Peripherals

The HP X7000 Wi-Fi Touch Mouse frees up USB ports by pairing through a wireless adapter, but its hypersensitive touch dial and accident-prone design make it frustrating to use.

Logitech's Touch Mouse M600 works well enough, but it's not as ambitious as Apple's and Microsoft's competing touch mice, which means Logitech shouldn't be asking for the same price as its competition.

Logitech's unique Fold-Up Keyboard for iPad 2 seems perfect for an executive desk, turning an iPad into a miniworkstation with eye-opening elegance. It's a shame the keyboard doesn't work as magnificently.

The Belkin Keyboard Folio for the iPad 2 is a strangely designed but surprisingly smart keyboard case with a strong keyboard and a flexible set of versatile transforming shapes for everyday use, although you might be annoyed by its thickness.

The $170 SoundSticks III speakers offer light cosmetic upgrades (and unfortunately retain a few irritations) from the previous model, but if you're a fan of the iridescent design, this speaker system won't disappoint.

We like the Microsoft Touch Mouse for its thoughtful, complementary gestures that simplify the experience of moving in and around Windows 7 applications.