.1 speaker system offers space-conscious sound hounds room to move. The system handles everyday sounds, such as movie trailer playback, and sound effect-heavy games, like Aspyr’s Call of Duty ($50; www.aspyr.com), and handles them well. Still, we were left wanting when we listened to tunes. Instead of a unified, lush soundscape, the mix was strangely off, with the satellites and the subwoofer creating individual experiences that didn’t quite meld. You’ll definitely need to work with your iTunes EQ settings to help compensate for the tinny treble and oddly ventriloquist-like bass. The system comes with a tethered remote and optional grills.
–JA’QUON SCOTT
www.logitech.com | 510-795-8500 | $150
Frequent fliers should take note of the NoiseBuster. Turn its switch on, and earcup microphones identify unwanted noise, humming and rumbling, and noise-canceling circuitry eliminates a good portion of these sonic nuisances. While they don’t oust 100 percent of surrounding noise, they make flying more relaxing and enhance music listening in any noisy area, whether it’s outside, in an office or on an airplane. Even if you’re not listening to music or a movie, the NoiseBusters are more effective against noise than cheap earplugs when you’re flying. The audio quality is very pleasing as well, with a very spacious stereo separation, although they don’t have the bass of some similarly priced non-noise canceling cans.
–MARKKUS ROVITO
www.protechcommunications.com | 772-464-5100 | $69
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