By Cheryl Currid

When it comes to technology, don't blink twice.

Even in our challenging economic times, innovators haven't missed a beat. And, true to form, the elves of Silicon Valley are ready for the holidays with something for everyone.

Ready for a world without wires? Well, look to a technology called Bluetooth to help remove pesky wires from keyboards, mice and even cell phone headsets. Bluetooth isn't a brand new technology - in fact, it's been talked about for years. But finally, there are useful products that should put it on your shopping radar.

Check out the Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop for Bluetooth. Just plug the Bluetooth adapter into a free USB port and it will just about self-configure. You can then use the wireless optical mouse or adapter from just about anywhere in the room.

Now, one word of caution: If you come from a family that's prone to lose the wireless TV remote, you could run into the same trouble. Luckily, the Bluetooth mouse is bigger than a TV remote, so it should be easier to find.

The elves also cut the last cord on cell phones. Jabra has just introduced FreeSpeak, a wireless headset for Bluetooth-ready phones. The earpiece includes an on/off button as well as a volume control. It sells for $99 for a Bluetooth version or $179 for one that includes an adapter for non-Bluetooth phones. It weighs less than 1 ounce and fits conveniently in your ear.

I tested the model for Bluetooth-enabled phones. The headset paired up with the Ericsson T39M cell phone easily, and I was able to answer a call and adjust the volume without touching the phone. As far as the look, well, it was no worse than a corded headset.

Plantronics has introduced its own cordless headset solution, the M1500. It's a Bluetooth earpiece that works with cell phones that have a standard jack. For about $150, you get a kit with an earpiece that sits outside of the ear and a 4-inch fixed boom-style microphone. It also has an answer/hang up key and a volume adjustment on the earpiece. Just plug a small transmitter into the headset jack of your cell phone, and you're ready to go, no configuration required.

And, if you are feeling a little retro, you can remember the good old days while keeping up with new technology. Verbatim, the wizard of data storage technology, recently introduced a new line of writeable CDs (CD-R) that look just like an old 45 rpm record. But, unlike the record, which contained enough space for only 5 1/2 minutes of audio, the CD-R provides a generous 80 minutes of audio, or 700 MB of data.

It uses Verbatim's Super Azo, media that has an added layer to ward against damage from UV sunlight, high temperatures and humidity, and it gives you a lifetime warranty. So grab a blast from the past and back up some of your favorite music, data files, information or copy of a multimedia presentation.

And if you are looking for the latest and greatest in geek gifts, you can find the best store right here in Houston. Bytes 'n Grins over on Blalock has everything from a computer panic button, an Any key (as in, "press any key"), computer theme neckties and boxer shorts, and even geek teeth. It also has a great online catalog at www.geekgifts.us or www.bytesngrins.com.