Though conference-room microphones are generally nothing to write home about, this Yamaha mike has such a nimble design that we had to mention it. The gadget has an array that includes a whopping 12 microphones, eight of which reside on the folding — and possibly deadly — arms on the sides, so folks on the outer reached of the conference table don't have to lean in to be heard. Echo cancellation helps tone out the noise, and two speakers are there to relay the conversation on the other end. It's $550; available from Japan. We kind of want to get one just to see if we can play pinball with it. — Peter Pachal

PC Watch Impress, via Gizmodo