TECHX New York

One of the biggest stories at this year's event is the just completed merger of pc powerhouses HP and Compaq. The new HP is off and running this week with its combined line up of products all under the HP name.

HP's new trifecta of tech for the road warrior features a new improved EVO laptop, portable presentation projector and IPAQ Pocket PC with new screen that all fit in the same travel bag. That's right! The combined weight of all three products is under 8 pounds making this truly the mobile office of the future.

Evo N410c
The 3.5 lb. and under one-inch thin Evo Notebook N410c is one of the lightest, thinnest, full-featured, high-performance ultraportable notebooks available. Includes standard communication features like the award-winning MultiPort, a 10/100 NIC and an integrated 56K modem and supports up to four batteries for over 9 hours of computing power. $2149. http://thenew.hp.com

iPAQ Microportable Projector MP3800
The new iPAQ Microportable Projector MP3800 is the brightest, sharpest 3.5-pound microportable projector – making it the ideal mobile projector for corporate presentations. Full-featured, with integrated audio and video, the MP3800 is loaded with capabilities that impress the most sophisticated executives. Price: $3499. http://thenew.hp.com

iPAQ Pocket PC H3900 Series
Brighter and even more versatile with a stunning new screen, and longer battery life are brand new features. Offers greater control of your home/office electronics – through a Universal Remote Control for home and office entertainment systems. A Secure Digital (SD) I/O slot allows users to transfer data through the smallest, lightest and most sophisticated storage and expansion accessories of the future. Also features the new Intel X-Scale processor for accelerated multimedia and security and optional expansion packs and wireless cards provide wireless connectivity to email and the web. Price: Starts at $649 + $549 for expansion pack and Sierra wireless card. http://thenew.hp.com

AOL
Speaking of the future, high speed Internet access or broadband in the home is big at the show. Consumers are beginning to upgrade to high-speed Internet access, and ISPs like America Online are offering exclusive content made especially for these faster connections, to do things like listen to music or share digital pictures online.

AOL is making noise with its exclusive content for broadband customers which include Sessions@aol and AOL High Speed Broadband. AOL also offers an easy-to-use picture sharing service called You've Got Pictures with movie previews, and sports, weather and news highlights and is available nationwide.www.aol.com

Energizer e2 Batteries
The unsung hero behind almost every digital device at TECHX is batteries. Energizer e2 is the best choice for people who enjoy high tech devices including MP3 players, laptop computers, portable CD players, digital camcorders and cameras, personal organizers, and other digital devices.

The e2 battery provides longer-lasting power and is constructed with titanium technology and an advanced cell design. With even longer runtimes, Energizer e2 AAA batteries last 40 percent longer than ordinary alkaline batteries in high tech devices. e2 now lasts up to 9 hours longer than ordinary D alkaline batteries in portable TV’s; e2 takes 120 more pictures than ordinary AAA alkaline batteries in photo flash units; e2 lasts 4 hours longer than ordinary C alkaline batteries in flashlights; e2 lasts 3 hours longer than ordinary AA alkaline batteries in TV/audio remote controls. www.energizer.com

BenQ FP581
Finally, thin is in at this years TECHX trade show. Almost every manufacturer is showing a variety of flat panel computer monitors. Big news here is price: BenQ, formally Acer, is showing a stylish super thin 15-inch flat panel LCD monitor that sells for only $394. Flat panel monitors not only save energy in the home but use up to 40-percent less desk space to boot. Other feature include auto calibration, built in speakers and a stand folds up behind the monitor for easy transport and storage, and the handle built into the base helps you carry the unit easily. www.benq.com