Sneak PEEKS - R.I. Soft Systems Carousel 2.1 screen saver, Nomadic Solutions' Nomadic Solutions portable desk/presentation stand, AI Internet SolutionsCSE HTML Validator Professional 4.03 application development software and iRez Video Products' iRez Video Products KritterUSB Web camera - Product Announcement

Home Office Computing, May, 2000 by Marshall F. Lager

AN UP-TO-THE-MINUTE REPORT ON NEW HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

Camera Bug

You may get the feeling your computer is staring at you with iRez Video Products' new KritterUSB Web camera. This stylish entry-level video camera is hardly bigger than a ping-pong ball; comes in your choice of three iMacreminiscent colors, plus black; and has several mounting options, making it ideal for desktop and laptop. The KritterUSB can grip a surface with its daw legs or attach to a wandlike stand or desktop base. As its name suggests, the camera plugs into your PCs or Mac's USB port, providing 30-frame-per-second video with 320 by 240 resolution and a good variety of image controls. The KritterUSB ships with VidCap 32 (for PC) or Reel-Eyes (for Mac) video capture software and iVisit video chat software. $130; 480-922-0044,www.irez.com

Clean Up Your Code

Whether you're an experienced Web designer or a Net neophyte, HTML code can be hard to follow. CSE HTML Validator Professional 4.03 provides the toots you need to proofread your work. The program combs out your spaghetti code by scanning for syntax errors, misspellings, invalid tag names, bad nesting, improper tag attributes, and other mistakes. A new Batch Wizard can validate multiple documents at once and change headers or footers on hundreds of documents in minutes. Online warnings, messages, and suggestions stop serious problems before they occur. CSE HTML Validator Pro may not turn you into a world-class Webmaster, but it'll take the pain out of proofreading pages. $90; AI Internet Solutions, 817-314-3015, www.htmlvalidator.com

Still Standing

Sure, they're called laptops, but you don't always want one on your lap. To that end, Nomadic Solutions has created Cyberlegs--a portable desk/presentation stand that weighs just 20 ounces (including its carrying case) and fits all notebook computers. The company says the adjustable, anodized aluminum tripod is usable anywhere, even on the beach or between seats on an economy-class flight. To make you feel even more comfortable using the stand, there's a one-year parts, materials, and workmanship warranty. $70; 505-334-3204, www.cyberlegs.net

RELATED ARTICLE: You Own Screensaver

Customize your--or your customers'--idle time with image Carousel 2.1 from R.I. Soft Systems. This program helps you create professional-quality screensavers suitable for marketing or commercial purposes, or just to personalize your own CRT-burnout protection. Besides boasting an improved user interface and online help. the latest edition supports MP3 and other audio accompaniment. The package includes a CD of images for your use; a free trial download of the program is also available. $130; 800-959-7477, www.risoftsystems.com