5 New Gadgets From CES That Will Change How You Work

Fresh off the convention floor, these high-tech upgrades are also supremely useful.

At CES this week in Las Vegas, there are gadgets everywhere. A few of them seem superfluous--does a dog really need a video camera collar or will a belt that tightens automatically really help you lose weight? Maybe not. Yet, there are quite a few practical gadgets that could change how you work and help with your next business trip.

1. Vysk QS1 Privacy Case

This new iPhone or Android case provides protection in case you drop your phone on the pavement, but also protects you from getting hacked. The case blocks the microphone and camera on your phone so that hackers can't tap into them and listen to conversations at an investor meeting. The case also includes codes for apps that use encryption when you send text messages or exchange photos. Another app lets you make private phone calls that cannot be recorded. It's currently on pre-order for $230.

2. Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480

Finally, someone made a keyboard with keys labelled for both Mac and Windows. This model from Bluetooth connects over Bluetooth to a desktop computer. There's a tray you can use to set your phone or tablet on the keyboard for mobile typing sessions. If you connect to multiple devices, you can turn a dial to switch between them quickly. It costs $50.

3. Phorce Freedom

This innovative laptop bag for business travel looks like something you'd bring to a serious business meeting. The main perk is that, inside, there's a back-up battery charger and extra compartments for your phone and tablets. You can charge them as you walk through an airport or sip coffee at Starbucks, since the cables feed through the interior of the bag. It's $199.

4. Imation LINK Power Drive Portable 64GB

For $180, this small adapter for the iPhone or iPad might seem overpriced. Yet, it could be a business saver. You can charge your smartphone twice or trickle charge a tablet, which helps you stay in contact on a business trip. Once connected by the attached lightning cable, you gain an extra 64GB of storage for backing up your files.

5. HP Sprout

It's not available yet, but the HP Sprout could change how you work sometime soon. The desktop computer has two displays, one running as a standard desktop touchscreen one that's projected in front of you where you'd normally have a keyboard and mouse. You can scan objects like a business card or your notes and then interact with them--say, making a quick printout to give to meeting participants. To control the computer, you press icons that are displays in front of you and can type on a virtual keyboard. No pricing info yet.