Great New Gadgets for Work and Play

Bring the heat
If you piled up all devices designed to work off a computer’s USB port, they’d overflow your desk. Now we can add to the list of available USB devices an infrared heating pad. The pad itself looks like one of those patches used to measure heart rate. It draws only 1.2 watts of power from the USB port and can be placed on your sore neck or wrists to deliver soothing warmth. It’s also likely the first USB device that comes with a disclaimer to check with your doctor before using it. The USB Far Infra-red Pad is $21.99. www.usbfever.com

Ready for your close-up?
This $25 item is for those using a digital camera to take photos of themselves in front of some landmark. You know the routine: You extend the camera at arm’s length, pointing the lens toward yourself. Click. Trouble is, you’re really prominent in this close-up. The solution: an XShot camera extender. The camera attaches to the end of the monopod. The maker says this device can also be used to make those swirling videos where a subject is centered and the landscape moves around them—if you know how to use the camera’s self-timer. www.xshotpix.com

Modern flicker
Not so affordable at $14,700, but absolutely desirable, is a new, built-in, gas fireplace that can hold its own against any 52-inch, hi-def, plasma widescreen TV. These are zero-clearance, landscape-style units that you can put anywhere in a home where there’s a wall. There’s even a remote control for turning on and adjusting the fire. The fireplace features all kinds of built-in controls, assuring both its safety and continued use if power fails. These can use natural gas or propane. www.wittus.com/wpgasfireplace.htm