How long has the search been going on for the computer that can read your scrawl?

Well in computer terms, it’s an eternity. Now there’s two viable choices for bringing out the mobile professional in all if us.

Microsoft and Toshiba have come out with the Toshiba Portégé Convertible Tablet PC. The laptop portable allows users to write on the screen and save anything.

But the downside, for once, is that it comes with a Pentium III computer and a $2,500 price tag. If you don’t need another computer though, there’s a much smaller alternative.

In fact it’s a pen, the size and thickness of a Mont Blanc fountain pen.

Calling itself the Logitech io Digital Pen it offers the same technology but at $200. To quote the Logitech Web site (www.logitech.com) description: “It writes as well as any ballpoint, but also permanently records all your ideas, sketches, and notes: Digitally capture handwritten emails, Post-it Notes, and more. Clarify your points by adding flow charts or sketches to e-mail.”

The solid feeling pen comes complete with pen, ink, digital notebook, cradle, and connection software. Together about 40 pages of notes can be saved before uploading the information to your PC.

Locally the digital pen can be bought at Staples.

One thing not available locally is the silver-plated mouse, the perfect accompaniment to a regular computer. It’s available at www.corporate-gifts-co.com.

The Apple iPOD is another high-end tool for carrying music and videos around. There is now also a Windows version available. The accompanying software that smooths the way to burn CDs and organize files helps get the exact right tunes.

A good companion piece of software is the FONIX i-Speak Software for Windows ($99). It transforms dictation made into the computers into MP3s, which can then be carried around by the iPOD and other similar tools.

This year’s trendy toy may be the biggest yet as it appeals to all ages and both men and women, girls and boys. Available almost anywhere, we are of course talking about the Mini remote control cars. They’re less than two inches long, can be recharged in half an hour and have a range of 30 feet — perfect for the office.

Taking a simultaneous step forward and backwards, comes the non-electronic Forever Flashlight. No it’s not solar powered. But it does claim no need for bulbs or batteries. A little shake, rattle and roll of the flashlights, which come in clear yellow and white plastics, and its good to go.

Five minutes of light will take about 15 seconds of shaking things up. Cost $45 for the smaller ones available at Ace Hardware and at www.foreverflashlights.com.

It’s clear the greatest executive toys come on the edge of technology, but some things cannot be ignored. It’s not necessarily a toy but shoe repair at the very basic level can do wonders for the sole. And you don’t have to go to the trouble of wearing in another pair. Franks Shoe Repair at South Kitsap Mall in Port Orchard is a one-person operation that has existed with regular foot traffic for six years.

And if none of these seem appropriate for your boss or you are the boss, nothing is as worthy as the gift you give yourself. That includes charitable donations.

(Temple A. Stark is a free-lance writer living in Port Orchard. Reach him at writer@templestark.com).