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Business travellers tend to pack a lot of technology when they hit the road. After all, you never know when you'll need an Ethernet cable, a retractable telephone cord or a memory stick.

Here are some new devices that will help you save space in your laptop bag and let you be more productive on your next trip:

Tired of tangled wires when you're on the go? Well, the Microsoft Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse will help free you up.

The company's first wireless mouse designed specifically for notebook computers features a small USB receiver that plugs directly into any notebook computer for up to two feet of wireless freedom. It also pivots to enhance your reception and when not in use, smartly snaps into the bottom of the mouse.

"That way, you're not going to lose the receiver," explains Kim McWhinnie, a product manager with Microsoft Canada. "And that's how the mouse powers down, so you actually get more battery life than most products on the market today -- about four or five months' worth."

Another small, wireless device, the Motorola Wireless Headset HS820, makes an ideal companion for business travellers.

Its Bluetooth technology lets you manage your incoming and outgoing calls with a simple touch of the headset, even though you may be up to 10 metres away from your cell phone.

The stylish device makes walking and talking hands-free, while lugging bags through an airport terminal, much easier.

"You're not going to get that silly wire many headsets today have," promises Glenn Kennedy, Motorola's national business manager. "You're not going to get that tangled up in your briefcase or your luggage.

"You're able to answer your calls, you're able to end your calls just by touching the headset," he added. "And you don't have to be fumbling for the phone if you've got three bags in your hand."

With its snazzy surfboard-inspired industrial look, the HS820 weighs just 17grams. It has an ergonomic design lefties will also love. Yes, it easily adjusts to be worn on either your left or right ear, depending on your preference.

How will people know if you're talking to somebody while wearing the thing? The wireless headset comes with a light indicator for others to see when the headset is in use.

Check if your cellphone has Bluetooth technology. If not, you also need to get Motorola's Bluetooth wireless adapter. The Motorola Wireless Headset HS820 alone costs $99.95.

Mobile professionals may find the first BlackBerry in Canada with a built-in walkie-talkie to be a powerful productivity tool in their hands.

The Research In Motion BlackBerry 7510 from Telus Mobility features the Mike Direct Connect or Push-to-Talk service. It lets you instantly connect with your fellow team members and client contacts across the Canada and the U.S -- in less than a second.

The cross-border service began in May as part of deal between Telus and American wireless company Nextel Communications to allow their customers to use each other's networks. All told, the two networks cover more than 15-million Direct Connect users.

"Direct Connect has advantages over regular cellphones," says Sumeet Khanna, a product manager with Telus Mobility. "You don't hit voice mail, there are no missed calls. If you Direct Connect someone and they are unavailable, you'll know they're busy."

Your Direct Connect attempt triggers an alert on the recipient's device, so they know you called. It then prompts your contacts to call you back with the touch of a button, saving you the effort of leaving a voice mail message -- and sparing them the time to listen to it.

The BlackBerry 7510 features a large, high-resolution colour screen. It comes with e-mail, phone, personal organizer and Web browser functions, as well as a speakerphone.

"If you're a road warrior and you need to have a conference with a few people in close proximity, you can do that." Mr. Khanna says. "You can hear it very clearly."

Business travellers who want a powerful all-in-one communications tool can buy the BlackBerry 7510 from Telus Mobility for $499 on a three-year contract. Service fees start $40 a month.

Sometimes you just have to take a break and enjoy the sights, especially when the surroundings are new to you. That's when you'll want digital photographs.

"It's something I can personally relate to," says Michael McAvoy, director of consumer marketing for Hewlett-Packard (Canada) Co. "You're travelling on business, but there are moments where you have an opportunity to see and do and experience different things.

"Sometimes, you want to capture those moments to share with co-workers or friends and family," he adds. "Digital photography allows you to do that."

If you want to take some great shots on the road, Mr. McAvoy recommends packing the HP Photosmart R707 in your gadget bag. Weighing in at just 208 grams with batteries in, the camera is winning high praise for its ease of use and innovative features that help make you a better photographer.

It comes loaded with helpful technology, including one that adapts to different light by automatically adjusting high-contrast photos to bring faces out of shadows and details out of backgrounds.

The HP Photosmart R707 sells for suggested retail price of $449.99