The coolness factor is probably enough to make the Onkyo dual-screen laptop a must-buy, but if you want to further rationalize plunking $1,000-plus down on the Sotec DX1007, consider its practicality. For example, the twin 10.1-inch liquid displays allow you to run different applications simultaneously, such as working on a document while researching on the Net. With a 1.3-megapixel CMOS image sensor, Web camera and built-in microphone, you can chat via videophone, and available fingerprint-authentication features help keep your data secure. It also features 2 gigs of RAM, storage space with a 320GB hard-disk drive, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1 and three USB ports. At press time, the Sotec DX1007 was available at www.GeekStuff4U.com or in Japan. $1,153.

Rolling desk chairs and carpet don’t mix well. The chair can wear down the carpet, and the carpet can wear down the chair occupant. That’s apparently why the plastic chair mat was invented; it eases movement (though it’s a tad homely). Anji Mountain Bamboo Chairmat & Rub Co. makes roll-up and tri-fold chair mats that not only perform like their plastic counterparts, they are more eco-friendly (the tough material is “rapidly renewable and sustainably harvested in its indigenous environment”) and attractive. Anji Montains mats come in a variety of sizes and finishes, which can be viewed at www.anjimountainbamboorugco.com. $150 to $350.