The Boostaroo Revolution from UpBeat Audio is a pocket-sized portable headphone amplifier and splitter that boosts sound. Before I plugged in to my iPod, I had the iPod volume at about 75%. With Revolution, the volume is at 30% leaving me with plenty of room to make it louder if needed. Also, due to the volume being lower, the Revolution extends the battery life of the audio device.

Revolution looks like a white rectangle box with nothing but a couple of holes for the jacks and two AAAA batteries (that’s not a typo — 4A batteries). The package also includes two patch cords: one is three and the other is six inches long. When the jack is plugged in, the LED power indicator light comes on so you know it’s in use. It’s designed for use with high-end (60 ohm+) headphones. Anything less than that can’t handle the Revolution’s power.

The technology provides the listener with a surround sound feel, like being in a quality concert hall. The device weighs six ounces and comes in white, black, silver, and black/silver.

To use it, simply plug your headphones into the top of the Revolution. Then take one of the Revolution jacks and plug it into the side of the Revolution with the other end plugged into the audio player. If another person wants to connect, then plug the headphones into the other open jack.

Users who have attempted to share audio find using a splitter sacrifices the sound and quality. Revolution doesn’t have this problem as each listener can hear as well as they would if they weren’t sharing. Travelers can stop straining to hear portable devices in an airplane, gym, or other noisy setting. The device also adds power to cheaper headphones, but remember the headphones need to be able to handle 60 ohm+.

Its battery door feels fragile — like it could break while I was putting the door back on. But it is unlikely it could be stronger as the purpose of this product is to be as small and lightweight as possible.

Its use is not limited to audio players. It works with DVD players, Windows Mobile devices, PalmOS devices, notebooks, laptops, and satellite radio. The batteries are supposed to last for approximately 24 hours of constant use. The device comes with a 12-month warranty on parts and services. Revolution retails for $79.95.

Previously, I’ve covered the Laptop Desk Version 2.0, a lightweight tray about 21 inches long and 11 inches wide for holding the laptop or a handheld device and keyboard. Lapworks has released a lighter version of this called the Laptop Desk UltraLite for items weighing five pounds or less.

The UltraLite is 14.6 ounces in comparison to version 2.0′s 1 pound and 6 ounces. It’s half the thickness at 5/16 of an inch and longer by 1.5 inches to provide a larger area for the mouse. Underneath are rubber pads to prevent slippin’ and slidin’ when using a smooth surface.

The lite version is for lightening the load of the person always on the go or frequent traveler who carries a laptop, other gadgets, or both everywhere. Like its predecessor, it folds in half for easy storage in a laptop case and the additional weight is not noticeable.

When attending a conference, I have a hard time typing on the handheld keyboard since it slightly collapses. This isn’t a problem with the Laptop Desk UltraLite, which rests comfortably in my lap. There are five incline positions for finding your comfortable typing zone.

The thinner and lighter desk prevents the laptop from burning your legs, but you can still feel the warmth. The disadvantage is that it’s not as sturdy as version 2.0 as it lightly shakes during typing. It’s more comfortable to use in your lap compared to having nothing.

As for which to buy, it’s based on your needs. If your laptop is at or over five pounds, go for Laptop Desk version 2.0. For those with lighter equipment, it’s dependent on the importance of sturdiness and the weight difference. Both are great accessories.

The UltraLite retails for $29.95, the same as the version 2.0, but it’s initially available for $19.95 after a $10 instant rebate when purchased from LapWorks.

Tired of the laptop burning your leg or hurting your hands when you type? The Laptop Desk Ensemble is the solution to a more ergonomic and comfortable setting.

The Laptop Desk version 2.0 is a lightweight tray that’s roughly 21 inches long and 11 inches wide for holding the laptop or even handheld device keyboard. It doesn’t buckle when you put the tray on your lap and the laptop on top of it. Some handheld device keyboards don’t stay flat when in your lap and this tray takes care of the problem.

Fold the tray in half for storage or creating an ergonomic angle for typing on the keyboard. It has five typing and viewing angles as it has ridges underneath for increasing or decreasing the angle with a holder.

The tray has ridges that act as ventilation for the laptop. In between the ridges are non-skid contact pads to add an extra grip onto the laptop or keyboard.

The ensemble also includes the SwivlPad and MouzPad. In this household, we have one laptop and constantly share it. Sometimes we slide the laptop around to show the other person something on the laptop screen. This means lifting and turning around, which is not a healthy thing to do when you’re leaning over and putting stress on the lower back. The SwivlPad goes right under the tray NOT underneath the laptop to make it possible to rotate the laptop.

It works some of the time depending on the surface. The bed is not the best surface on which to use it and that’s one place we frequent share it. However, if you try swiveling the tray, it’s more difficult. The SwivlPad, similar to the size of a burrito tortilla, weighs six ounces and stores in the tray when folded, but the tray doesn’t stay closed. Jiggling the disc, it isn’t possible to get it to fix perfectly in the folded tray where the tray stays flat. It’ll stay close if you put the folded tray holding the disc into a side pocket of the laptop carrying case.

The MouzPad is the third piece of the ensemble, which like its name is for using the mouse. While you can use the mouse on the tray, there may not be enough room or the right amount of traction for effective use. It adds about three inches to the length of the tray.

The MouzPad add-on snaps right onto the tray on either side, so lefties can use it on the left side. It also has notches and holes for holding cables in place. When using a mouse with a cable, slide the cable through a hole to prevent it from falling when jiggling the laptop. It tests well with a wireless mouse.

If for whatever reason I need to work away from the desktop, I can take the wireless keyboard and mouse and put them on the tray to use it on my lap or the floor. In fact, I am typing this paragraph using the tray.

The lightweight ensemble includes the tray, SwivlPad, and MouzPad sells for $49.95. The tray alone sells for $29.95. Visit the Laptop Desk web site.