Trim a techie stocking: discover holiday gifts for the executives in your life.

Even the most devoted business executive is probably somewhat of a techie or do-it-yourselfer. This month, we talk about that executive. If you have one on your holiday list, he or she may appreciate some of the gift suggestions we have assembled and outlined in this month's article. We have purposely stayed away from the high-profile, ever-so-popular, types of gifts. Rather, we have picked some great stocking stuffers, as well as some very practical and useful tools for that tech-lover on your list. There is no priority here, just helpful suggestions.

WHO WOULD NOT WANT GOLD?

Let's start with gold. In our search for new data and idyllic gifts, we came across a block of gold and that will attract attention on anyone's desk. The Golden Disk by LaCie is probably the most stunning computer accessory we've seen in a long time. The Golden Disk is a newly designed device created by famed French industrial designer Ora-Ito. This unique, golden storage solution can house your executive's favorite music, photos, videos and important data. This sleek, liquid-inspired device will become a focal point for any design-conscious executive looking to add glitz to his or her environment. It offers a unique jewel style that actually contains a small percentage of real gold.

"The golden drive encompasses all that is glamour, while having the guts to perform flawlessly with glowing performance," says Lise Manteau, LaCie Desktop Solutions product manager. "Coming preloaded with utilities for automatic backups, the Golden Disk shines with its ease-of-use when needing to exchange information with friends and family."

The Golden Disk connects to any universal, high-speed USB 2.0 interface and is almost silent, thanks to its fanless operation. The Golden Disk is available up to 500GB, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $189. It may not be for everyone, but it is for that executive who likes something different--someone who is into the "bling" factor or modern design. For more product information, visit www.lacie.com.

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CONNECTIVITY AND GADGETS ON THE GO

Alaska Communications Systems (ACS) has several suggestions for your busy professional. Topping the list is the freedom to connect to the Internet from any location with ACS goBeyond Mobile Internet. Instead of looking for hotspots or signing into slow or unsecured WiFi connections, ACS Mobile Internet lets you connect from wherever you are. It's as easy as using your wireless phone. You just plug your aircard into your laptop, start the software application, and you're connected. Use it across the state and across the nation, and never sacrifice speed for mobility--ACS Mobile Internet uses the fastest mobile data technology available (six times faster than the competition). This service is $30 per month, unlimited, when bundled with any ACS high-speed Internet (DSL) plan. The wireless PC aircard is free with a two-year commitment.

Who would want it?

* Anyone who needs to access the Internet outside of the office.

* Anyone who wants both mobility and speed.

What are the main differentiators?

* Fastest mobile Internet connection available.

* Works from wherever you are.

* You don't need to look for hotspots. The service works anywhere you can use your cell phone.

If you want to get your busy professional the hottest new gadget around, consider the Motorola Q. Walking around with a Motorola Q is like walking around with a new puppy. This shiny, tiny smartphone with its electro-luminescent keyboard gets a lot of attention.

The Motorola Q is just .45 inches thick (50 percent thinner than other smartphones), and it's loaded with superior voice quality and data and multimedia capabilities. Use it to:

* Check e-mail and surf the Web on Alaska's fastest mobile network

* Watch streaming videos or live TV on its vibrant 2.4-inch screen

* Listen to your favorite music on its integrated MP3 player and stereo speakers

* Type e-mail and text messages on its QWERTY keyboard 

* Make calls with voice-activated dialing

* View Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF documents with Windows Mobile 5.0

* Take pictures and videos with its 1.3 megapixel camera

And it only uses Alaska's Best Network, which means fewer dropped calls and crystal-clear voice quality (www.acsalaska.com).

NOT ALL GADGETS ARE ELECTRONIC

Most every desk drawer at work and at home should have a LoggerHead Tools' Bit Dr.[TM]. This new tool puts an ergonomic spin on screw driving. Most screwdrivers require you to turn your full arm repetitively, but the Bit Dr. is the first to put a free-wheel at the base that enables you to start driving a screw with a simple thumb and forefinger motion. Add more pressure to engage an intuitive ratcheting function. It is so easy and adds more control--making the job fast and even fun.

The design replaces a full 21-piece driver set in the weight of one screw-driver (6 ounces) and folds down to a 4-inch package that can fit in your pocket, glove box or desk drawer, and can lighten the tool box or de-clutter the kitchen or office drawer. It also features three length options and six driving positions. The Bit Dr. retails for $24.95 through www.loggerheadtools. com and selected Ace Hardware and Tru-Serve stores.

Bit Dr. scores high on usefulness, novelty, quality and price. It's so new you can almost be certain your recipient doesn't have one yet.

Check out other, new-to-the-world tools aimed at problem-solving and enhanced value on the Loggerhead Tools Web site.

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EMPOWERING THE DRIVER

A revolutionary new diagnostic tool for the car will give executives a fast, convenient solution for monitoring their vehicle's health.

"With CarMD, no one needs to feel inadequate about car maintenance or what they should do when they sense or detect a problem," says Kristin Brocoff, marketing manager for CarMD. com. "CarMD empowers consumers to take personal control of their vehicle's health and well-being."

