Strange New World: Tech Picks of the Week

Aug. 23, 2007 — -- With summer fading fast, we here in Geekville are (reluctantly) turning our attention from the beach to school and work. And as such, we took a look at back-to-school stuff, and we like what we saw in new backpacks made from recycled materials; they're stylish enough to help ease the enviro guilt without making you or your kids look like you're hitching to the farewell Woodstock concert.

We're also impressed with a new video camera that mounts on a firearm and lets law enforcement officials record exactly who did what and when guns are drawn. And cynical as we are, we have to admit we're impressed with the new iMac from Apple, which is probably the coolest-looking desktop on the market right now.

Here, then, are our picks for top tech stories of the week.

Just think of all the good we could do if we all bought some recycled school or work goods. It's easier this year: Style is the new order of the day in recycled accessories. You can choose from several well-made, well-designed bags and backpacks that just happen to be made from stuff that usually winds up in a landfill.

Passchal tops the list of hip retread bags. Literally. The company makes satchels, bags and gadget holders from old tires and inner tubes. The Tech Brief ($165) integrates very nice leather liners and other materials with rubber from old inner tubes. The bag has a mainstream, dare we say it, high-end feel. The recycled nature of the product is actually rather understated. Which we liked.

If rubber is not your thing, try Earthpaks. These guys turn recycled soda bottles, of all things, into colorful, mainstream backpacks. Our pick of the litter is the Hombro ($49.99). Dads and tykes alike can wear this single-shoulder bag.

If you're not ready to take the full recycled plunge just yet, but still want to do your part, add a dash of "green" with these recycled luggage tags from Eco Artware ($15). And check out its other products, too. Plenty of good, clean fun here.