Today, I spent quite a bit of time on a number of mobile tech sites including Engadget, PhoneLaunch, Gadgets on the Go and TreoCentral looking up information on Palm's new Windows-powered Treo 700wx Smartphone.

For those not in the know, hell froze over a few months ago and Palm did indeed release a Windows-powered smartphone, the 700w. This model is an update to that device.

Take the Flash tour; view the PDF datasheet. There are also a number of manuals to be found on the Sprint/Nextel page. TreoCentral.com also has a 10 minute video up of the device in action.

Now that my new Dell XPS 1210 has arrived and because I paid extra for Bluetooth capabilities, I've been in the market for a nice set of Bluetooth headphones. I'd knew right off that I didn't want one of those dorky big-ass things that look like one has some sort of nasty bug surgically attached to one's ear. And anyway, I like both ears covered especially since I was hoping to find something that would be good for listening to audio AND talking.

Anyway, I was over at Engadget reading about the new Koss Cobalt Bluetooth headphones. They sure looked sweet - especially coming from a company which has traditionally had some fearsomely ugly (although quite serviceable) products - and the write up really made them seem like a good bet, albeit for what I consider to be a pricey U$180.00. And no microphone!

Then I started reading the post's comments and learned about BlueAnt X5 Bluetooth headphones which I found out have a suggested retail of U$140.00. They are also much more stylish, and bonus, feature an add-on microphone.

In my quest for more info, I decided to head over to the respective sites for a head-to-head comparison. When it comes to providing information to the buying public, Koss could learn a lot from BlueAnt who even have a super-cool interactive flash feature.

BlueAnt X5 Stereo Bluetooth Headset

A portable multi-function device utilizing the latest cutting edge technologies allowing you to stream high quality music and make voice calls using a mobile phone, pda,or computer - without wires attached to the headset.

Connect directly to A2DP** compatible phones and computers or utilize the supplied BlueAnt Audio Streamer to connect to any MP3 player, iPod, or DVD etc and stream music direct while answering calls from a phone.

Open your favourite VOIP program and talk anywhere in the world. With a detachable microphone, USB and AC charging options, the X5 is a complete mobile communications accessory for people who require wireless freedom.

* Wireless Stereo Music or Voice Connection to your phone
or computer
* Use with your favourite iPod/MP3 player. Connect using a standard 3.5mm audio jack
* Use with VOIP programs
* Supports Bluetooth Profiles - Handsfree, Headset,A2DP, AVRCP
* Plug and Play to utilize your computer's sound card
* Ergonomic and Dynamic Design. Collapsible Neckband for easy portability
* Detachable Microphone
* Compact Removable Rechargeable Battery lasts for more than 12 hours
* Easy Charge via a USB port on your computer
* Stores Bluetooth pairing information for up to 10
different devices
* Bluetooth V1.2

**A2DP technology

is a new music revolution allowing you to send CD quality stereo music from one device to another without wires. A2DP is stereo music sent over Bluetooth without the hassle of plugging cables. Bluetooth Wireless Technology with A2DP technology makes mobile phones, pda’s and computers capable of streaming music directly to products such as the X5 Stereo Headset or the Sonic Portable Speakers.

Koss CobaltBluetooth Headset

The Cobalt™ allows complete Bluetooth wireless freedom plus the Full Sound of Koss. Going wireless has never been so easy. The Koss Cobalt uses advanced Bluetooth frequency-hopping technology for interface-free audio. Providing a 30-foot range, you can move freely while taking a call, or listening to your favorite music or movies. Just working on your PC? The Cobalt™ is also sold with a USB dongle transmitter that allows you to plug into your computer.

Incorporating a Lithium Ion battery, the Cobalt gives plenty of airtime with an approximate battery life of 8 hours. Just plug the transmitter into your computer, CD, DVD, or MP3 player and slip on the Cobalt. The Cobalt can also be used with a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone, utilizing its built-in microphone. It simultaneously pairs with the phone, allowing users to answer calls with the same headphones used for listening to portable music players.

The behind-the-head design of the Cobalt™ provides maximum comfort during long listening periods. Foam ear cushions allow for hear-through sound, and its dynamic element provides extended frequency response. The wider frequency response results in better overall sound performance for the Cobalt. For added convenience, push button volume controls on the ear cup allow for easy level adjustment. The Cobalt is also collapsible for protective storage and maximum portability when listening on the go. The Cobalt package includes the Bluetooth stereophone, Bluetooth audio transmitter, Bluetooth USB audio dongle, USB charging cable, AC charging adapter, and audio extension cable.

Built to last, the Cobalt™ is covered under Koss' No*Questions*Asked Lifetime Warranty - the only warranty of its kind in the stereophone industry.

I was surfing around and came upon a picture of the most beautiful backpack that I had ever seen. Although it wasn't referenced by name, I knew that I had to track it down and acquire it for myself. After all, I had a new laptop on its way and I wanted to protect my investment. I already had a pretty good one, although it's a few years old, but unlike the one I was drooling over, it was a standard 'softie' while the object of my desire was a 'hard top'. Soon enough, I learned that I was obssesed with an Axio product from the innovative, award-winning company Harodesign.

After spending several hours glued to the Axio site, some of the things I learned were that the hardshell is actually polycarbonate and that the interior is thickly padded and that there are lots of pockets and storage spaces.

I finally settled on the electric-blue Tekno. I was thrilled to find that it was on sale. I mean really, what's better than getting a fantastic bag, except getting it for less? Ok, free would be better, but I saved a bundle. The original price was about U$125 and it was on sale for about U$75.00.

If I had been in the States, buying it would have been no problem, but they didn't make it easy for those of us living elsewhere, including Canada. The "Canadian customers - click here" link was BEYOND USELESS. It led to the atlantia.ca site where they moronically made shopping impossible since it is a site which distributes tons of products to retailers. Visiting the sites of those alleged retailers didn't let me find one to buy an Axio from, so it once again it was Google time. I found a couple of places to shop, but they all had boring grey ones at inflated prices.

So what's a bag freak to do? Get ahold of a long-suffering friend - he's male and doesn't get my bag obsession - in Iowa and have him get it for me. And that's just what I did. Of course, I wanted to bitch slap him as he didn't immediately send it my way and left it in his little office aka 'programming shack' for a few weeks, but I refrained because he was such a good boy, taking out the invoice and gift wrapping it before sending it north, so that I didn't have to pay tons extra at the border. What a sweetie.

When it first showed up and I ripped it from its packaging, I was just stunned at its magnificence. I did find it to be a bit smaller than I had thought, and figured it wouldn't hold as much as I was hoping. Then I discovered a neat little feature that makes it 'pop' out a bit and so increased its girth. I put my stuff inside, not that I had much with me, and wore it home. People were staring, and some stopped me to ask questions, like where did I get it and how much did it cost.

Although I live in Toronto, I have yet to see one here (not even a boring grey one). Maybe no one thought about having an American friend get it for them, and ship it up here, but then again, they shouldn't have to. Axio, are you listening?