__ Best __
__ Cordless Headphones __
First Class:
__RS 8 __
Using 900-MHz technology it first perfected in wireless mikes, Sennheiser has created a highly sensitive instrument with noise-reduction compression, allowing near full-frequency delivery up to 250 feet away. Combine that with great-sounding phones and a comfortable fit, and you've got the best on the market.
__RS 8: US$369.95. Sennheiser Electronic Corp: +1 (860) 434 9190. __
Business Class:
__MDR-RF940RK __
With its battery- or AC-powered transmitter, this versatile 900-MHz set from Sony will work outdoors and in the home. The headphones self-adjust for a solid fit and automatically turn themselves on when you slip them over your head. They'll do practically everything but choose the music for you.
__MDR-RF940RK: US$149.99. Sony: +1 (941) 768 7669, on the Web at www.sony.com/. __
Coach:
__W200SX Wireless Stereo Headphone System __
Recoton's 900-MHz setup comes with its own walkman-style headphones, but the unit also allows you to convert any pair from corded to cordless. Just plug in your favorite ear goggles, clip the battery pack onto your clothes, and you're no longer tethered to the home stereo.
__W200SX Wireless Stereo Headphone System: US$129.99. Recoton: +1 (407) 333 8900. __
__ Tequila __
First Class:
__Paradiso Añejo __
This blend of five-year-old tequilas was assembled with the help of cognac maker Alain Royer, who imported French oak barrels for added smoothness. With a complex bouquet and long finish, Paradiso narrowly beats out Herradura's US$275-a-bottle Selecciòn Suprema.
__Paradiso Añejo: US$95. El Tesoro de Don Felipe, imported by Robert Denton & Co: +1 (248) 299 0600. __
Business Class:
__Herradura Silver __
Herradura is the Sara Lee of the tequila business - nobody doesn't like 'em. The distillery makes only estate-bottled, 100 percent agave tequilas, and its silver category (aged for just 40 days) delivers the pure flavor of the spiny agave plant, not of additives.
__Herradura Silver: US$23. Tequila Herradura, imported by Sazerac: +1 (504) 831 9450, on the Web at www.sazerac.com/sazerac.htm. __
Coach:
__Sauza Hornitos __
Aged for six months in large casks, this reposado tequila doesn't have a lot of wood flavor, but it does have plenty of clean, crisp fruit. Impressively inexpensive, this is the Number One-selling premium bottle in Mexico, where distillers know their cactus juice.
__Sauza Hornitos: US$18. Tequila Sauza, imported by Domecq: +1 (203) 637 6500, on the Web at www.harsh.com/. __
__ Laptop Bags __
First Class:
__Safecase Deluxe Computer Briefpack __
You can spend close to a grand on a computer bag from Gucci or Bally, but nothing will protect your laptop as well - or as stylishly - as Tumi's soft leather backpack with its shock-absorbing sling. Best of all, it doesn't look like a laptop bag, so it's less likely to be stolen.
__Safecase Deluxe Computer Briefpack: US$495. Tumi: +1 (732) 271 9500. __
Business Class:
__Dragnet __
Hipsters who wouldn't be caught dead with a traditional black-leather briefcase will relish this expandable messenger bag. Made from recycled European truck tires, all Freitag shoulder bags are colorful, unique works of art in vinyl. There's no cushioning, but they'll hold a laptop plus a sandwich or a towel for the beach.
__Dragnet: US$198. Freitag: +1 (415) 252 1460, on the Web at www.freitag.ch/. __
Coach:
__LapPak __
If the LapPak is good enough for Steve Jobs, shouldn't it be good enough for you? Ergonomic and unquestionably cool, this padded backpack not only has great looks, but comes with a built-in wrist rest so you can pop open the flap and start working right out of the bag.
__LapPak: US$98. Respect: +1 (415) 512 8995, on the Web at www.respectus.com/. __
