The GUIguy uses lots of hardware and software products, and visits lots of websites. Only those that are exceptional in quality (functionality, manufacture, quality, ease of use, content, design) can make it to this list.

I have been using a telephone headset for some 30 years now, and don't even have a handset on my desk telephone. When I started using voice recognition software (with its own headset), I went nuts picking up the wrong headset and then wondering why either the caller could not hear me or why the dictation system was not working.

The problem was solved by the folks at Andrea Electronics when I started using their PCTI (Personal Computer Telephone Interface) and their NC-61 (Monaural Headset). The PCTI is a switch that allows you to use the same headset for both the phone and for the PC. You can even use the headset for both simultaneously (e.g., if you want to record a phone conversation). The noise-cancelling mic on the headset is wonderful and voice recognition improved severalfold when I switched to it. Don't be put off by its low price.

By the way, I also evaluated the equipment from VXI (the Parrot Line) and found that it was named appropriately — it's for the birds!

I have been using the Expert Mouse^® Trackball by Kensington since the early 90's (started with the two-button version).

Today, I use the latest version of the Expert Mouse, a four-button version with optical tracking and a scroll wheel (apparently the last vestige of their discontinued TurboRing product). It includes the most comfortable heel-of-the-hand pad I have ever used. That pad makes all other cushioning devices unnecessary. For pointing without pain, try this out for yourself.

The Kensington Fully Articulating Underdesk Keyboard Drawer is an excellent addition to any well-equipped ergonomic workstation environment. It is well thought out, easily adjustable, and reasonably priced. You can also have two mouse trays, one on either side. I only wish it had a greater negative tilt. In my case, I have overcome its 7.5º limit by adding foam wedges.

The Kensington Contour Roller is one of the biggest surprises you'll get with computer accessories. Perhaps a notebook/laptop bag with a built-in cart is no biggie, however, the quality of the wheels and the curvature of the telescoping handle make this one effortless to tow, and comfortable for the arm and back. The handle is long enough so you can tow it standing straight up, and it stows very neatly in a snagless, zippered compartment.

If you decide to retract the handle (it's real quick and easy to do) and carry it like a conventional bag, you'll appreciate the curved rear side of bag that hugs your body. Unlike other bags, there's no single point of contact with your body that can get so frustrating and uncomfortable when you're carrying a bag with handles.

This bag has a good, protective computer compartment, plenty of zippered compartments for "stuff", and there is excellent use of the space on either side of the towing handle compartment in the rear of the bag. Many of the compartments are made of nylon mesh so you can actually see the contents. There's even a zipper at the top of the bag for a plane ticket. (That's also a good place to stow the shoulder strap when it's not being used.) The zipper pulls are flexible yet strong, so it's easy and painless to operate the zippers.

OmniView SE (Model F1D104) 4-Port keyboard/video/mouse (KVM) switch by Belkin. Controls multiple computers (serial or PS/2 mouse, and PS/2 keyboard) from just one keyboard, mouse and monitor. A real space and energy saver.

I use it to switch between my server and my test machine.

The Regulator Pro NetUPS by Belkin is a well-designed, well-built line-interactive network capacity UPS intended for use in a network operations center. It has SNMP capabilities so it can be managed over a network. The only hardware downside is its fan: it is fairly noisy and it runs regardless of whether the UPS is on or not. It is not recommended for home use. Instead, use the "Universal" UPSs below.

The Belkin UPS management software has the best functionality that I have seen and it comes in two flavors: native Windows application and  browser-based. However, as the GUIguy, I must say that the usability and design of both pieces of software need improvement.

The SoleMate Plus footrest differs from most footrests in that you can adjust its height.

That little detail makes it a better choice than any other one on the market.

The Universal UPS series by Belkin is an excellent backup power supply for homes, offices, and home offices. It is offered in capacities of 800, 1,000, and 1200VA. (The GUIguy has two of the 1200s.) The unit provides silent security, protecting your equipment from surges, spikes, blackouts and lightning strikes. It provides 4 battery backup outlets with surge protection, a $500,000 Connected Equipment Warranty and a Data Recovery Warranty. The managment software communicates with the UPS by either a serial or USB connection.