Summer might be over but the fun isn't. Here's a list of the technology that should be on every back-to-school list.

• Web camera from Creative Labs ( http://www.creative.com/) — What do you need a Web cam for? Plenty. When you combine a Web camera with the latest instant messaging or Voice over IP software from Microsoft, AOL or http://Skype.com/, you have an instant teleconferencing solution for remote offices. Imagine the clarity and productivity gained when you can see your branch managers during weekly conference calls. The Webcam Live! Motion features a slick speaker tracking function that follows you around the room. Another nice thing to have is the ultra portable Live! Cam Notebook Pro for laptop users on the road. With it you can manage your team from a beach somewhere.
• Remote PC access from http://LogMeIn.com/( http://www.logmein.com/) — Recently I've been working on a project located 35 minutes away from my home. Occasionally I drive out to the remote office. That's where http://LogMeIn.com/ and the company's remote PC access software has been a life saver. It allows me to control a PC at the remote office through the Internet as if I were physically in front of the computer. That saves me 70 minutes of driving each time an issue comes up. This solution is perfect for supporting remote users, reviewing branch office finances and training remote office staff. Best of all, the basic version is free, with more advanced features available for very reasonable prices.
• Sprint's PPC-6700 Smart Device phone ( http://www.sprint.com/) — This past June as I was heading out to a meeting, I saw I was carrying a cell phone, a pocket PC, a digital camera and my laptop. I had two options: I could single-handedly try to bring cargo pants back into fashion or I could find a better way.