REAL LIFE: Cool Tools

Tech Toys

BY MELISSA DITTMANN TRACEY

More Flash for Your Money

Need some extra USB ports on your computer to plug all those mobile devices into? The Yego USB Flash Drive gives you two USB ports for one. Just plug the Y-shaped flash drive into your desktop or laptop and you’ll quickly boost the number of USB ports on your computer so you don’t have to keep swapping your digital camera, iPod, or other devices. Connect Yego drives and expand your storage even more. The USB 2.0- compliant device, offered in 1GB to 8GB capacities, needs no external power or battery to operate. It includes an LED indicator so you know which port is in use, plug-and-play convenience, security functions, and full-speed transfers up to 480Mbps. Starting at $13 for 1GB capacity. Advanced Media Inc., Ritek, Diamond Bar, Calif.; 800-823-2505; www.ritekusa.com.

Help Ease the Move for Kids

Moving to a new city can be traumatic for your clients’ children, so help make it a smooth transition by giving them the book My Moving Activity Journal, 2nd Edition by Nicole L.V. Jaeger. Use the book as a promotional gift for your client’s children or keep it at your office as a helpful resource. The book, for ages 4 to 17, contains more than 100 interactive activities, including games, crafts, puzzles, scrapbooking, and journaling exercises, that aim to build children’s confidence and adjustment to a new place. The book covers such topics as preparing for moving day, staying in touch with friends, building new friendships, safety, and settling into a new community. $13.95. Soaring Moon Books, Flemington, N.J.; www.soaringmoon.com.

Talking Picture Show

Liven up your property tours by syncing audio to your photos — with minimal effort. SoundsReal offers an audio slide show service that allows you to load property images and fill out an online form about the property. The company automatically creates a script for you and uses a professional voice artist to narrate your tour. Add your personal stamp by recording your voice for the introduction and closing. SoundsReal hosts the shows on its site. You’ll receive a URL to add to your e-mail and Web site to drive traffic to your audio slide show. The service is free to use if you agree to allow SoundsReal to play a 10-second ad within your show. Or, if you prefer your show to be ad-free, it’s $29.95 per month for up to 30 talking shows. Sounds Real.com, Green Bay, Wis.; 800-310-3226; www.soundsreal.com.

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