Posted Date: 4/30/2009

Show & Tell: The Gadgets I Can't Live Without - April 2009

Kevin Baradet
CTO, S.C. Johnson Graduate School Of Management, Cornell University
Kevin handles the technology needs of a diverse group of students, faculty and administrative staff. In his spare time, he indulges in his passion for Monty Python sketches and other offbeat humor.

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ON MY DESK
Genuine dead Norwegian Blue Parrot
We deliver customer service. Doesn't matter if it is a web site or a parrot in a pet shop, technology is just the vehicle for meeting the customer's needs. Just ask John Cleese. . .


STRICTLY BUSINESS
Paladin Multi-Tool, Middle Atlantic tape measure.
The Paladin PT-540 out-MacGyvers MacGyver. It can do most anything I need without having to dip into the toolbox. The tape measure has markings for rack units as well as formulas and wiring diagrams on the back of the tape.


STRICTLY PERSONAL
iPod Touch.
For Leo LaPorte's and other podcasts, Google Maps, Pandora Radio, OpenTable, VNC, VPN, music, video and other tools in my shirt pocket. Almost perfect.


OLDEST GADGETS
Swiss Army Knife, HP 41CV
calculator with custom extended memory, functions and timer module. Programs I wrote for the HP-41 put food on my table for many years. I feel like I'm missing a hand when I don't carry my Executive model Swiss Army knife.


INDISPENSIBLE TRAVEL TOOLS
12-inch right angle multiple outlet extension cord; USB AC power adapter
The right angle plug lets me use electrical outlets behind hotel beds; the multiple outlets are handy for sharing the one free outlet at airports. The USB AC adapter lets me not drag along the wall-warts to charge devices.