Innovations, twists make utilitarian products ultraspecial

Tablet computers, Internet-connected televisions, and 3-D displays were the stars of the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show. But some innovations are new twists on old designs and others are add-ons that make something already good even better.

Here's a handful of gadgets that captured CES Innovations awards. You can see the Innovations honorees in 34 categories here: (cesweb.org/Awards/InnovationAwards/2011honorees.htm)

■ Wireless handset accessories: Spiderpodium by Breffo USA, www.breffo.com

It's an octopod, with eight arms or legs, depending on how it's used. It can hold virtually any hand-held device on any surface, leaving no marks. It folds flat to tuck into a camera bag or computer case.

Price: $19.99, available online.

■ Portable multimedia accessories: FlipSync II by Scosche Industries, www.scosche.com

If you're carrying your keys on this key chain, you'll be carrying a tiny charging and sync cable for your Apple iPhone, iPod or iPad. The business end of the connector and universal serial bus plugs snap safely into the key chain.

Price: $19.95 at many locations.

■ Portable multimedia accessories: ZAGGmate with keyboard Zagg, www.zagg.com

Not only does this iPad case offer tough protection, it doubles as a stand and wireless keyboard for people who don't like using the built-in touch-screen keypad. The case is made from aircraft aluminum and high-density padding and is sure to attract attention when you snap your iPad into it and start typing.

Price: $99.99. (Also available without keyboard for $69.99.)

■ Ecodesign and sustainable technology: Joos Orange, www.solarjoos.com

This is the postal carrier of personal solar chargers, as it works in all weather conditions: rain, snow, fog, clouds and sunshine. It charges mobile phones, iPads, MP3 players, hand-held gaming devices and more. One hour of charging gives your mobile phone two hours of talk time.

Price: $139.95 online. (Item is now out of stock. Sign up for notification when it's available again.)

■ Personal electronics: Summit Series HD - video camera snow goggles by Liquid Image Co., www.liquidimage.com

It's a great example of convergence, pairing snow goggles with a wide angle, high-definition video camera. A 4 gigabyte micro secure digital card lets you capture thousands of still photos or hours of video.

See videos shot using the goggles at the company's YouTube channel, http://www.youtube.com/user/liquidimageco

Price: Not set. Product will be available this fall.

(The company also sells a line of camera-equipped scuba goggles.)

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