Unique gadgets dispensed at CES

Home entertainment devices grabbed the spotlight at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this year, but don't forget the cool gadgets that screamed for attention.

Koninklijke Philips Electronics (Philips) introduced two slim cordless handsets, the sleek DECT ID9371B, which resembles a cell phone, and the VoIP841, which makes both landline and Internet calls. Trying to revive the boom box legacy of the 80s, Lifepop flashed Atom Amp, a series of fashionable bags and cases with built-in speakers. Herman Miller lit up the floor with its eco-friendly and energy-saving Leaf LED Personal tabletop light. But one gadget topped them all: a toilet paper-dispensing iPod dock from Atech Flash Technology.

iPod dock and toilet paper dispenser

One of the more oddball items present at CES was the Stereo Dock for iPod with Bath Tissue Holder from Atech. The "Bath Tissue Holder" is actually a toilet paper holder, and the wall-mounted speaker dispenses toilet paper while playing iPod music. The speaker has four water-resistant speakers that the company says "deliver(s) exceptional clarity and high quality sound." It perhaps dispenses toilet paper exceptionally well too. The unit's dock also recharges the iPod. Froogle.com listed it as being available between $79.99 and $103 from retailers across the U.S.

Philips' cool new cordless handsets

Many imitators will duplicate the beauty and innovative features of Philips' DECT ID9371B, announced at CES. Designed like a cell phone, this slim factor cordless handset has a 65,000 color screen and stores 250 names and numbers in its phone book. Hidden inside is an answering machine that can hold 15 minutes of messages. Users can export a phone book from a cell phone's SIM card to the cordless handset. The phone will become available for $179.99 in the second quarter.

Also carrying a slim design is Philips' new VoIP841 cordless handset, which can make landline calls and Internet calls using Skype's VOIP (voice over Internet Protocol) service without a PC. Plug the Ethernet cable into the base station of a phone, and voila, the wireless handset is ready to make Skype calls. The handset does not support Wi-Fi; it communicates with the base station using DECT wireless (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) technology, commonly found on cordless phones. It stores 500 Skype contacts, and users can make free Skype to Skype calls. Adding pizzazz is its ability to add different ringtones for landline or Skype callers. Like the DECT ID9371B, it has a 65,000-color display. It will soon become available for $199.

Mod boom box

What's better than a boom box? A purse or bag with built-in speakers, like Lifepop's Atom Amp portable mini speaker bags and cases being shown at CES. Targeted at customers with portable audio devices and MP3 mobile phones, the bags have tiny external speakers that deliver 1,400 milliwatts of sound. Plug the MP3 or mobile phone into a headphone jack, play a song, and speakers from the bag sound off the music.