This new tool combines an easytouse handheld tester with an online database to provide consumers with information that will enable them to diagnose their car's health. CarMD was recently named a Consumer Electronics Show Innovations 2007 honoree in the mobile electronics category. The patented technology is completely safe for both the user's vehicle and personal computer. No longer will your techie be at the mercy of the mechanic. The next time the "check engine" light comes on, your executive can quickly and easily determine the problem. Or, if he or she is checking out a used car, the CarMD will assist in determining the vehicle's health. The device helps with overall car-maintenance.

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The lightweight CarMD is designed to interface with the onboard computer on virtually all cars, light trucks, SUVs, and minivans manufactured for use in the U.S.--foreign and domestic--since 1996. This handy little tool can diagnose problems ranging from a loose gas cap to an engine misfire.

The CarMD tester measures just 5 inches by 2 inches and fits easily inside the glove compartment or toolbox. It is easy to use with color-coded LEDs to provide quick indication of all systems. The tool can be used independently; however, it is the CarMD. com Web site that provides consumers with a true solution for automotive maintenance and repair.

Combined with the CarMD.com Web site, the CarMD diagnostic report indicates a list of probable causes, fixes, and estimated repair costs. Distributed by CarMD.com Corp., CarMD costs $89.99 and includes one handheld tester, a Quick Reference User's Guide, demo video, USB cable with CD software to link the tester to a Windows-based PC, and access to an online database via www.CarMD.com. CarMD is available direct to consumers via two convenient options: toll-free phone: 888. MyCarMD (888-692-2763), or online at www.CarMD.com.

IMPROVE THEIR SENSE OF DIRECTION

Today's business executives rely heavily upon their smartphones (Treo, BlackBerry, etc.). The new Garmin Mobile 10 turns the smartphone, laptop, pocket PC, and PDAs into GPS navigators. This handy little device includes many of the same features as the high-end $800-plus GPS navigation, such as real time traffic, weather info and fuel prices.

The device is sleek and compact, and comes complete with removable clip that makes it easy to carry or secure in the car. The removable lithium-ion battery lasts for 20 hours, and there is a 12-volt USB adapter for recharging and extended use.

Garmin Mobile 10 comes complete with high-quality mapping and navigation features, including Garmin Mobile XT or nRoute and fold-map coverage for North America and Europe.

The Garmin Mobile 10 is easy to set up, and conveniently combines all the software needed to navigate on one preloaded card, provides 3D mapping, and has an intuitive user interface. It is both portable and wearable for navigation by car or foot. The best part: the Garmin Mobile 10 sells for only $199, and there are no monthly fees. Check https://buy.garmin.com.

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PUT AN 'I' ON THE LIST The new iPod nano stores up to 2,000 songs or 8 hours of video, and it is just one of the next generation of iPods. The tiny nano features a larger, 2-inch display with 204 pixels per inch. Our business exec or techie can watch movies, TV shows, and music videos in the same resolution he or she currently enjoys on the video iPod. Throw in some fun games, and this beautiful, new all-metal design makes a great traveling companion. The 4GB iPod nano list for $149 at www.apple.com.

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A NEW LAPTOP

Business executives are often frequent travelers. Consequently, portability in a laptop is paramount. HP recently introduced the HP 2510p, which features a starting weight of just 2.9 pounds and features optional wireless WAN connectivity, giving you a light notebook that can stay connected almost anywhere.

The HP2510p features a choice of Intel[R] Core[TM] 2 Duo ultra-low-voltage processors with Intel[R] Centrino[R] Pro mobile technology.

The 2710p is a convertible tablet and starts at 3.6 pounds. One of its coolest features is an ability to snap images of business cards with a built-in Webcam and then load the information from that card into your address book. The dual-microphone array and optional integrated camera enables video and Web conferencing, and video-enhanced instant messaging across the street or across the country.

Both the 2710p and 2510p feature a 12.1-inch diagonal widescreen Illumi-Lite display (www.hp.com).

A GREAT LAPTOP ACCESSORY

LapWorks has designed a laptop stand that is portable and looks great. The Aluminum Desktop Stand can elevate a laptop screen up to 6 3/4 inches, placing the screen closer to eye level, an important step in preventing neck and back strain.

The aluminum stand has a built-in, rotating base that allows the stand to swivel 360 degrees for easy screensharing. Set the angle higher when using an external keyboard or lower for more comfortable typing on the notebook's built-in keyboard. The stand folds to just 3/8-inch thickness for storage and travel and comes with a neoprene travel bag that can double as a mouse pad. A major plus of the Aluminum Desktop Stand is its ability to dissipate heat generated by the laptop, extending the life of your executive's computer.

The classy looking unit improves:

* Screen-sharing

* Typing ergonomics, and

* Cooling of the laptop, extending its life up to 23 percent

There are six easy-to-adjust elevated positions:

* Three for cooling and improved ergonomics

* Three to raise the screen and to create an ergonomically sound desktop work station when using a separate keyboard.

The Aluminum Desktop Stand's suggested retail price is $69.95 (www.lapworks.com).

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