Symbolizing success and status, these gadgets are today's must-haves, more so for achievers & techies

Success spells class and brings with it some totems that have become today's hot status symbols. Whether it's the desire to keep pace with the latest, flaunt gizmos and look cool, or simply the use of technology for efficient working, hi-tech gadgets are now an essential part of life for every professional, especially in the IT industry. Handhelds to record day-to-day important tidbits, mobile phones to stay connected, and more comprehensive work-tools like notebooks to stay connected- these are gizmos that techies can't do without 

Hewlett Packard India has launched its first Multi-format color printer for photo-quality printing for CAD professionals. The HP Designjet 100 combines large-format and wide-format capabilities into a single device. It provides the versatility to conduct color printing in-house on a wide range of papers and media sizes without sacrificing speed. The HP Designjet 100 is available at a price of Rs 69,500. The printer also offers photo quality with up to 1200X600- dpi resolution using HP color layering technology. Its multiple paper paths avoid unloading and reloading media every time users want to change paper size-one standard tray for common office sizes such as letter, A4, tabloid and a manual sheet feed path for larger sizes lending to user convenience. Four individually replaceable ink cartridges make color cost effective.

Thales Navigation is working with Palm to introduce the first GPS solution for Palm users that provides 12 hours of continuous use. It features TomTom, CityMaps, and TomTom RoutePlanner. This solution enables users to calculate a new route on the spot, without a PC or Internet connection. Through the use of Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) and European Geostationary navigation Overlay System (EGNOS) satellite correction signals it ensures the most accurate position fixes possible so users know their location within 3 meters with a position update every second.

Dell has announced the worldwide availability of the OptiPlex SX260, the smallest and most flexible desktop computer in the history of the company. The SX260 weighs around 3.5 kg and is 50% smaller by volume than the existing OptiPlex small form factor chassis. It can be easily mounted underneath a desk (horizontally or vertically) to a wall or behind the optional SX260 flat panel solution. The chassis attaches flush to the back of the flat panel stand to blend the space savings of a traditional all-in-one PC with the benefits of modularity, such as serviceability. The system's swappable media bay accommodates any module from the Dell Latitude C family of notebooks, allowing users to share modules such as a CD-RW drive, amongst a mix of Latitude and SX260 systems. It is also Dell's first slot-less desktop computer.