NBC TODAY: Cubicle Tech

For most office workers today, the dream of the big corner office is a far cry from reality. Instead, current trends in office design have relegated some 25 million Americans to open-plan office space, or "cube farms". If you're feeling a bit boxed in at your job, BestStuff's Corey Greenberg has assembled some terrific new tech products for cubicles.



Tivoli Audio Model One
Teaching an old dog new tricks is what audio legend Henry Kloss has done with the Tivoli Audio Model One analog table radio. It's simply the best sounding table radio you will find for under $100. Why? Instead of a standard, off-the-shelf integrated circuit, the Model One uses a discrete-component FM tuner featuring GaAs MES-FET mixer for better reception. The Model One also features a multi-stage frequency-contouring circuit that adjusts the speaker's output for the best tonal balance and bass response possible. It is only Mono sound (one speaker), but you can't get any better than this. www.tivoliaudio.com




Sonnet APS
A study conducted for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) found that conversational noise was the number one complaint of office workers, and that an overwhelming 70% said they would be more productive if there were fewer noise distractions. Similarly, 52% of workers reported that the noise level in their workplace was stressful and 81% said they could get more work accomplished if their workplace was quieter. Enter the Sonet Acoustic Privacy System (APS), developed by Cambridge Sound Management. Engineered to be as effective as the office-wide systems , Sonet is designed as individual-user units. The system works by blanketing an individual's workspace with unobtrusive, natural background sound that reduces the intelligibility, and therefore the distraction, of nearby conversations and other sounds. $99. www.cambridgesoundmgt.com




LifeTek Cubicle Air Purifier
The perfect air purifier for office cubicles. It's very lightweight and portable-about 10 oz., dimensions: 3.5" x 2.25" x 8". This air purification unit can remove pollutants as small as .000001 microns from the air, while even the best filtration systems can only effectively remove particles as small as .3 microns from the air. Its key purifying features are: oxidizes odors, bacteria, chemicals, and many other pollutants (emitted throughout indoor environment), removes particulate such as dust, pollens, smoke, etc. from the air (emitted throughout indoor environment); approved by the FDA for treatment of allergies. It uses UV light to destroy molds, fungi, viruses and bacteria (the light is concentrated within the inside of the unit and is not a hazard to the eyes.) $229. www.extrapureair.com




Case Logic GEL- EEZ
This collection of ergonomic wrist rests for the computer uses fluid fit technology to reduce pressure points and provide comfort. $11-$16. www.caselogic.com




Kodak Smart Picture Frame
Electronic picture frame allows you to display one still picture or create a rotating display of up to 36 pictures on its 6.4" diagonal color screen. Perfect for small spaces and cubicles it also features a built-in modem that links you to a network where you and your loved ones can share pictures from one frame to another. You can also receive and display news and information channels such as weather, traffic, sports, and entertainment news all without a computer. $299. www.kodak.com




Vornado IntelliTemp Heater
Perfect for office space that experiences variant temperatures, this modestly-sized heater is versatile and easy to use. Vornado's IntelliTemp variable heat output control responds with just the right amount of heat from under a desk to an entire room. There's no thermostat fiddling, it maintains comfort automatically. Vornado Vortex circulation gently and safely generates and circulates heat for blanket heat throughout an entire room. It features full-function controls, cool-touch exterior, automatic tip-over and over-heat protection, and silent operation. $100. www.vornado.com




TheraSpa Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat
Ergonomically designed massager has perfectly sloped foot pads for a natural foot position and extra comfort while seated. Soft touch rubberized massage surface has hundreds of strategically placed nodes for a stimulating allover massage action. Shiatsu nodes concentrate on specific pressure points. Lighted, easy touch foot controls let you choose between two customized programs or 16 levels of vibration. Heated arch plates warm to 120 degrees for a warm-to-the-touch massage. AC cord. UL-listed. A Brookstone exclusive. $250. Available by catalog only. 800-846-3000