So you bought your Pioneer Inno or your Samsung Helix, but you don't like the case it comes with. Sure it's good-looking, sturdy, and protective. But you're not happy that it covers the controls.

Well, you'd be excited to know that Speck has released a leather case ($34.99) for the Helix and Inno that protects your radio's screen while giving you access to the play controls. The case even comes in pink (or the traditional black).

Sorry to disappoint, but when I tried out the case, it was horrible. The magnetic flaps on the top didn't close all the way, letting the radio fall out if I turned it upside down (as well as looking just plain bad, as in the photo at left). The protective plastic scratches easily, and the stitching is pretty bad and cheap-looking. The clip that comes with the Executive case is bulky and makes a lot of noise when you twist it.

On top of all that, the product names are sexist. The black case is named Executive, while the pink one is named Lady. What about the lady executive?

So, stick with the original case, or try another brand (although it looks like Belkin is the only other one available).

I've concluded that besides my love for LEDs, ergonomic products have also entered my list of favorite tech products.

The Hoverstop Sym 8-3 is an ergonomic computer mouse that detects whether or not your hand is actually on the mouse. Why is this useful? To rest your hand when the mouse is not in use. I've already scored a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 at work, but don't have an ergonomic mouse, and I can see why one would be beneficial. I don't know how many times I'll be reading an article online or checking my e-mail, and my hand will be on the mouse, even though I'm not even using it. Then the edge of my palm starts to feel numb and gets all red from resting on the mouse for so long.

The Hoverstop is intended to alieviate all of that. Set to 800 DPI, it includes a built-in sensor and a timer counter. If you're not using the Hoverstop for more than 10 seconds, it vibrates to remind you to take your hand away and rest, man!!

The Web site claims that this system can relax you up to 25 times an hour. It doesn't need any special software; just plug it into the USB port of your computer.

The Hoverstop sells for $89.99 on ThinkGeek.com.

Regular Gearlog readers have been following this story for the past week or so, and I've finally gotten to what seems to be (as Frank Zappa once said) "the crux of the biscuit".   Sony aimed to contrast Blu-ray to older DVD technology using their excellent new luggable laptops, and if there hadn't been such a crush of interest around the machines at the demo, it might have been more obvious. Our reporter on the scene, Lance Ulanoff, saw what he saw, but might have cleared it up with a quick question. Blu-ray does deliver amazing images, as does HD-DVD, and I'm really sorry Lance's curiosity with a camera got turned into an international incident. The good news is that the drives are just starting to ship.  Check out our video review of the first HD-DVD drive for more on that format, and we're working overtime to get a Blu-Ray drive in, now that they are starting to ship.

Let's have a little Gearlog experiment here.

I have a Motorola Q in my possession, and my review of the gadget is going online very soon. (Keep an eye on PCMag.com)  But my reviews, obviously, don't answer all the questions everyone has. So, what do you want to know? And is anyone reading this at all? (Other than you, Phoenix - I know you read everything.)

Go on, now, post comments.

I first heard about this iDon't campaign a few weeks ago when SanDisk came into show off it would-be iPod killer the Sansa e260 ($230).  It isn't subtle, but it isn't supposed to be. This would-be viral marketing campaign is designed to take advantage of the iPod backlash.  And for a certain market, it will work.

The truth is for hard-core hipsters and serious geeks, the Sansa probably is a better option. With an FM tuner, microSD slot, voice recorder, and video playback, it just does more than the iPod nano.  It is a tweaker's MP3 player. The iPod still has it beat when it comes to ease-of-use, but so what? Let grandma and the other sheep keep their iPods, the Sansa is edgy. Of course, it is all just corporate spin, but it is fun corporate spin.

[[Via Tech Filter]]

Thanks to Gearlog reader Claudia for sending us this tip!!

As gas prices steadily increase, consumers are forced to find alternative forms of travel, such as the train or bus. But, if your workplace is within 5 miles, you may want to consider using a gas-powered bicycle.

The RevoPower Wheel is a new patented technology that incorporates a 25cc two-stroke gas-powered engine and gears within the front wheel of a bicycle. It can be installed on any bicycle within 15 minutes, and gets over 200 miles per gallon at a top speed of 20 mph.

How it works. "A small motor, turning at up to 7,500 rpm, drives a unique gear train which causes the wheel to rotate around a fixed axle. Reduction gearing within the hub delivers the appropriate combination of torque and speed to the wheel. The bicycle can be ridden as normal when the motor is off, or when the bicycle is traveling faster than the engine speed. The motor only engages when the speed of the bike is slower than the engine is traveling. The Wheel can be used manually or motorized at any time" (from RevoPower.com). 

The Wheel uses a mixture of gasoline (petrol) and oil. To start the engine, begin to peddle and you're on your way to your destination. You can also peddle when the motor is not in use.

The RevoPower Wheel, preassembled in a 26" rim and tire, consists of:
• One fuel tank that fits in a standard water bottle cage
• One water bottle cage for fuel bottle
• One throttle control that clips to the handlebars
• Necessary cables and tools needed to aid installation

Best of all, there's no license required in most jurisdictions to operate one. And you don't have to worry about waking the neighbors: the noise level will be less than 65 dBa, compared to 85-90 dBa of a traditional lawn mower.

The RevoPower Wheel is expected to debut in Q1 2007 retailing around $400, but you can reserve your wheel today at www.revopower.com.