Sometimes you're on your way somewhere, and crisis hits. The people around you need someone to lead them, reassure them, inspire them. For times like these, when you'll be called upon to give an impromptu speech in the middle of nowhere, you'll be relieved you brought along your Briefcase PA system.

Sure to be a handy thing this election season, the Orator Briefcase PA System opens up to reveal a microphone on a goosneck arm and a document holder, turning any countertop, stack of boxes, or car hood into a podium. Speakers and a 20-watt amplifier are built in. You don't even need to plug it in as long as you've got eight C batteries, though of course it can also connect to AC power. It's a tad on the heavy side — 15 pounds — but for everything that's included the $350 price is pretty reasonable.

Hammacher Schlemmer, via Neatorama